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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
soulgoober OP
55 posts
 
Ok, thank you everyone so much for your responses.

I realize that I'm shooting over my budget at this point, but I believe I'm going to go with the Outlaw RR2150 receiver (used if I can find one, otherwise new), and a used Ah! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 with the updgrades including the upsampler.

With luck, I can keep both these components to $1,500 (in fact, if I had the cash today, I know I could). So it'll take me a little longer to save the money, but it'll be worth it and I'll be able to, as someone kindly suggested, skip a step in the upgrade process.

Anyone have any other thoughts? Of course, until I've spent the money I could still change my mind, but I really like what I've found in my research on these units...
Post removed 
soulgoober OP
55 posts
 
Yes, but would a 340C with a Benchmark DAC1 sound better than a Ah! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 with the updgrades including the upsampler? The reviews for that CDP are pretty universally out of this world.

I appreciate the suggestion about the subwoofer, but I'm new to this and extremely anxious to ditch my sub-par old and error-ridden integrated amp and cd player for an upgrade to go along with my new speakers. I can get a subwoofer at any point thereafter.
soulgoober OP
55 posts
 
And besides, my wife is already starting a complaint campaign about my new speakers.

I can't help it! They sound so much better than what I had before that I just have to keep turning it up. If I got a subwoofer right away, there might be bloodshed. ;)
strateahed
303 posts
 
Based on your budget, and the decisions already reached ... here's a suggestion. Go ahead and get the Outlaw 2150 ($650). Can't go wrong there. These are the same design elements as those used by Amplifier Technology Inc (ATI). Go to Signal Cables for all your cabling. Pick up a Sony CE595 CDP changer ($150) and get it modified ($750) by Tube Research Labs (TRL). Enjoy the music! Your total cost: approximately $1,550 - not including cabling.
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