Arcam CD36 lays down a challenge to competitors restating its position as one of the world's finest hi-fi manufacturers. New technology unique to Arcam. 'Stealth Mat' material from stealth fighter technology diffuses EMC within the player to reduce interaction, lowering noise floor and removing detail-masking hash and sibilance.

Extensive re-engineering of the power supply and control electronics means the CD36 delivers a cleaner, more musical performance than previous players. Proven upsampling techniques and quad Wolfson DAC technology ensure the CD36 is one of the best dedicated CD players in the world. Four layer circuit boards, ultra low jitter clocks and a dual toroidal transformer power supply are some of the key features. Mechanical design incorporates Acousteel technology, which dampens mechanical vibration in critical areas and isolates it from critical circuitry.

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The 840C marks the zenith of Cambridge Audio’s critically acclaimed Azur line up. Like all Azur products, the 840C promises unseen levels of performance and engineering excellence to the price points in question. But rather than redefining expectations in the entry-level market, the arena most often associated with Cambridge Audio, the company will reinvigorate the mid-end price sector.

The 840C embraces a raft of proprietary technologies including ATF™ (Adaptive Time Filtering) asynchronous up-sampling technology which has been developed in conjunction with Anagram Technologies of Switzerland. This system intelligently interpolates 16-bit/44.1kHz CD data to 24-bit/384kHz data, through the use of a 32-bit Analog Devices Black Fin DSP (digital signal processor). This in turn feeds two 24-bit/384kHz DACs from the same company in dual differential formation.

Each DAC handles just one channel for excellent stereo imaging, operating fully in differential mode for exceptionally low distortion and noise...

The 740C is the latest in Cambridge Audio’s Azur series of CD players. Using the upsampling technology present in the top-of-the-range 840C barnstormer, now married to dual Wolfson WM8740 24-bit DACs with a newly developed Bessel implementation of our proprietary virtual earth balanced filtering, the 740C is set to rejuvenate the mid price sector. The 740C incorporates the same 32-bit DSP as the 840C and upsamples to full 24-bit 384 kHz.

The 740C is the first CD player at the price to provide upsampling technology, a benefit normally bestowed upon products costing up to six times as much. Key to the abilities of the 740C is ATF™ (Adaptive Time Filtering) an upsampling process developed in conjunction with Anagram Technologies of Switzerland. This system intelligently interpolates 16-bit/44.1 kHz CD (or other) audio data to 24-bit/384 kHz through the use of a 32-bit Analog Devices Black Fin DSP (Digital Signal Processor) for the very best sound quality. The ATF system applies sophisticated polynomial curve fitting interpolation and incorporates a time domain model which allows data buffering and re-clocking. This almost completely eradicates digital jitter.

The 740C uses an enhanced version of our proprietary Dual Differential Virtual Earth Balanced filter topology. As the upsampled audio data rate is so high, aliasing artefacts are moved well above audible frequencies, this in turn means we can use a new low order two pole linear-phase Bessel version of the topology for constant group delay and minimal phase shift in the audio band.

Cambridge Audio manufactures some of the best compact disc players available. This includes the flagship Azur 640C which is widely regarded as the best sub-£500 CD player on the UK market. It builds on the features of the 540C and has scooped a plethora of awards. These include Five Star and Best Buy gongs from leading publication What Hi-Fi? and Sound and Vision - which described it as ‘a fine all rounder… way beyond what we’d expect of a player at this price’.

The Azur 540C boasts performance, build quality and a specification to embarrass not just its immediate rivals, but many CD players costing at least twice the price. Features include the latest generation WM8716 24-bit/192kHz DAC (digital to analogue converter) from highly respected manufacturer Wolfson, a custom Cambridge Audio servo solution and transport, proven Sony laser optics and proprietary data re-clocking for exceptionally low jitter.

Like its bigger brothers, the Azur 340C delivers class leading performance but this time, at an even more competitive price point. The elegant design uses high quality Sony laser optics and the same Cambridge Audio servo circuitry as found in the award-winning 540C and 640C players. These and a raft of other technologies guarantee a wonderful performance, whatever disc you spin. The chassis of the 340C ensures minimal resonance to ensure ultimate sonic performance and is enhanced by a solid aluminium front panel.

Audiophile quality CD and SACD player. The DCD-2000AE is endowed with "Advanced AL24 Processing," the critically-acclaimed PCM (CD) signal reproduction technology that DENON developed for the high-end DCD-SA1. In addition to the data expansion of existing AL24 Processing Plus technology, up-converted sampling is used to achieve natural interpolation without losing original data. Greater optimisation in digital processing algorithm has also been achieved for ringing-free pulse response and for pulsive music data and attack sounds. This enhances naturalness in the reproduction of spatial information such as the delicate nuances in the music, the locations of the performers, and the breadth, height, and depth of the concert hall. Available in Premium Silver only

High End CD and SACD player. The DCD-1500AE features AL24 Processing, an analog waveform reproduction technology that DENON developed to reduce quantitative noise and support the higher resolutions and sampling of next-generation media. AL24 Processing interpolates the recorded digital data so that it produces a waveform that is closer to the analog waveform for the sound as it existed in the natural world. By reproducing in 24-bit quality the 16-bit signals recorded on CD, low-level signals such as those that occur at moments when the music quietly fades or starts are reproduced with greater clarity. Available in Black and Premium Silver

The DCD-700AE is endowed with AL24 Processing, the analog waveform reproduction technology that DENON developed to reduce quantization noise and support the higher resolution of high-quality audio media and higher sampling. AL24 Processing interpolates digital data so that its sine wave closely approximates that of the analog waveform and sounds the way it would in the natural world. By reproducing in 24-bit quality the 16-bit signals recorded on conventional CDs, AL24 Processing enhances the reproducibility of low-level musical sounds such as those that occur when the music emerges from silence or quietly fades into the distance. Available in Black and Premium Silver

The DCD-500AE incorporates a 192 kHz/24 bit D/A converter that removes much more of the distortion that plagues high frequencies, bringing music lovers a cleaner, more detailed sound compared with conventional models in this class. Carefully designed construction to preserve audio signal purity The CD drive mechanism has been located at the center of the DCD- 500AE's chassis to balance the weight of the body. Vibration that occurs while the drive's motor operates is also suppressed to an absolute minimum so that it does not affect sound quality. To further eliminate adverse influences on the audio signal, the DCD-500AE's transformer has been mounted in a position that keeps leakage flux away from the audio circuit. Black only available

The DCM-500 5-disc carousel changer is equipped with audiophile-grade Burr-Brown digital-to-analog converters will recreate the music on your CDs with the utmost precision, for the best quality sound possible. The mechanism provides smooth, quiet operation and allows the carousel to rotate in either direction to reduce the time between playing tracks on different discs. The DCM-500 also features 32 track program memory and three modes of random play: full random, program random and sequential disc random.

The NAD C-542 replaces NAD’s venerable C-541i. With the worldwide acclaim and numerous awards for outstanding performance and value, it is fair to ask why NAD would “mess with success”. But NAD has never rested on its laurels; rather development is ongoing at the NAD Lab and new models are launched when they feel a significant improvement has been achieved. Such is the case with the C-542.

The C521BEE was one of the best selling CD Players in NAD’s illustrious history with several 5 Star reviews and awards adding to its fame. So it is understandable that NAD didn’t want to make major changes to such a successful design. But the engineers at NAD are always looking to add that last little bit of performance. To this end they found a few subtle but important improvements. Significantly, the C525BEE is lead-free in its construction and meets the strictest environmental standards in effect around the world. NAD’s engineers also have fine tuned the circuit that reads and tracks the CD to improve performance with the latest copy-protected and hybrid CDs.

We think that even the most critical music listeners will appreciate the fluid dynamics, spacious sound, and refined harmonic textures the C525BEE is able to extract from their favorite performances on Compact Disc. Whether your musical taste leans toward the expansive majesty of a full symphony orchestra, the driving beat and raw energy of rock, or the warm intimacy of the a capella voice, the C525BEE never gets in the way of the musical expression.

Description

If you really love your music, then we think you will enjoy this revolutionary new CD Player from British Hi-Fi Specialist manufacturer Rega. Sure, it looks just like the cheaper priced Apollo on the outside, but that is the only resemblance. Virtually every circuit has been upgraded with superior components to deliver a performance that is among the best we have ever heard at any price!

We could go on and on, but as recommended by us and most enthusiasts, you really need to audition the Saturn for yourself. So, we recommend you bring in a selection of your CDs and let us demonstrate a product that will produce a detailed performance that will have you amazed!

Suggested Option: R&K Power lead extra $299; Top Shelf Interconnects $350 pair

Available in Black or Silver

Read a review from the Stereo Times

New Release: This revolutionary new player will analyse the disc to be played and rather like the engine management system on a modern car will adjust itself to the disc in order to give optimal trouble free reading and great sound quality. This process takes a few short seconds and the resultant musical improvements are superb.

The Apollo utilises a brand new design output amplifier. This amplifier is of discreet design and uses the very highest quality audio components. It operates in 'Class A' and represents a big step up in performance from previous players. Because of the high quality 'Class A' output stage the CD players sound quality will improve over the first 15 minutes after switching on.

We highly recommend you access the Read More file on the Apollo CD Player...

Available in Black or Silver

Read a review from the Stereo Times

The Rotel RCD-1072 proves conclusively that cost-conscious high performance in a single disc CD player is still available – and still outperforming many so-called “audiophile” DVD players. Utilising circuit configurations originally developed for Rotel’s reference-class components, this affordable unit will redefine your sonic expectations. The segmented power supply features a large toroid transformer for minimal power supply “sag” as well as reduced hum emissions. High quality rectifiers, tight tolerance voltage regulation and low-ESR storage capacitors make sure that all circuits always operate as intended.

The Rotel RT-1080 AM/FM tuner is an outstanding combination of radio performance, Rotel sound quality and convenience. In addition to its ability to excite even the most jaded audiophile, the RT-1080 is also the perfect RF source for a custom-installed system, thanks to a bidirectional RS-232 computer-style interface, dual antenna inputs, and total remote control capability.

Description

The Rotel RT-06 AM/FM/DAB tuner offers all the benifits of Digital Audio Broadcasting with the detailed, musical sound quality of analouge FM, bringing in clear signals even under demanding sittuations. In keeping with Rotel tradition, the RT-06 includes independant internal analouge and digital power supplies and uses only high grade power supply parts and refined circuitry. Thirty presets allow quick recall of your favourite AM or FM Stereo broadcasts. It’s the height of listening convenience …

Description

Vincent has redefined the pure sound of hybrid technology with the CD-S6 MKII. Particular care was taken with respect to the shielding: input relays as well as the remote control circuitry have their own shielded compartments behind a wall of steel.

This recent development combined with vacuum tube technology has culminated in a smooth, warm sound.

The illumination of the vacuum tubes can be dimmed or switched off.

Description

You can now enjoy quality CD playback with no compromise. Employing the high quality Philips transport unit (CD7-II with digital server system), Burr Brown PCM 173224 24Bit/96KHz DAC, HDCD decoder with a GIC Low pass filter.

Audio is output thru Class A circuit, also used is a High-quality single-aperture core power supply.