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CDP Repair or Replace? Seeking advice Please

Hi,
First, thank you for your kind response!
I own what may now be considered a vintage CDP, it is a Cambridge AZUR 840C which I primarily use as a DAC streaming TIDAL. I also have a SONY SCD-2000ES SACD player connected via COAX to it to play CD's. Well, the AZUR transport coughed up a furball and will not spin a disk, which sounded better than the Sony connection. I called a dealer and they said it would cost about $300 to repair it, I asked about (not that I have the coin) upgrading to the AZUR 851C and they were quite emphatic that my $ would be best spent repairing the 840C, they did not try to sell me anything else, again, just spend the $300. Question is, what would you do? Thanks!
grm
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I am confused if you are only using it as a DAC why bother with a new laser etc. ?. Unless that assembly has the DAC in it? Like many others have said there are many new DACs to choose from or just use the Sony for discs.
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
I think the 840C is well worth the $300.00 repair if you are planning to use it for CD playback.  If as a DAC only with another transport, why bother now?

Bill
mahler123
3,378 posts
 
I agree with all the people who are saying that if you only use it as a DAC, why are you thinking of messing with the laser?  If you think the Sony is a poor transport (why?), you can probably get a DVD or BRP as an alternative transport for a lot less than $300
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,833 posts
 

grm-


how do you like the Sony SCD-2000ES ?

Happy Listening!

grm OP
149 posts
 
Hi, jafant. I think I paid around $450 for the Sony SCD-2000ES. It turned out to be an absolute steal. Not only does it hold 5 disks, it plays hybrid SACD's and has both TOSLINK and COAX outputs for playing CD's on an external DAC. In terms of SQ, it gives my Cambridge a run for the money, of course, the Cambridge is better (except for SACD where the Sony edges out the Cambridge). Using it as a transport connected to my cambridge for playing CD's it does the job, but the Cambridge sounded better playing CD's with it's own transport. I think after reading all of these posts, and the fact that most of my listening now is through TIDAL, I'm going to save my $ and time and Use the Cambridge as a DAC. If and when the Cambridge dies, or when I can afford an upgrade, I'll replace it at that time.
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