Final thread before purchase: Cambridge 640C V2 vs NAD C 542 - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

Blackmore · 10-23-2007, 02:02 PM

I am almost sure that Cambridge would be in my system soon, but still want to know what the folks think about it.
The price range is the same +/- EUR 500, so people, lets talk.

Explain, if possible, your choice please. If you have other suggestions, within EUR 500 budget, please speak up

THX

p.s. I can push up to EUR 600 and buy Arcam 73.

Bizzel · 10-23-2007, 04:10 PM

I really liked the 640c when I heard it. It's got a fairly neutral signature with a slight emphasis on the highs and fantastic soundstage. You probably won't go far wrong with either.

Blackmore · 10-23-2007, 04:34 PM

The most worries I have, concerning 640C, is his upfront punch sound that can be a bit harsh and not enough controlled at the low end.
I will be using this player, if I buy one, with tubes and GS1k at the most of the time and the question is, how well they can go with each other.
My first experience with GS1000 pairing with stock Musical F X3 amp was an drama. The source was 640C V2 player. The biggest problem was bloated and totally uncontrolled bass. So, I am not sure what ever it was only MF fault or maybe 640C as well, which can be logical.
Right now I do not have that problem, only with some records, and that's from out of 5 years old DVDP. So, I am a bit worry. Also was thinking of Original 2008F CDP, but that's out of my budget.
I am really in the market to improve my source, but still not 100% sure of the choice.
Does it make any sense

LonerGenius · 10-23-2007, 08:45 PM

Good luck deciding. You will get lots of opinions on both sides. I love my 740C.

yage · 10-23-2007, 09:55 PM

Actually, my vote is for the Arcam CD73. But I own an Arcam myself, so I may be biased.

Kees · 10-23-2007, 10:05 PM

I haven't heard this particular NAD model, but I heard a few others and I like their neutral sound signature. They are players that are pleasantly "not there".
The Cambridge sound signature I find far from neutral and can be hit or miss, depending on your taste and setup.

Michgelsen · 10-24-2007, 02:12 PM

I love my C542, so I voted for it.

epaludo · 10-24-2007, 02:33 PM

Hard decision.
Never heard the Cambridge, but the NAD is a very good player. Highly recommended and appreciated around here. The Cambridge on the other hand has a good reputation. I've read their products are top notch also.
Think well my friend ...

islewind · 10-25-2007, 01:34 AM

Cambridge is a good brand, but I'd go with the NAD. The 542 runs with a lot of players costing quite a bit more, you won't be disappointed. As neutral as can be, it extracts what's on the disc faithfully.

Duc · 10-27-2007, 03:36 AM

I'd go with the 640, but I am a biased owner. You really need to hear the two for yourself to compare. When I was looking, I turned down the Rega Apollo over the Cambridge even though the Rega was supposedly a 'higher' rated machine.

The Cambridge definately has a more forward sound to it than others but I wouldn't say it is bright. I found the Apollo to be nothing special with my setup and the Cambridge helped liven it up. If you are using tubes, you can tweak the sound to better fit your mood/needs. That is what I liked about the 640. I found it easier to tone down the Cambridge that liven up the Rega, plus IMO it was quieter (as in I felt the Cambridge had a better Power Supply) Another point for me was the Remote and controls usage, which I felt was better on the 640. Plus the Cambridge is running dual DAC's set in differential config (which is supposed to help with noise, (not sure if it actually does)) I don't really think the NAD is anything special. I had listened to one before as well, albeit with a different setup. Just seemed like an expensive Sony but could run HDCD. The NAD is also in a cheap case where as the Cambridge is in a nice sturdy hard-anodized aluminium case.

Be sure to pick up some decent interconnects too!!

Good Luck!
Duc