Cambridge Audio 540R Version 2

[simphiwes]

Does anyone here have any info on the Cambridge Audio Receiver, i am looking at buying one but i am not sure, i have read a couple of reviews but not on the new Version 2, so if anyone has any info i would realy appreciate it. Cambridge has been compared to Models like Rotel, Marantz etc - is this a fair comparison or these comaprisons by people trying hard to sell the product. i will be using this brand to power the Rti8, i want to replace my ONKYO 501e. the sad this is that i cannot demo the unit as its not readily available localy, i would need to import it and decide then whether i like it or not but i cannot send it back basically. it will cost me R5490.00 = USD$885.42 but i am not sure if this will be worth my while. i like the finish, its simplicity, and the fact that there arent a million and one sound modes that i will most proberbly never use, and i understand the imaging in stereo is excelent considering the price. I listen to Jazz, Hip-Hop, Acid- Jazz, Gospel, R&B, SOul etc. i dont know if this means anything. Can someone help!!!

[marker]

I put together a system for my sis and bro-in-law based around this receiver.

SWEET!

Much like a NAD model for example, it doesn't have the features of some of the mass market Jap brands such as 75 different DSP sound fields, etc., but for pure sound quality it smokes any of them at twice it's price (or more).

I would not hesitate to personally endorse/recommend it based on experience.

It only has 6 power amp channels though if that matters.

[simphiwes]

How much better is the imaging on this unit in stereo! this is important for me as i do most of my listening in stereo.How bright is this unit, are the High frequesncies exaggarated or are they flat and natural and is the bass on this unit good or avarage?

[marker]

Stereo music is where it shines!

It is not at all bright. It is very warm and "laid back" sounding compared to to Onkyo, Denon, Yamaha, etc, and it has great bass detail.

The biggest differences between it and the V1 540R are a port for possible future software upgrades, on-screen display for menus, adjustable bass crossover points (as opposed to a fixed 80 Hz like on the V1), and a room or zone 2 feature.

Chips, DACs, and amp section are all the same on both versions.