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In Reply to: Re: Cambridge CD 840C posted by gordan on March 15, 2007 at 11:08:34:
Well, funny thing, I find my Wadia 16i sound much better than a lot newer CD player and that's why I have been hold on to it for so long. Your statement about some cheaper and newer CD player are better than older one maybe partially true, but it was not the case on Wadia 16i. The Wadia 16i was something special. It was smooth, involving, but I wish it could be more transparent and extended some time, it has a darker kind of tone, easy on ears.
Compare with the Wadia 16i, the 840C has a wider and deeper stage, each instrument position more clearly, more layers and more extened in high frequency than Wadia 16i, but not harsh at all. Bass is about equal, vocal has a little more texture. It seems that you can see futher and clearer with a new corrective lens. Again, it's not harsh and I find myself listen music for long time.
Follow Ups:
It was rated a Best Buy with the Naim 5i and Quad 99 model in a recent UK shoot out. The reviewer said it did everything very well, but lacked character. The Naim and Quad had character. I have not heard it, but it bested my Arcam CD 192T and I do like the Naim and Quad CDPs. That's pretty good company.
I've had the 840C since it's release. One of the first ones out there, and was immed. THRILLED with it for the money. I have not heard the mega buck machines...but I have owned an Ayre C-5xe, Quad 99(the latest one), Sony SACD-1,DVP9000es, modded Marantz SA-14 (very nice), Arcam 23, and others I'd have to think about some more. You get the picture though. Some of these decks were much pricier. This is a Whole different animal! I have not even heard it with XLR's yet. Part of the reason I bought this just on pre-release info is the digital inputs, as I am now importing my huge library to cpu (wow, awesome access!!) and couldn't be more pleased. The mechanics have all been perfect and is great at reading scratched/dirty discs. It is used with a Cary tube system which may help with that last bit of relaxed presentation, though I am definitely hearing information that never made itself known before. BRAVO Cambridge Audio!
I think you can say the 840C lacked character, because it is a very "true" CD player. I prefer add "perference" or "character" in from the back end component, which is speakers instead from the source component. Because if you add "color" from the start, then it will dictate all other component selection down the chain. So I think keep the source as "true" as possible is a simple and good idea.
Of course, if you already has a good system and you are only replacing one component, then you need to select the "character" you like.
fully agree that a source player shouldn't have a dominant character, otherwise it is a coloration.with speakers almost for sure being the most colored link in a system, there is no need for another point of altering the original sound. i would always buy a product with no character rather than one with a character whatever it is.
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