Cambridge - 540A /640A ver. 2 Integrated Amplifier


Hello,

I have an NAD C352 integrated in a little secondary system for my dining room. I am not really happy with the NAD, I find it's sound to be rather muddled-particularly in the bottom end.

I was eying two different Cambridge Audio integrateds, their 540A version 2 & 640A version 2 integrateds. I can get either of these without making any substantial additional investment (after selling the NAD). Might anyone have any opinions of these units? Would they be any upgrade over my current NAD unit??
craig_hoch
"From what I know, there is no comparison between the 540 and 640. Completely different components and build. Not to knock the 540 but I'll bet the 640 will crush it."

I'd actually bet the 540 sounds better. The 640 has more power (100 vs 60) and yet weighs about the same as the 540 (as I recall). That means the power supply in the 540 may be bigger relative to power output. In addition, *every thing else being equal*, lower-powered amps will generally sound better. This assumes, of course, that the power output is sufficient for one's speakers. Finally, power costs money, and the 640 is not *that* much more expensive than the 540.
From what I know, there is no comparison between the 540 and 640. Completely different components and build. Not to knock the 540 but I'll bet the 640 will crush it.
I recently picked up a 540A, 540C, and a pair of S30 bookshelf speakers for my girlfriend and I'm surprised how good it sounds.
I'm pretty happy with my 540, V2 in a second (video) system. In fact, I drive Merlin TSMs with it! It is not nearly as refined as my far more expensive electronics, but it is inexpensive, serves the purpose well, and gives me tone control flexibility I need in this particular system.

Good luck.
I have the 540V2 in a downstairs basement system driving some KRIX equinox bookshelf speakers. Sounds excellent. 60w per ch. Plenty of power. Save $ and get the 540v2. Seems to be very well built/very high quality. I'm not sure how it would stack up against your NAD. (My feeling is that it may be slighty a better amp, but a lareral move nonetheless.) They are on sale so you would have very little to lose. Good Luck!