Price Paid:  $1200.00 from Pro Musica, Chicago

Summary:
A simple player that just doesn't have any effect or much of a sound at all, without being lifeless. It reproduces the CD without impartiing anyhthing.

Strengths:
Honeset, smooth, full, fast. Open top. proper mids and bass. I removed the A/C filters which opened up the top more and improved the sound by a solid %5 or more.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Too many.............
This one is stupid proof. Just buy it.

Price Paid:  $1800.00 from Audio Ark

Summary:
Needing a replacement for an aging CD player, which I had been using as a transport with a d/a converter, I went about auditioning one box players with a ceiling of 3K (Canadian) in mind. Having a Linn Integrated I considered a Linn player, but while I liked, the value for the dollar was not there. I also listened to several Rotel products, highly rated by reviewers and very good. However once I listened to the CD82T , I kept going back. I just sounded right. I could use all the descriptors one might read in a review, but the word "right" just seems to fit. The CD72 was great, but the 82 was that much better and certainly worth the extra money, having what I would describe as a warmer, yet detailed sound. For my dollar I found this player to be the absolute point of diminishing returns in that I felt it was twice as good as a 1K player, but only marginally behind players worth 1K more ($3000). I would have to spend a small fortune to get something that would be enough of an upgrade to even consider. The true test was bringing the player home, giving it a while to break in, and then having my wife, who pays no attention to the equipment, only the music, ask in a rather suspicious tone if I had purchased new speakers as well. We have both definitely discovered a whole new library of music with previously hidden detail and nuance. In terms of value this is by far the best component I have. I would recommend this for anyone who wants audiophile equipment on a finite budget (like most of us), although this piece has now given me the bug to upgrade amp and speakers.

Strengths:
Value for the dollar paid.
Full, rich, yet articulate sound.
Conveys the rythym and flow of the music.

Weaknesses:
Text Option??? why.... how much did this feature add to the cost. One can only insist that Sony, whom I believe builds the transport, insisted.

Similar Products Used:
I presently use a Linn Intek 50 Watt Integrated Amp (next on the upgrade list) and Celestion SL12si speakers. I had been using an older Rotel as a transport with a PS Audio D/A Converter. Prior to purchasing the Arcam I auditioned several Rotel players, Linn Genki, Roksan, NAD and Marantz.