Does it make sense that a Cambridge 650A sounded notably better than a 740A??

[admin_exported]

So, this is bizarre. I spent quite a long time Friday afternoon listening to the 740A against a 650A (the dealer no longer had any 640A's in stock, which is what I'd hoped to compare the 740 against, since that's an amp I know and love), fully expecting to be walking out with that $799 demo model. Time and time again, switching back and forth from the same CD source, utilizing the same speakers, with all tone/treble controls disabled on both units, I clearly preferred the 650a! From everything I saw, it was a fair A/B comparison, with no tweaks or differences in settings. Yet, the 740A is always rated higher than the 650 (as it would appear it should be going by the specs).

Could there have been something off about the 740 we were playing with or could it could be possible that the 650 actually outperforms the 740? All around musicality, detail and imaging were notable better on the 650 in the setup I heard the other day.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=718504​

 

[the record spot]

Yep, makes sense to me. they made a lot of changes to this amp and it's come off with some of the reviews by all accounts. Alan Sircom really sings its praises in a mag that normally hands out gongs like that to stuff often costing £5k or more (Hi-Fi+ for those who don't know). WHFS&V sang its praises and likewise Hi Fi World. Plenty more have that view too.

 

[Anonymous]

Actually, WHF also criticised it for being a touch bright.

 

[Anonymous]

Comes as no surprise to me.

650A + 650C combo is superb, when coupled with suitable speakers - sound is not bright, just true.

 

[Anonymous]

I've not heard one, bt here's what a certain AV and HiFi magazine said:

• ForImpressive build; precision and clarity; strong dynamics; features
• AgainstA hint of treble brightness means you'll have to take care in partnering equipment

 

[RCduck7]

the record spot:Yep, makes sense to me. they made a lot of changes to this amp and it's come off with some of the reviews by all accounts. Alan Sircom really sings its praises in a mag that normally hands out gongs like that to stuff often costing £5k or more (Hi-Fi+ for those who don't know). WHFS&V sang its praises and likewise Hi Fi World. Plenty more have that view too.

Maybe you should try this one, now the Yamaha you first wanted to try isn't the amp for you??

 

[newaudio]

hi there...

from my earlier posts you can see iam unhappy with the 740 combo. my dad has the 640 combo and i wish i had both the same as his! a much nicer dynamic sound without being harsh! wana but a 740A? hah

 

[the record spot]

RCduck7:
the record spot:Yep, makes sense to me. they made a lot of changes to this amp and it's come off with some of the reviews by all accounts. Alan Sircom really sings its praises in a mag that normally hands out gongs like that to stuff often costing £5k or more (Hi-Fi+ for those who don't know). WHFS&V sang its praises and likewise Hi Fi World. Plenty more have that view too.

Maybe you should try this one, now the Yamaha you first wanted to try isn't the amp for you??

Haha, well, you know, it's maybe more a case of taking stock and see. I think the greater chance is this will be more of the "too bright" - the 650 cd/amp combo is greater than the sum of the parts (rather like the Leema Pulse, HK HD990 CDP pairing which I thought was very impressive) - I think with my CDP and speakers, I'd be unlikely to have the more balanced sound I was looking for.

The Leema's magnificent though, no question about it, even if I am returning it to base tomorrow. I might just have to have a rethink about how it works. Can't tell you about the HK990 amp though; it's too big for the sideboard at home, just like the Yamaha was!