Arcam CD 72 > Reviews (2)

--PRICE--
£450 at the full retail price, but I've seen them significantly lower.

--STYLE--
There are mixed opinions on this one, but I personaly love the style of the DIVA range. They're available in either an expensive looking silver or black finsh, (silver shown above) the black models maintaining the little buttons in silver.
Noteworthy is the style of the CD draw. Most Machines have a slight lip or edging to the draw, so that when it shuts, it completely seals the entrance to inside the player. In Arcam's Diva range however, when the draw is shut, there's a small gap around the edge of it which allows you to see into the machine. I know some people who dont like this, but I think it looks smart.

--BUILD--
This machine is extremly well built. It feels rock solid and compact, being made from metal I imagine it's as durable as you could need it to be.

The buttons on the front of the machine may be plastic, but they have quite a nice feel to them. They are soft touch but make a satisfying click.

The display is presented in a refreshing green colour. Although it is quite bright, it can be turned off via the remote if you find it distracting.

I am also aware that internaly, the 72T has been expensively constructed with some kind of shield which quietens the noise of the player's operations. Quite frankly though, I'm unable to judge how effective this is, but in general you could say that the 72T is quite a quiet machine.

--SOUND--
The sound is expetional at this price. It is the only reason apart from the general build and quality why I can class this player as being of outstanding value.
This player offers great refinement, incredible detail and terrific insight into music. It also displays impresive dynamics.
The 72T is a very rythmic performer and timing is on the dot. The player can easily keep up with complex rythems whilst not compromising any detail.
Music is conveyed in a very smoothe and continuous like manner. It sounds warm yet powerful, especialy in the midrange which is particularly pleasant to listen to. Vocals are nice and are placed at the forefront of the music.
This machine offers suprising insight into bass aswell. Bass lines and drum beats are played with accuracy and at perfect volume in contrast to all other voices.
I've also found that the 72T is very versatile, in that it can comfortably play all types of music as if it was designed for each genre specificaly.
My only slight worry is that music could perhaps sound slightly flat if played through some fairly unexpresive speakers.
In any case, when spending this amount of money, I would suggest that you audition the player first, along with other leading rivals, to make sure of your choice according to your own personal tastes in music. I did this, and this is exactly why I ended up with this player, because the sound is simply staggering at price

--FEATURES--
The 72T is definately not short of features, infact the 'T' stands for text. This feature enables the CD title, as well as track titles to scroll across the display when compatible CDs are inserted.

The 72T has the ability to play CDs CD/Rs and as far as I know CD/RWs. Nothing more I dont think. The price of this player is put solely towards the sound of CD replay and build.

All of the usual features are there (apart from standby I've noted), including most programing abilities, repeat functions and A-B play. But one of this player's most interesting abilities, is the upgrade options.

The way I understand it is, the 72T has the same mother board, but different daughter boards to the more advanced 92T model, which I think is now selling for around £900. Everything else in the two models is identical. So after purchasing the 72T, you will have the option to change the daughter board to the 92T's model, transfroming your machine, although I'm unsure how much this will cost.

--REMOTE CONTROL--
The remote control that comes with this player has a nice feel to it. Again it feels solid and expensive.
I have a couple of complaints though.
The remote itself seems bigger than it needs to be. It's quite slim but long. This is mainly due to the fact that the remote is also designed for use with an Arcam DVD player, which is fine, but I don't own one. The end result being half of the buttons don't do anything.
Another thing, it might just be me but the buttons don't seem to be clearly labled or allocated so I constantly find myself searching for pause ect.
Apart from this he remote is fairly straight forward.

--EASE OF USE--
No quarrels here, apart from some aspects of the remote.
The instructions are very easy to follow. In turn, the player is easy to install and generaly easy to use.

--CONCLUSION--
You may have noticed that for disadvantages I have written, 'the 73T is now available'. This is basicaly an identical machine which just has an even newer dac which is supposed to further improve the dynamics and insight although I never heard it. The 73T is also £50 cheaper. Apart from this and perhaps a low budget, there shouldn't be anything stopping you from buying this player.

Over all the 72T offer great value for money and if you manage to pick one up cheap or second hand, it is definately a sensible midrange buy!