2. digital
  3. 180584-178076

Arcam CD23 worth saving?

Hi Guys, apologies if this has been asked before but wondered what your thoughts are on whether the CD23 is worth repairing... It's already had a genuine sony laser optic fitted but has now started making a grating noise half way through a cd so I'm a bit disillusioned with it now. I love the sound of it but things have moved on in the DAC world in the last 10 years so I'm not sure if it's worth shelling out again to get it fixed. It's currently on its' way to a high end audio shop in the UK for an estimate but I'm thinking perhaps it's time to just give up the ghost and buy a transport and DAC combo...

128x128cafedelmike
erik_squires
15,772 posts
 

You really owe it to yourself to audition.  The only reason to keep this player working is if it had the Ring DAC on a chip.  Otherwise, everything is better now.

cafedelmike's avatar
cafedelmike OP
12 posts
 

Yes it's certainly got the ring DAC, that's what makes it a little special. I must admit I do like the new Ifi audio burr brown signature DACs sound so I'm thinking of potentially buying a transport and a separate DAC. I also like the new ESS Sabre DACs as well like what's in my MOTU audio interface so I'm definitely conflicted here. The Arcam has a certain smoothness and finess that the new generation seem to lack though...

I'm used to listening to studio monitors as well as hifi so I'm torn between clinical and smooth if you get what I mean.

bubba12's avatar
bubba12
429 posts
 

I'm not sure if it makes financial sense but I owned that cd player and it's a gem. I get it.

cafedelmike's avatar
cafedelmike OP
12 posts
 

Cool, you know where I'm coming from then! Probably ought to ditch it but it sounds so good...

More to discover