Arcam decision

Simply, buy the dearest! With Arcam, it's always worth getting the top models. I've owned Alpha 8, Alpha 9, and have extensive experience of CD23t. Each is better, significantly, than the one before. Bear in mind that the older Cd92 has the dCS ring dac in it, a very special component; the latest Cd192 has Wolfsons (4 per channel!) instead. Leave the 73 out of it and compare these two, in yr. own system. If you have to buy without audition, go for the newer 192; it's a cut-down FMJ 33, a player highly regarded everywhere (see Stereophile July 2004). But you must audition at home if at all possible. Matching is everything.

Here is what I think is good sound advice. Figure out what you are able to spend and buy a CD player that costs 150% of that amount. Source components are the single most important element of your audio system. Sure, you're gonna be in hock, but you'll be in heaven all the while....

Tom

Listen to Tom

Tom I will follow your advise, Thanks to all!

Get the ring DAC. No question.
I understand dCS raised the asking price on their ring DAC and Arcam said "no" and switched to the Wolfson DACs... it's too bad, because the FMJ 23 is better than the 33. I just talked a friend into buying the CD92 --a demo from a local dealer (and it has the ring DAC) --and he phones all the time to say how much he loves that player.