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Review: Arcam Diva CD72 CD Player

Category: Digital

This piece of equipment has been in my system since March 2001. It replaced an old Yamaha multiple CD changer. I was immediately stunned with the improvement in sonics. Enlarged soundstage, musicality, no brightness, good bass extension, nice mids and highs, not fatiguing during long listening sessions. The remote is easy to use, albeit a little larger than I like, and can be used with other Arcam DiVA components.

Some of my favorite CDs for testing equipment:

1. Joni Mitchell's "Blue"
2. The Blue Nile's "Hats"
3. John Mellencamp's self titled "John Mellencamp"
4. Norah Jones' latest effort
5. MFSL Stevie Wonder "Innervisions"
6. Ryan Adams "Heartbreaker"
7. Macy Gray "On How Life Is"
8. A Blue Nile bootleg of their "Hats" tour (excellent sonics)
9. Trespassers William "Anchor"

I primarily listen to indie rock, classic rock, alt. country, R&B, female vocalists including Lucinda Williams and Norah Jones, and well-recorded CDs. After hearing at my local audio equipment salon on a number of occasions, I just purchased a CD by Trespassers William ("Anchor"), from the Indie Rock genre, which has incredible sonics and fine vocal performances.

I was looking for a player which would disappear and allow the music to take over. I personally dislike players which are bright and do not reflect accuracy in the mids and bass. This player exceeded all my expectations for a player in the sub-$1500 price range. I also liked the fact that it was upgradeable for a small investment.

If money was no object, I would definitely own this player as part of a system in my household. Whether it would be in my dedicated 2-channel system or not, only time will tell. That is where it is now and where it will remain until I find a player that exceeds it significantly. The only player I have heard that may do that is the new Ayre CX-7. However, I heard it in my local audio equipment salon and not on my equipment in my listening area so the verdict is still out. And it is considerably more pricey at $3,000.

If you are looking for a redbook player in the sub-$1500 price range, I encourage you to give the Arcam DiVa CD-72 player an audition. Preferably in your home, on your own equipment. A dynamo!

Associated gear
LFD Mistral integrated amp; LFD Mistral phono preamp; Coincident Technology Triumph Signature speakers; Rega Planar 25 Turntable with Rega Super Bias cartridge; Tascam CD-RW700 CD Recorder; Record Doctor LP cleaner

Similar products
I have not heard a Redbook CD player in this price range that equals the Arcam DiVA CD-72 player.
mcrheist
sek
105 posts
 
I think that which CD player sounds best is apparently very system- and listener-dependent. In my system at the time (NAD 3300 PE, Vandersteen 1C, ACI Titan II LE), the Arcam Diva CD72 sounded nice though a bit lean. In the under-$1000+ category, the Rotel CDP-971 and the NAD C541i (which I soon purchased) sounded significantly better.

The moral of this story is that one should try to audition prospective CD players at home. Failing that, one should do their auditioning with favorite recordings in systems that they can assess.
leebutler
2 posts
 
I find my Arcam cd 72t to be a fine player but a bit lean and I hear hiss from some cd's like the new Norah Jones cd? Any opinions on this out there?
bshapperd
84 posts
 
From what I understand there will always be audible hiss (ambient noise) which is most apperent at higher volume levels. Try turning down the gain a notch on your preamp, if you have this option. I'll probably pick up that disc this weekend so I will try it on my CD23 and let you know.
joemazzaglia
19 posts
 
An old girlfriend of mine once left "Blue" at my apartment by accident, and I never returned it! Her vocals really keep you listening (when portrayed correctly).

(NOTE to anyone remotely concerned with CAR audio: If your system can not produce Joni Mitchell's voice as a clear, coherent image between the speakers, you need to do some work. When things are correct system-wise, even the most diehard rap fan or rock n' roller will sit through "Blue" in its entirety, jaw agape. It's as if she is standing on your hood singing!)

In a good home system, "Blue" is spooky clear!

Glad to see that a fellow member has such good ears!!!

What are a few of your other faves, Mcrheist?

-joe m
ferrari
617 posts
 
Good review. Just purchased the Arcam CD 73 based on this review. Soon as it gets about 50 hours on it will do a review on the 73.

We will see how it stacks up against my Classe CDP .5 Player. Will be an interesting comparison between a $2,000.00 dollar player that is 7 years old to the newer 73 that sells for $699.00.
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