Cambridge Audio 840C player
pearsall001
Posts: 5,068
Any thoughts on this CD player? It seems like CA is breaking ground on bringing new digital technology to their top player. The 840C gets reviews that are off the charts. I never read so many great reviews on a particular piece of gear. It really has my caught my interest. I just might have to give one a whirl in my system.
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
Post edited by pearsall001 on
Comments
-
I too am interested in the 840c. But from what I heard from some dealers recently is that 1/2 of them are being returned or sold as not living up to the hype. There can be a few reasons for this.
1 - They are not CA dealers and are just trach talking the competition.
2 - I heard from many owners of the 840 that it needs extensive break-in time. Which usaully means people get it, not let it break-in and return it for being not worth the hype.
I suggest getting one from audioadvisors.com, let it burn in for 100 hours, then decide if you like it. I think they have a 30-day no-risk demo period.
Venom -
I'm in the group that would recommend allowing one to break in for a while before making an assessment. Mine sounded strident, like it's trying to draw attention to itself, out of the box and I would have returned it if I hadn't heard about the break in recommendation. I found it to settle down and smooth out after letting it play continuously for a couple of days, but without losing the remarkable detail, impact, and channel separation it has. I wouldn't say it's the "best" under $5K as some reviews have said. However, I haven't heard a better CD player for $1395 new. I'd recommend using one with a tube preamp as it may be too clinical in an all solid state system with bright speakers. I'd also recommend only using it with the balanced outputs. The cheaper 740C is essentially the same thing minus the XLR outputs, but I haven't heard one of those so I'm not recommending it. A fan of turntables may not like it much. It aims for clarity, control, and precision without attempting to inject that analog "warmth" that many CD players and DAC's of the last few years have used to try and mimic midrange and treble smoothness, while losing detail in the process. Some criticism may be related to something like how some fans of tube amps may not like how Krell amps sound. However, it's not intended to be a turntable replacement. It does digital audio very well, but may not synergize very well with some systems.
I already had a Musical Fidelity A5 CD player. I like both and kept both. The 840C seems to be well built, has the ability to serve as a DAC from another digital source, and has a good amount of convenience features. A well recorded CD on this player overall comes closer to SACD or DVD-A sound quality than any other digital player I've owned, and it does so at a fairly reasonable price.
I agree with the demo recommendation above. -
Some criticism may be related to something like how some fans of tube amps may not like how Krell amps sound.
LOL, Is that comment just a coincidence or just a weird example? I recently sold my Krell setup to Pearsall that may replace his CJ tube preamp.
The 840 may be the ticket as the Krell's are fully balanced where the CJ was not. I think the dacs in the 740 are different than the 840 also, and do not upconvert to 384. My system now is not balanced and so if I went with the 840, I would not be able to go balanced, which I heard really makes the 840 sound best.
Venom -
I too am interested in the 840c. But from what I heard from some dealers recently is that 1/2 of them are being returned or sold as not living up to the hype. There can be a few reasons for this.
1 - They are not CA dealers and are just trach talking the competition.
2 - I heard from many owners of the 840 that it needs extensive break-in time. Which usaully means people get it, not let it break-in and return it for being not worth the hype.
I suggest getting one from audioadvisors.com, let it burn in for 100 hours, then decide if you like it. I think they have a 30-day no-risk demo period.
Venom
Well, I had to scratch the itch. I went ahead & ordered one from Audioadvisors. They are all out of them at the moment due to the fabulous reviews the player is getting. The fellow I talked to said he never saw anything like it before. More are due in early Jan.
From what I've read the break in seems to be very important with this piece. All the reviews seem to say the same thing.
There are just too many great reviews for me not to try this puppy out. And with the excellent return policy I've got nothing to lose.
I like the fact that CA teamed up with Anagram Technologies of Switzerland to bring this new technology to market. The system intelligently interpolates 16-bit/44.1 CD data to 24-bit/384 KHz data through the use of a 32-bit Analog Devices Black Fin DSP. Maybe they're to something here."2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
It has a seperate dac for each channel. And with 2 digital inputs, really nice. I can use my Sony megachanger's digital out and incorporate the better dac of the CA player. And I really like the build quality. And I got mine for about $600 less than msrp.
-
I love mine. If anyone is in the Indy, IN area, they are welcome to stop by for a listen. If I really like you, I would be willing it to go to your place for a listen.
-
Seriously? Break in for a CD player? It's a digital signal. What could change?
-
wallstreet wrote: »Seriously? Break in for a CD player? It's a digital signal. What could change?
Once the signal leaves the DAC(s) it's an analog signal. Capacitors, op-amps, and various other electronic components could effect the sound after the DAC. -
I've also experienced the sharp sterile sound other people have mentioned when first listening to the player out of the box. The sound later evolves into a neutral surgical precision once the player breaks in. All signs of harshness no longer exist. My only gripe with the player is its ability to make older or lesser quality CDs sound like crap. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it definitely plays the CD as it's recorded.
-
wallstreet wrote: »Seriously? Break in for a CD player? It's a digital signal. What could change?
LOL, we had a thread about this a while back. The disk still has to spin, that too will break in.
Venom -
wallstreet wrote: »Seriously? Break in for a CD player? It's a digital signal. What could change?
I used to question that myself. But there's just too many manufactures, pro reviewers, & end users who say the same thing about equipment break in. The 840C calls for minimum of 100hrs break in so I'll put the theory to the test.
From an engineering stand point, can anybody chime in & give an explanation."2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
A cd player wouldn't be any different than any other piece of gear. You are not sending the signal out via a coax.
MikeModwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
Consonance cd120T
Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
Usher CP 6311
Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote -
My Cambridge Audio 640C.v1 CDP took about 200 hrs for it to really smooth out. It worked well with everything except my Magnepan speakers, and it was just too analytical for them.DKG999
HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED
Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC -
They do take a little time to break in. I've been a Cambridge Audio dealer for a little over 18 months, and it does make a difference. And as for the 840C, it does sound very good. It's DAC is top notch and I agree with the statement about the build quality. If anyone has specific questions on it, I'll do my best.Tschüss
Zach -
Midnite Mick wrote: »A cd player wouldn't be any different than any other piece of gear. You are not sending the signal out via a coax.
Mike
Hey Mike,
Off topic a bit, but I just posted on your Karma post. I'm picking up the Krell amp this Friday so the CJ/Krell preamp shoot out is back on. Stay tuned."2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
Yes, I seen. Must of took you a while to find the thread seeing as I spelled Karma wrong.:)
I need to get that cord out so that something good will happen to me:DModwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
Consonance cd120T
Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
Usher CP 6311
Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote -
wallstreet wrote: »Seriously? Break in for a CD player? It's a digital signal. What could change?
You're kidding right? -
Dodd - Battery Preamp
Monarchy Audio SE100 Delux - mono power amps
Sony DVP-NS999ES - SACD player
ADS 1230 - Polk SDA 2B
DIY Stereo Subwoofer towers w/(4) 12 drivers each
Crown K1 - Subwoofer amp
Outlaw ICBM - crossover
Beringher BFD - sub eq
Where is the remote? Where is the $%#$% remote!
"I've always been mad, I know I've been mad, like the most of us have...very hard to explain why you're mad, even if you're not mad..." -
Nope, not really. But I'm not one to argue with what one hears though.hearingimpared wrote: »You're kidding right? -
wallstreet wrote: »Nope, not really. But I'm not one to argue with what one hears though.
I wish I was part of the group who could not hear the difference between a Best Buy DVD player and something like the 840C. Life would be so much cheaper. -
SolidSqual wrote: »I wish I was part of the group who could not hear the difference between a Best Buy DVD player and something like the 840C. Life would be so much cheaper.
What does that have to do with break-in? I would expect the 840c's better DAC and analog section to sound better than a cheap DVD player, regardless of break-in. -
What does that have to do with break-in? I would expect the 840c's better DAC and analog section to sound better than a cheap DVD player, regardless of break-in.
The same thought crossed my mind too. Back on topic, have other folks heard break in issues with other CD players? -
wallstreet wrote: »The same thought crossed my mind too. Back on topic, have other folks heard break in issues with other CD players?
Sorry my last post was not very clear. I was running a little low on sleep and evidently did not realize my lack of coherency. At any rate, I believe in break-in, but sometimes wish I could not hear the difference as it would have compelled me to dump the 840C when I first purchased it. Out of the box it sucks. I would have stayed with the Rega Apollo, which sounds excellent out of the box.
The 840C is the best CD player I have ever had. Before the 840C, I used an Oppo 981HD. I didn't really notice any change in the Oppo over time. So maybe break-in is less apparent with different players.
In terms of digital components, my PS Audio DLIII DAC warmed up significantly after about 100 hours of use. A DAC may be the best example of digital break-in as it has no moving parts. -
okiepolkie wrote: »They do take a little time to break in. I've been a Cambridge Audio dealer for a little over 18 months, and it does make a difference. And as for the 840C, it does sound very good. It's DAC is top notch and I agree with the statement about the build quality. If anyone has specific questions on it, I'll do my best.
Okie, do you hear a big difference on the 840c when using it fully balanced vs. rca? I heard it really only shines fully balanced but have not demoed it yet. If that is the case, it may be a waste to us non-balanced guys. Then I will have to go to Pears house and take back my balanced Krells...:DSolidSqual wrote: »At any rate, I believe in break-in, but sometimes wish I could not hear the difference as it would have compelled me to dump the 840C when I first purchased it. Out of the box it sucks. I would have stayed with the Rega Apollo, which sounds excellent out of the box.
.
Solid, how do you like the 840 vs. the Apollo. I hear that they are both very good, the Rega has its own "house sound" - laid back, while the 840's dacs are smooth and detailed also. I have been thinking about both players, but lean towards the Rega now that I am unbalanced.
I am going back to my old vinyl days with my plaid Fisher Price suitcase record player and star wars case of 45's....the good old days.
Venom -
[QUOTE=venomclan;767381
Solid, how do you like the 840 vs. the Apollo. I hear that they are both very good, the Rega has its own "house sound" - laid back, while the 840's dacs are smooth and detailed also. I have been thinking about both players, but lean towards the Rega now that I am unbalanced.
I am going back to my old vinyl days with my plaid Fisher Price suitcase record player and star wars case of 45's....the good old days.
Venom[/QUOTE]
First, I don't have a balanced connection through my preamp.
Second, let's talk construction. The 840C weighs significantly more than the Apollo and its case is metal. The Apollo is plastic. The exterior finish feels flimsy and the external parts appear to simply be snapped on. The 840C connections are solid and durable. The buttons are quick and responsive. By contrast, the buttons of the Apollo feel loose and the connections flex under the weight of the Signal Analog II cables. Ironically, the powercord for the 840C is total crap and even thinner than the cord that comes with the Rega Apollo. Maybe Cambridge just assumed people would upgrade the player with their own power cords. I vehemently recommend the Digital Magic Power Cord from Signal to get the most from either of these players. Honestly, I would expect a cheap cord from Rega given the price, but I was a little ticked with the 840C as it seemed less than an after-thought. Basically, the thing to take from this portion of my write-up is that Rega needed to cut some corners in order to put together such a well-reviewed player at its sub $1000 price point.
Third, let's talk expandability and upgraditis. The 840C doubles as an external DAC. I have my Xbox360 and Squeezebox running through the 840C. This option is priceless in terms of avoiding excessive gear and getting the most out of an excellent DAC. The Rega has no such expandability options.
Finally, the big question . . . How does each player sound? Well, I reviewed these players when the Oppo 981HD was my primary player. I demoed the Rega first followed by the 840C.
My initial impressions of the Apollo were excellent. Please bear in mind that I was listening to a friends player which was right out of the box and again completely broken-in after 3 weeks of use. My first impression of the Rega over my Oppo was a significantly increased bass definition as well as better timing and dynamics in the music overall. The soundstage expanded a little bit and moved slightly forward. I also had issues centering the vocals with my Oppo an issue I could never fix. The Rega by contrast held the vocals tight and center. This was a very very welcome element.
After trying the Rega again post-break-in, the player moved closer to the warm side of neutral. There was also an increase in detail. I believe there was also an increase in the space btween instruments.
The detail of this player needs to be noted. Compared to the Oppo, it was a massive increase. By detail I don't mean things I never heard before, but I heard things as I had never heard them. Cymbals sounded tinny with the Oppo and bass was dull and bloated. With the Rega, the Cymbals had crash and fireworks! The bass had impact. The general sense was a great increase in body. The music seemed to hug the room when played through the Rega.
Now, the 840C. INMHO the 840C is in a whole other league. Where the Rega played details as they had never sounded before, the 840C added texture and realism that simply astounded me. Bear in mind, this astonishment occurred after the initial break-in. Out of the box, I would have ran off with the Rega and several hundred dollars richer. The 840C was faster and tighter than the Rega.
Listening to Keb Mo Suitcase and Keep It Simple as well as Diana Krall Live in Paris were abosolute treats on both players, however, there was a significantly better sense of rightness with the 840C. The Music was simply smoother and more musical. Where the Rega added a bit of warmth, the 840C lacked any audio signature. That being said, some people may not like this surgical precision as it exposes how the rest of your equipment really sounds.
The Rega actually created an initially more encompassing sound, but with better speaker placement and the addition of the Signal Power Cord, the 840C excelled in this respect too. Again, the 840C power cord is a coat hanger with plugs on either end.
Regarding cables, I would say the 840C is much more sensitive. The Apollo sounded about the same with the cheap cables it comes with as it sounded with the addition of Analog IIs. By contrast, the 840C sounded significantly better with Analog IIs.
All-in-all, the 840C is a BMW 750IL and the Rega is a Acura RSX. Both players run smooth and fast, but the 840C has those extra luxury items and elements that could not be included at the price point the Rega was designed to hit. That being said, I don't have a clue how the 840C has so much crap packed in it.
Oh one last thing, the 840C remote is cleaner and more intuitive, but the Rega 's remote seems to work from any angle. You have to point and shoot with the 840C. -
Thanks for the write-up. This thing may certainly throw a wrench into my source upgrade plans.
WesLink: http://polkarmy.com/forums
Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d -
Wrenches are good . . . sooner or later they'll fix something.
-
Impressive review!!! A great read. My 840C should be arriving soon & hopefully I'll have the same listening experience. I can't wait.
I'll be using the 840C with XLR cables with my Krell amp & Krell pre & single ended with my CJ pre. It should be a fun shoot out."2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
Oh man, I would love to hear the difference between XLR and RCA with this player. I have never had the pleasure. You've made a great purchase. Please add a review to this post once you get everything setup and settled in for a while. I would be interested in your own pre and post break-in experience.
-
SolidSqual wrote: »Wrenches are good . . . sooner or later they'll fix something.
Stupid question, but it makes a difference to me:
Is the display dimmable or able to be turned down or off?
I like a really dark room when listening late at night.
WesLink: http://polkarmy.com/forums
Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
