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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
mrdecibel
3,064 posts
 
@n80 If the Rotel preamp or the Onkyo receiver has a built in dac, you can take a simple rca to rca cable and see if the Arcam’s coax digital out works. If it does, you can use it as a transport. If you are not hearing much difference between the Arcam and the Sony, just use the Sony. Change the isolation feet on the Sony and put a book on top of the chassis, and it will make an improvement ( this is if the Sony is a flimsy design, but works on many cd / dvd players ), without spending much money. Sell the unit to George, as, being you, I would not get it repaired. Enjoy ! MrD.
n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
I'm pretty sure it sounded better than the Sony. That was my immediate and initial impression. The more I listen to the Sony the less I notice but I am convinced as in many sensory things, we get used to what we're being exposed to. So I think my immediate impression was correct. But again, I do not have audiophile ears yet.

The Sony is extremely flimsy. You can pick it up easily with one hand and even then it feels light. The Arcam is stout and heavy.

Please excuse my ignorance but what is a "transport"? Do you mean that even if the CD mechanism is broken I can use it as a DAC?
n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
mrdecibel, running an RCA from the CD player's coaxial out to the Rotel pre-amp's coaxial in works. 

I can't comment on the SQ since I'm still feeling out this Rotel/B&W system (which is clearly not in the league with my other stuff which is what I am now used to.)

Diagnostically does this mean its the DAC on the Arcam that is toast? That would be a shame since it is my understanding that that is its best feature.

Anyway, at least the CD player can still be used with this Rotel system either in my brother-in-law's den (he is not an audiophile) if his wife will permit or in my cabin in which case even if it isn't hifi it will be better than what is down there now. So given the circumstances, win-win I suppose.
mrdecibel
3,064 posts
 
n80 More, the analog output stage, but yes, the digital section feeding the analog output section ( toasted ). If the digital stage was completely toasted, it would not feed the Rotel. The Arcam is now being used as a transport, and there are good dacs for not much money for your higher end system, if you want to go that route. The workings of cd / dvd players are much more complicated than this, but I am trying to simplify it. Enjoy ! MrD.
n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
Thanks MrD. I think I will leave my explorations at that and keep this Arcam with the Rotel/B&W system. Sad end for it but better than the garbage can.

I also noticed that the HDCD indicator light came on several times while playing a non HDCD CD. The disk was recorded in Q Sound but I don't think that has anything to do with HDCD
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