Audio Research - Reference CD9 SE CD Player/DAC (Black)

Audio Research - Reference CD9 SE CD Player/DAC  (Black)

The Audio Research Reference CD9 SE is a high-end CD player and DAC with a vacuum-tube analog stage, featuring a top-loading design and Philips Pro2R CD transport. Key specifications include a frequency response of 3Hz to 96kHz, a dynamic range of 110dB, and digital inputs for USB 2.0HS, AES/EBU, RCA, and Toslink. It also offers selectable upsampling and native modes, with the option to upsample CD, RCA, AES/EBU, and TOS inputs to 176.4 or 192kHz, and USB to 88.2 or 96kHz. 

Feature Set Includes:

Digital Inputs:
USB 2.0 HS, AES/EBU (XLR), RCA (SPDIF), and TOSLINK (optical). 
Digital Outputs:
AES/EBU (XLR) and SPDIF (BNC). 
Analog Outputs:
XLR balanced and RCA single-ended. 
Upsampling:

    Selectable upsampling or Native mode
    CD, RCA, AES/EBU, and TOS upsample to 176.4 or 192kHz
    USB upsamples to 88.2 or 96kHz 

Other Key Features:

    Tube-powered output stage with four 6H30 dual triodes
    6550WE and 6H30 in power supply
    Dual master oscillators for different sample rate ranges
    Philips PRO2R CD transport
    Redesigned faceplates with matching buttons and illumination
    V3.0 USB audio card (compatible with macOS, Windows 10, and Linux)

No DSD support through digital inputs.