Well, there's no accounting for taste. I auditioned the NAD C370 against the Cambridge A500 about a year ago, and preferred the Cambridge. I found the NAD unbearably mushy and imprecise. "Romantic" is the nicer way to put it. I agree that the Cambridge is bright, but given the choice I would go the "analytical" (Cambridge) route (in the end, I chose neither, and upped my budget). I like the Rotel better than either, but I think they're a little out of your budget.
I think the moral of the story is that if at all humanly possible, you should listen before you buy. People have different taste, and at this price point the "personality" of the different pieces is pronounced (the NAD and the Cambridge represent almost opposite philosophies, in my view).
If there is a store near you that sells used equipment, patronize them. I agree that a good 10-year old piece is going to sound better than something new at the same price (this logic is more true of amps and tuners than, say, CD players). Again, listen before you buy. Half the fun is trying stuff out. It may be heresy here, but I would avoid starting out in hi-fi via mail order.
- Eric
