Cambridge Audio 840C


I'm looking for a near-reference audio-only balanced CD Player. I briefly listened to the 840C in a store demo. and it sounded very good, but unfortunately I couldn't compare it to anything. Has anyone had a chance to compare the 840C to a good balanced CD Player such as the Esoteric SA-60 or SA-10, Ayre C-5xe or CX-7 or Krell SACD Standard?
sunset_ranch

Showing 1 response by mep14

I've at least read through most of these posts and I'm surprised that there was not more mention of using the 840C's balanced outputs. As you probably know, Robert Harley in TAS made it clear that the 840C's sound is improved in all areas via its balanced outputs. I contacted him asking him to be a bit more specific about the differences, but his response was not very direct in this regard. This is what troubled me when I read the TAS review because I couldn't be sure how much better it sounded via its balanced outputs. I'm hoping to look into this more, but I'm wodering if some of those who aren't overly impressed with the 840C may have not listened to it in balanced mode. Harley felt it was important that it be heard using a fully balanced system. Unfortunately, many of us aren't able to do that.

If anyone has done the comparison of balanced vs. unbalanced operation of the 840C I would appreciate your input. It would be interesting to know if it really kicks its sound up a notch.