Cambridge 840c

Ngjockey, the unit has been running for about 27 hours now and it gets better and better every hour. I never thought a CDP would make such a dramatic difference. Out of the box it was very forward and even bright at times. Now, with a day or so play time it has lost it's edge and sounds fantastic. I can't wai to hear it in a few more weeks. I was thinking of selling my Tyler PD80s to get something more refined, but not anymore. Also, I ran my DVD into one of the digi ins and have the benefit of using the 840s dacs.(no surround in this room)

For me, the CA and McIntosh synergy is superb. For once I am not thinking of the next upgrade, I'm not sure, but I think I am done.

Happy that worked out. I thought it would be a good match for the Macs. Might have been too neutral for some gear and ears.

Try using the XLR outputs to take full advantage of the differential DACs, if you can.

Hey Nuguy,
I'm very seriously considering buying the CA-840C to audition. It would be for a secondary system in my bedroom. I'm now using a California Audio Labs CL-2500 DVD player as my redbook CD source in this system. I've been looking for a dedicated unit to replace it. I used to own a CA-640C, Ver.II. but sold because the CAL outperformed it.

Are you familiar with the CAL? It's presentation is detailed & forward. I liked the smoothness & bottom of the 640C II but the CAL kills it in detail & presence IMO.

So, I haven't seen a post from you on this thread since 12/17. Is the 840C fully broken in? What can you definitively say about the unit?

My question is "In your opinion, is it worth spending $1375.00 for a unit with impressive credentials (modern day upsampler, etc.) just for auditioning? " I believe the CAL is still a hard one to beat but I'm still looking for something smoother with the CAL's detail & presence but not break the bank.

Thank you for a response!!
Kevin

Unfortunately I am not familiar with the CAL. What I can tell you is the unit has broken in nicely. The CA840c does have a very smooth sound and it is very detailed. I wish I had more answers for you, but sound is such a personal thing. I would definately recommend a trial and urge you to post back. I would love to here your opinion.
Here is a more detailed read on my thoughts.
Good luck and have a Happy New Year!!!

Larry

Yestrerday I auditioned the 840c with a krell 400xi integrated at a dealer. I have an Sacd Standard on the way (bought through audiogon) but in the meantime I wanted to hear the latest redbook entries in case I have Krell transport problems and/or need to hawk the Standard and pocket the difference for financial reasons. In short, I was surprised to hear the 840c performing so well. I would say it was 90% as good as the Krell. The only areas in which the 840c fell short were in bass weight and definition, and palpability of acoustic instruments. However I should point out that the loudspeakers were Paradigm Studio 20's and 40's, so it's very likely - if reviews are any indication - that higher end speakers would reveal at least some superiority. Possibly ditto for cables/interconnects and/or room acoustics. That better be the case, considering the difference in price tags (over $2K used vs. $1350 new. Next week I may borrow the 840c from the same dealer and do A/B'ing against the SACD Standard. Unless the Standard is distinctly superior over a wide range of recordings (especially as revealed through Sennheiser HD600's), then I may end up with the 840c. I should also point out that in-store auditioning was done using both the 840c's and the Standard's single-ended rca's. My 400xi does balanced, so who knows what switching IC's will do.