@The Record Spot -- Marantz SA7001KI

[admin_exported]

Hi,

I have to replace my Arcam CD72 CDP cause it's starting to skip / jump within tracks...I've managed to find a used Marantz SA 7001KI which is for sale...Since you own a 7001KI I'd like to ask for your advice...is it a good idea to buy a used 7001KI or shall I go for a new SA 7003 or the less expensive CD 6003.

My System: Creek 5350SE amp / Epos M12.2 speakers

I mostly listen to easy listening pop, jazz, folk, rock (no techno and heavy metal)

Thank you

Elmar

 

[plastic penguin]

From personal experience, Arcam is a wonderful match with Creek. I'd look at a CD192 or a s/hand CD17. Both will be a fine upgrade on the CD72.

 

[the record spot]

Hi Elmar, thanks for your request. First of, I've no real idea what your amp and speakers will sound like as a partnership with the SA7001-KI, that said, it is a rather fine source. The issue for most people would be the slightly leaner bass I'd imagine as there isn't whole lot wrong with anything else in the player.

It's fair to say that this isn't a fault and partnered with the rest of my setup is un-noticeable as the Sansui amp gives the CDP and speakers a bit more heft at the bottom end. Assuming that the balance between the Epos and Creek isn't also light then you should be fine. Of course, if a leaner but articulate bass is your preference, then you're home and dry.

Midrange is detailed and full without becoming analytical while the treble is nicely rolled off. The overall sound is one I can listen to for hours, and often do when I have the chance. Up until recently, Hi Fi world rated this as one of their picks in the magazine's contemporary classics listings and it's easy to see why. If SACD is important to you, as a number of Jazz titles are out on the format, then this is an obvious consideration.

Whether you should go for the used KI or the SA7003 is perhaps one for you. To go like for like, you'd be looking at the SA8003, which is the natural successor to the 7001-KI (Marantz dropped the "KI" suffix with the latest range) while the SA7001 was succeeded by the SA7003. I haven't had the pleasure of the either of the latest players yet so can't comment on their abilities. Personally, I'm delighted by my player, money well spent, so it's worth having a listen to it and see if it appeals to you.

As for alternatives, the Harman Kardon HD990 was a rather impressive CDP which I heard over the summer. One I'd shortlist. A good rich and beefy sound to it when partnered with Dali Ikon 5s and a Leema Pulse and Harman's impressive HK990 amp. The aforesaid Arcam, if it's available in your area, is also worth a look by all accounts.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your kind words.

Since my CD72 is slowly dying I'm not convinced of Arcams reliability...my brothers nearly 20y old Philips player is still spinning like on its first day.

For the Creek amp...it's not lean sounding,not at all, it's crisp, punchy and for me the Creek has a neutral balance with a little emphasis on upper bass. Arcam CDP, Creek amp and Epos speakers are a perfect match, they deliver a punchy, crisp and detailed (not clinical / analytical) sound with a warm refined tone, which I prefer. It's tough, that one part is torn out of this well working link and needs to be replaced. A word to the Epos speakers: It's astounding how tuneful and punchy, unless not that deep, the bass is through the small Epos. I now have my brothers 10y old Triangle Comete XS connected to the amp, which are known for little bass and bright sounding highs...the Creek is a good match though...no harshness in the upper highs, good upper bass and extremely good on male voice, although the sound lacks dynamic and overall balance is missing, same with soundstaging abilities.

But back to topic: Actually I do not want to spend more than 350 pounds on a CD Player. Question is if a player in this price range comes close to the Arcam CD72, which is - no doubt - a capable player. I personally think that the difference between CD Players is not as big as between speakers. So I doubt that an 800 pounds CD player improves the sound presentation that much. Or am I wrong? What is your comment on my statement?

-Elmar

 

[plastic penguin]

Firstly, I've not heard or experienced any reliability problems with Arcam. One of their virtues is build quality and reliability - they are probably one of the most robust machines, within their price tag.

Yup, I love Creek. I heard the Evo 2 which was stonking for the money.

If you have a budget of £350 tops, look on either Audio-Ts or Sevenoaks website or call your local branch and ask for a dem.

http://www.sevenoakssoundandvision.co.uk/clearance.aspx

Have a scan through the above link and see whether anything takes your fancy. I've just seen on Audio-Ts website Marantz 6003 starting off at around £150.00. It's a good machine...

Good luck

 

[Mr Morph]

redruby:

Hi,

I have to replace my Arcam CD72 CDP cause it's starting to skip / jump within tracks...I've managed to find a used Marantz SA 7001KI which is for sale...Since you own a 7001KI I'd like to ask for your advice...is it a good idea to buy a used 7001KI or shall I go for a new SA 7003 or the less expensive CD 6003.

My System: Creek 5350SE amp / Epos M12.2 speakers

I mostly listen to easy listening pop, jazz, folk, rock (no techno and heavy metal)

Thank you

Elmar

Elmar, why don't you get your current player serviced if you like it so much? Just because a player starts skipping doesn't mean it's the end of the world. Laser lens probably needs proper cleaning, or some grease needs to be added to part of the mechanism (depending on the type). Not an expensive job anyway... All CD players skip at some point, but it's usually a simple job to get the thing up and running again. Hell, I've managed to keep my player going for 22 years!

 

[Anonymous]

if its just starting to skip/jump is the lazer not dusty/dirty.......? i would try a lens cleaner first pal, it may save you a lot of money! worth a shot

 

[Anonymous]

As you might have found out I'm not British, I live in Austria and I don't think it's cost-effective to send the player to Britain for to have it serviced. Though I've considered to have the player repaired...so I've emailed Arcam to give me some advice but still waiting for a reply. Does anyone know if I can clean the laser lens by myself?

@plastic penguin

Thanks for the link. I'll skip through it.

-Elmar

 

[the record spot]

Hi Elmar, I'd probably ask Arcam to recommend a local dealer who may have some suggestions. You could buy a lens cleaner which is pretty easy and you pop it in your player, press play and it does the rest. In the past, a few had reported problems but that was in the infancy of such accessories. You should be fine now.
To answer your query around the sound of the player, some do have a noticeable difference, others don't really. In digital replay, I think the greater onus goes no the amplifier, unlike vinyl, where the source is the king.
As to the sound of the 7001-KI, it's possibly going to be quite different from the CD72, only in as much as the detail and midrange are a little more to the fore than the bass so a little less "warm". But it depends on how it would sound with your amp and speakers ultimately. As a source, I have no hesitation recommending it; a fine build, great sound, good transport and SACD compatibility. Ideal for me, YMMV.

 

[Mr Morph]

redruby:

As you might have found out I'm not British, I live in Austria and I don't think it's cost-effective to send the player to Britain for to have it serviced. Though I've considered to have the player repaired...so I've emailed Arcam to give me some advice but still waiting for a reply. Does anyone know if I can clean the laser lens by myself?

@plastic penguin

Thanks for the link. I'll skip through it.

-Elmar

Any halfway decent electronics technician will be able to solve this problem. Make enquiries at your local hi-fi shop for a good repair guy and he should have it sorted out for you in no time. Get an estimate first!

In answer to your question about a DIY repair, well... I know that there are certain health and safety rules on this site, so I won't be going into that! ie Disconnect from the mains supply, etc... However, you'll find that Kodak (camera) lens cleaner applied (very carefully and sparsely) to the laser lens usually works well. Also check that the mechanism is well greased along the pivot or rails (depending on type). Sometimes skipping occurs simply because the laser carriage doesn't travel correctly, it gets stuck temporarily. This is really the only reason why a CDP should skip, but it will happen with badly damaged discs. Any good technician should be able to tell you the same.