Cdp

audiobliss

In all my searching for a new CDP I had pretty much decided on the Cambridge Audio Azur 540C. It seems to have a lot of punch for the money, and I think I can afford it.

Well, I was just looking at Audio Advisor's website, and I see they have the Cambridge Audio D500SE on clearance for $280. From what I can tell, it also seems to be a good performer for the money. Does anyone have any personal experience with this CDP? How would you say it compares to the 540C? How do you like the dial navigation on the front? How is the build quality? Would it be better to spend another $70 to get the 540C?

Are there any other CDPs in the $250-$400 range that you would recommend? I'll probably be very limited as to where I can get this CDP from, so I might not be able to get what you receommend, but throw any ideas you have out there anway!

Thanks!
audiobliss

steveinaz

I would get the D500SE over the Azur 540. But it's your dough brotha.

The D500/D300 series look horrible in photos, but gorgeous in-person. Build quality is very good. The external metal is rigid and has a very heavy "wrinkle" finish on it. It's a solid value and because of its very low jitter, would make an excellent transport later down the road...

The front face is machined aluminum, not plastic. I had a D500SE and my only complaint was difficulty seeing the display at a distance---which 99% of CDP's suffer from.

Personally, I'd choose the D500SE over the Azur 640C as well.

audiobliss

Well then...it's going on my Christmas list. Thanks for the advice!

EDIT - I'm not real familiar with AA; how long do you think they'll have it on clearance? Seems like it's been there for a while. (This is assuming, of course, that I can persuade the parents to buy online. Do you know if you can order from AA over the phone?)

steveinaz

Yes, you can order over the phone. Give them a call--they've got great CS, I'm sure they'll work with you...

ledhed

Well, I'm sure Sid can tell you all about his onix-seems to be one hell of a CDp for the price

audiobliss

Well, the CA D500SE from AA is gone, now. So, that leaves me with the 540C and 640C. The 540C (demo) is $300 and the 640C (demo) is $420. Do you think the 640C is worth the extra money? Are the transports different, in case I decide to add a DAC at a later date?

Thanks!

W WALDECKER

audiobliss wrote:

Well, the CA D500SE from AA is gone, now. So, that leaves me with the 540C and 640C. The 540C (demo) is $300 and the 640C (demo) is $420. Do you think the 640C is worth the extra money? Are the transports different, in case I decide to add a DAC at a later date?

Thanks!

i bought the Cambridge Audio D500 SE Demo unit to play with while i send my Vibrato cdp out for the Factory 24bit MK II upgrades. i bought it based on Steves previous recomendations from the past.thanks....WCW III edit: Spearit sound has these players for sale new in box online for $299.00 if you are still interested!

steveinaz

Yep, see WW's comment above. D500SE's still available thru Spearitsound.

There are no transport differences in the 640 and 540, only DAC differences. If you're pretty sure you'll be making the external DAC move later, get the 540, smart move--or snag a Spearitsound D500SE at $299.

I think the Azur series is prettier, no doubt, but I think the 300/500 series are sturdier build. It's probably splitting hairs either way. Pick the one that floats your boat...

As much as people try to deny it, asthetics matter. You gotta look at the thing everyday right? If Mark Levinson gear looked like a $129 chinese receiver do you think anyone would buy it...at any price?

audiobliss

I think I would genuinely rather have the D500SE over either of the others, but AA is out of them. I'm not sure I could have persuaded my parents to buy from AA (online and all), and I know I wouldn't from another place.

There is a CA dealer in Raleigh; I think I'll try to go there one weekend and see what they have. I mean, I've never even seen a CA unit in person before. Who knows, they may even have a D500SE.

ND13

What do your parents have against purchasing from an online dealer?? I've seen you say that a few dozen times now and just have to know why.

PolknPepsi

sorry Audiobliss.......O.T.
I have made a zillion online purchases from reputable people and not eBay and have never had a problem. One of the items bought sight unseen is a $900.00 exotic hardwood jewelery box for the wife, just research the place and I say it's OK.

danger boy

sometimes you have to be patient with Audio Advisor but they usually have good sales now and then.. i've purchased IC's from there before.

audiobliss

PolknPepsi wrote:

sorry Audiobliss.......O.T.
I have made a zillion online purchases from reputable people and not eBay and have never had a problem. One of the items bought sight unseen is a $900.00 exotic hardwood jewelery box for the wife, just research the place and I say it's OK.

I appreciate your testimony, but it's not your permission I'm waiting for.

VR3

Onix not only quinches your thirst better, it taste better too.

Cam-BRIDGE sucks...

O-N IX!

Caaammmm - BRIDGE sucks....

Your drinking the wrong CDP!

AHHHHHH!

Cambridge makes some good players. Dont forget the 400 dollar Rotel... I forget the model number. Its a single disc...

madmax

ND13 wrote:

What do your parents have against purchasing from an online dealer?? I've seen you say that a few dozen times now and just have to know why.

You need to bring your parents up to speed. Once you start buying off of the internet for a standard 20 to 60% off of new at a store (after figuring shipping and everything) you start to realize what a difference it makes.

In the past 10+ years I've thrown my card out there everywhere, no problems, and own easily twice the crap than I could have afforded otherwise. New stuff. Seriously, we are talking at least two or three purchases a week. That would be maybe 1500 purchases. Man, stop giving your money away. Put it in an investment or something.

Scared of sending your number over the internet? Silly. Hand it out at any resturant, hotel or department store and you are thousands of times more likely to get ripped off after someone swipes the number.


madmax

audiobliss

This thread wasn't about whether or not one should buy online. Right now it's pretty much a fact that I can't.

Oh, and your argument about using CC's everywhere doesn't stand up, 'cause we just about never use them. In fact, about three years ago the family was on vacation at Hilton Head, and at a fancy restaurant Dad pulled out a CC to pay. I was shocked, 'cause I didn't know he even had one because I had never seen it before. We pretty much always use cash. And I think that's cool.

W WALDECKER

audiobliss wrote:

This thread wasn't about whether or not one should buy online. Right now it's pretty much a fact that I can't.

Oh, and your argument about using CC's everywhere doesn't stand up, 'cause we just about never use them. In fact, about three years ago the family was on vacation at Hilton Head, and at a fancy restaurant Dad pulled out a CC to pay. I was shocked, 'cause I didn't know he even had one because I had never seen it before. We pretty much always use cash. And I think that's cool.

my dad was and still is the same way. my parents still buy new cars with cash.

scottnbnj

audiobliss wrote:

...There is a CA dealer in Raleigh;...

never know. stuff isn't always priced best on-line. i bought a 540d nib locally for the same price as audio advisor's demo and i didn't even have to ask for a better price.

i don't have a problem with or shy away from buying on-line, but on the other side, i like to give local stores a shot and keep them in business because i like to play with stuff before i decide to buy, i like to play, pay and bring home the same day and it's nice to be able to just drop it back in the box and drive it to the brick and mortar for a face to face for immediate satisfaction if something goes wrong.

good luck.

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