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Crazy to buy a 17 year old CD Player?

My ARC CD2 just died...I think the laser finally gave up the ghost.  Any how I've got thousands of red book CDs in my library and need a replacement player.  I'm thinking an ARC CD 3MKII or the Mark Levinson 390S.  Am I crazy to be thinking this?  Got a budget of around $2000.00.  My system, though dated, is made up of higher end stuff: ARC 25 pre amp, ARC VT 150 mono amps, VPI TNT IV, Wilson Witts, all running through Transparent Reference (Balanced).
cmcdaniel5
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,580 posts
 
You own a very nice system- cmcdaniel5

Yes, go for it. Consider a CD3, CD5 or CD7. Keep me posted on the model that you choose. Happy Listening!
andybill
5 posts
 
If you don't want to bother dealing with a CD player but you don't want to give up your discs or sacrifice quality, you could always try Murfie. They digitize your collection in wav and can convert it to whatever format you like, from ALAC downloads to lossless streaming. They even offer to store your CDs if you don't want them taking up space in your house.
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,613 posts
 
If you like your AR why not just put in a new laser assembly - it's really not that difficult. 

Best of luck

Peter  


brauser
525 posts
 
I had an ARC CD-2 for several years and enjoyed it the entire time. I have auditioned the subsequent ARC models and have observed the improvement in performance at each level. The ARC CD-2 unit, however, is still relevant in as much as it has a very balanced and non-fatiguing character. If you like it and can find a way to get it fixed, I would stay with something you know you will enjoy. 
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,130 posts
 
What is your budget ?  Mike at Audio Archon turned me on to the 
Lumin steaming player .you can stream or has plugged directly in 
The  Lumin D-1 is exceptionally well balanced, if you buy the outboard
LINEAR tube Audio PS it takes it to a Very high level. It will please over 90% of Audiophiles even many of  the doubters That never heard it.for under $2400,with Super PS.it does most of  Everything pretty well.
At least give it a read, then a listen.
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