Cambridge audio 640C V1 Vs. Rotel 1072

cbl117 · 03-16-2006, 10:07 PM

If you needed to choose between the Cambridge audio 640C and the Rotel 1072, what would you choose? and Why? I know the DACs are different, but is one DAC better than the other?

My budget is $500. I'm looking at the Rotel 1072 used. The cambridge is on sale at audioadvisor for $343. Are there any other CDPs that I should be looking at?

shack · 03-16-2006, 10:19 PM

Honestly...you would not be making a mistake which ever way you go. There was a thread here a few weeks ago where the 1072's praises were expanded on at length. The CA is also thought of very highly and has been discussed on the forum also. I've heard both and I like both. The Rotel may be a little better thus the $157 higher price. The CA is close and for $157 less you get a very good CDP with a mfg. warranty. Either way you go....you will be pleased.

audiobliss · 03-16-2006, 10:24 PM

Search for the thread on the Rotel shack mentioned. It received a lot of praise.

I would most definitely go with the Rotel.

cbl117 · 03-16-2006, 10:47 PM

thanks for the replies. Unless I find a good deal on a used Rotel 1072, I'm going to go with the CA 640c.

I'm just trying to figure out if the 640c V2 is worth the extra cash. Is the only difference the DAC quantity? V1 has one DAC, while V2 has two DACs. Does this really matter in the real world or is it only gonna matter on spec sheets?

Oh I did read those threads you were speaking of. It just made my decision that much harder...

cfrizz · 03-16-2006, 10:48 PM

I have the Rotel 1072. I love it!

audiobliss · 03-16-2006, 10:50 PM

There will be a real world difference between the 640C V1 and V2, for sure. The only question is are you a critical enough listener, and is your system up to snuff for that difference to be noticeable and appreciable.

If you're going to put out enough dough for the 640Cv2, I would really go with the Rotel instead.

shack · 03-16-2006, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbl117

I'm just trying to figure out if the 640c V2 is worth the extra cash. Is the only difference the DAC quantity? V1 has one DAC, while V2 has two DACs. Does this really matter in the real world or is it only gonna matter on spec sheets?

It probably matters...the question is how much and is it noticable in your rig. My guess would be not a lot.

cmy330go · 03-16-2006, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbl117

....I'm just trying to figure out if the 640c V2 is worth the extra cash. Is the only difference the DAC quantity? V1 has one DAC, while V2 has two DACs. Does this really matter in the real world or is it only gonna matter on spec sheets?....)

The 640C V2 also received a new transformer (quieter), control bus connections, dimming LCD panel.

Just FYI.
Dave

heiney9 · 03-17-2006, 09:37 AM

Dual Dac's is ALWAYS a good thing. If it's within your budget get the V2. The Rotel is a great choice as well.

H9

halo · 03-17-2006, 03:16 PM

+ 1 for the Rotel.

cbl117 · 03-17-2006, 05:08 PM

I was checking out Rotel's website, and I think the Rotel 1072 only has one DAC. Could someone confirm that?

audiobliss · 03-17-2006, 06:11 PM

I *believe* that you're right on that. However, the number of DACs does not dictate sound quality.

heiney9 · 03-17-2006, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiobliss

I *believe* that you're right on that. However, the number of DACs does not dictate sound quality.

Uhmmmm. Yes and no. Sure 1 ultra-accurate single DAC may sound better than 2 mediocre DAC's. Obviously many other things are at work in the design. I'd bet, given that these two units are pretty similar to each other as far as design, pricing, packaging, etc., dual Dac's is the ticket. It isn't the end all, but here I think some people would notice and improvement.

But, again as I stated earlier, each is a soild choice.

H9

audiobliss · 03-17-2006, 06:26 PM

I wasn't trying to say that the Rotel walks over the CA, I was just wanting to point out that single components, and lots of times even the whole thing, isn't very representative of how it will sound to you in your system.

The 640Cv2 and RCD1072 have similar designs? Didn't know that. Given that, and that the DACs are of similar quality, I'll bet that the CA probably would be better with two of 'em.

heiney9 · 03-17-2006, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiobliss

The 640Cv2 and RCD1072 have similar designs? Didn't know that. Given that, and that the DACs are of similar quality, I'll bet that the CA probably would be better with two of 'em.

Maybe similar design was the wrong word. But they are in the same league, comparable components, build-wise, budget wise, target market etc. One is not heads above the other. Maybe this makes more sense

. Typically if they incorporate 2 dac's generally there has been more care taken internally.

Which ever one sounds better to you, if you can compare them side-by-side.

H9

audiobliss · 03-17-2006, 06:39 PM

Thanks for the clarification. Makes sense.

cbl117 · 03-17-2006, 06:56 PM

Thanks for the info!

I'll try and find a hifi shop around the LA area and give them both a listen. I'm leaning toward the CA 640C V2 since its the cheaper of the two. Unless there is a big difference between the two, the CA is my ticket.

cbl117 · 03-17-2006, 07:36 PM

50 Posts!!!!!!! I'M a POLKSTER NOW!!!

audiobliss · 03-17-2006, 09:37 PM

Hehe...maybe now you're waist high to the proverbial 'CP grasshopper'...

Mike Reeter · 03-17-2006, 10:01 PM

The CA 640C won't play back HDCD...This was the only reason I did'nt get it instead of the Rotel 1072.

To most,this is not a big deal,but to me it was worth the little extra for the 1072.

Picked up our Rotel on the gon' for 500 shipped.

del44 · 03-18-2006, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Reeter

The CA 640C won't play back HDCD...This was the only reason I did'nt get it instead of the Rotel 1072.

To most,this is not a big deal,but to me it was worth the little extra for the 1072.

Picked up our Rotel on the gon' for 500 shipped.

I've been wanting to get the 1072 also. Hopefully soon. $500 shipped is a really good deal.

03-16-2006, 10:07 PM	#1
cbl117 Polkateer Member Sales Rating: (3) Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: LA, CA Posts: 267	Cambridge audio 640C V1 Vs. Rotel 1072 If you needed to choose between the Cambridge audio 640C and the Rotel 1072, what would you choose? and Why? I know the DACs are different, but is one DAC better than the other? My budget is $500. I'm looking at the Rotel 1072 used. The cambridge is on sale at audioadvisor for $343. Are there any other CDPs that I should be looking at? __________________ 2 Channel Vandersteen 3a Sigs Music Reference RM-200 Audio Mirror PP1 Rotel RCD-1072 Rega P3 w/ Benz ACE and Cardas Re-Wire Cardas crosslink speaker cables Cardas Golden Reference Interconnects Cardas Golden Reference Power Cords PS Audio UPC-200HB

03-16-2006, 10:19 PM	#2
shack Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (7) Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tennessee Posts: 9,173	Honestly...you would not be making a mistake which ever way you go. There was a thread here a few weeks ago where the 1072's praises were expanded on at length. The CA is also thought of very highly and has been discussed on the forum also. I've heard both and I like both. The Rotel may be a little better thus the $157 higher price. The CA is close and for $157 less you get a very good CDP with a mfg. warranty. Either way you go....you will be pleased. __________________ SOPA®

03-16-2006, 10:48 PM	#5
cfrizz Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 8,819	I have the Rotel 1072. I love it! __________________ Sunfire TGP III PrePro, Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature 405wpc 5 ch. Amp, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Onkyo TA2600 Tape Deck, Pioneer Elite 47-A DVD, Sony 32" XBR TV, Polk RTA-8T Main Speakers, Boston VR-920 Center Channel, Boston PV-600 Subwoofer, Polk DSW 400 Subwoofer, Polk FXi-3Surround Speakers

03-17-2006, 09:37 AM	#9
heiney9 Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (12) Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: In A Van Down By The River Posts: 10,989	Dual Dac's is ALWAYS a good thing. If it's within your budget get the V2. The Rotel is a great choice as well. H9 __________________ "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Aleph 30; Adcom GFP-750/Dared SL2000A; Adcom GDA-600; MIT T2's; SDA 1C's; Squeezebox; Tubes add soul!

03-17-2006, 03:16 PM	#10
halo Polkologist Member Sales Rating: (4) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,464	+ 1 for the Rotel. __________________ Better to have and not need than to need and not have!

03-16-2006, 10:47 PM	#4
cbl117 Polkateer Member Sales Rating: (3) Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: LA, CA Posts: 267	thanks for the replies. Unless I find a good deal on a used Rotel 1072, I'm going to go with the CA 640c. I'm just trying to figure out if the 640c V2 is worth the extra cash. Is the only difference the DAC quantity? V1 has one DAC, while V2 has two DACs. Does this really matter in the real world or is it only gonna matter on spec sheets? Oh I did read those threads you were speaking of. It just made my decision that much harder...

03-16-2006, 10:50 PM	#6
audiobliss Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (6) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: American by birth, Southern by the grace of God! (NC) Posts: 12,141	There will be a real world difference between the 640C V1 and V2, for sure. The only question is are you a critical enough listener, and is your system up to snuff for that difference to be noticeable and appreciable. If you're going to put out enough dough for the 640Cv2, I would really go with the Rotel instead.

03-17-2006, 05:08 PM	#11
cbl117 Polkateer Member Sales Rating: (3) Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: LA, CA Posts: 267	I was checking out Rotel's website, and I think the Rotel 1072 only has one DAC. Could someone confirm that?

03-17-2006, 06:11 PM	#12
audiobliss Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (6) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: American by birth, Southern by the grace of God! (NC) Posts: 12,141	I believe that you're right on that. However, the number of DACs does not dictate sound quality.

03-17-2006, 06:26 PM	#14
audiobliss Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (6) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: American by birth, Southern by the grace of God! (NC) Posts: 12,141	I wasn't trying to say that the Rotel walks over the CA, I was just wanting to point out that single components, and lots of times even the whole thing, isn't very representative of how it will sound to you in your system. The 640Cv2 and RCD1072 have similar designs? Didn't know that. Given that, and that the DACs are of similar quality, I'll bet that the CA probably would be better with two of 'em.

03-17-2006, 06:39 PM	#16
audiobliss Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (6) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: American by birth, Southern by the grace of God! (NC) Posts: 12,141	Thanks for the clarification. Makes sense.

03-17-2006, 06:56 PM	#17
cbl117 Polkateer Member Sales Rating: (3) Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: LA, CA Posts: 267	Thanks for the info! I'll try and find a hifi shop around the LA area and give them both a listen. I'm leaning toward the CA 640C V2 since its the cheaper of the two. Unless there is a big difference between the two, the CA is my ticket.

03-17-2006, 07:36 PM	#18
cbl117 Polkateer Member Sales Rating: (3) Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: LA, CA Posts: 267	50 Posts!!!!!!! I'M a POLKSTER NOW!!!

03-17-2006, 09:37 PM	#19
audiobliss Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (6) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: American by birth, Southern by the grace of God! (NC) Posts: 12,141	Hehe...maybe now you're waist high to the proverbial 'CP grasshopper'...

03-17-2006, 10:01 PM	#20
Mike Reeter Polkhead Member Sales Rating: (9) Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: MO Posts: 1,515	The CA 640C won't play back HDCD...This was the only reason I did'nt get it instead of the Rotel 1072. To most,this is not a big deal,but to me it was worth the little extra for the 1072. Picked up our Rotel on the gon' for 500 shipped. __________________ SDA CRS+4.1TL's Velodyne SPL-1000R Jolida JD-100A CDP Rogue Audio 66 Magnum Pre Tube Audio Design TAD-60 Amplifier Audioquest IC's/Bedrocks

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