Arcam cds50

• The webpage discusses whether CD players have improved in sound quality in the last 10 years, and whether upgrading from an older model to a newer model within the same price range ($500-$1000) is worth it.
• There is a suggestion to run a CD player with digital output through an external DAC to determine if there is an improvement in sound quality.
• Users debate whether vintage CD players sound just as good or better than modern CD players, with some arguing that older CD players are built with better components and may have a richer sound.
• Another debate is whether more expensive DACs are necessary to hear the difference, or if a cheap DAC would suffice.
• Some users state that they cannot hear a difference in sound quality when using different CD players.
• There is a discussion on external DACs, with a recommendation to test different models to determine if there is an improvement in sound quality.
• One user recommends the Schiit Modi Multibit DAC for its price point and sound quality.
• There is a debate on whether DACs really make a difference in sound quality, with some users stating that “crap in = crap out” and others claiming that DACs are overpriced and do not change the sound quality enough to warrant the cost.
• Another user suggests upgrading speakers and amp first before upgrading the CD player or DAC.
• One user recommends the Oppo UDP-205 as a high-end CD player for audiophiles.
• There are differing opinions on whether CD players have reached their peak in terms of sound quality, with some users claiming that technology has plateaued and others arguing that there is still room for improvement.
• Some users debate the importance of different CD player components, such as the DAC, power supply, and transport.
• Users caution against basing decisions on other people’s experiences, as individual preferences and systems can greatly affect one’s decision.
• One user recommends demoing CD players before making a purchase.
• Some users argue that CD players are no longer necessary in the age of streaming and digital music.
• There is a discussion on the importance of room acoustics and speaker placement in achieving good sound quality.
• Users recommend using lossless audio formats, such as FLAC or WAV, instead of compressed formats like MP3 or AAC.

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• Reddit thread titled “What the best CD player I could buy ? (New or old)” posted on r/audiophile around 2 years ago
• Original poster states that they recently started collecting physical music and asks for recommendations on the best quality CD player they can buy
• User suggests getting a $50 Sony Blu-ray player with Toslink output, with multiple users agreeing (11 karma)
• Another user recommends the Oppo 103 CD player, as they noticed a significant improvement in sound quality (3 karma)
• One user criticizes those suggesting using a DVD player as a CD player and instead recommends getting a CD player with a good DAC, transport, and power supply, suggesting the Rega (5 karma)
• Other high-end CD players are recommended, including the Esoteric K-01Xs and Gryphon Ethos (5 karma)
• One user suggests spending most of the budget on a high-quality external DAC and getting a cheap CD player as a transport, recommending the Cambridge CXC CD transport (3 karma)
• The Marantz CD6007 is also suggested as an option within their budget of around $500 (3 karma)
• One user asks for the budget before making recommendations (3 karma)
• The Sony PS One is suggested as a great CD player to get if on a low budget (2 karma), while another user recommends the Technics SL-G700 as a future-proof option (1 karma)
• One user notes that better technology has been used in newer models of the PS One (1 karma)

Overall, there is a range of recommendations given, including budget options like the Sony Blu-ray player or PS One, mid-range options like the Marantz CD6007 or Cambridge CXC CD transport, and high-end options like the Esoteric K-01Xs or Gryphon Ethos. Some users suggest investing in a high-quality external DAC rather than spending the majority of the budget on a CD player, while others emphasize the importance of a good DAC, transport, and power supply in the CD player itself.

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• User is looking for a CD player recommendation for their hifi setup.
• One user suggests a CD transport, such as the ARCAM CDS50 for better sound quality. They explain that CD transports separate the CD player from the digital-to-analog conversion and pre-amplification, which can lead to better sound quality.
• Another user agrees with the recommendation for the ARCAM CDS50, stating that they have been using it for several years and it has delivered great performance. The user explains that the CDS50 comes with a built-in DAC, which can be used to convert digital audio signals to analog for use with a non-DAC amplifier. They also note that the CDS50 is capable of handling high-resolution audio files, including DSD64 and WAV files at 24-bit/192kHz.
• A third user recommends the Marantz CD6006 as a more affordable option to consider. They explain that the CD6006 is a CD player only, but Marantz offers a separate NA6006 Network Audio Player that can add streaming capabilities to the setup. The user notes that the CD6006 has received several positive reviews for its sound quality and that it includes a high-quality DAC.
• One user recommends looking into the Rega Apollo CD player, stating that it has a very natural and engaging sound. The user notes that the Apollo includes a Wolfson WM8742 DAC and that it has received several positive reviews for its performance.
• Another user recommends the Audiolab 6000CDT CD transport, stating that it has a very clean and detailed sound. The user notes that the 6000CDT comes with an optical and coaxial digital output and that it can be paired with a standalone DAC for better sound quality.
• A sixth user suggests considering a Naim CD5si for a more refined sound that is still relatively affordable. They explain that Naim has a long history of producing high-quality CD players and amplifiers and that the CD5si is a very capable player that can deliver a very musical sound.
• Several users mention that their CD player recommendations are based on their personal experiences and preferences, and that it can be helpful to audition multiple players to find the one that sounds best for the individual’s setup and preferences.
• One user adds that CD players can also be prone to failure due to mechanical parts, and that it may be worth considering a solid-state device instead, such as a digital music player or streaming device.
• Some users note that CD players are becoming less common as streaming

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• The question posted on Reddit is about whether the choice of CD player makes a big difference in terms of sound quality, similar to the differences between turntables. The poster is looking for advice on whether to purchase an expensive or a cheap CD player.
• The general consensus is that there is a small difference in sound quality between CD players from the 90s and now. Early CD players were less tolerant of scratches and vibrations which led to lower reliability. The differences between low-end and high-end CD players are mostly related to build quality. Even a cheap CD player can deliver 90-95% of the sound quality of an expensive one. The DAC is one of the main factors that can affect the sound quality, and the option of using an external DAC with a cheap CD player is suggested as a solution to improve the listening experience.
• DVD and Blu-ray players are also mentioned as a good quality alternative to CD players, where a high-end DVD player can offer better sound quality than a high-end CD player.
• Differences between CD players are primarily related to functionality and error correction. The players that offer advanced features such as multi-track playback and display of remaining disc time are preferred.
• The players’ design also matters, with some preferring designs with VFD or LED displays that show CD-Text and other essential information.
• The differences in pickups also matter, with some preferring Philips swing arm and others preferring Sony linear sled.
• Stickers advertising oversampling and hi-res audio as well as the ‘program mode’ on some devices are discussed.
• The Marantz brand is recommended for its good sound quality by a user who found the biggest difference between CD players relates to how long they last.
• Regarding DACs, one user suggests checking if the CD player has a digital output and testing it with a well-reviewed modern DAC or headphone amp with a digital input. Graphs that show the difference between DACs are discussed but not shared or linked to.
• Recommendations are also shared for thrift store purchases, using DVD players as CD players, and the idea that one gets what they pay for.
• The comments discuss the wide range of quality and price differences and suggest that the sound difference is narrower between CD players than it is between turntables.
• No mentions of the specific model Arcam cds50 are included.

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Title: “What is a high quality yet affordable CD player?” URL: https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/tjwe6r/what_is_a_high_quality_yet_a_affordable_cd_player/

• Original post is by a person who wants to get back into listening to CDs and is asking for recommendations of high-quality yet affordable CD players (12 points, 1 year, 8 months ago).
• One comment suggests the Denon DCD600 and 800 as least expensive “quality” brands available in the UK (13 karma).
• Another commenter advises not to get hung up on the difference between lossy streaming and CD quality, as there’s very little difference between a good 320Kb stream and full CD quality. They suggest that the overall quality of recording is the critical factor (13 karma).
• One commenter recommends the Audiolab 6000 CD player, but notes that it’s transport-only and works well with the 6000 amp (DAC equipped). However, this combo is a bit pricey at £1,000 (3 karma).
• Someone jokes that a cheap option is to get a PlayStation 1 (4 karma).
• A commenter suggests getting a cheap DVD player with HD upscaling or an optical out, which can provide a digital output to use with an external DAC (5 karma).
• Another comment suggests getting a used vintage CD player on eBay. They bought a Sony CD player from 1991 for £40 and it sounds incredible (2 karma).
• One commenter suggests using a lossless streaming service or ripping CDs to FLAC or WAV format and playing through a decent digital to analog converter instead of using a dedicated CD player. They recommend Qobuz as a hi-res streaming service and note that everything on Tidal is CD quality as long as it was originally released that way (3 karma).
• Another commenter agrees with the previous comment about ripping CDs to FLAC or WAV, noting that they usually rip the CD to FLAC or WAV on their laptop and then copy to USB to play with their amp (2 karma).
• One comment suggests that CD was designed to match the best human hearing and that the benefits of higher resolution playback are not significant (5 karma).
• Another commenter encourages the original poster to compare the DAC in the CD player to the (perhaps more modern) DAC in their receiver if using a CD player with a digital (optical or coaxial) output (4 karma).
• One commenter advises against using a CD player at all and suggests using a lossless streaming service

Notes:

• The article discusses the author’s upgrade from a Hegel H95 and Revel M105 to an Arcam SA30 & CDS50 and Revel F206, with the Hegel & M105 being moved to replace a Loxjie A30 & JBL Studio A130 in the author’s home office.
• The author is highly impressed with the Dirac room correction offered by the Arcam SA30, expressing that it integrates the F206 far better with an SVS 3K Micro pair than the previous setup.
• Crediting the Harman brand label and development, another community member comments on the Revel Concerta2 M16’s, suggesting that their floorstanders should be considered.
• A conversation emerges around floorstanders versus monitors, culminating with one member stating that the F206 is preferred over the M105 due to a more pleasing front-firing port.
• Another conversation takes place regarding the Arcam PA240, a 225wpc @ 8ohm power amplifier that was recently delivered in conjunction with, and to power, the F206.
• The author affirms that while Dirac cannot replace musicality, the SA30 offers a great deal of the quality on its own.
• More discussion centers around the F206, comparing the two speakers used in the upgrading sequence and discussing the author’s own views about Dirac and how it is better implemented by the Arcam SA30.
• A dedicated home theater room is in the author’s to-do list as well, which will allow the C208 to be put to use.
• Towards the end of the discussion, watching different media (much music) allows users to discover different properties of their systems which they may not have been aware of, and test the limits of their own knowledge and setup.

• OP on Reddit is asking for input regarding whether expensive CD players are worth the price tag compared to cheaper ones.
• A Reddit user says they’ve had CD players where they could hear the CD spinning and suggests measured by the noise they make to determine quality.
• A Reddit user says buying a cheap digital output DVD/Blueray player and connecting to DAC can be a good way to obtain an easy, cheap transport, or it can help the user determine the missing high-end aspects they want before deciding whether to purchase an expensive CD player.
• A Reddit user, who has Marantz SACD30n (MSRP $2999), recommends going with a cheap player and DAC to start instead of spending a lot of money on an entry-level CD player, especially because performance does not scale 1:1 with price.
• A Reddit user agrees with going with a cheap player + DAC for starters, and provided their opinion that the Oppo is a nice next step; however, the biggest price gap is between the entry-level and higher-end units.
• A Reddit user recommends doing a listening test to determine for one’s self; in their opinion, if one has a basic system, CD players may not matter much, but for mid-level to high-end systems, it probably makes a difference.
• A Reddit user says that the differences among CD players tend to be in bass, detail, soundstage via evaluating many CD players over the years.
• A Reddit user says that a cheap used old JVC they have only gets sound when connected directly to the integrated amplifier because they think it might be related to their internal DAC.
• A Reddit user recommends looking into a vintage-multibit R2R DAC tier list to find your next cheap CD that will sound good.
• A Reddit user mentions that error correction can play a role in one’s listening experience, and points out that better error correction can prevent CDs from skipping or stopping inappropriately.
• A Reddit user suggests buying an Oppo 203, which is great for SACD, and using your Pioneer AVR DAC to make it sound even better.
• A Reddit user suggests that anyone considering buying a high-end CD player should experience the differences in CD filters in person before making a purchase, otherwise it may not matter much for a basic system.
• A Reddit user says that a high-end separate DAC/transport is not necessary because bits are tiny pieces of data–not sound–meaning sound quality is solved by the digital format and that it is highly unlikely even a seasoned audiophile

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Detailed review of the Arcam cds50 features and audio quality

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Comparison between the Arcam cds50 and similar audio products