The Cambridge D500SE gives up nothing to the Arcam CD72.
They do, however, sound different. The Arcam is a leaner, faster, more detailed sound. The Cambridge is warmer, rounder, and richer. This comparison is most apparent in the midrange. The Arcam is more extended in the treble, the Cambridge features deeper, more powerful bass response. Do you prefer vanilla or chocolate?
My opinion is that the D500SE is a definite step forward in sound from the D500. The music seems less digital, and more natural. I don't find it subtle. Another layer of detail emerges at the same time. Bass is also more powerful; this player's being almost nonexistent in under $800 machines. The statement about the power cord upgrade is quite correct. Blue Circle would a fine choice, especially considering its price.
All in all, my feelings about the sonics of the Cambridge is that it competes with any player under $1000. I did own three, though. And, THAT is a problem. The build quality of the Cambridge was where they definitely cut corners; my hope was that it was only in the cosmetics/case. I was wrong, they are lousy. After the third, I bowed out.
British made(I presume the Arcam is) components normally feature excellent build quality and reliability. That would put the Arcam ahead of the Cambridge without question.
I would like to say that Avideo is right on about the Music Hall MMF CD25. I just bought one a few weeks ago. Wonderful player. Incredible. How Roy Hall has found a player like this at this price point I do not know. I find it superior to the Cambridge, Rega Planet 2000, and even the Musical Fidelity A3(which is about to be upgraded). It's a more detailed, fast, musical player, while giving up none of the dynamics or impact. I do think the Arcam FMJ23 might sound a touch more detailed and analytical(how I describe Arcam players), but not as musical.
Musical is the word I use incessantly(my apologies) when describing the Music Hall. It just sounds musical. Slick and slippery, the notes just fly out of this player. The way I often feel when I am listening to digital is analogous to the way I react to a 1970's "paint by numbers" painting. Yes, all looks great from a distance, but when I really look at it, the blending and intermixing of colors is just not natural. Stark, rather than smooth. I don't get this sensation at all with the Music Hall.
Build quality, heft, operation, sound, and cosmetics would have most people guess this player would retail for $1500 - $2200.
I could find fault in the leisurely transport, disk initialization(a high end malady), and the awful(really awful) remote. Sonically, the bass could be more powerful, although I find that with the great majority of CD players I come across.
