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. |
