Which CDP? Rotel RCD 1070 or Cambridge 640

[Archetype]

G'Day.
Recently I've been looking to replace my old (1988) Technics CD player with something better. I'm a fan of single CD players (not multi-players) and found a couple in my price range that look interesting.

1) Cambridge Audio 640 (NEW) $600
2) Rotel RCD 1070 (DEMO) $400
3) NAD (any suggestions)
4) Yamaha SDX 1060 (Used) $200

As old as my CDP is I'm impressed by the fact that it has operated without need for repair for 16 YEARS. Call me unrealistic but I'm looking for that kind of foritude in my next player.

If there is any other models (within my price range) that anyone can suggest I'd be open to them but my selection are at local stores that I can actually audition.

Thanks for your input,
Arhcetype

 

[av98m2]

I'd go with the Rotel. However, it seems that people who have tried the current model Rotel actually prefer their older machines(e.g. rcd-855, rcd-971, rcd-991, etc) to the new one. I've personally never heard the rcd-1070. Rotel cdps are generally very well built, with high quality components (I cannot think of any other company that uses blackgates in its players at this price range..or any price range for that matter lol)

 

[hciman77]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archetype G'Day. Recently I've been looking to replace my old (1988) Technics CD player with something better. I'm a fan of single CD players (not multi-players) and found a couple in my price range that look interesting. 1) Cambridge Audio 640 (NEW) $600 2) Rotel RCD 1070 (DEMO) $400 3) NAD (any suggestions) 4) Yamaha SDX 1060 (Used) $200

I second the Rotel route I have owned an RCD855 which I wish I had never sold and I currently own an RCD-02 and an RCD-975. I think the older 975 is slightly superior, it has a better (Philips CDM-9) transport. The 1070 is a discontinued model but the current 1072 was "product of the year" in "The Absolute sound" last year and can be got new for about $660 in some places or about $400 used.

$600 is not a good price for the 640 it used to be around $500, of course the dollar is worth squat now

There are many other options in the $600 range such as used regas, jolidas, Arcams and many more but I have no personal experience with them so cannot comment, it really depends on what kind of sound you like and how much you wanna part with. If possible audition first or buy with a return option.

 

[Archetype]

I have to say that I converted the prices from Canadian to US so they might be a little off but not that far. The Rotel would be a little closer to $450-$500 than $400. As for the underdog (Yamaha SDX 1060), I was able to check it out today. It is quite old (10 years at least) in mint condition and has SPDIF (coax)and optical out plus fixed and variable analog outs. It's also built like a tank.

Tomorrow I get to compare my poor old Technics with the Yamaha and a Rotel RCD 1072 (New). This should be interesting

The used Rotel 1070 is at another store but I figure that the 1072 will give me some idea of how older technology compares with newer (better?) gear.

Thanks for your time,
Archetype

 

[Archetype]

Thanks for your advice av98m2 & hciman77.

I picked up the Rotel this afternoon. Beautiful. It's as if a veil has been lifted off of the speakers. Now I really notice page turns in classical music, finger noise on acoustic guitar music and a depth to the to the soundstage. My old player sounded flat and compressed. The Rotel 1070, while not spreading the soundstage farther out IMHO, does make you aware of things on the fringe of the soundstage that were there with my old players but not really presented well.

Thanks to head-fi members who provided me (indirectly)with ideas for sound sources and updated me quickly (I haven't followed Home audio in sometime) as to what's hip and what to watch out for.

Thanks again to av98m2 & hciman77 for responding to my post.

Archetype

 

[hciman77]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archetype Thanks for your advice av98m2 & hciman77. Archetype

Enjoy !

Quit now while you are ahead