Cambridge Audio Azur Cd Players?

[Leporello]

It very much looks like my Philips CD104 cdp was finally starting to show its age (19 years; certainly one of my better audio purchases).

The rational man (and the sceptic) in me recommends me to buy a decent universal player (a Pioneer DV-575, for instance) or a run-of-the-mill cdp (a Denon DCD-685, perhaps). But the audiophile in me whispers in my ear to buy a good but not outlandishly expensive cd-player.

Now, hard as it is to admit, I like the looks of Cambridge Audio Azur 540C (preferably in black)

... Besides that, it has a modern Wolfson dac chip and some kind of data reclocking function (supposed to reduce jitter, I think). Any experiences of the Azur line? I am especially interested in:

mechanical noise (I have seen some complaints about transformer hum!)
error correction capabilities
usability in general (display, remote etc.)

Any comments are greatly appreciated!


Regards,


L.

 

[Geise]

I have the 640c, and while it's not terribly good, it's not at all bad either. It's one of those players that don't really lack anything, but don't have any particularly great attributes. It's a very well rounded player (imo) and is a great one to get for a first cdp

I don't know of the quality of your prevoius cdp, so I can't say if the azur(s) would be right for you. As for hum, well, I do not hear any type of noise or hum whatsoever from mine. I can't really comment on the error correction, but the interface is very simple and basic, with all the things you'd come to expect from a cd player of this price. (The remote is particularly nice, aluminum faced, all features have their own button, solid build. Quite classy imo

) It's a great player, but it definately won't be my last one

 

[oneeyedhobbit]

A fan of Don Giovanni , may I presume?

On to the matter at hand: I have been using the Acur 640C for quite some time now (7 monthsish?) and have enjoyed it the whole time. I think Giese really described it well: it won't be my last player, but for its price, it does several things very, very well. Sound: It is detailed and analytical without sounding dry, a bit on the brighter side of things, but also a wide and airy soundstage.

If you don't want to spend a ridiculous amount of money, I imagine this CD player will serve you quite well, for a long time coming.

Oh, and your questions:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leporello mechanical noise (I have seen some complaints about transformer hum!) error correction capabilities usability in general (display, remote etc.)

No mechanical noise at all, least of all transformer hum.
Error correction--what do you mean? Scratched CDs? If thats the case, I keep mine clean, but my brothers very scratched CD still plays.
Display/remote are all very well thought out, and easy to just pick up and use. The remote is also a tank! If someone breaks in while I'm listening to tunes, bashing them with the remote will be quite effective

 

[zachary80]

There is a used 640C for sale in the FS/FT section

 

[GlowWorm]

How does it play CD-R's?

 

[Geise]

I have many cd-r's that I use with mine and it plays them all with no errors or anything. One thing I like about the 640c is how quickly it reads disks and is ready to play after putting one in the tray

Maybe I'm just not used to modern CD players though...(the 640c is my first player that isn't from the late 80's or early 90's, almost all of which seemed to take their time when reading a disk

)

 

[Leporello]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oneeyedhobbit A fan of Don Giovanni , may I presume?

Yes, very much so!

Thanks to all of you guys for your advice. The Azur looks now even more tempting.


Regards,

L.