Threshold s/500 vs Cambridge Azur 851 CD


The Threshold looks bigger and more robust but the Cambridge has XLR’s. Won’t use the Cambridge for a receiver, only DAC - amp - speakers. 
Any ideas?

Threshold never seems to make it to anyone’s top 20 list?

128x128geworthomd

That Pass is $15,000 though!  I don’t have anywhere near that in the budget I have allocated. Why doesn’t anyone talk about the PS Audio stuff? Anyway those are so pricey too because there aren’t many second hand ones for $1500

I will still give you your answer for my budget and what I have now. I just have something to take care of this evening. Thank u for helping me

geworthomd

Im not following your question, a Threshold amp “VS” a Cambridge CD player? What are you looking for? The 851C is a great CD player for the money. Can’t think what 851 Series amp that has a DAC and my guess is others above are thinking you are comparing a Threshold to a Cambridge amp? Build quality of the 851 Series is very good and I question those that doubt it have seen or owned one. 
 

if you’re simply looking for a nice amp that is reasonably priced then look at a Parasound P21+. Knew a guy that had a S/500 but it’s been too many years to recall how it sounded but I bet the P21+ will easily hold its own no problem. A used ModWright amp would be another to visit, as on the used market they are a great value.

Below is a Legacy Amp, made by CODA, excellent build quality. Might be tough to find, but look for CODA Amps: Model 10, 11, 12, 20, 30 & 100. They have been in business since 1990 and I carried the line when I was in the business. Also checkout Monarchy Audio.

 

 

I thank you. I am developing this idea. I will box my Magnaplanar 3’d up for awhile. They have great midrange and superior stereo listening positions, very smooth and forgiving. They just don’t go very loud. I do have a sub. 
I will pull Vandersteen 2Ce out of another room (av room) and use them for music.

I have 4 Nautilus SCM-1. They have great highs, pretty darn good midrange and nothing else. I guess I will put those in the tx room and use them for rear and side effects. That seems like early retirement for nice speakers though. I wonder if I should use 2 of them for main music listening. 
 

I just purchased a Sony HAP Z1ES 1tb DAC NAS and a broadband service, Quobuz Premium. 
 

Now an amp. I bought one Digital Audio Maraschino Cherry and have been looking for a second one. They sold last for about $2,000 per pair. Used at 50% would be $1,000 but I only need one not a pair. So, I am looking for an amp about $1500 used. If I find another Cheery I can bi-amp the Vandersteens. Of course that still leaves me with the Nautilus. I could put two of them below the tv and use them for a center channel. 
 

For music I have. Yamaha P2500 running mono to RBH in-wall no box dual 8” subs with crossover built in.  The magnets are small, made in China and really lack a box. I will redo the speaker when I think of a direction later. Probably I will build a box into the interior wall that will be hidden and buy some real speakers. 
 

I can’t wait to update from Mag 3, iphone + Pandora. Bluetooth isn’t cutting it for me. I used to like listening to music but with the latter it became lifeless. 
 

Forgot to tell you, I have a McIntosh MC2100. I used it with the Mag’s until one of the channels went dim and scratchy. I need to find a guy to have it fixed. It was a good match with the Mag’s. It has had the main caps replaced with the big blue ones. That set up wasn’t very loud. One of the Mag’s prob needs a tweeter wire re-glued. I’ll put that down as project number 56 on my to do list that grows more than gets checked off