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CD Help: Arcam FMJ23 - Linn Genki - Arcam 93T

post #1 of 10
1/7/04 at 2:38pm
Thread Starter 
I just finished reassembling my system with the following: my old ProAc Tablette speakers-a new Rega P3 turntable- and a CD player. I was set on buying a demo Arcam FMJ23 from my dealer (it really impressed me)-- until I asked what else was in that price range- and current (not discontinued).
They took out a Linn Genki and I was quite impressed- enough to change from the FMJ and into the Linn. I was concerned with the FMJ as it is already quite an old player which has been out for a while where as the Linn is still current.

I am now confused: did I make the right decision. I was tired when I listened to the Linn (I had been auditioning for 4 hours already!) however my initial impressions (after a very SHORT listen) swayed me to what my dealer called the "Linn Sound".

My dealer is being quite nice in that when they do my installation they will bring both the FMJ and the Linn for me to audition in my home. I am even now wondering about the Arcam 93T (a current model however not available from them to audition) and how it compares to the FMJ23. They also carry the Naim cd5 which I have not listened to, and the Rega Planet (which I ruled out along with the Arcam 73T--I did not like either of them)

Any feedback?

Gregg
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post #2 of 10
1/7/04 at 3:44pm
The Arcam CD 23 is indeed old (4 years) and not in production anymore. Your dealer has still some old stock, I suppose.
Now there is the upsamplin' CD 33.
Look at Arcam's website.
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post #3 of 10
1/7/04 at 5:40pm
I don't like the "linn" sound that much as in the amps and cd players. One exception is the Klimax or 2250 amp. It does not have the linn house sound, it is more musical and not so sterile. I have a Sizmik Sub in my system that uses a klimax amp, but that doesn't really count, as the amp is built in the sub. I like arcam for the PRaT and musicality. The Linn is a bit refined, as most british sound (I know Linn is scottish). Also, Linn dealers are bent on selling all linn systems. It is an easy way to go, but to me it is missing something. I listen to alot of upbeat, funky, be-boppin' music.
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post #4 of 10
1/7/04 at 6:28pm
Thread Starter 
As funny as it seems there are not many "new" CD players to look at in this price range. Many companies seem to be concentrating R&D dollars into multi SACD-DVDA systems. I have a significant investment/collection of redbook CD's and as such am looking for a good redbook player.

Upon auditioning the entry level price point Rega Planet and Arcams 73T I definitely noticed a significant difference when I stepped up to the FMJ23 (dealer demo) and the Linn Genki.
I do not know how the new replacement FMJ33 sounds since the DAC has been significantly changed, nor for that matter the CD93 which is at the top end of the Arcam DIVA series.

I might just have to accept the fact that the "older" series of CD players represent the best mature versions of this product for it seems that manufacturers are moving away from redbook only players and into multi players.

Gregg
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post #5 of 10
1/8/04 at 1:42pm
Hi glevethan,

I recently bought a new CD player and audtioned some of the CDP you mentioned.
- Arcam FMJ23
- Naim CD5

I much prefered the Naim sound to that of the Arcam it is much faster and dynamic the bass is tighter and deeper.
I know Naim is coming out with a new intro CDP named CD5i which is cheaper than the CD5 and should be equally as good as ( or better ) the CD5 - highly recommended!

I also auditioned Musical Fidelty's A3.2 - it is a very warm and smooth sounding CDP, it is very detailed much more than both the Naim and the Arcam - If you listen mainly to Jazz/Classical this should be your first choice.

I eventually bought a s/h bargain Meridian 588 - which is an AMAZING CDP - very analog sounding.
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post #6 of 10
1/8/04 at 4:01pm
I second the Meridian. In your price range, look at the Shanling CDT100 or the Meridian 508.20.
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post #7 of 10
1/8/04 at 6:21pm
Thread Starter 
Axel and Xeno
Thanks for the replies.
I would like to stay with my local dealer and as such my choices are: Arcam-Rega-Naim and Linn.

When is the new Naim supposed to be released???

Gregg
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post #8 of 10
1/11/04 at 4:22am
Quote:
Originally posted by glevethan
When is the new Naim supposed to be released???
Gregg
According to Naim it has already been released - see here.

Enjoy.
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post #9 of 10
1/11/04 at 6:24am
Thread Starter 
Thanks Axel
I have spoken with Naim and it seems that the CD5i is just hitting the dealers now (their demo pieces that is).
When my dealers piece arrives they will be bringing it over together with a CD5 so that I can listen to them in my house.

I found out that there is also a Naim user forum (on the Naim site) and some people have already commented on the CD5i. I seems that it is not quite up to the CD5 however it offers ALMOST everything at a better price. I guess one must also realize that comments are being written by Naim fans (it IS a Naim forum on a Naim site).

Gregg
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post #10 of 10
1/11/04 at 6:49am
the reason the cd5i is cheaper is that it can't be upgraded via the naim power supply add-ons...& that's a big thing as naim has many, many such options/configurations...i believe the same is true with their nait 5i integrated amp....it's too bad they've discontinued the older model that received such praise...hopefully they won't do the same with the cdp...

& i'd like to add here that the Meridian 508.24 sounds quite good (great even) to my ears...smooth & pleasant...not to everyone's taste, though...sure would like to hear the new models...it's on my todo list...
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