My impression is that Cambridge is well-regarded on this board as a line of affordable audio equipment. It's mentioned a lot for people who need CD player or integrated amp under $500.
For myself, I liked the Cambridge amps better than their CD players, which seemed "bright" to me. But this is a matter of taste, and if the dealer is willing to let you try in your home, it is worth working with him on this.
I ended up going a bit higher in price, spent about $1300 on electronics (amp and preamp), and am still waiting on the CD player!
You may do better to work on the speaker purchase first. If you don't have good speakers that you like (positioned correctly in your room), it will be hard to pick the CD player you like. Trying speakers in your home is even more important than trying CD players, since rooms vary so much in their "sound".
In the store, be sure to audition speakers with your music, and even bring in your receiver if they will let you. Also audition with an amp they suggest that you might be able to afford (you don't want to limit yourself to only speakers that sound good with your current gear, but you don't want to buy speakers that will never sound good with anything you can afford!).
If you can, listen to speakers at several stores. They really do vary, and stores in a given area generally are exclusive reps. That said, working with a helpful dealer can really be worthwhile (someone who spends a lot of time with you on a $400 CD player can be classed as helpful).
Best of luck!
- Eric
For myself, I liked the Cambridge amps better than their CD players, which seemed "bright" to me. But this is a matter of taste, and if the dealer is willing to let you try in your home, it is worth working with him on this.
I ended up going a bit higher in price, spent about $1300 on electronics (amp and preamp), and am still waiting on the CD player!
You may do better to work on the speaker purchase first. If you don't have good speakers that you like (positioned correctly in your room), it will be hard to pick the CD player you like. Trying speakers in your home is even more important than trying CD players, since rooms vary so much in their "sound".
In the store, be sure to audition speakers with your music, and even bring in your receiver if they will let you. Also audition with an amp they suggest that you might be able to afford (you don't want to limit yourself to only speakers that sound good with your current gear, but you don't want to buy speakers that will never sound good with anything you can afford!).
If you can, listen to speakers at several stores. They really do vary, and stores in a given area generally are exclusive reps. That said, working with a helpful dealer can really be worthwhile (someone who spends a lot of time with you on a $400 CD player can be classed as helpful).
Best of luck!
- Eric