New Arcam FMJ CD Player and Stereo Preamplifier

[Crustyloafer]

Had a very nice visit from a chap Arcam today. He brought us some pre production samples of the new Arcam FMJ CD36 flagship cd player and the new Arcam FMJ C31 stereo preamplifier.

The CD36 is the successor to the CD33T and offers quite a number of improvements over its predecessor. I can't remember them all but the following are the main points talked about.

1. New output stage base on an improved version of the DACs in the CD192
2. New 4 layer PCBS allowing better layout and higher noise rejection.
3. New power supply layout allowing output stages to be further away from transformers.
4. New material (apparently derived from stealth bomber technology) used in casework above output stages to absorb electromagnetic radiation and other nasties.
5. New transport based on one used in CD192 and mounted on a much solid metal base.
6. Ouput stage board fitted to casework with better fitting clips to reduce vibration

The C31 has replaced the C30 and there are a number of changes under the hood.

1. Totally new 4 layer PCB and circuitry layout allowing shorter signal path
2. Multi channel options no longer available allowing better placement of components due to not have to leave room for multi channel board.
3. Tone controls have also been dropped from the feature list to keep the signal path as short and clean as possible.
4. New material (apparently derived from stealth bomber technology) used in casework above output stages to absorb electromagnetic radiation and other nasties.
5.Phono stage no longer supplied as standard, but still available as dealer fitted upgrade.
6. Hugely improved speed and transparency with far more attack and detail.

These units are available to order now and are expected to be shipped towards the end of this week. Needless to say my name is first on the list for the new CD36 to replace my now sold CD33. The CD36 will retail for £1400, £50 up from the CD33 and the C31 will remain at the same cost of £1200 as its predecessor.

[mrkeeling]

Great news!
But, I must say that I am quite disappointed that there is no more multichannel option for new preamp.

[Crustyloafer]

When you hear the improvement in two channel performance that's been achieved you'll realise why they dropped this option.

[ruben20]

Are there no plans on a stereo integrated amp? How good are the improvements?

[mrkeeling]

Originally Posted by Crustyloafer

When you hear the improvement in two channel performance that's been achieved you'll realise why they dropped this option.

I am not sure I want to hear it It may shatter my dream home theatre setup.

In other words, if I do not get C30 (while there still are some left – and I can’t financially handle that right now) I won’t be able to get a pure analog multichannel preamp from Arcam in the future?

[JH1]

I've just managed to capitalise on the launch of the new CD36 by buying a new CD33 with 5 year warranty and free £110 Atlas interconnect all for £799!
A cracking deal for a great player.
By the way, anyone know how long the CD33 is likely to take to run in as it is still sounding a little bright at the moment?
(That means the CD73's available if anyones interested...PM me!)

[ruben20]

Nice deal...
I really love this player. Mine took several weeks te really open up. I also really benefits from a decent power cord.

[batleys]

Originally Posted by JH1

By the way, anyone know how long the CD33 is likely to take to run in as it is still sounding a little bright at the moment?

I left mine on repeat disc for about a week, and it got to sound really sweet.
By the way I found a shielded mains lead and siting the 33 at least 20 cm away from anything else seemed to help. Its hard to describe, but when I had done this certain CDs just got clearer and more natural and even over processed rock/pop CD became insightful - with often what can sound like compressed mush becoming relatively clear. Interesting to hear of how you get on with the 33 - I just love mine - and I can't fault it!!

Simon

[JH1]

Thanks for the advice on running in time guys. Interesting to hear that a sheilded mains cable helps. I'm using an Isotek Premium mains cable at the moment but from reviews I read about it, it wasn't supposed to be great, so I may try something different in the future. I will soon be looking to invest in a new rack aswell, as all units are sat on top of each other....not ideal, but I have used the 'ole squash balls in between to give a little help towards isolation in the meantime!
The player already sounds very sweet but just a little bright compared to the demonstration player I trialled at home, so I can't wait for it to run in properly.

[sticker]

Thanks for the update Chris. Arcam certainly seem to be full steam ahead with new products.

Do you know if they are likely to release a new multi channel audio only pre?

Regards
John

[Jeff]

The multi channel C30 is a unique and much needed product, by the sound of it the C31 is just another stereo preamp. It's a big step backwards IMO.

[Hifi addict]

The C31 also has balanced outputs, just see:
http://hiddenwires.co.uk/resourcesne...050527-05.html

[Hifi addict]

Originally Posted by Jeff

The multi channel C30 is a unique and much needed product, by the sound of it the C31 is just another stereo preamp. It's a big step backwards IMO.

If you want a multichannel pre-amp you have the choice to go for the AV8 or the new AVP700

[Crustyloafer]

Originally Posted by Jeff

The multi channel C30 is a unique and much needed product, by the sound of it the C31 is just another stereo preamp. It's a big step backwards IMO.

I beg to differ, I'm glad to see them paying more attention to two channel users and making sure there are no compromises in that area.

[Mr Pumpkinhead]

Originally Posted by Crustyloafer

1. New output stage base on an improved version of the DACs in the CD192
5. New transport based on one used in CD192 and mounted on a much solid metal base.

Makes the 192 sound quite good.
How does a 192 compare to the CD33 ?