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CD player just tanked.

Brief introduction: I just recently inherited a hifi system (Audio Research LS16 pre-amp, Proceed HPA2 amp, Aerial Acoustics 7B tower speakers, Arcam CD92 CD player). I'm new to this audiophile stuff but am enjoying the system and learning about it.

Was listening to Dark Side of the Moon CD tonight when suddenly it sounded like the music was coming out of a can. Put in another CD, same thing. My only other source of input is iTunes via a head phone jack/RCA Y cable into the pre-amp. That sounds fine.

So I'm assuming it is the CD player but it seems like an odd sort of issue. I think this CD player is probably 15 years old but I see similar models on eBay for $300+. Wondering if it is worth trying to repair or if that is even possible. I'm also wondering if this could be a problem with the CD input 'channel' on the pre-amp. I guess I could plug the CD into the Aux input on the pre-amp and see.

Any thoughts appreciated.
n80
n80 OP
2,116 posts
 
And for the record, my wife wasn't complaining really. The old system is still in use and hifi system is still in use. She just thinks its funny that two weeks ago I was happy with the old system and now I'm all fussy about SQ.
vespacraig1966's avatar
vespacraig1966
8 posts
 
You have been given plenty- go spend $300-$500 on a good used cd player and be done with it. You are so far ahead of the game already as far as cost expenditure.  I have a Nakamichi cd player that is literally 20 years old and it rocks. I also have a yamaha Natural sound CD player I got off the Gon for $140 and it works wonderfully. I also have a pair of Focal Kanta No 2's that work nicely too.(understatement )   Point being - gear will last a real long time if not abused. a nice dinner out for 2 is like $120 to $150 + so what's $500 for the next 10 years? 
n80 OP
2,116 posts
 
I'm warming to the sound of the Sony. I'm sure my ears/brain are playing tricks on me. But, if I come to the conclusion that it is really inferior then I'll do some research and shop around. I've been told that the CD player doesn't make a big difference. I don't know what the truth is.

I also made the comparison (between the Sony and the dead Arcam) right after I turned the system on and even the pre-amp owner's manual says it needs time to warm up so that could why I thought it didn't sound as good. I've been listening a couple of hours now and don't notice a big difference.
tostadosunidos's avatar
tostadosunidos
1,197 posts
 
You can get a reconditioned (with full warranty) NAD player that sounds great on your budget.  I did and loved it for years till the drawer started acting up a bit.  I then compared the sound to an older OPPO DVD player (which plays SACDs) which I got for 20 bucks on Craigslist and found that the OPPO sounded every bit as good.  New or used, don't go with something too old, whatever you do--digital technology has improved over the years.
colin44ct357's avatar
colin44ct357
122 posts
 
sounds like dry joints on the split supply to the audio pre amps.check they have the split supply usually 15-0-15 across the + and - on the supply rails relative to ground.If not pull the main pcb and solder up the regulators and other dry joints.check the ground on the rca out, probably off..solder anyway if you have the pcb out.some have a bottom inspection panel which makes life easy.Good luckColin Cape town
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