seller has replied today (maybe he's on this forum or seen this thread...). he has suggested what i have already tried.. tried both sets of rca outputs, digital out, and earthing the unit but there is no earth and not required as per the manual. i used the power cable he sent and.also.my.own.
he's had it for 15 years and has said he connected all his arcam stuff to the mains all the time to keep the transformer.warm.
however he's not offer a refund or partial to cover repair though .although id rather not want the hassle of sending it off for repair. ive no idea how much it would cost to repair if he offers a partial refund..
im not sure what next or whether i cn ask for a refund if the seller didn't experience this problem but ultimately ive bought a cd player not as described..