Nmf, send an e mail to Kalvin Dahl at ARC -- kdahl@ audioresearch.com He should be able to tell the date of manufacturer from the serial number. |
2008, it must be from the first production run. |
Thanks Bifwynne, i have done that...Kalvin is a great guy, he helped me in the past with some dsi200 issues... |
The part containing the "2008" may have been produced in 2008 and sat on a shelf until it was used in final assembly some years later.
ARC will be able to tell you. |
Alas the production date (confirmed by U.K. official dealer) is October 2009...it seems I will return it and continue the quest of finding a young cd8 occasion... |
Nmf_69, IMO, I don't think a 2009 build date automatically means that the unit has seen a better day. The only moving part is the Phillips transport, which is supposed to be pretty hardy. Even if the transport goes, Kalvin recently told me that ARC has a robust supply of replacements.
As far as the electronics are concerned, ARC uses top grade parts. I think it's fair to surmise that 5 years of use is NOT significant.
But why guess?? Call Kal at ARC and have a discussion. I always found ARC to be tops when it comes to customer service. Kal might suggest that you take the CD-8 to a local ARC authorized service center/tech for a check-up.
Having said all that, I have a BIG concern. Your OP mentions that the HiFi shop that sold the CD-8 to you represented that the unit was 1 year old. I find that very curious, especially with a 2009 build date.
On the one hand, if the rep is true, does that permit the inference that the CD-8 sat around unused for the last 4 years?? Seems very unlikely, but if true, a quick start up could damage the unit if the caps dried out. Even if the CD-8 was used in the most recent year, what happened during the other 4 years??
On the other hand, and this is a "big hand," I place a very high premium on honesty and take very unkindly to dishonesty. The shop may have a perfectly plausible explanation, but if not, I would be inclined to take the unit back -- if the shop will refund your money.
Finally, I don't believe you mentioned how much you paid for the CD-8 or whether you are using ARC gear in the rest of your system. My rig is all ARC and IMO there is a wonderful synergy staying "all ARC." If the shop can credibly explain the apparent discrepancy and Kal can give you some comforting advice, you may want to keep the CD-8. I have the CD-8 and I think it's a great CDP. However, if the shop misrepresented age and use, that's a whole different can of worms.
Let us know how you make out.
Good luck.
Bruce |
I would hazard a guess that this was a used CD8 that was traded in to the HiFi shop. The previous owner probably told the HiFi shop that it was only a year old and the HiFi shop did not confirm this statement with ARC since it was a current model. Just guessing. |
The hifi shop story perfectly matches Brf's words, Malcolm, is that you? Just kidding...I have sent it back, the shop agreed in writing to fully refund but it might take a few days to see the money; it seems the cdp came from a trusted customer who, apparently was mislead by an ARC dealer.
Bruce, I would very much like to find a young and reliable cd8 just to complete my chain of ARC components - ds450 and LS26. |
Nmf_69, glad it all worked out. As an aside, I contacted about the age of my CD-8. Turns out the build date was sometime in 2009. I since e-mailed Kal to inquire if the unit should be serviced. I surmise that Kal will say "if it 'ain't' broke, don't fix it." |
FYI:
ARC's advice on the "care and feeding" of the CD-8:
"Hi Bruce,
"The CD8 is pretty maintenance free. The main thing is to replace tubes every 2/4000 hours and keep the laser door closed when not in used. I would visibly inspect the laser lens for dust. If needed, lightly brush off with a very soft camel hair brush use for cleaning photographic lens.
"Other than that, no service required.
"Best Regards,
"Kalvin Dahl" |
Hi Bruce,
Perhaps I should have tried to keep it and obtain a significant discount considering the real age...at the moment it's back to the dealer and I am waiting the fully refund, though it seems rather difficult to find a second hand cd8 or cd7 with upgraded power supply |
Hey Nmf ... all's well that ends well.
It's been my fortunate experience that all of the ARC gear I've bought (pre-owned or refurbed) has been in pristine condition. But also, ARC gear just doesn't wear out (in the R&M sense) all that quickly. The bigger "risk" relates to "upgrade-itis." Without exception, every change-out has been a move up the ladder. |
Nmf ..., I used to own a CD-7 with the upgraded power supply. I've read comments from folks who said they loved the CD-7. IMO, I think the CD-8 is a better all-around sounding unit.
I appreciate your frustration. On occasion, I see that a pre-owned CD-8 is up for sale on Audiogon. But since you're in the UK, the challenge is even harder because presumably you are looking for a 220 volt unit.
Wish I could tell you to grab the other CD-8 back, but I am not comfortable giving such advice. I place extremely high import on transparent trading. I'm not disputing your sense that the dealer was unaware of the age issue. Even though I don't think age per se is a big negative with ARC products, especially if well treated and loved (:o), the mere fact that there was a undisclosed wrinkle starting with the original seller gives me pause. How could you possibly know whether he or she sincerely loved the CD-8. LOL
I guess the good news is that there are many fine CDPs in the marketplace *with* terrific multi-media capabilities --which the CD-7/8 does *not* have.
Good luck!
BIF |
Hey Nmf ... take a look at the link below -- CD-8 for sale from an ARC dealer in sunny California. This may not be of much help because it's a 110 volt player.
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/cd-sacd-players-audio-research-reference-cd-8-compact-disc-player-silver-finish-2013-11-08-digital-91724-covina-ca |
Hi Bruce,
Thanks for the nice words, I live in The Netherlands so I'll stick with the 220V models...I know people who invested a lot in big 220-110v converters just to be able to purchase the gear in U.S. ... |
