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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
 
It can be a defect, but some cds were recorded with the HDCD process, without any indication of it. Try a book on the Sony ( even without changing the feet, and see ( hear ), if you can hear a difference. Do it while a cd is playing. A hard covered book ( based on music, lol ) is best. Enjoy ! MrD.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,737 posts
 
Keep us posted if you fix the Arcam- n80.
Happy Listening!
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
On the front it does say: CD92 dCS Ring DAC and HDCD.
Oh yes this is still a good one even if it doesn’t have the T on the back. Just that if it has the T it has the last best HDCD chip in it the PMD200, instead of the older PMD100.

BTW there is a list of over 5,000 HDCD CD’s floating around on the net, and yes more than 1/4 do not have any indication on them that they are HDCD.

Cheers George
arcam88's avatar
arcam88
441 posts
 
N80 - I have owned an Arcam cd93(upgraded  from cd92)for nearly 15 years. It is built solid sounds great! and has played flawlessly since day 1. It has definitely been put through its paces😎
Very nice piece. 
 I would look in to getting it repaired, at least get an estimate.
n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
Unfortunately this one has been moved, probably roughly, several times and then stored in a damp basement for several years.

I may look into repairs if I can find somewhere to get an estimate. 

It seems like back in the early days of CD players I recall that there was a switch or a screw or something that locked down something within the unit to keep it from getting damaged when moved.

Off topic, but I have an almost OCD trait in that I do not like seeing, having or knowing about high quality gear that doesn't work or isn't being used. I have some nice film cameras that I keep in good working condition even though I rarely shoot film. All my obsolete old computers still run like new. This CD player is going to bother me until I either get it running or get rid of it.

Part of what motivated this whole journey into hifi/audiophile territory is that I could not stand seeing the two systems I've put together sitting in my brother-in-law's basement. The Rotel/B&W system is sitting in the middle of my living room floor and has nowhere to go. It is mine to use but not to sell so it might end up back in the basement!
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