Cambridge Audio 840C...quick 1st impressions!

pearsall001
pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
edited January 2008 in 2 Channel Audio
Well, for starters Fedex was right on time & nothing was remotely damaged during shipping. In fact, hardly a scratch on the outer box. The unit itself was very safely packed within another box nestled in it's spiffy purple velvet bag. A nice touch if I do say so. A very nice looking piece with some serious weight to it. I got mine in black.

Now for the good part, I couldn't wait to get that baby fired up & running. I'm starting out using the all Krell set up with all connections being balanced, including the 840C. I'll switch over to the CJ pre at another time using all RCA connections.

The sound right out of the box is down right awesome to say the least. Absolutely no digital brightness or artifacts. The music just flows out in buckets. I never heard a soundstage like I've got now. If one is a believer in break-in then I can't wait till this baby has a good 200hrs on it.

Very, very, impressed with it in it's initial showing. More to come!!

Joe, just so you know the Krell handled James Taylor without as much as a sniffle. Talk about some bass!!!
"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
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited January 2008
    Hey Hey congrats man. Keep us informed!
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2008
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    If one is a believer in break-in then I can't wait till this baby has a good 200hrs on it.

    My 168 has been burning in almost non-stop since Dec 26 and it is sounding better and better. I'm still getting a little harshness here and there but I expected a much longer breaking than what Steve told us.

    Most of the CDs I play on it sound incredible.

    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Joe, just so you know the Krell handled James Taylor without as much as a sniffle. Talk about some bass!!!

    There it is Phil. . . that was the kicker. I knew that Krell would make those AADs sing properly.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2008
    Cool. Congrats Phil!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited January 2008
    I have a feeling the CJ is now on the same ship as HD-DVD. Keep us posted.
    Venom
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited January 2008
    I've got one on the way from fellow Polkie, Del. We randomly met on the 'Gon. Can't wait! I got the Bel Canto sold so it's half-way paid for!

    Keep us updated, Phil! :)

    Wes
    Link: 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
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited January 2008
    I-SIG wrote: »
    I've got one on the way from fellow Polkie, Del. We randomly met on the 'Gon. Can't wait! I got the Bel Canto sold so it's half-way paid for!

    Keep us updated, Phil! :)

    Wes

    Congrats man!! You're in for one hell of a musical treat.
    "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.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited January 2008
    venomclan wrote: »
    I have a feeling the CJ is now on the same ship as HD-DVD. Keep us posted.
    Venom

    Not so fast there my good man. Although it sounds incredible with the Krell amp/preamp balanced hook up, I haven't heard it yet with the CJ using single ended. I'm not in any hurry. Right now I'm just enjoying this incredible sounding player.
    "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.
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited January 2008
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Not so fast there my good man. Although it sounds incredible with the Krell amp/preamp balanced hook up, I haven't heard it yet with the CJ using single ended. I'm not in any hurry. Right now I'm just enjoying this incredible sounding player.

    I say give the 840c about 200 hours of break in and then do some serious listening. Perhaps the CJ will be triumphant, with some tubes in the mix, or maybe the blackness of the fully balanced 840/Krell combos will bring home the bacon. I am actually rooting for the CJ because my current amp is not balanced and I am looking at the 840 too. :)
    Enjoy.
    Venom
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited January 2008
    My system is unbalanced and I love my 840C. I think you would be fine either way. In fact, I bet the differences are nominal given that the design of the 840C is not actually truely balanced.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited January 2008
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    My system is unbalanced and I love my 840C. I think you would be fine either way. In fact, I bet the differences are nominal given that the design of the 840C is not actually truely balanced.

    What makes you say that the 840C isn't truly balanced? I'm just going by their web site that says the player is truly balanced. Did you read something else in another article? Just curious.

    But you're right, I think either way (balanced or RCA) this 840C will simply amaze you.
    "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.
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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited January 2008
    Okay, when is the cambridge, Raysonic shootout set to begin. Enquiring minds are dying to know!:D

    Thanks,
    Mike
    Modwright 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
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2008
    Midnite Mick wrote: »
    Okay, when is the cambridge, Raysonic shootout set to begin. Enquiring minds are dying to know!:D

    Thanks,
    Mike

    The Raysonic eats Cambridges for breakfast!:D:p
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited January 2008
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    The Raysonic eats Cambridges for breakfest!:D:p

    Yeah, but we have a sexier accent!! :D

    What's a breakfest?? The Chinese version of a real Brit "breakfast". Us Brit's love Chineeee!!!!!
    "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.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited January 2008
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    The Raysonic eats Cambridges for breakfest!:D:p
    Ouch! Sounds like that's not a review, but an a$$ whoopin'. :eek:
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2008
    LOL! Only me and Phil could do this crap. I'm surprised he didn't take the obligatory shot at vinyl!!!
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited January 2008
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    LOL! Only me and Phil could do this crap. I'm surprised he didn't take the obligatory shot at vinyl!!!

    I'll have a spot of tea for ya when you bring that Chineee disc spinner over for a real lesson in how one should really sound!!! LOL!!! :D
    "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.
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited January 2008
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Congrats man!! You're in for one hell of a musical treat.

    My unit from Del is on its way! Won't make it until the 28th. :(

    Wes
    Link: 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
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2008
    Wes tell them to keep and get a tubed CDP!:D;)
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited January 2008
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Wes tell them to keep and get a tubed CDP!:D;)

    I have a tubed CDP that was indistinguishable from a SS DAC! :p So I'm going up the SS CDP food chain!

    Wes
    Link: 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
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2008
    I-SIG wrote: »
    I have a tubed CDP that was indistinguishable from a SS DAC! :p So I'm going up the SS CDP food chain!

    Wes

    I just took my foot out of my mouth!:D
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited January 2008
    I-SIG wrote: »
    I have a tubed CDP that was indistinguishable from a SS DAC! :p So I'm going up the SS CDP food chain!

    Wes

    Now here's a man that knows. Tubes in a CD player???? What's the point.
    "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.
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited January 2008
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    I just took my foot out of my mouth!:D

    No worries, Joe. I could still end up with a tube pre sooner or later. It's hard finding a tubed pre with enough of inputs, even more so now that I'm getting a source with balanced outputs.

    Wes
    Link: 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
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited January 2008
    So far so good. Compared to the Bel Canto and Kavent it seems to be just as rich and smooth with more detail and more air, but definitely less harshness on top and in the mids.

    Can't wait to get a balanced pre in the system to take it up a notch.

    Wes
    Link: 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
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited January 2008
    I-SIG wrote: »
    So far so good. Compared to the Bel Canto and Kavent it seems to be just as rich and smooth with more detail and more air, but definitely less harshness on top and in the mids.

    Can't wait to get a balanced pre in the system to take it up a notch.

    Wes

    And the great part is...it keeps getting better!!! What an unbelievable player!!

    I am soooooooo glad I went with this unit.
    "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.
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited January 2008
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    And the great part is...it keeps getting better!!! What an unbelievable player!!

    I am soooooooo glad I went with this unit.

    Del (del44) already got it broken in for me so all I have to do is enjoy! :D

    Wes
    Link: 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
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  • del44
    del44 Posts: 686
    edited January 2008
    Yea, now i'm getting "sellers remorse":( Before I sent it off I did alot of A-B testing with my Sony. Especially with the dacs. Big difference. Now I might get a universal player that won't break the bank. I forgot to mention how heavy that sucker is.:p Enjoy
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited January 2008
    del44 wrote: »
    Yea, now i'm getting "sellers remorse":( Before I sent it off I did alot of A-B testing with my Sony. Especially with the dacs. Big difference. Now I might get a universal player that won't break the bank. I forgot to mention how heavy that sucker is.:p Enjoy

    The Sony beat the 840? Which Sony was it?
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited January 2008
    del44 wrote: »
    Yea, now i'm getting "sellers remorse":( Before I sent it off I did alot of A-B testing with my Sony. Especially with the dacs. Big difference. Now I might get a universal player that won't break the bank. I forgot to mention how heavy that sucker is.:p Enjoy

    This player isn't going anywhere for awhile, unless I get a Cary 306 SACD.

    One of my CD's I have loved for a long time, General Admission by the the Pat McGee Band, sounds like it had a blanket lifted off it. Unreal.

    Wes
    Link: 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
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