I am looking at buying a complete new seperates system after xmas and have been really interested in the CA650 range. What are your thoughts on this and what speakers would match well. Have been looking at the Maudaunt Short Mezzo 2's. Would really appreciate some feedback.
Cambridge 650A set up
- Thread starter admin_exported
- Start date
matthewpiano
Well-known member
- Nov 23, 2007
- 494
- 334
- 19,270
Well I have the 650C CD player and it is superb. What you partner it with really depends on what sort of sound you prefer.
I used to have the Mezzo 2s with the Cambridge 740C and 740A and the combination was very detailed and precise but lacked an element on musicality. Somehow, despite being superb in many ways, the system didn't pull me in.
I have briefly tried a 650A amp (for about 3 weeks) and found it to have the same strengths and weaknesses as the 740A so I'd imagine your proposed system will have similar traits.
If you would prefer something less clinical I would suggest using the 650C as a starting point. I've owned the NAD C545BEE and extensively auditioned the Marantz PM6003 and I personally think the 650C is the best sub £500 CD player. As I type I'm listening to mine with my Arcam A18 amplifier and Dali Lektor 2 speakers, all hooked up using Chord Company cabling - approx £1300 of system - and it achieves a great balance between detail and seperation, and sounding involving and musical.
I used to have the Mezzo 2s with the Cambridge 740C and 740A and the combination was very detailed and precise but lacked an element on musicality. Somehow, despite being superb in many ways, the system didn't pull me in.
I have briefly tried a 650A amp (for about 3 weeks) and found it to have the same strengths and weaknesses as the 740A so I'd imagine your proposed system will have similar traits.
If you would prefer something less clinical I would suggest using the 650C as a starting point. I've owned the NAD C545BEE and extensively auditioned the Marantz PM6003 and I personally think the 650C is the best sub £500 CD player. As I type I'm listening to mine with my Arcam A18 amplifier and Dali Lektor 2 speakers, all hooked up using Chord Company cabling - approx £1300 of system - and it achieves a great balance between detail and seperation, and sounding involving and musical.
chebby
Well-known member
- Jun 2, 2008
- 1,257
- 34
- 19,220
If you have ever read the reviews of the CA 650A + CA 650C system (linked through the CA website) you will see that one publication has no hesitation in partnering speakers worth £1000 with it...
"This highlights the biggest regret surrounding the 650 series; and it's got nothing to do with the 650 series! The prices of these two products will naturally end up with most of them being used with loudspeakers costing around £200 or so. While it will do a great job here, to really hear what it can do, try it with a pair costing five times that figure, ideally one with a soft dome tweeter too. Suddenly, what most people consider as good mid-price electronics becomes a neutral platform to play music with a great deal of integrity."
So maybe you should aim higher than the Mezzos and think of speakers like the AVI Neutron Vs or Rega RS1s (both around £400) at least.
"This highlights the biggest regret surrounding the 650 series; and it's got nothing to do with the 650 series! The prices of these two products will naturally end up with most of them being used with loudspeakers costing around £200 or so. While it will do a great job here, to really hear what it can do, try it with a pair costing five times that figure, ideally one with a soft dome tweeter too. Suddenly, what most people consider as good mid-price electronics becomes a neutral platform to play music with a great deal of integrity."
So maybe you should aim higher than the Mezzos and think of speakers like the AVI Neutron Vs or Rega RS1s (both around £400) at least.
I see Richer Sounds pair them with the MS Aviano 6. I'm considering this purchase - anyone any comments?? My room is 15 x 15 and no problem with speaker placement. Musical tastes everything from gerry Rafferty to Calvin Harris
I have the CA 650C and it is a great CD player, had it with a few amps, 540a, NAD C326BEE but finally settled on the Creek Evo2. Tho my speakers sound good with this combo still looking at replacing these as not quite there yet in terms of sound i want
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram