CDPs

audiobliss

I just browsed through all the CDPs listed on audiogon, and a few of them caught my eye, three of them in particular. I'd just like for anyone who knows anything about any of them to chime in with what they think of them. Such as, how do they perform as CDPs, and then as transports.

Acurus ACD-11


Arcam Alpha 7SE


Dynaco CDV-1


They all seem to be reasonably priced, and from my ignorant stand-point, I imagine they'd make for nice digital sources. I guess I like the Dynaco the most, since I associate the name with tube equipment from yesterday. Seems like a good price for a tube CDP. But then again, I don't know...so that's why I'm asking.

So, what do you know about them?

Thanks!

EDIT - Oh, and the names of the CDPs are links to the audiogon auctions, just in case you didn't catch that.

Dennis Gardner

I've always liked the Acurus, the Arcam looks like the best $$$ buy of the three and the Dynaco is simply funky. I like some of there tube preamps, but this cd player is from their newer stuff that frankly isn't as appreciated.

heiney9

Acurus is the lesser line of Aragon and was owned by Mondial Designs. The ACD-11 was the only cdp they made (I think). Here's a link to a 1997 review.

http://www.soundstage.com/greg08.htm

Maybe you've read it already, FWIW. It would be a good choice especially for transport duties. The Arcam is a bit light on the inside, always makes me a bit suspect, but it sounds like it's a decent unit.

http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/arcam7se_e.html

Reading between the lines of the above article it seems the Arcam is simply ordinary for it's class.

Not much out there on the Dynaco. Obviouslyy if your just needing a transport the Dynaco is a bit overkill with the tubes.

**The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Club Polk and should not be reprinted in part or in full without express written consent**

H9

audiobliss

Well, after reading that review on the Acurus, I want it! It sounds like it'd make for a solid transport, and all the effort that went into isolation and vibration dampening is interesting. I wonder if this player will still be available in 10 or 12 months when I'm ready to buy...:p

EDIT - I just noticed it's only $325. Hmm...that sounds like a great deal to me...I wonder if this unit comes up with any frequency at all on the used market?

audiobliss

The more I think about this...the more sure I am that if the parents would even think of letting me buy from audiogon, I'd be all over that Acurus...