Arcam Alpha 9CD upgrade?

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walkerwek1958

walkerwek1958
Joined
May 6, 2008
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I`m considering replacing my Arcam Alpha 9CD with something better. The rest of my system is Arcam A85/P85 amps and Castle Severn II speakers. I`m considering an Arcam FMJ CD36 or CD192, with the Alpha 9 taking its place in my second system. I`ve seen the FMJ CD36 for £699 new, which sounds like a bargain to me. The Alpha 9 sounded brilliant when I bought it and I`m not sure how much improvement to expect. I`d also like some suggestions for interconnects; my Qnect 2s are a bit below par for the system and I ought to replace them. All suggestions welcome!
 
I agree with Tenson. I have an Alpha 9CD and not been tempted to replace it. I have compared it to more expensive players and DACs but didn't the "gains" were worth worrying about.
 
A third vote in favour of keeping the Alpha 9.

The QED cables cannot be improved upon so you should also keep those.
 
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Fourth vote in favour of keeping the CDP. I'd definitely definitely definitely change the amps though. All the Arcam amps I've ever heard have been painful experiences. Would a valve integrated be out of the question for you?

DT
 
Heres one to try? I had an Alpha 8se, terrific sound for pound and I'm sure the 9 sounds better - cleaner better definition? I moved on to a Copland 822, sweet and open but not a vast improvement. When that went wrong the dealer offered an 823 - what a difference! Suddenly the system thundered, bass exploded from the speakers and tonally the system seemed far more accurate, a different ballgame really - if you can suck the slow transport... ps the Wadia I run now is better still...
 
the 9's with the ring dac [?] are supposed to be well out ahead of the competition .....though if your going to through shed loads of cash at a cdp then you can get better !
 

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