Considering Cambridge Audio Amp/CD - Need Advice

FOLLOW-UP:

Someone asked me about a tuner, and I really don't need one. I used to have a tuner with my old crappy Technics system and I got rid of it because I noticed that it had been years since I listened to the radio and it was taking up space. Also, a main-in jack is not important.

Among other things, people have suggested to me the following: Music Hall intergrated amps (25.2) and CDP's, the NAD C-352 integrated, the NAD C541i CDP, the NAD C542 CDP, an older Rotel Int. amp and an older RCD-855 CDP, a newer Rotel RCD-975 CDP or a CAL Icon MK II/DX-2.

Has anyone compared any of those suggestions to either a Cambridge Audio 640A v.2 integrated or 640C v.2 CDP? I appreciate the suggestions, but if I'm going to seriously consider a different option, I want to make sure I'm at least going to get as good a system or better. Has anyone done a side by side comparison with any of these?

Unfortunately, I live in Southern Oregon and the nearest audiophile store to me is at least a 3-hour drive. Even then, many of them only have very limited brands so it would be very difficult if not impossible to compare the Cambridge Audio units I'm eyeing with some of those others suggested unless I got really lukcy and they carried both brands. That's why I'm trying to make the best decision based on my online research.

I find it a bit frustrating doing research, as once I find equipment that looks highly reviewed and sounds ideal, I find another website or review where someone is trashing the same unit. Everyone seems to have different standards. I want to have the highest standards I can, but for now have to settle with the higher standards I can while staying near my budget. ;)

Ok, ok. So after taking in the suggestions thus far and doing more research (you'd think I was buying a small moon), I must admit I'm quite pleased and enthusiastic with what I've read about the Outlaw RR2150 integrated amp/receiver (thanks, Rich!). I decided that I might want to get a subwoofer at some point to compliment my Paradigms, and this would do the trick. Also, even though I never listen to the radio, it'd be nice to have the option in case our local community radio station every does get on the local airwaves.

Thanks everyone for their help and suggestions thus far. BTW, does anyone know what a used pair of Infinity RS-5B speakers go for? I have my first piece of equipment now that have been upgraded and that I can sell to help defray the costs of what I'm looking at purchasing.

Now I just have to decide on a cd player. More research...

Ok, thank you everyone so much for your responses.

I realize that I'm shooting over my budget at this point, but I believe I'm going to go with the Outlaw RR2150 receiver (used if I can find one, otherwise new), and a used Ah! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 with the updgrades including the upsampler.

With luck, I can keep both these components to $1,500 (in fact, if I had the cash today, I know I could). So it'll take me a little longer to save the money, but it'll be worth it and I'll be able to, as someone kindly suggested, skip a step in the upgrade process.

Anyone have any other thoughts? Of course, until I've spent the money I could still change my mind, but I really like what I've found in my research on these units...

Yes, but would a 340C with a Benchmark DAC1 sound better than a Ah! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 with the updgrades including the upsampler? The reviews for that CDP are pretty universally out of this world.

I appreciate the suggestion about the subwoofer, but I'm new to this and extremely anxious to ditch my sub-par old and error-ridden integrated amp and cd player for an upgrade to go along with my new speakers. I can get a subwoofer at any point thereafter.

And besides, my wife is already starting a complaint campaign about my new speakers.

I can't help it! They sound so much better than what I had before that I just have to keep turning it up. If I got a subwoofer right away, there might be bloodshed. ;)