Arcam
Arcam CDS50
The Arcam CDS50 is a versatile player supporting CD/SACD formats, digital audio, and network streaming. It handles all major disc types and various audio files via USB or local streaming. Equipped with a superb 32-bit DAC, it delivers exceptional sound quality across formats. Connectivity is comprehensive, featuring both RCA and balanced XLR analog outputs, digital inputs, and both Ethernet and Wi-Fi networking. While discontinued, this 2018 model remains an attractive choice for users needing robust physical media playback combined with modern digital streaming capabilities.
$1320.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
152
/ 241
#152 in CD Players & Recorders
Price vs Category Average
-71%
Below average
Digital-to-Analog Converter
32
/ -bit DAC
Who it's for
- Universal Digital Player
- High-Resolution DAC
- Balanced Outputs (XLR)
Who should skip it
- Clunky Streaming App
- Limited SACD Output
- Slow Disc Loading
Key Specs
Digital-to-Analog Converter
32-bit DAC
Network Section Sampling Rate
192kHz/24-bit
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise
0.002%
Supported Media
SACD, CD-A, CD-R, CD-RW, External USB drives
Playback Formats
FLAC, WAV, AIFF, OGG, MP3, AAC, WMA
Connectivity
Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Optical digital input, Coaxial digital input, USB-A host socket, RS232 control, 12V trigger input, RCA analogue outputs, Balanced XLR outputs
Analogue Outputs
RCA and Balanced XLR
Power Source Type
AC Power
Features
- Plays SACDs and standard CDs
- Network streaming via Ethernet or Wi-Fi
- Offers RCA and balanced XLR outputs
- Includes optical and coaxial digital inputs
- USB-A host socket for external drives
- Supports RS232 control
- 12V trigger for remote switching
What customers say
The Arcam CDS50 earns high praise for its exceptional sonic performance, delivering musically engaging sound from both CDs and high resolution formats. Users consistently highlight the rich, expansive soundstage produced by the integrated DAC, which significantly elevates music playback. Its dual role as a physical player and network streamer offers excellent value, consolidating digital sources into one component. While the physical build quality is robust, the primary drawback centers on usability. Many customers find the proprietary streaming control application clunky and occasionally unreliable. Despite this operational inconvenience, the overall sentiment remains strongly positive, viewing the CDS50 as a superb audio component delivering true high fidelity sound.
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