It's getting harder and harder to justify the existence of CD-only players when you look around at the proliferation of DVD-A-only, SACD-only and universal players available at every price point. Unless, that is, you're of the school that no player can do everything, or even two things, as well as a single-function unit. Before even looking at the revised edition of this old stager, then, it's worth deciding where you stand, and why you may want to pass on it.

Briefly, there are only two reasons for buying a multi-format machine, keeping in mind that every player of silver discs has to play conventional CDs. The first is the cost/space issue. You simply may not have the money nor the shelf real-estate for two or more players. The other reason is that you want to be able to compare SACDs, CDs and DVD-As knowing that the only differences are the formats themselves, not the players. As the latter only really applies to anoraks and reviewers, and the former is strictly a personal issue differing from reader to reader, let me state right now: I prefer the dedicated player per format approach. Then again, my wife gave up on me years ago.

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Audio Research even issued a 'mission statement' about the CD-only CD3 Mk II that states the case quite succinctly. Cynics might argue that it's mere excuse-making for not having a universal of their own, but trust me, ARC could come up with a universal if it wanted to circa 2004. Here's what they argued two years ago and still argue today: 'What sets the CD3 apart from the so-called 'combination' players on the market - whether DVD or SACD based - is that the CD3 is designed to do one thing superbly: that is, to play back normal 'redbook' music CDs, CD-R and CD-RW discs with maximum fidelity and full musical expression.

'The CD3 will not play back DVD video, DVD audio or SACD-only discs because it is our firm belief that the convenience of multi-format playback sacrifices sonic performance in the CD format. And, most customers and music lovers have extensive CD-based collections that continue to grow, so the priority on playback quality in this format, in our view, is eminently justified. While using the latest 24/192-capable Crystal DAC, the CD3 does not upsample, because our empirical research shows sonic compromise is unavoidable due to sample rate manipulation and approximating errors. The engineering focus of the CD3 is to maximize performance with the prevailing music format by keeping the overall player design simple, reliable and optimized for the one task it must accomplish.'

So welcoming the Mk II version of the Audio Research CD3 took little effort. I loved its Mk I version when I reviewed it over two years ago, aside from its top-loader layout, and I was pleased to note that its Mk II status involves extensive re-working to make it sonically a match for SACD. Like it or not, that is now the de facto standard for digital playback amongst audiophiles, and simply stating that CD-only players exist because of the presence of vast CD libraries isn't enough: plenty of you want to carry on with CD and have no intention of embracing SACD, two- or multi-channel.

At 19x14x6in (WDH) and 25lb, the CD3 Mk II impresses as a player with substance, like those from Wadia and Mark Levinson. Inside are massive regulated power supplies with two transformers and extensive regulation, and the company loves to sprinkle its units liberally with designer capacitors for both supply and bypass functions. All of the circuit boards are Audio Research-engineered with layouts optimised for lowest digital noise; the company still uses traditional hand-soldering methods.

Unsurprisingly, ARC stayed with the ever-dependable Phillips cast-metal, 3-beam Pro 2 laser mechanism transport, which they mount on a massive machined base for maximum rigidity and lowest jitter; the company also applies jitter-reducing technology in the circuitry. Alas, the Mk II still uses a manually operated sliding lid, which must be closed for the unit to operate, unlike YBA's and some others. The unit comes with a magnetic puck to hold the disc in place. And I'm not even gonna bother complaining about top-loading because I'm too old to give a damn. Let's just say that it's enough to keep me from coveting the player.

Read more about the CD3 CD player on Page 2.