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 .004% at 2V RMS BAL output.
Signal-Noise-Ratio: 110dB
Dynamic Range (AES17): 111dB
IMD (SMPTE): .003%
RMS Noise level: -95dBV (20-20kHz)
Gain: 16.5dB Balanced, 8.3dB SE.
Input Impedance: Digital: 75 ohms RCA, 110 ohms AES/EBU, OPT 660nm TOSLink fiber 44.1 to 96kHz.
Output Impedance: 500 ohms Balanced, 250 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.
Intrinsic Jitter: <10ps
Outputs Digital: XLR Balanced AES/EBU 110-ohms 4V P-P, BNC coax SPDIF 75-ohms 0.7V P-P.
Channel Separation: 103dB @ 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.
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: 105-125VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50/60Hz) 23 watts maximum. Sleep mode 0.5 watts maximum.
Dimensions:
Width: 19" (48 cm)
Height: 5.25" (13.4 cm) (standard rack panel)
Depth: 12.25" (31.1 cm)
Handles extend 1.50" (3.8 cm) forward of the front panel.
Weight: 25.9 lbs. (11.8 kg) Net; 34 lbs. (15.5 kg) Shipping.
The Audio Research CD6 is so much more than the 5-1/2 year old CD5 that it replaces sonically and technologically. There are four digital inputs, including asynchronous USB 2.0HS, coaxial RCA, and two Toslink. All inputs handle 24 bit / 192k resolution. As you would expect, the Audio Research CD6 retains the Philips PRO2R transport, still the best dedicated CD mechanism available. It is simply unsurpassed for compact disc playback.
The Audio Research CD6 utilizes quad 24-bit DACs running in mono mode, with dual master oscillators for highest performance; 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 USB. Additionally, there is a selectable digital filter offering fast or slow rolloff.
The front panel layout is identical to the REFCD9, with a dimmable display on the left side. On the right side there are three vertical LED displays indicating Sample rates (192-176.4-96-88.2-48-44.1), Input (CD-RCA-USB-TOS1-TOS2), and Fast-Slow- Upsample-Power. Underneath the LED displays are seven metal buttons for Power, Previous, Play, Next, Pause, Stop, and Input. Silver handles and buttons are standard with a natural front panel. The chassis and top cover are black. In addition to the digital inputs, the back panel includes two digital outputs (AES/EBU and BNC), single-ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs, an IR CD6 has an FET direct-coupled, servo-controlled analog output stage with beefy, regulated power supplies.
Because it is solid state and runs cool, the CD6 can be placed inside a closed cabinet and used as a digital hub. Sonically, the Audio research CD6 is a stunner, uncovering new musical detail in every corner of your recordings and providing startling dynamics, both micro and macro. The top end is extended, airy and pure, while bass definition and impact are precise and powerful. The recording venues are lifelike, broad and expansive or close-up and intimate, depending on what was captured by the engineer. Like great analog, listening to music through the Audio Research CD6 draws you into the performance, not just the notes, with resolution and transparency that are in service of the music.
