Audio Research DAC 9

Alpinist

Well-Known Member
Jun 17, 2014
530
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USA
Has anyone purchased ARC's new DAC 9 yet? I know that they recently became available. It would be great to hear any owner's or auditioner's impressions of the sound quality.

Thanks,
Ken
 

zebo67

VIP/Donor
Apr 27, 2017
59
28
195
systems.audiogon.com
Hello Ken,

DAC9 is a nice sounding DAC but its Linux incompatibility with my Aurender N10 is very disappointing. I have been using AES/EBU connection and the sound is very natural and detailed. The mid-range is very engaging with lush tones (especially female vocals).
 

zebo67

VIP/Donor
Apr 27, 2017
59
28
195
systems.audiogon.com
Thanks for posting the link, great review. I got about 380 hours on mine, no regrets. Just added LS28 last week, I can hardly wait for these components to reach full burn-in.
 

microstrip

VIP/Donor
May 30, 2010
20,806
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Portugal

Vhiner

Well-Known Member
Nov 10, 2013
8
0
296
Enthusiastic review of the DAC9 at Hifi+ http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/audio-research-dac-9-digital-converter/

After a Forsell combo I went through the ARC CD7 and CD8 - in all ARC systems they managed to make me enjoy great sounding CD's for many years.

Thanks for posting this. I think Alan's description of the DAC9's sound is spot on. His ability to provide an explanation of ARC's digital design philosophy that is both detailed and insightful is what makes him a great reviewer.
 

Argonaut

Well-Known Member
Jul 30, 2013
2,362
1,603
530
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Together with a tantalising mention of a forthcoming Reference line DAC, nice.
 

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