Please help me choosing between 2 CDPs

[guiller]

Hi,

I´d been offered two nice sounding CDPs: a Denon DCD-1650 Gold (internal japanese market) and a Cambridge Audio Azur 640 C v 2.0. Both sound great to me, but I cannot
perform an A-B comparison because the sellers are two different people.
Pricing is about double for the Denon, probably the weight too, but the
Denon is from 1991 and the CA from 2007. The Denon has a very seductive,
powerful look that the CA doesn´t. It seems to have a much higher quality
construction standard than the CA, that seems a bit chunky. On the other
hand, the CA is newer and most probably has better D/A circutry. The
condition on the laser pickups in both CDPs seems to be excellent. I guess
the Denon has one of those Sony lasers that are difficult and expensive to
get, but I don´t know which laser assembly comes with the CA. If any AKers have definite opinions in favor of one of the CDPs, or has heard both on the
same system, I´d be very grateful for the sharing of those insights.

All the best

[KeninDC]

1991 v. 2007 is one thing to consider. Being cautious, I'd go with newer re: CDP technology.

Good luck,

Ken

[dr*audio]

If you know the Denon is from 1991 and therefore has some miles on it, and you know the pickup is the pricey, hard to get one (completely unavailable now I believe) You are better off with the newer player, because with the older player you will, sooner or later, have an expensive boat anchor.

[Urizen]

It seems to have a much higher quality
construction standard than the CA, that seems a bit chunky.

Looks pretty good from here.

I'd go with the Cambridge's newer chip set, and buy some new music with the remainder.

[stuartk]

A 17 year old CD player for twice the price of a 1 year old Cambridge Audio player doesn't really seem like a good deal to me.

In fact, I would want to be paid to take away a 17 year old CD player. :)

I feel that the Cambridge Audio player will probably sound as good or better than the old Denon, will be much more reliable, can actually be repaired if it breaks because parts will be more available, _and_ you will save 50% on the purchase price.

[dr*audio]

Dang, that Cambridge looks well built! I don't recognize the laser pickup. Doesn't look like a Sony to me. Might be Chinese. Order a spare one to be on the safe side.

[Pavioni]

I havn't heard that model Denon, but I have had the 640C v.2 for a bit over a year and think highly of it considering the $350 price paid. I have done side by side tests of the 640C vs some well regarded mid-90's Rotel CDP's -the RCD940,945 & 950 - and the advance in resolution of the newer CA is obvious over the older Rotels. (the Rotels were all in the middle price class in their day, as is the 640C today) Which isn't to say that the older CDP's don't make good music - they do! - but the 640C v.2 reveals another layer of transparency and air around the instruments, especially in the upper mids and highs.

[guiller]

Many thans to all for sharing your insights with me! It seems that the Cambridge Audio is the one to get!

All the best

[dgwojo]

I wanted a SACD player without spending a small fortune and ended up with this (the bottom unit in the pic), quite a bargain for less than $100 shipped to your door with a 2 year warranty, it's very small and probably a throw-away if it ever breaks, Dave.

Pioneer-DV-48AV (http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/486974189/pioneer-dv-48av)

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k98/dgwojo/Elite80_01.jpg

[guiller]

Hi,

Well, I finally got the Decon CDP, because the seller of the Cambridge Audio sold it to another person. I´ve listening to it for the last two hours and I can say that it blows away by comparison my loyal DCD-1500 which I traded in for the DCD-1650G. The bass is impressive and the midrange astonishing (for example, the strings in a string quartet sound real and open). Here is a link with the tech data:

http://audio-database.com/DENON-COLUMBIA/player/dcd-1650g-e.html

It has 4 DACs on is very heavy.

Here there are a few more pics:

http://www.gz008.cn/xinyi/goods-6.html

http://www.gz008.cn/xinyi/images/200803/1204413973270622658.jpg
http://www.gz008.cn/xinyi/images/200803/1204413974831664759.jpg

http://www.kingsound.co.kr/files/market/rm100013063.htm

http://www.kingsound.co.kr/upfiles/market/13063_market_1_kingsoundhttp://www.kingsound.co.kr/upfiles/market/13063_market_2_kingsound


I hope to find some time soon to post some pictures of my unit.

All the best


PS: here´s a link to the Denon Museum page with the complete 1650 family:

http://denon.jp/museum/dcd1650series.html

[Urizen]

I hope to find some time soon to post some pictures of my unit.

Please don't.

Nice looking player. Enjoy!:music:

[guiller]

Please don't.


Hi Urizen,

Sorry, I didn't get it. Why not? You dislike the player, the idea of me posting more pictures,...you name it!???

All th ebest

[Johncan]

It was a joke... you said a picture of your unit. Think 4th grade humor. "Heh Heh you said unit."

John

[dr*audio]

Can you post a picture of the unit with the CD drawer in the out position, so I can see what the transport looks like and what laser is has?

[guiller]

It was a joke... you said a picture of your unit. Think 4th grade humor. "Heh Heh you said unit."

John


Got it! :D:D

[guiller]

Can you post a picture of the unit with the CD drawer in the out position, so I can see what the transport looks like and what laser is has?


Yes, but you have to be patiente since this week is very demanding workwise for me! I'll try my best to do it as soon as possible.