JayKay70:
Hi,
The CD 192 got a very positive review from What HiFi, but the newer CD17 and 37 did not.
Is the CD 192 better than the newer models? Or is it just that the current crop of similarly priced players are much improved, which has left the Arcam models behind?
Don't get too hung up on star ratings or reviews. As WHFI have said on many occasions, four star product can sound every bit as good as 5 in the right environment and system.
I've heard the 192 and 17 and they are both very good. However, personally speaking, if you have the budget only for the CD17 I would choose the defunct CD73T. And here's why:
In terms of detail and clarity the CD17 is better than the 73T. But if overall musicality is what you prefer in music, the 73 is better IMO.
The 192 I've heard with Leema Pulse and MA RS6 speakers, and quite frankly, the combo blew my socks off. So where does that leave the CD37? I've not heard this one yet, but I would assume it is an improvement on the 192. As crusaderlord said, the Cyrus and Naim stopped the Arcam from gaining the full five stars.