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Replacing my Arcam cd 23 with what??

Looking to replace my Arcam with another redbook cd player. Something around $3k used. I enjoy the sound of the British unit but I'm sure It's sound can be improved upon. I was thinking a Resolution Audio GNS modded unit or the Ayre line up. I've enjoyed the sound of Naim players in the shop before. I only listen to regular cd's. I've tried Rega and Consonance 2.2 linear in my home but was not interested.

I've heard some high end Wadia digital but those players shred my ears with analytical fatigue. I guess it's because my cd's are of average quality at best.

I'm using Reference 3a de Capo I's, Virtual Dynamics cabling, Audio Zone Amp-1. I enjoy the detail and intimacy this setup provides, especially at low volume levels. My cd player would hopefully add to this.

Your constructive thoughts are appreciated.

Bryn
bshapperd
10 responses Add your response
pehare's avatar
pehare
829 posts
 
I just bought one of these this week to downsize & it's no downsize soundwise whatsoever in my system......in fact so far I like the synergy better....arcam really had something with this player...especially for the price used these days....btw, it replaced an ARC CD3MKII
bbolival
23 posts
 
hopefully you kept it...

i made the mistake of upgrading and let go of my arcam cd23...

now i miss it badly
alex_yakovlev
102 posts
 
Bryn, if you like the sound of CD23 there is really only two ways to go, in my opinion - dCS and Museatex. I went dCS first (ended up with their complete pro system) but then had a chance to listen to John Wright's baby. Never changed my DAC ever since.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
mattkimb96
107 posts
 
It may be worth your while to investigate the Marantz SA-11s2. This unit is far closer in sonic signature to their SA-7 than the older SA-11s1. It's in your price range and at my personal experience was that it delivered a significant jump over the Arcam.
coffeey's avatar
coffeey
363 posts
 
Nothing keep it
mcgarick
277 posts
 
I'm in the same place you are, I have a Arcam Diva cd192 and it is great. But like you, I know better could be had.
I think the Arcam cd23 is a much beloved unit because I have read so many wonderful comments about that unit,makes me want one.
With that said, I have been smitten with Accuphase amps,pre and power, I have bought. They are wonderful and the best I have heard. This got me thinking "Gee their cd players are most likely great" and if you read the reviews of their cd players, you should get the picture that there super,in one review the reviewer compare the sound to the 23.
Anyway, Im going there for my next upgrade from the Arcam,and Arcams cds are indeed good.
Best hunting!
eee3
214 posts
 
I went to the audio research cd-3 mkII. It was an improvement but not as much as I thought it would be certainly not the difference in price.
Don't waste your time on the ayre cx-7e, it is not better than the cd-23! its not even close.
Imho you're going to have to go some to best the arcam.
davt
500 posts
 
I have the 33, very similar though mine does not decode HDCD. After listening to many the Naim CDX2 is the CD player I would most like to upgrade to. I really like my Arcam but if I wanted more of everything I like it would be the Naim.
pbb
1,140 posts
 
Sold mine and bought a Sony XA-9000 ES. I don't miss my Arcam, although it was a lovely unit.
imin2u
392 posts
 
I have a Audio Aero Capitole and I still can't part with my 23T for hdcd.

Collect equipment like the rest of us AND move on. ;)
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