2. amps-preamps
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Cambridge Audio Azure vs. NAD c320bee, c740

I need to replace my 20 year old Rotel receiver, which just stopped working. I have Mordaunt Short Pageant 2 speakers of the same age and a Rotel RCD950 CD player which is more recent. I also have Grado HP1000 headphones. I would like to spend under $400 and will consider pre-owned or refurbished units. I have narrowed down the choices to the NAD c320bee, cambridge audio Azur 640a or 540a integrated amps, or the NAD c740 receiver. Is the nad c320bee significantly better sounding than the c740? (if not, I would get the receiver to have the tuner capability). Are either/both cambridge amps better than the NADs? Finally, are the headphone capabilities significantly different between these models? Thank you in advance for your input.
hopecountryboy
joemazzaglia
19 posts
 
I bought the 640a from AUDIO ADVISOR last week.
I had originally picked it up because my CONRAD JOHNSON SONOGRAPHE SA250 amplifier is in the shop.

My first impressions after break-in were-DAMN! why did I spens so much on seperates!? The Cambridge is AWESOME!

I will stack it against the Creek, NAD, ADCOM, ROTEL, etc. ANY DAY! The 640a is worth double the retail!

The only odd thing I noticed was that the first volume increment is a little left channel heavy, but as soon as the unit is turned to notch 2 or above, everything is balanced as can be!

I like it so much, I am going to audition the 640c cd player asap!

The Conrad Johnson stuff is up for sale!

Joe
phoenix469
44 posts
 
I just bought the Azure 640C. It is a huge step up to my 12 year old changer. I use an NAD C370 as my integrated amplifier. The C370 is awesome, however the new C372 is out. They are basically identical except for a slight power increase. Funny thing is I also use this system in my bedroom. I auditioned the BBE CD player versus the Azure 640C. There was no comparison. The Azur was much more detailed and dynamic. It's low level detail is amazing. The NAD sounded very bass heavy, and muddy in the midrange. I did the audition on the same receiver and speakers I have in my home so I know the comparison was valid. The NAD 370 is a stereophile reccomended product, and it shows. My new Azur 640C just took me to a higher place.
tombowlus
416 posts
 
How does the Azure 640C compare to its preceeding model? I just had a chance to audition the prior model Caimbridge integrated and CD player (not sure of model numbers on either), and was fairly impressed. But the dealer isn't offering much of a discount. I've heard so many good things about the new one, that I'd hate to miss the boat by getting the older model. But, if it's pretty close, then I should be able to arrange a decent deal.

Thanks, Tom.
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