Resolving CD Transports Crowd Sourcing

@wharfy 

The owner says purchasing it, and getting a replacement CDPro2, just in case, from ARC ($500 with S/H) is a no brainer with my ARC components.

I would contact ARC and ask about ordering the replacement CDPro2 just to verify its availability now as a straight purchase (not repair).  If available, assuming it's the unit you want, it's all systems go.

I'd consider waiting until all the bugs are worked out of the new Schiit transport and for a couple of reviews.  I have only owned two lesser priced Schiit products, the SYS and Lokius, but like their overall business model.

@wharfy Will be auditioning an Audio Research CD6SE this coming weekend.

Curious how you were able to secure an audition.  I was under the impression that the CD6SE was discontinued two or three years ago after a two-year run because Phillips (IIRC) discontinued making the laser it uses.  Makes you wonder why ARC didn't just source another laser vs quit making CD players altogether.  

Regarding the ARC CD6SE, are replacement lasers available from ARC or eBay/other, or is it destined to be an expensive boat anchor when the current laser goes bye bye?

ghdprentice brings up a great point I hadn't considered in mentioning using it mostly for its DAC.  It would be nice though to have a spare laser assembly in a cabinet somewhere.   Just like I will now buy a spare remote for my electronics to have on hand as spares.

ARC CD9/SE

Unless you actually purchase an extra transport from Audio Research's supposed stash of extra discontinued transports, I would find buying an expensive discontinued CD player without surety of repair a fools errand.

I find the theory that ARC discontinued this CD player because the manufacturer of the transport quit producing the the transport fishy as why didn't ARC just purchase enough supply of the transports before the manufacturer discontinued them to continue producing the CD player?

@ghdprentice

You’re among many knowledgeable ARC lovers. But for me, and quoting myself, to calm all doubts of repairability other than hearsay, before I purchased the unit.

Unless you actually purchase an extra transport from Audio Research’s supposed stash of extra discontinued transports, I would find buying an expensive discontinued CD player without surety of repair a fools errand.

By the way, a CD player or transport are really pretty much the only items I would hesitate to buy used or a discontinued model.