Cambridge or Marantz?

[raymeedc]

I have a choice of purchasing a Cambridge Audio Azur 340c for $100 or a Marantz CD5001 for $200. Considering the fact that my financial situation is tight at the moment, is the Marantz worth twice the price? They're both in excellent condition, & I won't get the chance to audition either in advance. I listen to mostly classical & Jazz through a pair of Dynaco A-25 speakers.

[Zero]

I'd go for the Cambridge myself.

[Face]

Having compared a Cambridge 540C and 840C to a Marantz SA-8001, I say go with the Cambridge. I can't imagine it sounding vastly different than the 540C.

[NewHTguy]

Having compared a Cambridge 540C and 840C to a Marantz SA-8001, I say go with the Cambridge. I can't imagine it sounding vastly different than the 540C.

Face, Would you say that the 840C is significantly better than the 540C? I've been thinking about going with either the 640C and the 740C (depends on my taxes:D ). I know the 740C shares many features, such as dual Dacs and upsampling, with the 840C. I was hoping your comparision would give me some insight into whether the price jump was worthwhile. Can't afford the 840C but hoped the 740C would be close.

[Face]

They sound very alike.

If you can, go for the 740C due to the digital inputs.

[Norm Apter]

I have a choice of purchasing a Cambridge Audio Azur 340c for $100 or a Marantz CD5001 for $200. Considering the fact that my financial situation is tight at the moment, is the Marantz worth twice the price? They're both in excellent condition, & I won't get the chance to audition either in advance. I listen to mostly classical & Jazz through a pair of Dynaco A-25 speakers.

I have the Marantz CD5001 and I think its excellent for the money -- you would be pleased I believe to get this for $200 in excellent condition.

I haven't heard the Cambridge line, though, so I can't make the comparisons that Face has.

If you do decide to go with the Cambridge this just came up on Audiogon. Its the 540C which Face spoke of. At $259 and less than a week old it seems like a great deal:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....540C-In-Black-

[NewHTguy]

Face, Thanks

If you decide to stretch for the 540C consider this

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo...umber=CA540CV2

I believe the shipping is free, but you'll have to check that.

[raymeedc]

Thanks for your help..... I just picked up the Cambridge. Sounds great and, as a bonus, looks great with my 70's silver faced components.

[mantis]

The Cambridge players are really nice. I have been Installing them for a few years now. Very impressive.

Dan

[NewHTguy]

Face/Mantis,
Do you guys think the 740C is overkill for my system? At some point I'll probably upgrade my speakers, but it might not be for a while. I'm really curious about the upsampling, but I don't want spend the money if I won't hear the quality. Appreciate your thoughts.

Raymeedc, Congrats on your upgrade!

[Face]

Face/Mantis,
Do you guys think the 740C is overkill for my system?

Not at all.

[bigred7078]

Definately get the Cambridge

[NewHTguy]

Before I started hanging out in these forums I did not understand the following relationship:
Tax Refund = Audio System Upgrade
Lol!