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Crazy to buy a 17 year old CD Player?

My ARC CD2 just died...I think the laser finally gave up the ghost.  Any how I've got thousands of red book CDs in my library and need a replacement player.  I'm thinking an ARC CD 3MKII or the Mark Levinson 390S.  Am I crazy to be thinking this?  Got a budget of around $2000.00.  My system, though dated, is made up of higher end stuff: ARC 25 pre amp, ARC VT 150 mono amps, VPI TNT IV, Wilson Witts, all running through Transparent Reference (Balanced).
cmcdaniel5
lostbears's avatar
lostbears
479 posts
 

 The Audio Research CD players starting with the CD3 use variations of the Philips CDM Pro2 drive mechanism. This is the same  drive mechanism in CD jukeboxes so complete drives as well as parts are readily available. 

 So I wouldn't worry that much about buying a CD3 mk2. If you can push it you might consider a Ref CD7. The price of these has really dropped. And they are a truly amazing analog sounding CD player. 



don_c55
823 posts
 
CD/SACD did not get real good until the last 5 years IMO.
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
179 posts
 
17 year old one yes, get a more modern reliable one.  17 years is old tech.
jl35
2,244 posts
 
Cambridge CXC. Wadia 321. Under your price new as the Wadia is on close out sales    Many options 
jafant's avatar
jafant
10,525 posts
 
You own a very nice system- cmcdaniel5

Yes, go for it. Consider a CD3, CD5 or CD7. Keep me posted on the model that you choose. Happy Listening!
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