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NAD C542 vs Audio refinement Alpha complete CDP?

I have been looking for a new budget CDP and was wondering if any of you have compared these 2 players? I like listening at moderate to higher volume levels. I listen to all types of music Blues jazz rock. This is for a second 2 CH system. It will be accompanyed by a NAD pre and Adcom gf555 amp, Paradigm Espirt bipolar speakers. Room size 15"x10" 8" ceilings. Also other CDP's in 300 to 550 price range???
coman61
ssglx
203 posts
 
I have the complete alpha CDP and what I would say is once you slap a decent power cable on it (Signal Cable Magic or $40 Soundstring in my case) it really becomes more alive and open sounding. No joke. Check my previous post about it a few weeks back.

Chris
coman61 OP
26 posts
 
Chris
you are the first to mention the power cord issues on the AR CDP. After extensive reserch I have decided to take Bignerd100s advice and go with the Cambridge Audio. Price was a big factor seeing that this a second system. I hope the quality issues don't come back to haunt me. Thank you all for your input.
coman61 OP
26 posts
 
OOPS. I meant to say you are not the first to mention the power cord issues.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
The best way I could think to decribe the difference is alive but I guess dynamic would be a better description. Unless you've already made your purchase you should really listen to a player with HDCD. It's worth it and as I said, you have more HDCDs than you think.
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