cambridge 540c vs. 540d [Archive] - Audio & Video Forums

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funnyhat
05-12-2006, 11:09 PM
I was looking to get a cd player (most likely a cambridge 640) for audio playback so I didn't have to use my dvd player anymore, but now the dvd player is on its last legs, and I can' t afford to replace the dvd player and buy a cd player, so I am wondering what the audio capabilities of the cambridge dvd players are like. Would the 540 c and d have the same audio quality, or would the dedicated cd model sound better? Any advice greatly appreciated! Thanks

shokhead
05-13-2006, 05:15 AM
Just saw the 540d at audioadvisor for $269 if thats a good price.

musicman1999
05-13-2006, 06:49 AM
I own a 540d,and while i don't use it for cd's i have played a few just to see what they sound like.I have also heard both the 540c and 640c,both version 1.I felt the dvd player was very close to the 540c in terms of sound quality and its a very good dvd player to boot.Great picture quality and very good movie sound.I have not however heard the version2 cd players,but they are supposed to be a lot better than the version 1,so if it version2 you are looking at the gap would be wider for sure.

bill

funnyhat
05-13-2006, 09:26 AM
Thanks for advice so far, I am looking to upgrade my system 1 piece at a time, and was starting with the source as now I play a jvc dvd player through my paradigm studio 20's. I will get a new amp soon, maybe a jolida hybrid or creek, and hopefully upgrade the speakers at some point to tyler reference monitors, but have also started getting interested in the ellis 1801's, would the 540d be good enough audiowise to hang in a sytem like that? thanks

Fergymunster
05-13-2006, 10:37 AM
Thanks for advice so far, I am looking to upgrade my system 1 piece at a time, and was starting with the source as now I play a jvc dvd player through my paradigm studio 20's. I will get a new amp soon, maybe a jolida hybrid or creek, and hopefully upgrade the speakers at some point to tyler reference monitors, but have also started getting interested in the ellis 1801's, would the 540d be good enough audiowise to hang in a sytem like that? thanks
Hey Funnyhat,Don't take this the wrong way but i've been chasing you around this forum trying to help you make a decision on what type of CD player you want.Your extremely elusive and wishy washy.Plaese for my sake make up your mind as to what exactly you want to do,then and only then can I begin to help you.Thanks

Fergymunster
05-13-2006, 11:10 AM
Hey Funnyhat,Don't take this the wrong way but i've been chasing you around this forum trying to help you make a decision on what type of CD player you want.Your extremely elusive and wishy washy.Plaese for my sake make up your mind as to what exactly you want to do,then and only then can I begin to help you.Thanks
Sorry Funnyhat,Ignore what I said.If I were you I would get the CA auzr 640c v1 at $340.You'll have a great CD player either way you look at it.

Fergymunster
05-13-2006, 03:08 PM
Sorry Funnyhat,Ignore what I said.If I were you I would get the CA auzr 640c v1 at $340.You'll have a great CD player either way you look at it.
Also the "munster" in my name doesn't refer to Herman Munster of the Adams Family.

funnyhat
06-06-2006, 06:33 PM
Unfortunately, an unexpected move has changed my plans to replace my source, I am living with my old dvd player for now, I was wondering if switching from the coaxial connection to a quality set of rca cables connected to the analog would provide a temporary change at all for sound quality. If so, any suggestions for good budget rca's around 50$? Thanks for all ideas!

accastil
06-07-2006, 01:05 AM
Unfortunately, an unexpected move has changed my plans to replace my source, I am living with my old dvd player for now, I was wondering if switching from the coaxial connection to a quality set of rca cables connected to the analog would provide a temporary change at all for sound quality. If so, any suggestions for good budget rca's around 50$? Thanks for all ideas!
dvd players normally work with audio at their best when connected digitally to the receivers. if you are going to have them connected via analog l/r cables to your receiver for audio, think again...it may sound disastrous. what is your DVD player by the way? as for the comparison between the 540C and 540D, i dont think it would even be discernable by human ear. both these players would work identical when it comes to audio especially that they come from the same manufacturer and that the price difference is not that big. in order to notice sonic differences between players, it has to be from different brands or if from the same brand, it has to be from the cheapest model against the flagship model. if you are really serious into audio, try a good pre-amp/receiver and a separate stereo power amp...this will have more impact to your stereo music than choosing between a C and a D model of the CA.

funnyhat
06-30-2006, 02:31 PM
wanted to update this thread. My unexpected move was cancelled a few days ago, so I finally went for it today, and ordered the 640c off audioadvisor, got the last one at 300$, and am excited about hooking it up. Thanks to all for the advice, and will give an update asap.

Fergymunster
07-01-2006, 06:19 AM
[QUOTE=funnyhat]wanted to update this thread. My unexpected move was cancelled a few days ago, so I finally went for it today, and ordered the 640c off audioadvisor, got the last one at 300$, and am excited about hooking it up. Thanks to all for the advice, and will give an update asap.[/QUOT Great news and not a moment to soon.You won't regret your decision.

funnyhat
07-07-2006, 09:33 PM
640c came in the mail today, and just finished the first day of listening to it. I really like the detail and imaging I am getting, it makes my speakers sound very different, my only concern is that although I get more low end response, I feel like it is a little mushy and muddy compared to when I was running the dvd player. Am I possibly hearing things and/or is this the sort of thing that might work out after breaking in? Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

Fergymunster
07-08-2006, 06:14 AM
640c came in the mail today, and just finished the first day of listening to it. I really like the detail and imaging I am getting, it makes my speakers sound very different, my only concern is that although I get more low end response, I feel like it is a little mushy and muddy compared to when I was running the dvd player. Am I possibly hearing things and/or is this the sort of thing that might work out after breaking in? Any thoughts greatly appreciated!
I believe it needs to be broken-in.Give it around 100 hours as mine didn't open up for quite somtime also.

accastil
07-09-2006, 03:22 AM
640c came in the mail today, and just finished the first day of listening to it. I really like the detail and imaging I am getting, it makes my speakers sound very different, my only concern is that although I get more low end response, I feel like it is a little mushy and muddy compared to when I was running the dvd player. Am I possibly hearing things and/or is this the sort of thing that might work out after breaking in? Any thoughts greatly appreciated!
my azur gave me more and tighter bass after the break in period of around 40hrs. prior to this, it felt like very weak on the low end. btw, i replaced my azur with the rotel rcd06 as this one goes better with my speakers than the azur.

shokhead
07-09-2006, 06:35 AM
So everyone is playing everyhing with the analogs?

accastil
07-10-2006, 02:50 AM
So everyone is playing everyhing with the analogs?
the choice whether to use analog or digital connection between the cdp and the rxver is dependent on which one between these two has the better DAC. if your cdp has a better dac, use analog cables but if your rxver has a better DAC, use a digital cable. normally, cdps has better DACs than most receivers...i am talking of those priced at 500usd and above.

shokhead
07-10-2006, 06:03 AM
I thought it was the other way around,the receiver has the better dac's and better bm most the time?

funnyhat
07-13-2006, 07:02 PM
been listening to the 640c for a little under a week now, wanted feedback on my experience so far. I really like some of the detailing that I am hearing, some stuff definitely comes out more then with my dvd player, but other things aren't working quite as well. One is that it seems the overall volume level is a little lower than with the dvd, and I find my self straining to hear certain things I know are supposed to be there (especially in mid frequencies). Also, bass seems a bit drier right now. Is this the cd player more accurately responding to the recording quality? Or am I still in the break in period? Maybe I am just hearing things. Anyway, if some has had similar experiences, or even just thoughts, they would be appreciated!

accastil
07-16-2006, 02:53 AM
funnyhat, r u using the analog connection to your receiver? there could be something wrong...using a dedicated cdp for music listening is supposed to improve your music listening experience...at least if they are on the same price bracket. if this is not so, try to find what is wrong in there. it could be your receiver settings.
set your front speakers to small and make use of a subwoofer. be careful not to put too much volume on your sub. put the subs xover frequency to 80hz.

funnyhat
07-17-2006, 10:45 AM
I am currently using blue racer audioquest analog cables plugged into the analog dvd section on the receiver, and don't use a sub currently. I felt fairly satisfied with the bass with my old dvd player, so if I can at least get that with the cd, that is fine. I think I will eventually upgrade to a floorstander for more bass response. The clarity is more confusing for me, could this just be a break in period issue? Do I need to adjust internal levels on the receiver, or does it matter that I use the analog dvd instead of cd section, for some reason the sound level on the cd section of the receiver is very low. Again, all help appreciated!

accastil
07-18-2006, 04:56 PM
there could be local channel volume adjustments for every input of your rrecever. check this also. make sure the channel level adjustments for your dvd ssection is the same with the cd section.