CD gamers haven’t fairly loved the identical stage of revival that turntables have because the vinyl revival began a number of years again. Regardless of stories of CD gross sales seeing an uplift lately, we haven’t seen many new CD gamers – and actually good CD gamers at that – hit the market.
However that’s about to alter with the Arcam CD5. Not solely has Arcam returned with an attractive vary of hi-fi separates (we’ve already given the A5 and A15 amplifiers five-star evaluations), however the brand new elements are additionally priced on the reasonably priced facet.
At £699 / $699, the brand new Arcam CD5 might be hitting a candy spot in a value vary that has lengthy gathered mud, similar to many an audiophile’s CD assortment. And if its amplifier siblings’ performances are any indication, the CD5 might be precisely what many CD followers have been ready for.
Construct & Design
We just like the look and construct high quality of Arcam’s new hi-fi separates. Much like the A5 and A15 amplifiers, the CD5 sports activities a modern, minimal design and is made to a excessive customary. The all-black aluminium physique with delicate yellow accents seems trendy in an understated approach, the entire unit feels strong, and we particularly like how the ‘cowl’ overhanging the rear panel hides the connections from view from the highest (and may maintain it much less dusty, too). The entrance show with its easy, one-line of textual content displaying monitor data is massive and simple to learn from afar.
The disc loading tray operates easily and rapidly, with a mild however reassuring mechanical whirr. We discovered the CD5 simple and responsive to make use of, whether or not urgent the unit’s massive buttons for playback or utilizing the small distant that comes with the CD participant. It’s a slip of a factor and is decked in matching black and yellow, but it surely’s properly made and good to make use of in contrast with different small, plastic-feeling remotes we’ve come throughout.
Options
Arcam has stored connections to a minimal right here: there’s a single pair of RCA line stage outputs and, on the digital facet, one optical and one coaxial output apiece. The CD5 helps playback of CD, CD-R and CD-RW disc codecs, however followers of SACD should look elsewhere. (In equity, our long-standing favorite Cyrus CDi at £1500 additionally doesn’t assist SACD.)
You too can play music information (in FLAC, WAV, WMA, MP3 and AAC codecs as much as 24-bit/192kHz) in the event that they’re saved on a USB flash drive or onerous disc storage because of the USB-A enter on the again panel.
Arcam CD5 assessment
Codecs CD, CD-R, CD-RW, WAV, FLAC, WMA, AAC, MP3
SACD? No
Outputs Optical, coaxial, line stage
Inputs USB-A
Max hi-res 24-bit/192kHz
Distant included? Sure
Dimensions (hwd) 8.3 x 43.1 x 34.4cm
Weight 6kg
Finishes x 1 (black)
Internally, Arcam makes use of digital circuitry based mostly round an ESS ES9018 DAC (the identical one used within the glorious A5 and A15 amps), whereas new elements have been used and examined intensively by the engineers to make sure they ship the perfect audio efficiency.
There are some additional options hidden away within the menu, solely accessible by way of the distant. These embrace basic items like turning the show on or off, altering the monitor timing data proven, repeat and shuffle choices, in addition to selecting between three filter choices.
Because the show is so minimal, the menu system takes some time to get used to. Sub-menus may be troublesome to get to or aren’t as logical to entry within the first few situations with the easy distant. Nevertheless it’s solely a minor quibble and we get used to the capabilities we want over time.
Sound
We plug the CD5 into our reference system of PMC Cor amplifier and Epos ES14N audio system, but additionally strive it with a wide range of extra reasonably priced package such because the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 and 607 S3, KEF LS50 Meta audio system, and the Arcam A5, Arcam A15 and Naim Nait XS 3 amplifiers.
We begin with Jamiroquai’s Digital Madness and, proper from the beginning, we all know we’re on to a winner. The CD5 flows with an assured fluidity and composure that has us hooked on to that easy and slinky tune from the second it will get going. It sounds agile and nimble, monitoring each beat, each forefront of a notice with snappy precision – however by no means straying too far into the analytical zone. It will get the funk throughout with luggage of character and appeal.
The CD5’s sense of composure has its work minimize out with Hans Zimmer’s The Darkish Knight soundtrack, but it surely passes with flying colors. The gradual whine of pressure that ratchets up, the thunderous wallop of bass – it’s all dealt with with authority and confidence. There’s drive and assault in spades, with a unbelievable potential to deal with shifting dynamics and retains us on the sting of our seats because the drama unfolds. It delivers an amazing huge unfold of sound that fills up a room simply, however by no means overwhelms, staying on the nice facet of clear and impartial.
There’s meaty texture to the deep, brooding basslines in The Lifeless Climate’s 60 Toes Tallwhich land with satisfying punch and crunch. The CD5 gives an evenly balanced efficiency all through: the treble bites however by no means makes us wince, whereas the muscular low finish has a satisfying solidity that retains us related to no matter style of music we’re listening to.
It’s with piano and voices that the Arcam’s appeal absolutely involves the fore. From Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue and Chilly Gonzales’ Whist to Norah Jones’ Dawn and Bruce Springsteen’s Growin’ Upthe CD5 exhibits off simply how delicate and emotive it may really be. Springsteen’s earthy vocals and Jones’s honeyed tones are relayed with ease and a surprising stage of element. The fluid piano notes, the strum of guitars – each factor is convincingly and authentically relayed.
Most of all, it’s simply enjoyable to take heed to. The CD5’s wealthy and likeable presentation delivers the essence of a track in probably the most entertaining approach, whereas additionally guaranteeing it hits all the appropriate hi-fi notes alongside the way in which. We discover ourselves dusting off previous CDs and having fun with them for the primary time in a protracted whereas, enjoying disc after disc.
We strive all three filter choices and, whereas the results are delicate, we discover that we desire flipping between the quick and gradual filters. We’d keep away from the part filter altogether: it squashes the dynamics and spaciousness an excessive amount of and robs the Arcam of its inherent musicality.
Verdict
The Arcam CD5 does one factor exceedingly nicely and that’s enjoying CDs. If you’d like a higher stage of readability, timing precision and refinement than what this glorious participant gives, then you definitely’re trying to spend greater than double the cash on the superlative Cyrus CDi – a a number of Award-winner that prices round £1500-£1600 as of late.
There hasn’t been a significantly good, significantly succesful and significantly enjoyable CD participant of this stage in a really very long time. The Arcam CD5 adjustments that: it’s a tremendously gifted participant that deserves an audition if you happen to’re nonetheless holding on to the one that you love CDs and need to give them a brand new lease of life. Play them via the Arcam CD5 and also you’ll end up enjoying them time and again.
SCORES
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