NAD vs. Cambridge Audio AVR's

Midnite Mick

I have been simplifying the system of late to scrape up some funds for some renovations of a house that I will be moving into this summer. Having said that I cannot go totally system free and keep my sanity. Therefore, I have been selling my more expensive stuff and have been keeping my eye out for either of these 2 brands to do double duty...music and HT. I have already sold my HT gear and am actually surprised how much I miss it....hence I would like to see if an AVR can satisfy me musically as well. I am focused on these 2 brands as both I am told put an emphasis on 2 channel playback.

I know they are both highly regarded and are also going to differ among models within the same brand themselves. I am just curious what the general sonic differences are in these 2 brands. I have also purchased a new pair of speakers that I felt are more appropriate for my future "new" house. Those are Usher CP6311's. Any input in regards to how they sound, even within the same brand ie. you felt model Cambridge model B was a big drop off from Cambridge model A etc. would be greatly appreciated.

I have also read about some issues with some NAD's that have me a little leary. Does anyone know if it restricted to a specific model?

Thanks,
Mike

pearsall001

Hey Mike,

You know my feeling about the NAD receivers. Top notch, honest power ratings & oh so "musical". But, no matter which AVR you decide on, just buy the highest model your budget will allow. I never heard a CA AVR so I really can't comment. I don't think too many Polkies have CA AVR's so you might not get too much feedback on this site. You'll probably have better luck on getting CA info on other forums.

As far as NAD having issues...to me that's really a non-issue. My T773 has been a bear since I bought it 3yrs ago. All companies have some quirks but it's how good their customer service is that matters. I know Joe had an issue with his T773 that he bought on-line. Technically it wasn't covered under warranty but NAD replaced it with a brand new model. I'm not sure of the model # but Joe said it go for over 2K. Now that is customer service in my book!!

okiepolkie

The sound characteristics between the Cambridge 640R and 540R aren't so obvious that you notice a huge difference, unless you are able to get the 640R at a better price. Both offer good surround and stereo sound. The 640R does have an analog bypass input, for higher quality 2 channel listening, but the 540R would be just fine for budget's sake.

And if you don't need the hdmi switching at this point, these are a great deal: http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=2CA540RV2

marker

FWIW, I've had both NAD T753 and CA 540R AVRs, and as much as I like the NAD, the CA is just flat out better. It has a toroidal transformer and 24 bit/192 kHz DACs, while the NAD has neither.

The NAD did have pre-outs and main-ins however, and while they were both 6.1 AVR's, the NAD did allow you the option to add an amp and go 7.1. It's amp channels are even re-assignable, so it does offer some more versatility and flexibility. You could convert it to a 3 zone 2 channel receiver if you wanted to (or even 4 zones if you add an amp).

dorokusai

I've read about some issues with NAD AVR's but in the scheme of things it's pretty minor. I think a Polkie Pmckeealaska has had a rough experience with NAD gear but that's the only resident problem I recall.

Unless you're going to use the features of the NAD, I'd go with the CA that Okie linked earlier. I think the two brands sound very similar and the performance on the Ushers is probably a wash. Those are great speakers. I had another demo with the Tiny Dancer last night and may have to pick a pair up just to play around.

Midnite Mick

One dealer wrote to me that he thought CA was more detailed but more laid back. The NAD was more Dynamic and in your face. By that description I think I would prefer the NAD as long as it is not bright sounding. I noticed that CA AVR's price tag before and that did seem like a great price....although once it gets to Canada..who knows what the final tally will be. (NAD T671 I have read as basically having a finite lifetime)

Do any of you agree with the above comparison.

Thanks,
Mike

PS. I listened quite a bit to the Tiny Dancer myself and on the gear that I listened to it with, the bass just didn't seem very tuneful to me. It seemed a little muddy for my taste...however that tweeter is very nice after some time has been put on it. At first I thought it was kind of etchy but after breakin this was not the case. However, I found it very forgiving of edgy type of recordings like EC's Unplugged cd. But who knows maybe they still weren't totally broken in and will open up more with time.

Associated gear: Rogue Hera preamp
Acoustic Arts Amp II
Consonance T120 cd player

Midnite Mick

Alright, just saw a posting for an Arcam avr300. Is anyone familiar with this unit for 2 channel also?

Thanks,
Mike