Extremely disappointed in CD192

[dead of night]

Hi. I've had my CD 192 for just a little over two years. In other words it's out of warranty. Last night, I experienced a crackling noise from it, signal drop outs, and it takes a long time to read a CD track when I change tracks- about 40 seconds just to change tracks.

After a search, I've found that others have the same problem. I upgraded to the CD192 from the CD73, which also failed on me.

Do you think ARcam will fix my CD player for me under warranty, even though I purchased it on 11/26/06? If not, how much do you think it will cost to get it fixed?

What other brands should I look at if I am stuck with an expensive repair?

 

[Mark.Yudkin]

I was lucky in that my CD82's transport went slightly before the 2 years were up.

I'd suggest you write a polite e-mail to your Arcam importer asking them whether they'd be tolerant and repair it for you cheaply, seeing that its only just out of warranty (BTW that 26th November 2006 date is only just over one year).

 

[dead of night]

Thanks Mark. I guess with the year change, I mistakenly thought it was 2 years, not one. I'm glad to realize my 192 is still under warranty.

I'm going to ask my dealer if he'll let me upgrade to the FMJ CD33, What might be the price difference approximately?

Otherwise, I'm going to box up my 192 and ship it to my dealer and let him fix it. It's a holiday now and can't contact him.

 

[dead of night]

Also, another question for the forum: the problem with my CD192 seems to go away after about 20 minutes. Why might that be? This question is for those who might know more about the inner workings of the Arcam than me.

M dilemma is whether or not I should just live with this slight quirk or go through with the inconvenience of unhooking and boxing up my 192, pay shipping charges, and hope for the best.

What do you think?

 

[shadow 8]

If its under warranty, I would advise getting it fixed now. If it gets worse after warranty, you are out of luck.

 

[Dorian]

The transport went on my DV-88 after I put a CD in from the car that was cold and got condensation on it inside the transport. Arcam sent me a new transport pretty much at cost and it was fitted inside of 10 minutes, just using a screwdriver.

You could either do that or Arcam will fit it for you if you send the machine in.

 

[dead of night]

Thanks what might be the sonic differences between the 192 and the fmj cd33 if I was allowed to upgrtade? Also, how much in American dollars is the fmj cd33?

 

[Mark.Yudkin]

Since you would be obtaining the CD33 second-hand, you'll have to look on your local market for the going price.

In this country, the current FMJ model, the CD36, costs CHF3200 as opposed to CHF1900 for the CD192. CHF1.13 = USD1.

 

[dead of night]

Thanks. I guess I am interested in the CD36; I was not aware of the new model. Will it sound better?

 

[Mark.Yudkin]

Will it sound better?

As always, that depends on the rest of your (unspecified) equipment...

At the price, purchasing without auditioning would require "a lot of courage".

 

[lpm]

If you do a search for 'CD36' you'll find at least a couple of threads discussing CD 192/36 comparisons. I wouldn't part with my 36 and the 5 year warranty gives some peace of mind. Sorry about your problem.

 

[webhammer]

I think the CD36 is a substantial upgrade in sound quality from a CD192, much like upgrading from DV137 to DV139 (ok, from 137 to 139 is greater, but in US that upgrade is triple the price difference, $1999 to $3499). Current US prices on CD192 are $1499 and CD36 $1999.

 

[dead of night]

Thanks for the replies. Just an update: my CD192 has completely failed now; it won't even read any of my CDs. I have owned my CD192 for 13 months. I would like Arcam to fix or replace my current unit, either that or, give me full credit toward a 36.

Do you think Arcam will give me full credit toward an upgrade? Arcam is reputed to have very good customer service.

I'm pretty sure the laser on my curent unit has failed, is this usually fixed or will I get a new model as a replacement?

 

[Dorian]

Owned for 13 months or over two years, which is it? If it's 13 months surely you just package it up and give it back to your dealer, who will send it back to Arcam and get it repaired.

Otherwise speak nicely to Arcam support and see what they will do for you. I have found them outstanding, they are certainly not your average faceless corporation. Explain what the problem is and see what they say.

 

[dead of night]

Owned for 13 months or over two years, which is it? If it's 13 months surely you just package it up and give it back to your dealer, who will send it back to Arcam and get it repaired.

Otherwise speak nicely to Arcam support and see what they will do for you. I have found them outstanding, they are certainly not your average faceless corporation. Explain what the problem is and see what they say.

It's been 13 months, so thank goodness it's still under warranty. My dealer has given Arcam the serial number to the unit and the dealer is waiting to hear from them. I'm glad Arcam takes care of its customers: I can't wait to have my 192 fixed and to be listening to it again. How long does it take for them to do repairs?

 

[Dorian]

I can't say for sure but I'd expect your dealer would have the machine back within 1-2 weeks

 

[Harbornebloke]

Hi there

A few years ago my CD82 blew its DAC and Arcam sorted the problem in just over a week.

For what its worth I upgraded it to a CD192 and was very happy with it until I borrowed a CD36 for a weekend. I didn't want to give it back. I saved my pennies and got one not long after that. The sound is like a more refined and powerful 192.

Hope that helps.

 

[dead of night]

Hi there

A few years ago my CD82 blew its DAC and Arcam sorted the problem in just over a week.

For what its worth I upgraded it to a CD192 and was very happy with it until I borrowed a CD36 for a weekend. I didn't want to give it back. I saved my pennies and got one not long after that. The sound is like a more refined and powerful 192.

Hope that helps.

Thanks, yes that does help. I wonder if Arcam would, after 13 months of ownership, give me full credit for my broken 192 toward a CD36.

 

[Harbornebloke]

Thanks, yes that does help. I wonder if Arcam would, after 13 months of ownership, give me full credit for my broken 192 toward a CD36.

If you don't ask, you don't get!

 

[Mark.Yudkin]

I suspect it depends on your country of residence. My CD82 took 6 weeks to repair, as parts had to be obtained from UK.

 

[dead of night]

I suspect it depends on your country of residence. My CD82 took 6 weeks to repair, as parts had to be obtained from UK.

I'm in the USA. Do most people need repairs on their Arcam CD players?

 

[colinmjohnson]

I'm in the USA. Do most people need repairs on their Arcam CD players?

My CD36 took 6 weeks to repair.. I'm in Norway... It needed a new CD drive ( complete ) and a new main board.

But, it's a gem of a player and I can't imagine ever wanting to part with it.

p.s. I had a CD192 for 5 days and returned it because I wanted better... I came out of the shop with a CD36... There really is a difference. See if your dealer will do a trade-in...

 

[webhammer]

The responses indicate the answer is no and that is my experience as I work for the US Arcam importer. Certainly there have been some failures, but service is generally prompt and we try to maintain an adequate supply of parts for our authorized regional service centers.

I'm in the USA. Do most people need repairs on their Arcam CD players?

 

[dead of night]

The responses indicate the answer is no and that is my experience as I work for the US Arcam importer. Certainly there have been some failures, but service is generally prompt and we try to maintain an adequate supply of parts for our authorized regional service centers.

Thanks that's great news, a company that stands behind their product. Can't wait till I get mine back.

 

[PenguinHiFi]

Hi,

According to my experience, the DIVA series (that includes the CD192) offers a vivid sound. The FMJ series (CD23, CD33 and CD36) offers a more detailed and relaxed sound. You can listen to it a lot more than the DIVA (because it is more relaxed).
Don't be fooloished by the first auditions on a FMJ if you're accustomed to the DIVA sound. You might be disappointed. Because you think it lacks the dynamics and vivid caracter of the DIVA. But listen to it for about 20 or 30 minutes... Then you'll know.

The CD36 is a hell of a machine. Detailed and rich sound with much more substance than the CD192. If you feel trying a used machine, go for the CD23 (especially the "T" version) wich has the legendary RingDAC from dCS. Something amongst the finest ever done. As far as I am concerned, I prefer the CD23 over the CD36, which is a little too "dark" for my tastes. PERSONAL OPINION : please do not flame me

Regards.

PenguinHiFi