2. amps-preamps
  3. 1208537135

HELP

Hello everyone, I am a newbie in the audio industry so I respect every suggestion (s) and comment (s). Right now I have Focal Profile 918 floor standing speakers and driving it is a Cambridge Audio 540 R V2, a bad mistake buying the piece. I've called the dealer and they kind of yell at me for being stupid, well at least that what they meant. Anyway, I can return it and get store credit toward a different product and was asked nicely not to shop there anymore. They recommend the Cambridge Audio 840A; is there any other choice other then CA Integrated amp? I have a budget of 800. It a bit low but it all I can afford now. Thank you!
Ken
thangdui

Showing 2 responses by robr45

robr45's avatar
robr45
319 posts
 
Sorry to hear about you getting off on the wrong foot. I think that you will find that that vast majority of people involved in this hobby will do their best to try and help.

I have a bunch of questions;

Do you have the option of getting a refund for you CA 540 or is a store credit the only option?

If a store credit is your only option, what other brands does this dealer carry? Is there anything on demo or preowned?

What was it that made you think it was a bad purchase?
How big is your room? what kind of music do you like, and how loud do you tend to listen? Is CD the only source?

What made things go down hill with this dealer?

-Rob
robr45's avatar
robr45
319 posts
 
While I am thinking of it; Do the speakers have 100 hours on them yet? If they don't- this could be your problem. Also- speaker placement would be another thread I would start seperately. At the very least- put some bass intensive music on and walk around your room. Does it sound good anywhere in the room?

Your choices are limited. I would arrange to take a couple of amps home or at least one at a time and listen.

Out of everything listed, the Jolida excites me the most, but your problem is bass, and that is probably the single biggest limiation with this amp. The NAD on the other hand, will command those woofers with authority, but may not be quite as convincing through the midrange on up.

Your choice is going to represent a compromise (all of our choices do) so you really need to listen for yourself and decide.

Another idea- if they have any demo power ampliifers- you could run your mac mini straight into the amp and control volume, etc from the PC. Or possibly add an inexpensive Axiom passive preamp for external control.

Your dealer should welcome taking something home for a listen.

Let us know, and dont hesitate to tell them you are asking for advice on the Internet if the discussion should begin to go south. That might put a little fear into them. This is an extraordinarily powerful community and our members are obliged to hear about poor dealers that should be avoided. (as long as they are truly poor dealers)

-Rob
More to discover