Nad C542 or Cambridge 640Cv2 for my RS1/Mapletree Ear+ Purist HD combo?

[watchluvr4ever]

I decided to give up on SACD so I'm looking for a strictly Redbook player better than my Sony CE595. I am looking for a good player match for my RS-1's and Mapletree Ear+ Purist HD. Both players I'm looking at are refurb'd and the Nad is $369 and the Cambridge C640v2 is $483.48. Anyone own my headphone/amp combo and either player? Thanks for your time.

 

[mrarroyo]

I had the NAD C542 and it worked very well with the mapletree and RS-1. Sound was detailed, clear, and lots of bass impact. There was an overall warmth to this setup.

 

[watchluvr4ever]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I had the NAD C542 and it worked very well with the mapletree and RS-1. Sound was detailed, clear, and lots of bass impact. There was an overall warmth to this setup.

Thanks.

 

[watchluvr4ever]

What I meant to ask is which player is made of better components? I've seen pics of the insides of both players and the Cambridge looks fancier. I know what matters most is the quality of components and I happen to know very little about them.

 

[Rav]

Quote:

Originally Posted by watchluvr4ever /img/forum/go_quote.gif What I meant to ask is which player is made of better components? I've seen pics of the insides of both players and the Cambridge looks fancier. I know what matters most is the quality of components and I happen to know very little about them.

I was considering both, and what sold me on the Nad was the external styling and build tbh, it just felt like a nicer piece of kit than the Caimbridge.

 

[kontai69]

watchluvr4ever,
You might want to check out the reviews of both players at www.audioreview.com
Alot of good, in depth reviews comparing both. It seems the consensus is that the NAD is warmer sounding; the Cambridge is brighter/more detailed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rav /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was considering both, and what sold me on the Nad was the external styling and build tbh, it just felt like a nicer piece of kit than the Caimbridge.

Interesting. I used to own the Cambridge and my dad has the NAD. IMO, the Cambridge has noticably better build quality (heavier chassis; metal faceplate). NAD was kinda cheap feeling (plastic faceplate).
IMO, the build quality of my Music Hall CD25.2 beats them both by far. I can't comment on its SQ because I use an external DAC.

 

[Rav]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kontai69 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Interesting. I used to own the Cambridge and my dad has the NAD. IMO, the Cambridge has noticably better build quality (heavier chassis; metal faceplate). NAD was kinda cheap feeling (plastic faceplate).

Beauty in they eye and all that. I prefer the tray to the side, as in the Nad, plus the display on the Nad is much brighter and easier to read.

 

[sejarzo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rav /img/forum/go_quote.gif .........plus the display on the Nad is much brighter and easier to read.

And that was the main reason that I sold my 640Cv1 (black version with the blue display)..........couldn't read the display from 8 feet away.