Wide soundstage, exemplary Bass and Treble lifelike sound as the performers wanted and expected it to be, brilliant stereo and mono separation of all of the musical instruments as the performing artists wanted the recordings to sound. Very highly recommended not many left now to buy second hand, so pleased i bought mine brand new in 2007 a jewel in the crown i wouldn't part with mine as i think it's the best CD player they ever made, construction and finish is top of the class hard to find in as new condition like mine and I'm not letting go of my prized possession.

Slightly noisy drawer mechanism but not a real problem.

I had to figure out what this player was all about - and when that was done I must admit it is a wonderful piece of equipment. The sound is LP-like smooth and real. Bought mine used and had to change the SONY laser. It was easily done and the new part was less than 10£ on Ebay. An absolute steal for the price I paid (app. 150£) even here in 2016. I am using it whit the Arcam A32 and a set of Snell D-type.

I unhappily submit this short 3rd 5 star review knowing I can ONLY give this incredible blend of style, build and transcendent musical prowess I measly 5 stars. I picked it up locally from a gumtree ad last Sunday from an elderly gent who very kindly parted with this gift for £70 (thanks Phil your a true gent and a real enthusiast!). I could go on all day about the sound, suffice to say even with the modest partnerships of Cambridge Audio Pre C500 Rotel RB-850 Power driving a pair of Mordaunt Short MS20i Pearls the captavatingly unique sound is nothing short of intoxicating. Seriously I just cannot get enough of it !

Projects sound beyond the speakers creating an almost 3d effect. Tonally acurate, extended smooth highs with an airy quality. Very accurate and tunefull bass. Can READ THE DISPLAY FROM ACROSS THE ROOM!

sometimes I wish they had located the buttons on the remote in a more organised way. No balanced output. A bit plain looking.

I have compared the Arcam FMJ 36 to more expensive players and suprisingly the Arcam sounded better in many areas. Very wide soundstage with excellent detail. Instruments and voices easy to pick out in the music with depth and location of instruments easily heard. If the recording is a good one the player will give you that wide tall soundstage where the music sees to float there above and way beyond the speakers.
Although it is a smooth player it's dynamic capibilities are astounding. The bass may seem to have less weight when first listening, however the bass on the Arcam is tonally acurate and can let you hear those bass notes moving along instead of rounded/bloated notes like many other players.
Easy to use , straight forward and never a glitch in opperation, a well made product.
Perhaps a sleeper that for the price can't be beat.

Similar Products Used:

Rega Saturn
McIntosh CD 205
Musical Fidelity 308
Arcam FMJ 23
Jolida A100
Sony 555es

Simplicity
Sonic Realism
Build Quality
Reasonably Priced

Could have a quiter drawer mechanism.

I love the simplicity of this player and am in love with the sound. It is so amazing realistic sounding that good recordings have a palpable qulaity; however, the downside is of course that inferior recordings are easily exposed as well. For the price I paid, it is hard to imagine a better performer. Arcam is known for their digital source equipment, and the CD36 just furthers that glowing reputation.

Customer Service

Haven't had to use yet.

Similar Products Used:

McIntosh
Sony