Audio Research CD9SE
Discontinued
Audio Research introduced its first Reference series CD player in 2005 with the Reference CD7, then evolving into the Reference CD8.
Both players received critical acclaim for their accuracy and naturalness.
People still want to play their CDs, but they also want to add other digital sources such as computer audio and streaming to their music systems, so Audio Research created the Reference CD9SE CD Player/DAC.
It combines the best of both, a super high-resolution compact disc player with a super high-resolution digital-to-analogue converter that is stunning in its musicality.
The Reference CD9SE incorporates four digital inputs: USB 2.0HS, AES/EBU, RCA, and Toslink.
All inputs handle 24 bit / 192k resolution.
The Audio Research CD9SE retains the Philips PRO2R transport, still the best dedicated CD mechanism that is simply unsurpassed for compact disc playback.
Benefitting from what they have learned in the development of the Reference DAC, the REF CD9 utilises quad 24-bit DACs running in mono mode, with dual master oscillators; one for 44.1/88.2/176.4 sample rates, the other for 48/96/192kHz sample rates.
Sample rate conversion is selectable for all inputs, allowing playback in native resolution or via upsampling, including compact disc and all inputs, including USB. Additionally, there is a selectable digital filter, with either fast or slow rolloff.
Like other Reference products, the analogue section is vacuum-tube, with four 6H30 dual-triodes, and there is vacuum-tube power-supply regulation featuring a 6550WE with a 6H30.
The front panel has the familiar, dimmable CD display on the left side.
On the right side there are LEDs to indicate sampling rate, input selection, filter and power.
In addition to the digital inputs, the back panel includes Digital Outputs (AES/EBU and BNC), single-ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs, and a 15A IEC power connector.
Sonically, the Audio Research CD9SE is in a new class, combining the magical musicality of tubes with remarkable transparency and aliveness.
The Reference CD9SE sounds fast, with great transient speed, improved dynamics from top to bottom, much greater resolution of inner detail, with a focus and purity that is captivating.
Rhythm, pace and timing are better than ever, something you must hear to appreciate. It’s time to hear your music in High Definition®.
Specifications Audio Research CD9SE
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
+0-3dB, 3Hz to 96kHz at rated output. 0.15dB 20Hz to 20kHz. (Balanced, 200k ohms load)@ 192kHz sample rate.
DISTORTION
THD+N Less than .003% at 2V RMS BAL output.
SIGNAL-NOISE-RATIO
110dB
DYNAMIC RANGE (AES17)
110dB
IMD (SMPTE)
.002%
RMS NOISE LEVEL
-95dBV (20-20kHz)
GAIN
14.0dB Balanced, 7.0dB SE.
INPUT IMPEDANCE
Digital: 75 ohms RCA, 110 ohms AES/EBU, OPT 660nm TOSLink fiber 44.1 to 96kHz.
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
660 ohms Balanced, 330 ohms SE Main (2), 20K ohms minimum load and 2000pF maximum capacitance.
OUTPUT POLARITY
Non-inverting.
MAX. OUTPUT
At 0.0dB input, 5V RMS into 200K ohm balanced load.
DIGITAL SAMPLE RATES
24 bits @ 44.1kHz to 192kHz, SPDIF, AES/EBU and USB 2.0 HS.
UPSAMPLING
Select upsampling or Native mode; CD, RCA, AES/EBU, TOS upsample to 176.4 or 192kHz. USB upsamples to 88.2 or 96kHz.
MASTER OSCILLATOR
22.579mHz ±20Hz for 44.1, 88.2 & 176.4kHz. 24.576mHz ±20Hz for 48, 96 & 192kHz.
OUTPUTS DIGITAL
XLR Balanced AES/EBU 110-ohms 4V P-P, BNC coax SPDIF 75-ohms 0.7V P-P.
INTRINSIC JITTER
<10ps
CHANNEL SEPARATION
107dB @ 1kHz.
PUSH BUTTONS
Power, Previous, Stop, Pause, Play, Next, Input.
SIGNAL FORMAT (DISC)
Sample freq. 44.1kHz, Quantization bit; 16bit linear/channel, Channel bit rate; 4.3218Mb/sec, Channel modulation code; EFM (8-14 modulation), ERROR CORRECTION; CIRC.
Drive Mechanism (Top Load) Wow & Flutter; Un-measureable (Quartz stability); Discs; Accepts 5″ (12cm) and 3″ (8cm) sizes.
OPTICAL PICKUP
Type; 3-beam LDGU (Laser Diode & Grating Unit), with holographic diffraction light pen, Laser; GaAlAs semiconductor, 780nm, 0.5mW max. output, Servo; Digitally-controlled low inertia linear positioning actuator.
JITTER REDUCTION
High-stability crystal-controlled re-clocking for all outputs.
DISPLAY
Six-digit vacuum fluorescent with optical filter; LED display; CD, AES, USB, RCA, TOS, Fast, Slow, Upsample, Power, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz.
TUBE COMPLEMENT
(4) 6H30 dual triodes, plus (1) 6550WE & 6H30 in power supply.
REMOTE BUTTONS
Repeat track/disc, 0-9 digit entry keys, Scan ten seconds each track, Pause program, Stop program, Play, Shuffle tracks, Program enters selection on program list, Time elapsed, remaining track, remaining disc, A/B repeat segment, Filter select, Input select, Pause, Play, Skip>, Skip<, FF, FR, Upsample/Native mode, DSP-DN, DSP-UP.
POWER REQUIREMENTS
210-250VAC 50/60Hz 120 watts maximum. Sleep mode 1 watts maximum.
DIMENSIONS
Width 19″ (48 cm); Height 5.25″ (13.4 cm) (standard rack panel); Depth 15.375″ (39 cm);
The company occupies a 48,000 square-foot, technically-advanced production plant and administrative headquarters in Maple Grove, Minnesota, where approximately 50 technical, assembly and support staff guide the product line from concept to finished goods. 
