Arcam CD23 worth saving?

The Arcam has a certain smoothness and finess that the new generation seem to lack though...

You’ve really gotta think about whether it’s worth throwing more $$$ at this given the newer options out there.  The newer R2R DACs, for example, exhibit the sound characteristics you seem to like, so one thing you might consider is ordering one you like through Amazon and try it with your Rotel and if it doesn’t knock your socks off you can just return it.  At least you’ll get an idea of what’s out there now, and a DAC would also allow you to start streaming music (a lot of it in hi-res thru Qobuz, etc.) by adding something like an iFi Zen Stream ($399), and as many have said, once you start streaming you’ll likely rarely spin CDs anymore.  A couple examples of very well-regarded R2R DACs are linked below, and I’ll also add the Denafrips Pontus ll if that also might be in your budget.  I’d encourage you to read DAC reviews on soundnews.net as he writes very thorough reviews and does a good job comparing units so you get some perspective on how they compare.  Anyway, just my $0.02 FWIW, and best of luck. 
 

https://smile.amazon.com/Gustard-R26-Discrete-R2R-DAC/dp/B0BDLJYRVN/ref=sr_1_3?crid=VZOZ4JWWRKAR&keywords=gustard+r26&qid=1667329628&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjM0IiwicXNhIjoiMi4xNSIsInFzcCI6IjEuOTIifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=Gustard%2Caps%2C73&sr=8-3

https://smile.amazon.com/Musician-Pegasus-Decoder-DSD1024-Amplifier/dp/B0891X8BM8/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1J0XVMVR4VKU6&keywords=denafrips%2Bpontus%2Bii&qid=1667329411&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjg4IiwicXNhIjoiMC41NCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=Denafrips%2Caps%2C65&sr=8-3&th=1

Thank you. I'm sure there are many fine DACs out there and although I am on a budget, I'll certainly stretch for the finer gear if I think it's worth it. Streaming services are not really an option for me because the music I play is a bit too underground. We'll not get into musical tastes here as that is purely a personal thing but sound reproduction does matter, even if it's not your cup of tea so to speak. Don't get me wrong I like all kinds of music in small doses but tend to lean towards non mainstream most of the time. Had a look at those links but they are currently unavailable and I'm in the UK anyway so probably wouldn't be worth the shipping and import costs. Like I said before I already have an iFi zen one signature(actually I have two now) so I'm not sure I could better them without spending significantly more. I like the Cambridge audio dacmagic 200m but that is another 500 GBP on top of what I've already spent and one Zen dac would then become redundant. I'll see what the repair costs come back as and take it from there.

The overall consensus here I think is that the arcam was a bit special(and still is) but has perhaps had its day now and it's time to move on if the costs are prohibitively expensive.

@cafedelmike

If most of your files are already stored on a computer, then it’s probably better to add streaming capability to your system. This could mean installing software or enabling OS features for UPnP / DLNA if you can connect the DAC to the stereo and PC easily. You could set all of this up temporarily (and at low to no cost) to see if it works for you.

For example, Windows has a built-in DLNA / UPnP server - How to Enable / Disable DLNA Media Server on Win 10 or 11.

If you have a Mac or run Linux, Kodi is a free app that can enable DLNA / UPnP capability. (You can also install it on Windows.)

Then you can access your music library and control playback from your phone using a UPnP app like BubbleUPnP (Android) or mConnect (iOS). If you'd rather use a standard web browser, Kodi comes with a web app user interface too.

I started with a new Alpha 9 and then bought a used CD 23 to see if I could tell a difference. I really couldn't. I liked them both so I can empathize with your dilemma. Plus they will play HD Cd's which I have few of.

Alas, the transports in both broke last year and the stock transports are not available. It would be great to know if your audio shop can find a replacement.

Jim S. 

Hmm OK that doesn't sound promising. Peter at Deco audio said the parts were still available so I'll be pretty annoyed if I've sent it away for no reason. It still works as it is just not as well as it should. 

Time will tell then eh.