Well that review was written almost 5 years ago, with the equipment being in my system (at that time) almost 6 years ago. Since that point in time, my system has changed considerably, the player has been sold, and the industry has made significant strides in players in the sub $<1500 category. Currently, there may be quite a few sub-$1500 players that would surpass the Arcam DiVA CD72. One current possibly that comes to mind: the Rega Apollo ($999 MSRP). But, it's hard to say. Pretty much all that equipment has come and gone. So, please, keep this all in perspective when you read this review...It WAS 5/6 years ago.
Review: Arcam Diva CD72 CD Player
Category: Digital
This piece of equipment has been in my system since March 2001. It replaced an old Yamaha multiple CD changer. I was immediately stunned with the improvement in sonics. Enlarged soundstage, musicality, no brightness, good bass extension, nice mids and highs, not fatiguing during long listening sessions. The remote is easy to use, albeit a little larger than I like, and can be used with other Arcam DiVA components.
Some of my favorite CDs for testing equipment:
1. Joni Mitchell's "Blue"
2. The Blue Nile's "Hats"
3. John Mellencamp's self titled "John Mellencamp"
4. Norah Jones' latest effort
5. MFSL Stevie Wonder "Innervisions"
6. Ryan Adams "Heartbreaker"
7. Macy Gray "On How Life Is"
8. A Blue Nile bootleg of their "Hats" tour (excellent sonics)
9. Trespassers William "Anchor"
I primarily listen to indie rock, classic rock, alt. country, R&B, female vocalists including Lucinda Williams and Norah Jones, and well-recorded CDs. After hearing at my local audio equipment salon on a number of occasions, I just purchased a CD by Trespassers William ("Anchor"), from the Indie Rock genre, which has incredible sonics and fine vocal performances.
I was looking for a player which would disappear and allow the music to take over. I personally dislike players which are bright and do not reflect accuracy in the mids and bass. This player exceeded all my expectations for a player in the sub-$1500 price range. I also liked the fact that it was upgradeable for a small investment.
If money was no object, I would definitely own this player as part of a system in my household. Whether it would be in my dedicated 2-channel system or not, only time will tell. That is where it is now and where it will remain until I find a player that exceeds it significantly. The only player I have heard that may do that is the new Ayre CX-7. However, I heard it in my local audio equipment salon and not on my equipment in my listening area so the verdict is still out. And it is considerably more pricey at $3,000.
If you are looking for a redbook player in the sub-$1500 price range, I encourage you to give the Arcam DiVa CD-72 player an audition. Preferably in your home, on your own equipment. A dynamo!
Associated gear
LFD Mistral integrated amp; LFD Mistral phono preamp; Coincident Technology Triumph Signature speakers; Rega Planar 25 Turntable with Rega Super Bias cartridge; Tascam CD-RW700 CD Recorder; Record Doctor LP cleaner
Similar products
I have not heard a Redbook CD player in this price range that equals the Arcam DiVA CD-72 player.
This piece of equipment has been in my system since March 2001. It replaced an old Yamaha multiple CD changer. I was immediately stunned with the improvement in sonics. Enlarged soundstage, musicality, no brightness, good bass extension, nice mids and highs, not fatiguing during long listening sessions. The remote is easy to use, albeit a little larger than I like, and can be used with other Arcam DiVA components.
Some of my favorite CDs for testing equipment:
1. Joni Mitchell's "Blue"
2. The Blue Nile's "Hats"
3. John Mellencamp's self titled "John Mellencamp"
4. Norah Jones' latest effort
5. MFSL Stevie Wonder "Innervisions"
6. Ryan Adams "Heartbreaker"
7. Macy Gray "On How Life Is"
8. A Blue Nile bootleg of their "Hats" tour (excellent sonics)
9. Trespassers William "Anchor"
I primarily listen to indie rock, classic rock, alt. country, R&B, female vocalists including Lucinda Williams and Norah Jones, and well-recorded CDs. After hearing at my local audio equipment salon on a number of occasions, I just purchased a CD by Trespassers William ("Anchor"), from the Indie Rock genre, which has incredible sonics and fine vocal performances.
I was looking for a player which would disappear and allow the music to take over. I personally dislike players which are bright and do not reflect accuracy in the mids and bass. This player exceeded all my expectations for a player in the sub-$1500 price range. I also liked the fact that it was upgradeable for a small investment.
If money was no object, I would definitely own this player as part of a system in my household. Whether it would be in my dedicated 2-channel system or not, only time will tell. That is where it is now and where it will remain until I find a player that exceeds it significantly. The only player I have heard that may do that is the new Ayre CX-7. However, I heard it in my local audio equipment salon and not on my equipment in my listening area so the verdict is still out. And it is considerably more pricey at $3,000.
If you are looking for a redbook player in the sub-$1500 price range, I encourage you to give the Arcam DiVa CD-72 player an audition. Preferably in your home, on your own equipment. A dynamo!
Associated gear
LFD Mistral integrated amp; LFD Mistral phono preamp; Coincident Technology Triumph Signature speakers; Rega Planar 25 Turntable with Rega Super Bias cartridge; Tascam CD-RW700 CD Recorder; Record Doctor LP cleaner
Similar products
I have not heard a Redbook CD player in this price range that equals the Arcam DiVA CD-72 player.