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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
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,411 posts
 
If you do need a replacement, go the used route. CD players are being sold off since streaming and transports have become so popular.
   Maybe you'll be able to upgrade at a decent price.

 
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n80 OP
2,116 posts
 
It is the CD player. This morning there is nothing but static coming through it even when it is not on play. On play the static changes and you can hear some faint music through it. I changed it over to the auxiliary inputs on the pre-amp and it is the same. iPhone via RCA Y cable works on all inputs so thank goodness it isn’t the AR pre-amp.

I’ve got a Sony CD player that is probably 15 years old but like new. I could not tell a difference between it and this Arcam even though it is my understanding that the Arcam had a good reputation in its day.

lowrider, I may go that route but you know I’m trying not to spend more money on a hobby I didn’t know that I had. The stylus on the low end Grado cartridge on a fair-at-best Sony TT just broke. Another $50 for a needle for a worthless turntable for someone with maybe 15 worn out LPs! I’m probably $250 into this adventure (rack, good cables, cheap phono pre-amp, stylus etc)! My wife is perplexed. She doesn’t care what I spend but this morning she says, "three weeks ago you were happy with the system you had in high school."
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
There are other hobbies. Maybe this one’s not for you. 😬
n80 OP
2,116 posts
 
Very true. The less I spend here the more I can spend on race tires and Nikon lenses. 
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