"Plenty of Energy and Rhythmic Precision"
Since the introduction of its multi-award winning Alpha CD player of the late 1980s, the Arcam name has become synonymous with affordable hi-fi components of outstanding quality. In the intervening decades, Arcam's CD playback technology has developed by leaps and bounds to reach a point where its players often compete with considerably more expensive products. The CD17 is Arcam's new entry-level CD player, and it draws on the company's wealth of experience in the field of digital audio reproduction.
The CD17 offers "plenty of energy and rhythmic precision," notes Richard Black in his July 17, 2009 review for TechRadar.com. "Stereo imaging is very good… [It] handles voices with confidence and ease."
Sophisticated DAC
The CD17 offers outstanding musical reproduction from CDs. You may think that you're listening to an HD music source. The all-important digital-to-analog conversion is carried out by the very latest Wolfson 8741 DAC driven by an extremely accurate high-precision clock with individually buffered clock outputs. The DACs operate in differential mode and are supported by audiophile-grade components to boost the performance even further.
The CD17's output stage design is derived from Arcam's premium FMJ AV9 processor. Anti clipping processing prevents distortion from CDs with a very high output level.
Noise Reduction Technologies
Electromagnetic interference (EMI), which would potentially mask fine details in similar players, is dramatically reduced using Arcam’s proprietary 'Mask of Silence' technology in critical circuit areas. The use of Arcam's 'Stealth Mat' damping technology (unique metal fiber matting) further diffuses EMI to help reproduce every nuance of each recording.
Advanced Power Supply
The CD17s power supply uses a toroidal transformer together with individually regulated high capacity power supplies to the digital, analog, and servo sections, providing extremely stable power with minimal noise. Separate ground returns using star-earthing for each power supply prevents inter-stage noise. Case construction uses a mix of aluminum and steel to reduce resonance and afford maximum electronic screening for the internal components.
The resulting sound quality ensures a truly thrilling insight even with complex recordings. As part of Arcam’s FMJ line of high performance separates, the CD17 is an ideal partner for the new A18 and A28 integrated amplifiers. | 
