STATUS - SOLD
Click here for more pictures
Description :
The Arcam FMJ CD23 CD player, represents the pinnacle of CD reproduction at a real world price. The CD player is based partially on the Alpha 9 CD player, but with numerous additions and tweaks to gain higher performance. The new chassis is made from a tri-laminate material that is provided by Swedish vibration-damping specialists Sontech. It consists of two outer layers of steel and a middle layer of special rubber polymer to lower the transmission of vibrations. The sturdy metal jacket front panel adds to the unit's overall structural integrity. It also contributes to a performance which is so assured that the user finds new life in even his oldest CDs.
Comparing to the Arcam Alpha 9, the Arcam FMJ CD23 has two toroidals instead of one. Having two torodials allows a redesign of the analog output stage of Arcam's dCS-designed Ring DAC. Their patented Ring DAC design has been adopted as a reference standard in many of the world’s best recording studios. The dCS Ring DAC provides something of a middle ground between multi-bit and single-bit converters. It uses a five-bit DAC which has fewer steps in the resistor ladder, and better precision at getting the smallest values right. Its 64x oversampling has a lower rate than that of 1-bit DACs, which makes it less prone to timing errors and jitter. The DAC randomizes the small variations in the current sources throughout the quantizing range. This transforms into random white noise, which is then moved out of the audio frequency range by fourth-order noise shaping. This high-frequency detritus is then filtered out in the analog domain.
The FMJ CD23 sounds natural, soft and with a lot of finesse. When it plays jazz music, it has subtle little pauses and emphasis that makes recorded music sound more real. Both piano and vocals were beautifully portrayed. The cymbals on the drum kit are beautifully differentiated while the saxaphones soars effortlessly. For classical music, the music is refreshing and the low level resolution of information is one of the best among CD players. The only musical element that does not follow its state-of-the-art expectations is the bass. The CD23 seems undernourished in the area of bass power. If the idea that music is emotion set to a tune is accepted, then the listener will find that the FMJ CD23 is a highly rated glorious CD spinner. It is definitely capable to convey the excellent sounds from the CDs played.
Specifications :
DAC.......................................................High resolution proprietary multi-bit current output
.......................................................digital to analogue conversion
.......................................................24-bit dCS Ring DAC plus HDCD
Laser pick-up..........................................3 beam
Laser wavelength.....................................780nm
Numerical aperture...................................0.45
Dynamic range........................................106dB
Signal to noise ratio (CCIR)......................>100dB
Harmonic distortion (0dB, 1kHz)...............<0.005%
Frequency response (±0.5dB)...................5Hz–20kHz
Output level (0dB)....................................2.3Vrms
Output impedance...................................50 ohms
Minimum recommended load....................5k ohms
Power consumption.................................32VA maximum
Digital output connection..........................75 ohms co-axial optical TOSLINK
Dimensions(w x d x h)..............................43.5 x 29 x 9 cm
Weight....................................................6kg
Miscellaneous :
Matching.................................................Arcam FMJ A32 Integrated Amplifier
.................................................Arcam FMJ P35 Power Amplifier
Box........................................................Yes
Remote...................................................Yes
Made In...................................................UK, England
Condition.................................................9/10
Product Information :
http://www.arcam.co.uk/_ugc/file/cd23e_manual.pdf (Manual)
http://www.arcam.co.uk/advice-and-support/discontinued-products/CD23CDPlayer (Manufacturer's Website)
Reviews :
http://www.stereophile.com/cdplayers/251/index.html
http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2002/0103.html
http://www.audio-ideas.com/reviews/digital-sources/arcam-fmj23cd-int.html
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/digital-sources/cd-players/arcam/fmj-cd-23/prd_123854_1586crx.aspx
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/digital-sources/cd-players/arcam/cd23/prd_133665_1586crx.aspx |
