AUDIO RESEARCH MODEL CD3

Pre owned. In good conditions. Shows signs of wear on the top surface. Supplied with remote control and original packaging.

The CD3 player represents the natural evolution of an already acclaimed project worldwide, designed exclusively to offer the best possible playback of classic audio CDs, including CD-R and CD-RW. Unlike many multi-format devices, the CD3 was created with a clear purpose: to maximize sound quality when playing CDs, deliberately forgoing compatibility with formats such as DVD or SACD in order to avoid any compromise in musical fidelity. The CD3 features a rigorously engineered, compact, essential and elegant single-chassis design that integrates refined technical solutions, outperforming even the previous two-unit CD2/DAC3MKII system.

Every component of the CD3 is carefully selected and optimized to achieve the best result. The cast-metal Philips Pro 2 laser mechanism is mounted on a massive machined base to ensure rigidity and minimize vibrations and jitter. The top-loading mechanism is operated through a sliding door, characterized by smoothness and ergonomic design, allowing installation even in furniture with closely spaced shelves. For digital-to-analog conversion, a Crystal Semiconductor 24/192 DAC is used—not for its upsampling capability, which is intentionally avoided, but for its resolution and musicality, perfectly matched to a fully differential, Class A analog output stage with J-FET technology. Complementing the system are generous power supplies with dedicated regulators and high-quality capacitors, along with proprietary damping techniques that contribute to defining the sonic character of the player.

Operating the CD3 is intuitive: the main controls are located on the front panel, while additional functions can be managed via the remote control. The device features a Standby mode to always be ready for optimal performance. Digital outputs include both balanced AES/EBU and coaxial SPIF on BNC connector, while analog outputs are available in both unbalanced and balanced versions. The power cord is a three-pin model with detachable IEC connector, and a proprietary self-centering magnetic clamp is included specifically for the top-loading mechanism.

When listening, the CD3 captivates with its natural and fluid musical reproduction. Any track, regardless of genre, is delivered with surprising dynamics when required, yet also with finesse and softness in the details, offering a three-dimensional and present musical event. The soundstage is stable, precise and engaging, with purity and airiness that make one forget the limits often attributed to the CD format. Compared to its predecessor CD2/DAC3MKII, the level of detail and definition is significantly higher, without sacrificing coherence and natural musical flow. It’s clear this player was developed with absolute attention to sonic performance, and anyone who listens carefully will likely reach the same conclusion.

The CD3 proves that the classic Redbook CD still has much to offer, helping listeners rediscover the often-untapped potential of this format. Even those accustomed to top-tier digital sources will be impressed by the transparency and tonal honesty of this player, which fully enhances personal music collections, offering authentic and engaging listening experiences.

Technical specifications:

• Analog stereo outputs: Balanced XLR 5.4V RMS (+14.6 dBv) max; Single-Ended RCA 2.7V RMS (+8.6 dBv) max
• Analog output impedance: 400 ohms balanced (BAL); 200 ohms single-ended (SE)
• Frequency response: 0.5–20,000 Hz +0 -1 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 90 dBA
• Distortion: 0.025% at 1 kHz
• Resolution: 24-bit Delta-Sigma DAC
• Channel separation: 92 dB at 1 kHz
• Digital outputs: XLR Balanced AES/EBU 110 ohms 4V P-P; BNC coax SPDIF 75 ohms 0.7V P-P
• Signal format (disc): Sampling frequency 44.1 kHz; quantization 16-bit linear per channel; channel bit rate 4.3218 Mb/sec; modulation code EFM (8–14 modulation); error correction CIRC (Cross Interleave Reed Solomon Code)
• Drive mechanism (top-loading): Wow & Flutter unmeasurable (quartz stability); accepts 5" (12 cm) and 3" (8 cm) discs
• Optical pickup: 3-beam LDGU type with holographic diffraction light pen; GaAIAs semiconductor laser 780 nm, max power 0.5 mW; 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
• Power requirements: 100–135 VAC 60 Hz; 200–270 VAC 50/60 Hz; maximum 40 watts (26 watts standby); detachable power cord
• Dimensions: 48 cm (W) x 13.4 cm (H) x 31.1 cm (D); handles extend 3.8 cm; rear connectors extend 1.9 cm
• Weight: 11.4 kg net