Arcam CD73T First Impressions - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

MatsudaMan · 01-16-2007, 09:27 PM

Well, I pulled the trigger on a new Arcam cd73t player, and I'm listening to it right now. Literally purchased it an hour ago. I have to say that right off the bat it's quite a bit more revealing and detailed than my Cambridge D500SE. Sounds brighter, more forward.

Bass is not as prominent, but it's better defined and tuneful. Also, there seems to be more "air" around the instruments, and you can really hear the hall/reverb with the Arcam. There is more bite in Gil Shaham's bow articulation, and you can really hear the "tug" of the strings now.

Most of all though, I'm amazed at how it captures more than the just the music - the space between performers, and overall imaging are superb. However, I have to say that It'll take awhile to get used to the more upfront presentation of the Arcam, as opposed to the laid-back/warm, and vinyl quality that the Cambridge had. I still have a place in my heart for that player.

Note - I have a Musical fidelity X-10v3 tube stage buffer and I might try it out with the Arcam to see how they go together. Do any of you have any opinions as to whether that might be a good idea?

But, as of right now I'm really happy with the overall sound of the Arcam, really convinced that it is a more than worthy upgrade.

HiWire · 01-16-2007, 10:12 PM

Congratulations! I'm saving up for an Arcam FMJ CD36, myself. I would recommend spending as much time as possible listening to your new source with all your music. Also, try the new source with your headphone setup as well to verify its unique sound (outside of your speaker system).

Personally, I wouldn't put the tube buffer in the chain unless you fundamentally dislike the Arcam's sound. I wonder if the NAD amp has anything to do with the forwardness you're hearing?

Asr · 01-16-2007, 10:56 PM

>> Sounds brighter, more forward.

I wouldn't say mine sounds like that at all, out of either my Gilmore Lite or GS-1. Maybe burn-in will change that?

>> Also, there seems to be more "air" around the instruments, and you can really hear the hall/reverb with the Arcam. There is more bite in Gil Shaham's bow articulation, and you can really hear the "tug" of the strings now. Most of all though, I'm amazed at how it captures more than the just the music - the space between performers, and overall imaging are superb.

Mmmmm, I can agree with what you said there. What power cord are you using it with?

MatsudaMan · 01-16-2007, 11:08 PM

Originally posted by Highwire:
Personally, I wouldn't put the tube buffer in the chain unless you fundamentally dislike the Arcam's sound. I wonder if the NAD amp has anything to do with the forwardness you're hearing?

Yeah, I've decided to put the tube buffer in my second room system - it has extra outputs on it so I can hook up my other cd player to my Hornet. As far as the forwardness, I really think it is a perceived forwardness on my part due to the more laid back nature of my Cambridge.

Originally posted by Asr
What power cord are you using it with?

I'm using a PS Audio "Prelude" power chord. I actually never even plugged in the power chord it came with. I'm pretty sure the PS Audio should sound better.

chesebert · 01-17-2007, 03:43 AM

Originally Posted by MatsudaMan

I'm using a PS Audio "Prelude" power chord. I actually never even plugged in the power chord it came with. I'm pretty sure the PS Audio should sound better.

How do you know that ?

Now you are moving from comparing to just speculating based on the price point of the cables (expensive = better sounding)

Michael415 · 01-17-2007, 04:29 AM

Side stepping the entire power cord conversation I felt my Arcam mellowed a bit with some time but definitely is more forward, personally I love it with grado's. Give it a bit of time my bet is you will only appreciate it further.

Asr · 01-17-2007, 04:55 AM

I wouldn't use the word "forward" to describe the Arcam, but that's just me. I think "warm" and "lively" describes it better.

I see you also own a C542, Michael415. I almost went with that CDP over the Arcam. I'd still love to hear one someday. How does it compare with the Arcam in your opinion?

MatsudaMan · 01-17-2007, 05:21 AM

Originally posted by Chesebert
How do you know that ? Now you are moving from comparing to just speculating based on the price point of the cables (expensive = better sounding)

I'm not speculating. I used the psaudio power chord with my cambridge and heard differences for the better. Oh no, no I didn't do blind A/B testing and I don't care. I liked the sound after I put the PS audio chord in and made an assumption that it would also be an improvement over the stock power chord of the Arcam. Maybe you can do the blind AB test and get back to me.

Originally posted by Asr
I wouldn't use the word "forward" to describe the Arcam, but that's just me. I think "warm" and "lively" describes it better.

Maybe I'm getting detailed and treble clarity and punchiness confused with "forward". Maybe if you compared the cambridge d500se to the arcam you would understand why I might think the Arcam has a more 'forward' sound

Asr · 01-17-2007, 05:32 AM

Originally Posted by MatsudaMan

Maybe I'm getting detailed and treble clarity and punchiness confused with "forward". Maybe if you compared the cambridge d500se to the arcam you would understand why I might think the Arcam has a more 'forward' sound

Well some terminology is just plain subjective so one of us (probably me, heh) isn't using it right.

I wonder if your Cambridge has a sound remotely similar to mine...

Heh, I didn't realize until now that the CD73 has a small cult here on Head-Fi! I've seen 3 other Head-Fiers who own one too. Man I gotta upgrade mine, I don't want to own a source too many other people also have.

Blackmore · 01-17-2007, 08:38 AM

How do you compare ARCAM to AZUR that you own as well. I mean, brightness, details, warmth etc...
THX

Originally Posted by Asr

Well some terminology is just plain subjective so one of us (probably me, heh) isn't using it right. I wonder if your Cambridge has a sound remotely similar to mine...

Heh, I didn't realize until now that the CD73 has a small cult here on Head-Fi! I've seen 3 other Head-Fiers who own one too. Man I gotta upgrade mine, I don't want to own a source too many other people also have.