[riddley]

I'm thinking about upgrading my source from my trusty Marantz CD5000 to something a little better.

I only have about $500, max, to spend.

The two options I've been considering are:
1. The Cambridge Audio Azur 640C
2. A Bolder Cables modded Art DI/O, and using the CD5000 as a transport.

Are either of these big enough steps to make the upgrade worth while? Or should I wait until I have more money?

 

[usc goose]

do they sell NAD 541's or Philips 963sa's down under?

 

[riddley]

A google search found the NAD 542 in Australia for about the same list price as the 640C.

The 963sa, unfortunately, retails here for well over US$1000. That tends to happen in Australia...

Do you think the NAD 542 is a better choice than the 640C or the DAC?

 

[00940]

I heard impressive comments from a friend about a modded 640C. And he's not a cambridge fan. Going that route could allow you to upgrade later without too much cost.

 

[riddley]

Do you know where can I find out more information about possible mods for the 640C?

There's another option, I guess, which is getting the Marantz modded - I could get some significant mods done for about $250. Is that a wise thing to do on such an old model?

 

[kartik]

Cambridge audio 540D. I know my sig. says that DVD-Audio is dead etc. but this seems like a good deal for $367 with the specs described here: http://www.everestaudio.com/demo-sal...ifier-demo.htm