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Considering Cambridge Audio Amp/CD - Need Advice

Ok, I'm a brand new audiophile, or perhaps I should say I've been a wannabee audiophile for many years.

I just got a used pair of Paradigm 11se Mk II for $150. I know these are a bit older, but next to my previous Infinity RS-5B (which I'll have to sell now - anyone know what they're worth?), these are a huge improvement.

I've done a LOT of research and decided that all I need now are an integrated amp and a cd player. My budget is around $1,000 and from all my research, it seems my best bet is a Cambridge Audio 640A v.2 integrated amp and Cambridge Audio 640C v.2. The 640A is only 75 watts per channel, but supposedly 100 watts for 4 ohms, which is what my Paradigms are. Even though my Paradigms go up to 160 watts, with the size of the room I have, I'll never need anything close to that, so I figure that amp will suffice just fine.

So anyway, does this seem a good use of my money for a good entry level amp/cd player? Can anyone think of a better system for the money? Obviously I'll have to get a good conneting cable and speaker wire too.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Brand new to Audiogon.
soulgoober
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I'm going to suggest the NAD C-352 integrated. I bought one used for $300 a few months back. That amp is a true bargain. I also owned a NAD C541i cd player two or three years ago. The newer 542 is a very nice cdp with HDCD for the money. Good luck whatever you find.
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kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
I would consider buying an older Rotel Int. amp and an older RCD-855 CDP. Both could be bought for under $300 used. Or go w/ a newer Rotel RCD-975 CDP or a CAL Icon MK II/DX-2. Under $500. Any of these combinations should sound exc. w/your Paradigms. (I'm enjoying my Paradigm Phantom V4's w/all Rotel equipment. Exc. value and great build quality.) Good Luck! Bill
bowbow
123 posts
 
For this guy, why would a lack of a main-in jack matter as a reason not to buy the Cambridge. Its an budget integrated amp. There are uses for this, but why would the typical person upgrade the preamp part?

I've always thought that those budget amps with cheap jumpers on the pre-out/main in, just degrades the sound, especially after they get older.

Kind of like buying car based mainly on how good the stereo is.
soulgoober OP
55 posts
 
FOLLOW-UP:

Someone asked me about a tuner, and I really don't need one. I used to have a tuner with my old crappy Technics system and I got rid of it because I noticed that it had been years since I listened to the radio and it was taking up space. Also, a main-in jack is not important.

Among other things, people have suggested to me the following: Music Hall intergrated amps (25.2) and CDP's, the NAD C-352 integrated, the NAD C541i CDP, the NAD C542 CDP, an older Rotel Int. amp and an older RCD-855 CDP, a newer Rotel RCD-975 CDP or a CAL Icon MK II/DX-2.

Has anyone compared any of those suggestions to either a Cambridge Audio 640A v.2 integrated or 640C v.2 CDP? I appreciate the suggestions, but if I'm going to seriously consider a different option, I want to make sure I'm at least going to get as good a system or better. Has anyone done a side by side comparison with any of these?

Unfortunately, I live in Southern Oregon and the nearest audiophile store to me is at least a 3-hour drive. Even then, many of them only have very limited brands so it would be very difficult if not impossible to compare the Cambridge Audio units I'm eyeing with some of those others suggested unless I got really lukcy and they carried both brands. That's why I'm trying to make the best decision based on my online research.

I find it a bit frustrating doing research, as once I find equipment that looks highly reviewed and sounds ideal, I find another website or review where someone is trashing the same unit. Everyone seems to have different standards. I want to have the highest standards I can, but for now have to settle with the higher standards I can while staying near my budget. ;)
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