Philips 963SA or Cambridge Azur 640C

[ampgalore]

Right now I am trying to decide between these 2 players.

Strictly in terms of redbook playback, which one has the better sound quality?

Also in terms of physical construction and reliability, which player is better?

 

[Tuberoller]

As much as I like the Philips the Cambridge has superior build quality and superior redbook playback sonics.

 

[insomniac]

I'm also looking at the 963SA and the 640C as an upgrade from my NAD C521BEE. So is the general consensus is that the 640C is superior in redbook playback?

I was a little concerned over reports over loud transport noise in the Cambridge Audio. Tuberoller, do you have any comment on this?

 

[Tuberoller]

I have only had the 640C around for about two months and it's used primarily in a bedroom system. I have had no problems with it so far.

 

[oneeyedhobbit]

I also have a 640C, and I can verify that the loud transport noise is not an issue. I recall one member reporting it a while ago, but I think he just had a bum unit, or something.

 

[insomniac]

Does anyone know how the 640c compares to the NAD C542?

 

[TMC]

I've had the chance to try out the NAD 542/521BEE and 640C for a few hours in a local audioshop, so it's not a very thorough comparison by any means. I found that the NADs are more focused on the low end while the 640C has a bit more treble energy so it depends on what you're looking for. But what I liked better about the 640C is the soundstage that was placed a bit further away than what the NADs did, giving me the impression of having more "air" between the different instruments' placement. But I would personally not go from a 521BEE for a 640C/542 as the step up is too small to really be worth it.

 

[insomniac]

TMC, thanks for your thoughts. What would be the class of player worth making the jump up to from the C521BEE?

Sorry, if I'm thread-jacking a little here

 

[TMC]

My experience with sources >$500 is unfortunately very limited, I'm sure there are people with way more experience that can chime in.

 

[ampgalore]

How does the Azure 640C compare with the Benchmark paired with an old CD player? I finally decided to go with the Benchmark over the Cambridge.

 

[pbirkett]

Quote:

Originally Posted by insomniac Does anyone know how the 640c compares to the NAD C542?

I wouldnt personally swap the NAD for the Cambridge. More of a side-step than an upgrade, IMHO. I'd save up and go for a higher class of player, or external DAC.

 

[Drag0n]

Has anyone heard the headphone outputs on the Shanling CD players? Im thinking the tube out should be sweet. The player looks awesome,and with the level 1 mod,it competes with $5000 and up players for less than half the price. The Ahh Njoe Tjoeb looks nice,and its very inexpensive at $600 starting price without the $299 upsampling board,and has a tube output . Has anyone heard that player?

 

[tyrion]

Have heard of the RAM Signature Music Hall mmf cd-25. It's a modded cd-25 with a tube output source. Go to this site Modwright I have one and it has a nice warm sound yet still detailed. The mods are $650 alone. They go for around $700 to $800 used and $1295 new.

 

[Drag0n]

Ok Tyrion,im not sure if that reply about the modwright site was for me,but if so thanx for the site. It has some cool stuff im going to check out. Im still building my set up and searching for the best i can afford.

 

[Jam_Master_J]

Hi,
I thought I would piggy-back my question onto this thread. I'm looking for a good dedicated CD player for my speaker and headphone setup.

In the speaker department I currently have Paradigm Titans and a DIY SBB4 Adire Audio Tempest 15" subwoofer. Alhtough I plan on upgrading to a DIY speaker kit (still deciding between the Adire HE 10.1 and GR-Research AV3). The sub will be upgraded to a triple-Tempest infinite baffle.

For cans, I've currently got MS-1s. I plan on upgrading to MS-2s but that's as far as I hope to go for a long time. The amp is a PIMETA I'm working on now.

Anyway, I was at Peak Audio (a store in Halifax, NS) the other day and they had the Cambridge Audio Azur 540. I didn't have time to listen but it seemed very well constructed. Would this player make a good match to the rest of my equipment?