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Cambridge Audio CD Player Has Died

I have a Cambridge Audio Azur 840C CD player that is roughly 15 years old. A year ago the left channel went dead & was subsequently repaired. However, yesterday the audio output completely died (no sound whatsoever). Although the unit has served me well, I am reluctant to continue to put more money into repairs of an older unit.

That being said, I have a question for those of you who have more expertise than I. Is there a discernible difference in sound quality between high-end CD players & those more moderately priced? Although I do have a high-quality audio system, I would prefer not to spend a lot of money on a new CD player unnecessarily.
Thank you so much.
Kit
kitjv
kitjv OP
69 posts
 
Based upon your recommendations & some research, I am leaning toward the Cambridge Audio CXC transport & one of the Music Hall DACs. I would appreciate your thoughts on the Music Hall 15.2 & the 25.3. Reviews suggest that these DACs are "warmer" than many other DACs. Am I correct in assuming that the MH 25.3 is tubed & the MH 15.2 is not?
Of course, whichever transport & DAC is purchase, I want to be sure that it is well-matched to my existing 2-channel audio system. I am running my music sources through a Audio Research SP16 tubed preamp, a Bryston 14B SST power amp & Paradigm Sig 7 speakers.
Thank you for your input.
Kit


jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
Yup,the MH 25.3 is tubed.The MH 15.2 is not.If it were me I'd go for the MH 25-3.From the reviews I could dig up the 15.2 has a more analytical sound and a sibilance issue.Whatever you decide on I'd be interested in your impressions.

The Parasound I was auditioning this past month is going back.It sounded very good with small ensembles but fell apart with more complicated music.The CXC transport is perfect,it stays.

kitjv OP
69 posts
 
Thank you, jtcf, for your response. According to Roy Hall, the 25.3 is indeed less analytical. However, that is no longer in production & my limited search cannot find one in anyone's inventory.
I am also looking at the Schiit Modi 3.
jl35
4,222 posts
 
the 25.3 comes up here fairly regularly

kitjv OP
69 posts
 
Thank you. I will keep my eyes open.
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