Cambridge 840a Azur Integrated Amp vs Nad c272

i currently have the nad c272 with a nad pre. am thinking of selling it and buying a cambridge 840 integrated. the improvement that im looking for is a more forward presentation, more neutral sound (the nad is a little warm) and tighter bass. would i get this from the cambridge. have got monitor audio rs6 speakers.

Hi Afj,
Am not a fan of either component. Though having said that i think swapping the Nad C162/272 for the CA integrated would be a very very small step up in quality. Have heard your combo here at the local dealers and its fair sounding.
My suggestion is keep the Nad for now and buy only when u are really buying better. Small small steps lead to more confusion and loss of money. Had the Pre/power a while ago and though not the most detailed was a reliable performer. Actually if one wants a "forward sounding" set up a Rotel would fit. Problem is one gets tired of that sound in a very short while u can enjoy music longer and suffer less fatigue with a good old Nad amp.
Regards

I agree with dinyaar. You must be sure if want to get a more revealing amp so i sugest you take long audition.

Hi Afj,

I've listened to both amps extensively, and both go decently well with the MA silver line. When Dinyaar says he's not a fan of either, you have to remember that he's used to Brystons which are in a different league altogether! :-)

You haven't mentioned what your source component is - CA 840A is a very competent amp, but would not go well with overly analytical or bright sources - so pair carefully.

The NAD can certainly supply plenty good bass, esp. with those floorstanders, if it's not doing so I recommend taking a look at your source and/or speaker placement.

Compared to your NAD, the CA would sound more 'airy', the mid-range would sound a little thinner (perhaps that is what is meant by neutrality), while the bass would be tight and plentiful. Soundstage/ imaging would be better. Noise floor would be lower, especially if your system is fully balanced. You have to decide whether this is worth it for you. I guess the kind of music you listen to will also matter. Vocals are much, much better on NAD.

Having said that - both components being in the same category, it's still very much a sideways move, and IMHO you're better served saving up for a more substantial upgrade.

Hope this helps.

Regards
Persiflage

am not going to lose any money on the deal. and i dont think that i'll be upgrading to the likes of bryston for a while now. even if its a minor increment i dont mind changing. more than it being an increment its a difference in sound - for the qualities i stated earlier. from what i've read and heard the cambridge is a more neutral amp compared to the nad. and the nads bass is slightly bloated. rotel is on the other end of the scale in terms of brightness and being forward. that certainly would make extended listening tiring

hi persiflage
right now im using a nad t524 dvd player. was going to buy the nad c542 cdp but then put it on hold till i decide on which amp im going with. if i buy the cambridge 840 amp i'll buy the cambridge 640 cdp. i really like the vocals on the nad - wouldnt want to give that up. i've tried the nad c515 cdp on my system and apart from the pace of music being better i didnt come across more more difference than that. perhaps it is the source thats an issue. though everyone does say that the cambridge is slightly ahead

Afj,

Your source is definitely a weak link, and I'm afraid entry level NAD CDPs won't be very different.

CA CDP will definitely provide the neutrality and the tight, tuneful bass you're looking for.

So here's a thought: before you decide to switch amps, why don't you hook up a CA 640C to your existing system and give it a whirl? It may be just the ticket for you.

CA CDPs paired with CA amps sound too clinical to me. Don't get me wrong, I like detail and neurality as much as anyone else, it's just that this particular pairing may be too much of the same thing. While a CA-NAD pairing may inject the attributes you're looking for, while preserving some of the warmth and mid-range magic.

Regards
Persiflage

PS: Try the CA 740C too, if your budget permits.

ok then will upgrade the source first. you did suggest the cambridge with my current set up. but i cant audition and no return policy. you still think i should go with the cambridge or play it safe and go with the nad.

Would the dealer not allow you to try the CDP at home for a few hours? I have had CA dealers in India demonstrating at home for half a day. You can try any of the CA CDPs from say 540C onwards. If you see (oops hear) a significant difference, then you should look at the 640C or so.

Cheers

Persiflage def has a point may be you can aslo try changing your cables, But not sure if it'll make a big diff esp as i do not of your cables.

Try to borrow a cd player for a few hrs.Before you decide.
Cheers