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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
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
2,520 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
78 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?
tweak1
3,655 posts
 
About 9 months ago my trusty Pioneer PD 65 (stable platter) died. I searched everywhere, including Alibaba, then called Pioneer, but parts no longer available

Being in the ~ $500 range I did a lot of research and was surprised to find Marantz HD CD 1 was full of hi-end parts. I picked one up very slightly used for ~ $400. It looks good, sounds great with all the proper outs. Im using it as a transport as my pre has a built in dac

hth
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