Reference CD9 vs Ayon Audio CD-05
The CD-05's thd is 0.002% against the Reference CD9's 0.003%. Both share bit depth (24-bit), max sample rate (192 kHz), and signal-to-noise (110 dB).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
DigitalCD PlayersDiscontinued
Estimated price (community-sourced)
$6,500
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
About the Reference CD9
Audio Research Corporation Reference CD9 is a high-end tube CD player and standalone DAC with a Philips PRO2 transport, quad 24-bit DAC architecture, and a full tube analog output stage. It supports multiple digital inputs for use as an external DAC and was later superseded by the Reference CD9 SE; the original CD9 is generally regarded as discontinued/no longer manufactured.
Specifications
Digital Audio
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
- Bit Depth
- 24-bit
- Max Sample Rate
- 192 kHz
- DSD Support
- none
- MQA Support
- No
- DAC Chip
- quad 24-bit DACs
Analog Output
Analog signal output specifications
- THD
- 0.003%
- SNR
- 110 dB
- Output Voltage
- 2.5V RMS
- Output Impedance
- 660Ω
- Max Output Voltage
- 5.0V RMS
Connectivity
Input and output connections
- Bluetooth
- No
- Wi-Fi
- No
- Ethernet
- No
- Digital Inputs
- USB 2.0HS, AES/EBU, S/PDIF coax, TosLink optical
- Digital Outputs
- AES/EBU, BNC coax
- Analog Outputs
- balanced XLR, single-ended RCA
Physical Dimensions
Size, weight, and appearance
- Dimensions
- 480 × 134 × 390 mm (W × H × D)
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions