Old vs New Arcam

[silverknapper]

Hi All

I have an Arcam alpha 1 cd, alpha 5+ amp and kef IQ1 Speakers. Everything is fine, and it sounds great to my untrained ear.
BUT!
The cd player is starting to play up. About half the time i put a disc in it doesn't register. Sometimes 'disc' is displayed on the screen, sometimes nothing.
My question is twofold really.
Firstly does anyone have any ideas for fixing it?
Secondly, if I were to replace it would I notice a massive difference in quality? I have had the electronics for some 11 years now and I know how much PC's have moved on since then!!
As everyone says there are deals around on the CD73, would this be a good upgrade? Would I suffer if I stuck with the same amp?
Few questions in there I guess, all advice very much appreciated.

Thanks

[davepuma]

Obvious one, have you tried a lens cleaner?

[silverknapper]

Yeah I tried a CD type lens cleaner, no difference. Some discs work perfectly all the time, others never work, others are intermittent, even if it is clean and scratch free

[evans]

probably the lazer is its last days

[killiefan]

I think there is little doubt that technology has moved on, and to most people so has sound quality. In that light I think a new CD player 11 years development on from your Alpha 1 will show an improvement.

The same goes for your amp, but if it isn't broken and you are happy with it then why change?

Suggestion - speak to a local dealer and set up an audition with a couple or three CD players in your price bracket. If you can get a home demo (most dealers release for a couple of days in return for a credit card swipe) that is best. If not, take your Alpha 5 with you, but try to get a good match on the speakers to or else you won't really know what is producing the sound you like.

You can always ask the dealer to suggest a new amp in your pre-decided budget and listen to that with the new CD player.

If YOU like what YOU hear and are getting vfm then splash the cash and enjoy the next 11 years.

[Mark.Yudkin]

If you want to take the opportunity as an excuse for an upgrade, that's one matter, but if you're pressed for cash (you're talking about getting the CD73 on a good deal), why not given Arcam a ring or send them an email and ask what it might cost for them to repair the Alpha 1? You can then take it from there.