Smargo,
I wasn't challenging you or anyone else about the 840's sound quality, and I'm glad you found the cdp that fits your system.
I was just probing into people's psychology of buying and selling, trying to give an answer to those who posted questions on this forum and others, as to why so many units are for sale.
Thanks for your defense for the 840's virtues as I'm sure it will help some.
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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. |
I did a brief comparison between my unbalanced and my balanced cables, but I suppose it's a bit of an unfair one as it was during the first 200 hours when things were breaking in. I started with balanced cables that were well broken in, and then my balanced cables arrived that I'd ordered specifically for the "improved sound" that RH discussed. I let these run for some time before really taking any time to listen again. There was improved openness and definition and imaging, but was that all due to the balanced cables being used, or due to the increased break in time, or both? Who knows. It sounds open, clear, articulate, and engaging, so I'm happy. I guess I could go back and insert the RCA cables now and see if I notice a reduction in any virtues from the player, sometime...
Also, I don't know if I remember anyone mentioning above, during the headphone discussion, the fact that the CD players that have a headphone output have a separate circuit for amplifying this signal for your headphones. So, when you listen through the headphone output, you're listening through a completely different amplification circuit, than would send a signal to your amplifier.
Rolloff |
I found that at first the balanced outputs sounded much better.
But, I think the only reason they sounded better was because they were louder [more voltage output].
With the levels matched, the RCA's and the XLR outputs sound virtually the same, IMHO. |
After 400+ hours of breakin, I've tried it both balanced and unbalanced (as well as a transport alone). I "think" balanced may have marginally better definition but I think Daltonlanny is right in that they are not matched levels so it's difficult to say. If you have a balanced rig, then by all means run it balanced, but I wouldn't hesitate to use the 840c via the RCA outs (or just as a transport). |
I think there is now widespread agreement that to maximise the performance of your 840C, three things need to be done.
1. Run in for at least 200 hours
2. Replace the feet, which are a real weakness of the unit
3. Use the balanced connectors.
I've now clocked about 400 hours on this player and i enjoy it immensely. I bought the 840C after auditioning the Naim cd5i, Cyrus 6 & 8, Arcam CD192, Cayin CDT-17A and the MF A3.5CD.
I would like to comment on 2. & 3. above.
I've read many reports of 840C owners replacing the existing feet with Herbies Tenderfoot. This seems to have paid dividends - but also voids the warranty. I prefered instead to leave the feet in place but use another form of isolation. I experimented with a few options including Golden Sounds DH cones and pads. I achieved the best result with Nordost's Pulsar points.
On the RCA vs. XLR debate, unfortunately i can't make any conclusive comments because i used a different IC cable for both. Initially i used Nordost's Blue Heaven with RCA phono connectors. The result was most pleasing. But then the Nordost dealer threw me a Heimdall IC with XLR connectors to try. The dealer never got the Heimdall cable back - the difference in resolution and soundstage were given the short IC lenght (1m) staggering. XLR appears to be better in that it's higher gain (reducing the noise floor) but whether the overall difference was impacted more by the IC cable - i can't be sure, so the result in inconclusive. |
Curious, what power cord are you running with your 840C? |
I use a Nordost Visnhu power cord with my 840C. |
I find I am once again guilty of tired brain = confusing post syndrome.
My note above should have read:
I started with UNBALANCED cables that were well broken in, and then my balanced cables arrived that I'd ordered specifically for the "improved sound" that RH discussed.
It makes no sense to have said I started with balanced cables and then switched to balanced cables...
It's late in the day once again, hopefully this post has made sense.
Maybe I'll try some new feet?
Rolloff |
10-05-07: Mdconnelly
While the Wadia may have an edge on the 3D thing, I have to agree with Smargo about the 840c's musicality. You won't be disappointed by the 840c... and you'd have to get a bit anal when comparing to the more far more expensive competition to hear the differences. Give it a listen - you won't be disappointed. It's far better than anything in its price range that I've heard. What was your final conclusion on the Cambridge Audio 840C vs. The Wadia 830? |
Does it matter? He doesn't even own the 840c anymore.. :( |
Has anyone compared CA 840C with Cary 306 or 306/200 or Wadia 850? |
Darrens, it all matters *g*
Kiwi, there is a post here somewhere where I did compare the CA 840c against the GNSC modded Wadia 830. The Wadia came out on top with better dimension, depth and definition in voices and instruments -- but we're talking about Wadia and Great Northern Sound. That should hardly be a surprise. Ultimately, however, I did decide to sell the Wadia in favor of the 840c because I was looking for a transport to use with my modded Tact 2.0s. The Wadia did not have digital outs and running the Wadia analog outs into the AtoD converter in the Tact and then the Tact DAC out to the amp just lost too much in the translation.
As Darrens noted, I have since sold the 840c because I had an opportunity to try an Oracle CD1000 transport over the holidays that I just fell in love with. Please note that it's MLP is 3 times that of the 840c. The Oracle is definitely staying put for a long time.
I still believe the 840c is an exceptional CDP and punches way out of it's price range. Definitely worth a listen no matter what price range you're looking in. |
I have since sold the 840c because I had an opportunity to try an Oracle CD1000 transport over the holidays that I just fell in love with. Please note that it's MLP is 3 times that of the 840c. Wow the transport looks great. What are you doing for a DAC? I see Oracle offer the DAC1000 which includes a pre-amp. |
Kiwi, I've got a modded Tact 2.0s which has a modded DAC as well. The room correction of the Tact has done wonders for my listening room (which doubles as our living room hence no room treatments allowed ;-).
The 840c as a transport into the Tact was very, very good. The Oracle, beyond just being a gorgeous piece of equipment, added a level of body and depth to voices and instruments that I just couldn't resist. |
02-25-08: Mdconnelly
Kiwi, I've got a modded Tact 2.0s which has a modded DAC as well. The room correction of the Tact has done wonders for my listening room (which doubles as our living room hence no room treatments allowed ;-). Thanks for the update - enjoy the Oracle |
I am using a Nordost Shiva currently. I find it a revealing mains cable, but it can sound thin at times depending on material. I would love some other recommendations from people with first hand experience. I just bought (on backorder right now) a Bryston BDP-1 and plan to run it through the 840C's coax input. Any thoughts or recommendations are appreciated. |
Hi Bavarian,
I tried both the Shiva and Vishnu with my 840C. The Vishnu was far better. In comparison with the Shiva it added some meat to the bones of the music. I agree that the Shiva whilst revealing is also thin. |
