OUTPUTS, ANALOG (Stereo)
1. Balanced XLR 5.4V RMS (+14.6dBv) max.
2. Single-Ended RCA 2.7V RMS (+8.6dBv) max.
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE (Analog)
660 ohms BAL, 330 ohms SE.
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
0.5-20,000Hz +0 -1dB.
SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO
110dBA
DISTORTION
.005% 1kHz
RESOLUTION
24 BIT DELTA-SIGMA DAC.
CHANNEL SEPARATION
95dB 1kHz.
OUTPUTS, DIGITAL
(to external Digital-to-Analog Converter)
1. XLR Balanced AES/EBU
110-ohm 4V P-P.
2. BNC coax SPDIF 75-ohm 0.7V P-P.
SIGNAL FORMAT
* Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz.
* Quantization Bit: 16bit linear per channel.
* Channel bit rate: 4.3218Mb/sec.
* Channel modulation code: EFM (8-14 modulation).
* Error correction: CIRC (cross interleave Reed Solomon Code).
DRIVE MECHANISM (top load)
* Wow & Flutter: Unmeasurable (Quartz stability).
* Discs: Accepts 5" (12cm) and 3" (8cm) sizes.
OPTICAL PICKUP: (top load)
* Type: 3-beam LDGU (Laser Diode & Grating Unit), with holographic diffraction light pen.
* Laser: GaAIAs semiconductor, 780nm, 0.5mW maximum output.
* Servo: Digitally-controlled low-inertia linear positioning actuator.
JITTER REDUCTION
High-stability crystal-controlled re-clocking for all outputs.
POWER REQUIREMENTS (detachable power cord)
100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz), 120 watts maximum. (5 watts maximum when unit is turned off).
COMPLIANCE
RF interference complies with FCC and CE MARK.
DIMENSIONS
19" (48cm) W x 5 1/4" (13.4 cm) H x 15 3/8" (39.0 cm) D.
Handles extend 1-1/2" (3.8 cm) forward of the front panel.
Rear connectors extend 3/4" (1.9 cm)
WEIGHT
32.5 lbs. (14.8 kg) Net; 43 lbs. (19.5 kg) Shipping.
The CD3 has proven to be one of the most respected, highly-praised CD players available anywhere. Nonetheless, we have been asked repeatedly when we might bring out an even higher-performance, Reference-level model to complement the CD3MKII. Try as we might, it was not until we had the remarkable circuit of the REF3 preamp that we knew we had the missing link: a gain stage so pure and revelatory that it could finally push CD-player performance well beyond the limits of the CD3MKII. So, we are pleased to introduce the Reference CD7 vacuum-tube player / transport - the first digital product from Audio Research to justify the "Reference" badge.
Incorporating the strongest aspects of the CD3MKII - its rugged construction, the Philips Pro2 laser mechanism, the Crystal 24-bit DAC, its user-friendly menu of useful features and functions - the REF-CD7 breaks new ground with a gain stage taken directly from the REF3, incorporating the latest proprietary capacitor technology found only in Audio Research Reference components. Using four 6H30 triodes, the audio stage features high-voltage regulation using an additional three 6H30s, coupled to a massive power supply. The extensively ventilated top-load chassis is just slightly deeper front-to-back than the CD3MKII. Height is unchanged to allow a wide range of shelf installation options, while a thicker front panel helps identify the REF-CD7 as a Reference product. Inputs, outputs and the accompanying remote are identical to the CD3MKII. The "standby" function on the CD3MKII is now a power on / off function on the REF-CD7, with an accompanying LED indicator on the front panel.
