2. digital
  3. 1191969131

Considering Cambridge Audio Amp/CD - Need Advice

Ok, I'm a brand new audiophile, or perhaps I should say I've been a wannabee audiophile for many years.

I just got a used pair of Paradigm 11se Mk II for $150. I know these are a bit older, but next to my previous Infinity RS-5B (which I'll have to sell now - anyone know what they're worth?), these are a huge improvement.

I've done a LOT of research and decided that all I need now are an integrated amp and a cd player. My budget is around $1,000 and from all my research, it seems my best bet is a Cambridge Audio 640A v.2 integrated amp and Cambridge Audio 640C v.2. The 640A is only 75 watts per channel, but supposedly 100 watts for 4 ohms, which is what my Paradigms are. Even though my Paradigms go up to 160 watts, with the size of the room I have, I'll never need anything close to that, so I figure that amp will suffice just fine.

So anyway, does this seem a good use of my money for a good entry level amp/cd player? Can anyone think of a better system for the money? Obviously I'll have to get a good conneting cable and speaker wire too.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Brand new to Audiogon.
soulgoober
elevick
2,636 posts
 
FYI, you should only worry about the minimum rating on your speakers which is about 10 watts.
The Cambridges are nice pieces and will do well. You may want to consider Music Hall also (25.2 amp and cd). Do you want a matching tuner also?
Ag insider logo xs@2x
knownothing
1,579 posts
 
Soulgoober,

Ready for number and letter soup? I have the 640C v2 and really like it. I think the all-640 combination you suggest is over your $1000 budget new, yes? Unless you are looking to buy these used, which may be a good idea, you might consider getting the 540A v2 integrated amp and mating it with the 640C v2 CDP. The 540A has less juice than the 640A, but gets good reviews and just sounds really well balanced. The 640C v2 has the same dual DAC arrangement as the new 740C, and sounds noticeably better than the 540C, which actually sounds pretty good. If you are buying used, make sure both amp and CDP are version 2, since they are noticeably better than the original versions.

You might also take a look at Music Hall integrated amps and CDPs, as they sound great for that kind of money. My 2 cents.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I'm going to suggest the NAD C-352 integrated. I bought one used for $300 a few months back. That amp is a true bargain. I also owned a NAD C541i cd player two or three years ago. The newer 542 is a very nice cdp with HDCD for the money. Good luck whatever you find.
Post removed 
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
I would consider buying an older Rotel Int. amp and an older RCD-855 CDP. Both could be bought for under $300 used. Or go w/ a newer Rotel RCD-975 CDP or a CAL Icon MK II/DX-2. Under $500. Any of these combinations should sound exc. w/your Paradigms. (I'm enjoying my Paradigm Phantom V4's w/all Rotel equipment. Exc. value and great build quality.) Good Luck! Bill
More to discover