Digital Drive

In Reply to: Marantz vs. Cambridge Audio posted by ak on December 12, 2005 at 01:23:56:

I did own two Cambridge CD6s a few years back and while they were neat units on the inside, copper partitions and nicely laid out boards, neither worked past a month and I eventually returned them for a credit. Just be aware that they have had some QC issues.

Chris

In Reply to: Marantz vs. Cambridge Audio posted by ak on December 12, 2005 at 01:23:56:

And I agree with every word.
This is a fine player for the money, but "for the money" is in the context of the mid-fi industry.
I think all those mid-priced players, NAD542, Arcam CD73 Marantz cd-7300 etc. are overpriced to begin with for what you pay for a simple electronic machine.
I find the CA 640C and 640C V2 to be OK sounding, but less involving or emotional rewarding than older, cheaper players who used TDA1541 DAC's f.i. even if more resolving and quiet, same goes for all those 5* currently awarded in British mags.

The Marantz cd-7300 IMHO has excellent highs and fruitful mids, but it sounds overblown with messy soundstage.

• http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/azur640c_e.html   (Open in New Window)

In Reply to: Marantz vs. Cambridge Audio posted by ak on December 12, 2005 at 01:23:56:

Is your CD-63 actually making sounds of an imminent death or are you just wishing for a rationalization to treat yourself to a Christmas present?
I have a CD-63SE that's at least 6 years old and doesn't seem to be anywhere near its demise. That doesn't stop me from looking over the ever-shrinking number of budget priced CDPs such as the Cambridge Audio or a new model from Marantz, the CD-5001.
If your CDP is displaying audible symptoms of imminent death, by all means, look for a successor. However, if you are simply wanting a better quality sound, I'd like to suggest that you investigate cleaning up your A/C line supply. To be specific, investigate parallel line filters such as Quietlines from the now defunct Audioprism or the Graham-Stetzer filters that were mentioned in the Tweak Asylum a couple of months ago. If you're reluctant to make that kind of purchase on blind faith, look for a retailer that will offer a 30 or 60 day trial. I doubt that it would take that long to decide whether or not the purchase is worthwhile.

• Re: Marantz vs. Cambridge Audio - ak 07:59:01 12/13/05 (0)
  In Reply to: Re: Marantz vs. Cambridge Audio posted by Postal Grunt on December 12, 2005 at 18:37:00:

  Hi,

  Unfortunately it is not just a Christmas wish - although I like the CD63MkII it started skipping. I had it repaired and things are somewhat better – it does not skip any more and it reads 95% of my CDs just fine, but it will not read some of the CDs or just one song on a CD - and it is not scratched CD I am talking about. So I will keep it in secondary system, but am still looking to get a new one.

  Since I started buying vinyl lately, I do not want to invest in CDP too much. So about $500 to spend seems OK at the moment – I thing at this price I get a lot. Sure I can get more for $1000, but I my experiences not twice as much (yes, I probably would think differently if I had $1000 to spend on CDP).

  ak
  
  

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In Reply to: Marantz vs. Cambridge Audio posted by ak on December 12, 2005 at 01:23:56:

Someone wrote a review for the 640C and compared it to Marantz a little, but not the 7300. I don't see one listed under Marantz specifically for the 7300. Happy hunting!

"Scruffy Fran says the truth is out there" ARC SP-3C, ARC D400MKII, Tympani 1D, Creek CD50Mk2