The auction is for the modification only and does not include the Arcam FMJ CD33 or CD36 CD player which must be purchased separately.

This is a service for modifying Arcam CD players (please ask for other manufacturers & models)

The Arcam CD36 is the company’s latest high fidelity silver disc spinner with styling is very similar to previous Arcam players, like the CD33.  Arcams’ approach to the CD36 is exacting, there are two separate linear power supplies with dedicated transformers for the digital & analogue circuits, multiple regulated power supplies, two separate clock circuits. Passive components are also of a high standard, AD797’s are used to sum the differential output of each channel’s DAC, Elna Starget & Silmic capacitors are used in the audio stages and the familiar Burr Brown OPA2134’s for filtering and output stage. The auction is for the modification only and does not include the Arcam FMJ CD33 or CD36 CD player which must be purchased separately.

A Question of Time

With such a good foundation already set we were keen to hear how much more performance we could squeeze out of the CD36’s circuits. Given the attention Arcam have already placed on the clock system, and I quote; “Ultra-low jitter master oscillators, with individually buffered and terminated clock distribution lines to all parts of the circuitry” it may come as a surprise that it is this area we first look at. The Arcam clock circuit is a single transistor oscillator (Colpitts) which is superior to most OEM clocks we encounter. All considered the Arcam clocks still fall well below the measured and audio performance of the Superclock 4-S, which by comparison uses an advanced oscillator circuit with discretely regulated power supplies for the analogue & digital circuits. The first level-1 mod upgrades the ‘master clock’ with Superclock 4-S bringing a welcome increase in depth, scale and body to the sound; loosing that thinner and leaner quality in the stock player. There is also significant improvements in resolution, dynamics and creating a realistic 3D sound-stage; music gains height and width with improved front-to-back projection. The level-1 mod continues by adding a dedicated clock PSU to the Superclock 4-S, this has a twofold effect, we isolate the clock power supply from the rest of the CD player circuits and secondly we provide a higher performance, clean, stable DC supply to the master clock. Level-1 continues with upgrades to the main power supply sections of the CD36 with improved reservoir capacitors, bypassing and de-coupling of digital circuits; price is GBP 400.00.

The level-2 mod upgrades the ‘system clock’ for the 4x Wolfson DAC’s with Superclock 4-S & dedicated clock PSU (2 clock & PSU’s in total), this brings equally as many gains as the clock upgrade for the master clock although the areas of improvements in sound are different. We hear a marked improvement in detail retrieval, accuracy and naturalness of tones. The lowest bass gain control and depth, performers are more palpable with an ‘in the room’ feel with an uncanny presence of the recording venue. We next upgrade the digital de-coupling & bypass components throughout the audio board strategically mixing Sanyo OS-CON SP with Rubycon ZA for optimum performance; price is GBP 750.00. The auction is for the modification only and does not include the Arcam FMJ CD33 or CD36 CD player which must be purchased separately.

A ‘No Brainer’ for the CD36

These latest Arcam upgrades are amongst the best gains we have heard from Arcam CD players. The improved performance heard from adding the level-1 upgrade is equivalent to adding a £2K external DAC to the CD36; such are the increase in resolution, depth & sound-stage. The level-1 modded CD36 takes an already great CD player to unexpected levels of performance, while adding level-2 upgraded with its two Ultra-low jitter clocks and dedicated power supplies is a force to be reckoned with and pushes the CD36’s music making capabilities up with players at 3-4 times its price.

How to Order

The Arcam FMJ CD36 level-1 modification is supplied & installed by Audiocom for £400.00 inclusive (excludes carriage).  We can also provide a level-1 modification for the Arcam CD33 CD players, pricing and terms are the same. To purchase the level-2 upgrade simply add an additional £350.00 at checkout.

Once you have purchased the level-1 upgrade please contact us to schedule and book your CD player for the installation. We can offer reasonable rates for insured courier collection & return to mainland UK from your home or workplace (excludes weekends).

The modification work is completed with 4-5 working days from receipt of the CD player. The level-1 modification is covered by a 2 year parts & labour guarantee, this guarantee excludes any OEM parts such as laser & LCD display.