Hot on the heels of the success of the Reference CD9 Audio Research have announced the solid-state CD6 CD-DAC. The new CD-DAC combines a compact disc player with a digital-to-analogue converter in one compact chassis.

The CD6 is so much more than the 5-1/2 year old CD5 that it replaces, both sonically and technologically say audio Research. There are four digital inputs, including asynchronous

The CD6 utilises quad 24-bit DACs running in mono mode, with dual master oscillators; 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.

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 input, and a 15A IEC power connector.

The CD6 comes with the metal remote and costs £8050 inc VAT.