Cambridge audio : 840a vs 650a

[Anonymous]

matthewpiano:bloatedgut:
matthewpiano:Not missing any point. I think we have to accept that components, or even whole units, are going to be manufactured elsewhere, but this kit is at least designed and engineered in the UK.

Personally I don't think it matters. To me its all about achieving the best sound and limiting the party to 'British' components (in the broad sense) seems to be shutting down quite a lot of very capable options.

That is my point... re-read what I wrote... the bit where I advised the fella that whilst it is a consideration it is not that important as hi fi is about listening to music... so the fact that you did not understand what I was saying would imply you rather missed it... no?

I understood perfectly and am agreeing with you. I'm also trying to help add to the list of brands that might be considered British in the broad sense. For some people its an important issue, though like you I don't really understand why.

Cool... then I am guilty of missing your point and I apologise. Sorry.

 

[matthewpiano]

bloatedgut:matthewpiano:bloatedgut:
matthewpiano:Not missing any point. I think we have to accept that components, or even whole units, are going to be manufactured elsewhere, but this kit is at least designed and engineered in the UK.

Personally I don't think it matters. To me its all about achieving the best sound and limiting the party to 'British' components (in the broad sense) seems to be shutting down quite a lot of very capable options.

That is my point... re-read what I wrote... the bit where I advised the fella that whilst it is a consideration it is not that important as hi fi is about listening to music... so the fact that you did not understand what I was saying would imply you rather missed it... no?

I understood perfectly and am agreeing with you. I'm also trying to help add to the list of brands that might be considered British in the broad sense. For some people its an important issue, though like you I don't really understand why.

Cool... then I am guilty of missing your point and I apologise. Sorry.

And I probably didn't make my point clear enough so I apologise too.

 

[the record spot]

You can add Icon Audio to the list, if you fancy a UK based tube amp specialist. Might be worth thinking about those guys too, though I suspect as per the others, you'll do well to get a tube amp from the UK that's got all UK parts, virtually impossible I might say. Still allows you to support the company which seems to be doing well, a good range of kit, well built (maybe even hand built to order).

Don't overlook another small but well respected firm in NVA (Nene Valley Audio) who I think trades on Ebay, but will sell direct. They may offer a money back guarantee if you want to try out at home. Double check that on their site however.

 

[chebby]

Has everyone forgotten Rega?

British designed and manufactured.

They even build their own bass/mid drivers and cartridges. (Yes they even wind the little coils in the cartridges by hand in Essex!) They source as many components as they can - practically - to British suppliers.

Ok things like FM tuner-heads (Kwang Sung) and transistors etc (Sanken) come from Hong Kong and Japan and tweeters come from Vifa but Rega often specify their own 'bespoke' versions (just as Naim do).

If Naim are not a British manufacturer then what are their 85 employees doing in that factory in Salisbury?

And equally what are all those Rega employees doing in their factory in Essex? There are online accounts of factory visits to Naim (with photos in one instance) and Rega have a 'factory tour' on their website.

I remain convinced they qualify as British manufacturers and that IS important to me. I don't mind saying I want to keep such manufacturers employing staff in our economy, paying UK taxes, outsourcing wherever possible to other UK companies etc etc. So shoot me if that is so bad.

I accept that sometimes I have no alternative (iMac built in China, Dells built in Ireland and Poland, TV made in Korea, camera and refrigerator made in Germany, DVD Japanese, furniture UK, Holland and France etc etc) but where I have a choice and the product is good then I will try and keep the money circulating within UK Ltd.

 

[Anonymous]

I would go for the 840A, it's a cracking amp for the money, either the V1 (ridiculously cheap if your local RS has it) or the V2 is still good given the RRP. If you intend to use this amp for your next speaker upgrade (be it the P6s or not) then you will need the 840, but as others have said it's a lot of money for speakers given that amp.You could get a better totally new system for £3500 given the imbalance.

Alternatively you could go for the 650 and upgrade speakers to Mezzo 6 or Monitor Audio RX6 then upgrade again when funds allow for something.

 

[Craig M.]

atc build their kit in britain. maybe have a look at the SIA 2-150?