[SoliloCey]

Hey guys I am wondering what will be a brilliant warm,lush, and balanced source. I am on a budget, the cheaper the better to be honest, but im willing to fork out some cash to a degree. I was considering the following.

Cambridge Audio 540 C V2
Cambridge Audio 640 C V2
Marantz CD5003
Marantz CD6002

I was told the Marantz CD6002 is good, and is a warm source. I ahven't heard about any faults with the marantz, I am getting this source for electrostatics, so help is appreciated thank you.

 

[Suntory_Times]

Which electrostatic headphones, and for what kind(s) of music, and what amp will be used?

 

[SoliloCey]

Amp:- SRM1/Mk2
Headphones:- SR 303
Cables:- Kato/ George Huffman's

Music:- Jazz, Underground Hip-hop, Classical, Indie, Big Band

 

[paaj]

Just going by brand reputation, Marantz would be the warmer one. better is all subjective, so you'll have to listen for yourself if at all possible. You could take the stax setup to a local hifi-store and try it.

 

[Jolida302]

Nad!

 

[jsplice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paaj /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just going by brand reputation, Marantz would be the warmer one. better is all subjective, so you'll have to listen for yourself if at all possible. You could take the stax setup to a local hifi-store and try it.

Really? I've compared my DacMagic against an SA11 and the Marantz was definitely a tad brighter.

 

[paaj]

good thing about 'brand reputation' is that it isn't necessarily true

it all depends on model/year etcetc.

 

[jsplice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paaj /img/forum/go_quote.gif good thing about 'brand reputation' is that it isn't necessarily true it all depends on model/year etcetc.

Well from what I've read, the consensus is that most Cambridge Audio stuff sounds warm. British gear tends to follow that trend.

I've also noticed that many Asian brands tend to have a brighter sound. And this is not just audio components. Even pianos (I am a pianist) made by Asian companies such as Yamaha have a brighter sound, as opposed to Steinway and Bosendorfer (American and European brands) which have a very warm sound. Makes you wonder what cultural influences causes those types of tendencies.

Edit: Another note about pianos, is that it may also depend on who the target buyers of each brand are. Yamaha and Baldwin tend to be more popular with rock/modern bands (a bright sound is needed to cut through all the loud instruments like electric guitars, drums, etc), whereas Steinway and Bosendorfer are more for solo and classical performances.

 

[SoliloCey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jolida302 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Nad!

NAD C542 only one around here available, but I've heard about build quality issues...

Quote:

Originally Posted by paaj /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just going by brand reputation, Marantz would be the warmer one. better is all subjective, so you'll have to listen for yourself if at all possible. You could take the stax setup to a local hifi-store and try it.

All Marantz are Special Order

 

[paaj]

next best thing to do is take your gear and just try the Cambridge stuff

 

[SoliloCey]

how would a musical fidelity 3.5 for AU$1190 compare to the NAD C542 for AU$700? is it worth nearly the extra $500?

 

[Jolida302]

Nad or rega Planet or naim Cd5

 

[SoliloCey]

but how is the build quality with the NAD C542 Ive heard some bad things about it, also is the Musical fidelity 3.5 a better player?

 

[RogerB]

Marantz all the way! You'll never look back!

 

[Katysax]

I've had two NAD CD players and the sound was great but they both had too many mechanical problems. This website has the Marantz CD 5001 for $199: Accessories4less