Dear MR Jonathan V, is now ARC CD8 getting closer to DCS puccini ?

default -- Fri, 01/23/2009 - 06:45

Hi,
     Read that you said ARC CD7 is not quite up to the std of DCS Puccini,
Now is the CD8 getting closer ? DCS Puccini pice in UK after VAT refund is
just about $12000. Also the new Mark Levinson No.512.
    If I want to upgrade from the CD7, what should it be between
Puccini, CD8, ML No.512.
    Thank you very much

Fujitsu (not verified) -- Fri, 01/23/2009 - 06:47

what is this comments field ?

Jonathan Valin -- Fri, 01/23/2009 - 17:07

I hate to temporize but I can't say since I don't have the Puccini (with its new clock) in house yet. I'll let you know when I've listened to the CD8 and the Puccini side by side. Which should be fairly soon.

Elliot Goldman -- Fri, 01/23/2009 - 17:56

I will have them both for y event next week along with eh Meridian 8-8.2 and a scarlatti stack...fun fun

Atul Kanagat -- Wed, 02/04/2009 - 15:39

There is nothing quite like the Scarlatti stack, you lucky dog. As Jv said in his review, the Scarlatti is the best digital sound I have ever heard. By a lot. And it is based on real technology breakthroughs and not just "great design", not that design doesn't matter. There is an energy and "aliveness' to the sound from the Puccini and the Scarlatti that is unparalleled.

Anonymous (not verified) -- Wed, 02/04/2009 - 23:21

Sounds like we have ourselves a shootout (DCS, ML, ARC, Meridian). I'm willing to bet though, that the new Levinson No. 512 fed directly into the new Levinson No.532 will set a new HiFi reference playback. I'm also hearing good things about the new ARC Ref 8. Hopefully more people start posting their take on these new pieces.

silvertone -- Wed, 02/04/2009 - 23:39

Sounds like an interesting shootout: ARC, ML, DCS, Meridian. Though I'm willing to bet that the new ML No. 512 fed directly into their new No. 532 amp will set a new reference standard for stereo playback. Hopefully more people start postings about their take on these new pieces, I'm also hearing great things from ARCs CD8.

Elliot Goldman -- Thu, 02/12/2009 - 15:09

When are you getting the Puccini with U-clock Jon?
I have it in the store and running

Jonathan Valin -- Sat, 02/21/2009 - 03:11

Eliot,

I was supposed to have them already, but there was an issue with defective Puccini faceplates that is going to delay delivery for another couple of weeks. In the nonce I've been listening to the Soulution 740, which is one swell CD player. When the Puccini does arrive I will compare it with the ARC Ref CD8 and the Soulution. It ought to be interesting.

Jon

audiocaptain1 (not verified) -- Fri, 02/20/2009 - 18:02

I am listening to the new ML 512 with the 532 and the Lansche 4.1 speakers. The cables are Dragon widowmaker. I can safely say this is approaching SOTA. Get a listen!

oscar (not verified) -- Mon, 02/23/2009 - 14:14

Wow, that's good to hear!! I was planning on getting the 532 to partner with my ARC L26 and ARC CD5, but since I haven't heard it I'm not sure about Synergy.

How would you describe the 532/512 sound? Do you think it gives the best tube gear a run for their money?

Thanks !!!!

silvertone -- Sat, 02/28/2009 - 00:50

Have you had to substitute in an ARC CD8 or CD5 in this particular setup? How do they compare to the ML 512? I have my eyes on the 532, will make some time to stop by your store soon.

Isaac (not verified) -- Mon, 08/24/2009 - 07:11

Sorry to revive an old thread but,
Any more details on the Puccini with/without the U-Clock vs JH's favorite Meridian 808.2 vs Soulution's 740, ML's 512, etc etc? I'm most interested on the Puccini vs 808.2.