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Cambridge Audio CD Player Has Died

I have a Cambridge Audio Azur 840C CD player that is roughly 15 years old. A year ago the left channel went dead & was subsequently repaired. However, yesterday the audio output completely died (no sound whatsoever). Although the unit has served me well, I am reluctant to continue to put more money into repairs of an older unit.

That being said, I have a question for those of you who have more expertise than I. Is there a discernible difference in sound quality between high-end CD players & those more moderately priced? Although I do have a high-quality audio system, I would prefer not to spend a lot of money on a new CD player unnecessarily.
Thank you so much.
Kit
kitjv
Post removed 
kitjv OP
69 posts
 
Is there an method to determine whether the problem lies with the DAC or the transport that I can do myself?
dill
2,579 posts
 
Chances are the transport is still good. You might get a cheap DAC that you can use to test the Cambridge.
kitjv OP
69 posts
 
Well, out of curiosity I turned on the CD player a few minutes ago. At the moment it's working, but there undoubtedly is an issue. Maybe heat related? We'll see.
stevehardy1
82 posts
 
I disagree that there's a good chance that the transport may have outlasted the DAC. Typically, mechanical transports wear out or the laser weakens. DACs being non-mechanical usually don't wear out.  By all means, check the transport with an outboard DAC if possible, but I'd bet money it's the transport.  Have you notice an tracking problems?
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