Delta 70.2 versus current ARCAM CD decks

[davehk]

Hi,

I'd be interested to hear your opinions on how much difference their is likely to be between the following CD playing setups:


a) Arcam Delta 70.2 analogue output to AVR300 analogue in Stereo Direct
b) Arcam Delta 70.2 digital output to AVR300 PCM mode
c) Arcam CD73 connected as in (a)
d) Arcam CD73 connected as in (b)

(You may guess that I have a Delta 70.2 and am considering an upgrade)

Thanks

Dave

[davehk]

No-one round here old enough to have heard a Delta70.2 then ?

[barnythebear]

I had a 170 plus black box 3 and was not disappointed by it but the FMJ23 I have now is certainly better. Mind you I've also added to my kit in general since then but I feel that it would be worth listening to some of the newer CD players. With the FMJ36 coming out there may be some bargins out there.

[Timmy C]

I had a 170.3 with a Black Box 5. The 170 died years ago but I still use the BB5 with an old Alpha5+ on one of my systems. Also got an Alpha 9 and a CD23 which do a better job though.

I hate to state the obvious Dave but I think your best bet would be to take your 70.2 down to a dealer and see what he's got that will beat it. You may want to sell your 70.2 while it's still working as you'll probably get a few quid on ebay for it!

[barnythebear]

Another point I forgot to mention which Timmy c reminder me about. When I had the 170 serviced last year Arcam said that the only thing they would not be able to repair was the laser. Might be worth moving on!

[Timmy C]

It was the laser that went on mine! I was originally told it couldn't be replaced but was then told they may be getting the part (Philips made if I remember correctly) but it would be £150!! I nearly turned my back on Arcam for good after that but that was a fair few years back.

Other than the dodgy volume/switching controls on the Delta and Alpha amps and the terrible remote control on my DV27A I've had no real problems with any of my Arcam gear since and I own a fair bit of it!

[davehk]

Thanks,

Yes, I certainly won't change without spending a couple of hours at Sevenoaks with my 70.2 and whatever they suggest. They should be able to duplicate my entire system and it would be a valid excercise as I auditioned the rest of it there also.

But I was interested to see if it was likely to be time well spent. Guess I should book an appointment - when I can find some time!

If I do upgrade I'll offer the 70.2 here before going to ebay.

[reMC]

I´m really interested in buying a Delta 70.2. Do you guys heve any idea on where to find that?