Arcam CD92T

In my view this was a far better CD Player than the rival machines (Cyrus, Roksan, Naim) for equivalent cost. It picked up 5 Stars from What Hi-Fi and top recommendations from the general Hi-fi press. What let this player down was the shortage of dCS ring DACS, which meant Arcam had to replace the unit with the inferior CD93 and later CD193 designs - which use a more conventional DAC arrangement. This is a really great CD player that will no doubt be highly regarded for many years to come.

I bought the Arcam CD92T at the same time as the A85 amp, to go with my Quad 21L speakers. I'd also listened to the likes of the Arcam CD82, Roksan's two players and the Musical Fidelity A3. I wasn't keen on the Roksan Kandy, but the MF did sound very good. In the end however I went for the CD92 because it fits better with the more detailed, laid back sound of the amp and speakers. The MF was also a lot more expensive, especially since the CD92 was almost half-price in the sales. In fact it was slightly cheaper than the £600 CD82, which I also listened to.

Viewed as a £600 player the CD92 gets top marks. I was sceptical that there would be much difference between the CD82 and CD92, but with its more complex DAC arrangement the CD92 definitely gets more out of a CD. The instruments sound more realistic, and you can pick out details that you never knew existed before. Timing also seems spot on. It's at its best with classical recordings, but is no slouch either with rock or dance.

However, viewed as a £900 player, I'm not sure that it can be viewed as favourably. The build quality, although not terrible, doesn't seem to live up to the rest of the range. It might be that I have a bad example, but the CD draw is slightly wonky. It doesn't seem to affect the performance, but it looks unsightly.

I suspect that also it may sound too tame for some tastes. I like the more neutral sound, and it intergates well with my other components, but others might find that it doesn't sound as exciting as the MF (which I found a touch bright).

The CD92 has been replaced with the CD93, which has a totally different DAC arrangement (maybe they decided that the dcsRing DAC of the CD92 wasn't so good after all). What Hifi rate both the CD92 and CD93 as 4*: good but not top of the class. I haven't listened to the much vaunted Cyrus CD8 (which is supposed to be the best), but I'd have to agree. If you like your music to sound neutral and open, or have an Arcam setup then it is definitely worth considering, especially if you can get hold of them at a reduced price.