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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
n80 OP
1,227 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!
jafant
10,525 posts
 

georgehifi


how does a CD82 compare to the CD92?  Happy Listening!

n80 OP
1,227 posts
 
I have found a high end audio repair shop near me. They charge $40 for diagnostic and estimate and they list Arcam and many other very high end brands as brands they work on. They claim to have extensive in-house parts inventory.

I'm currently looking at new CD players in the $300 range, like the NAD 530.

So the question is, how much would you spend fixing this older Arcam CD92? Would it be worth spending $200 to keep it running or just get a $300 NAD?
jafant
10,525 posts
 
n80
what is the name/location of your local high end audio repair shop?
Happy Listening!
n80 OP
1,227 posts
 
Audio Video Doctor in Charlotte, NC
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