Cambridge Audio 640C V2

[JohnG]

I've noticed a certain Hi-Fi mag creaming itself about this CD player and am tempted. Just how good is it ?

[alexs2]

Hi John...it's like all things....you'd have to try it against the similarly priced (and better)opposition to decide.

What works for one person in sound quality terms doesnt always suit another...I remember some years ago trying a pair of similarly priced CD players,one Linn,one Meridian,and both using virtually identical DACs,but only one was listenable for extended periods,to my ears anyway.

FWIW,Cambridge have a decent reputation for value and quality at the price point,but I'd not buy without a suitable trial.

[JohnG]

Do Richer Sounds allow you to try it for a while ? My problem would be that I would never be able to try it out in their shop using my Denon 3805 amp and Castle Avon speakers.

[alexs2]

Originally Posted by JohnG

Do Richer Sounds allow you to try it for a while ? My problem would be that I would never be able to try it out in their shop using my Denon 3805 amp and Castle Avon speakers.

I think that would be the problem,as I would be surprised if home trials were possible,but I may be wrong.
You could always try,but you may have to place a deposit first,as many of the hifi shops I've used previously do.

Other than that,you end up almost buying blind,which I hate doing,but if you have a good pair of headphones,it can be a way round it to an extent,plus a few CDs you know and like,rather than something to "test" it with,which is a mistake people often make.

[JohnG]

Good thinking. I'll take some headphones and CDs down to the Nottingham store and have a listen

[alexs2]

If you cant get a home demo,using a decent pair of headphones,and a few very familiar CDs is probably the next best thing,given that a good set of headphones(esp with a headphone amp) can equal speakers costing several times the cost in terms of detail etc.

Sit down,and have a good listen,and don't be pushed for time....if you can listen to it for a good while,and still like it,then it may be worth buying.

[Ed Selley]

John- Richer can normally do a home trial if you phone ahead. You normally get the display model to try but change to a new one if you like it. Is it as good as they say? Well we did put a lot of effort into it- the choice article might be a better read to find out more.