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Need Recommendations on a CD Player

About 10 years ago I purchased a Cambridge Audio Azur 840C CD player. Unfortunately, it has developed a problem of emitting static through the 2-channel speakers on startup. The good news is that by cycling the power off & on, the static disappears & all is well. However, I am skeptical that the cost of repair might not make sense considering the price of a new unit.

That being said, I would appreciate some recommendations on a quality single-disc player. The thing that I have been questioning is whether I really need to spend somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,200 (U.S.) as I did for the Cambridge Audio player. I have a very good audio system, so I don't want the CD player to be unable to jeopardize the sound quality of everything "downstream". I guess that I am trying to find a balance between cost & quality.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations or considerations. It's much appreciated.

Kit
kitjv
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
Do yourself a favor and grab one of these.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/cd-sacd-players-nad-c-546bee-w-manufacturers-warranty-authorized-d...

I own the older C542 and it is the best sounding player(to me) I have ever owned and that is in comparison to CA 840C, a legendary Denon DCD-3520, and an Oppo BDP-105, just to name a few.  IMO the C542 is special with fast and punchy bass/midbass, and great detail all the way up.  Supposedly the C545BEE and newer C546BEE took the things that the C542 did right and made things even better.

To answer your question about whether you have to spend $1200.00 to get similar o better performance than your 840C, I say no you don't.

"Cambridge Audio Azur 851C if you can strech your budget."
I agree here if you don't mind spending a bit more $$$.  The 851C is an improvement over the 840C.

Bill
   




jl35
3,977 posts
 
you might try a Cambridge CXC transport, you can find them for under $300 here, and play with various DAC's. While excellent, the 851C sounds quite different than the 840C...
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
Oppo BDP 105 or the new 205! Hopefully you have speakers and electronics that can hang with this source. Highly attractive at that price point (class A rated too by Stereophile). Has XLR or RCA analog outs, and many many other useful connections for video and audio, like the ability to add a streamer via its USB audio input. A machine that has so far stood the test of time as there are very little in the way of neg reviews of this unit. Also, It can be modded and made even better though that is $2500 expense.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/oppo-bdp-105-universal-blu-ray-player-and-dac

Matt M P.S. I want one...LOL
guido1953
1 posts
 
I have a Rega Apollo R. It is fantastic.

guido
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Here is a very inexpensive alternative to the excellent options already mentioned by others herein this thread. If you consider value and performance, this will be difficult to best. Emotiva ERC-3. Even more recommended if your disks are "finicky" to read off of.
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