Arcam - CD5 Compact Disc Player - Black

“Superb” is the word. WhatHiFi has a detailed review and it is not exaggerated even if to some it may seem so. Compared to my Cambridge Audio CXC this one wins hands down. I listen mostly to classical and Jazz - maybe for other genres it may not be the best choice. Has a quirk : Tray does not open from the remote. I don’t mind. You need to insert the disc anyway. The downside is that this is not quite given away. So if you are able to find an open box, it is definitely worth going for it. I prefer the analog output on the player- just a matter of taste. It may sound sweeter or it is just my DAC on the amp being too clinical.

Excellent sound. Well built. Mau miss some functions like tracks calendar, open/close functions on the remote. This compact disc player is definitely the reference in its class. It gives a lot of air to instruments. Finally, I can hear not only what is on the left part of the music scene, but I feel which instrument is in front of me, which one is further and even. Music is not tight to speakers.

The Arcam CD5 player has helped me reestablish my stero system and enjoy the 350+ CDs that I had. Sound is very musical and the sound stage is deep and broad. I am using the Arcam CD5 DAC and feeding the analog signal straight into my integrated amp. Amazing how good CDs can sound. Sure, I could stream but I think the CD sound is more pleasing. I love the clean, simple, elegant design of the CD5 and remote.

I finally got to hear what audiophiles call a wide and deep stage. I felt immersed in the music.having said that, it only works as long as the cd is of good quality. A couple of new cd’s which i felt were flat, ended up having a lot of static by the end of the cd, both of them. This was reproduced on another cd player. My point, is this player works great as long as the CD quality is good! The most notable to me was the great clarity in the high notes, something i loose from streaming. Lows are also improved but my room is not great with my sub. I definitely would purchase again, although i feel the price is too high.

Looks good in a set with Arca A25 and Arcam St25. I don't know how it sounds, because I connected it via a digital input to Arcam 25. In a pair it sounds great. The only thing I would like to note is the lack of track selection on the remote. Otherwise, I am very pleased with the purchase.