Art & Technologie Arpege CDPROse

As the REFERENCE integrated amplifier is a condensed marvel from our amplifiers & preamplifiers know-how, the "Arpège" is one true deluxe integrated CD-Player. 

 Its design requirements were a true challenge: use the "Grand Chorus" mechanism, use straight audio signal and avoid message altering transformations or oversampling features,  use the tube-based PRESTIGE DAC output stage, use an affordable yet massive and damping and great looking chassis, offer a USB input to at-last bridge the computer-world to high-end HiFi one... to mention only the most dimensioning ones.

 But after months of struggle, the "Arpège" finally unveiled its promises and revealed striking abilities. Air, impact, presence, substance. Words don't do enough justice here. Simply consider that above requirements were matched, and surpassed. Because the consistency of the qualities simply sublimate their technical sum.

 Note on the USB input feature

Simply use it as a computer output, and directly benefit from its great analog conversion features within your high-end HiFi setup without requiring further cables or appliances.

The designer's word

The "Arpège" CD-Player is a fidel adaptation of the "Grand Chorus" brother (CD Transport) into a deluxe integrated system.  It is also based on the famous CDM12PRO2 Philips pickup mechanism, but the proprietary source audio format is here preserved and directly forwarded to the DAC section. This way, no signal transformation is applied, bringing inherent losses to nothing. The result is instantaneous: more presence, more details, and more substance in the sonic reproduction. 

The output stage is based on the same circuitry as the one from our standalone PRESTIGE DAC, and provides a perfectly toned softness with high fidelity to the source. 

The power-supply section was also tuned to its best. Using an RCORE transformer, along with  independent stabilized power-supplies, provides high dynamics on an extended bandwidth. The final sonic message stands consistent and realistic.

As a final note, using heavy anodized aluminiym chassis with damping feet provides an effective decoupling to preserve micro-dynamics and transient information.