Is the CA 740 a good upgrade for the NAD C352?

[admin_exported]

Hi guys I have heard some lower range CA amps before and although very good and open in the midrange, they also seemed a bit thin to. Therefore going up the Azur range, it seems like the CA 840 would be a fair step up from the NAD but would the 740 also?

Bearing in mind I listen to lots of rap and rock music

 

[d_a_n1979]

IMO no...

Having heard the more top end C/A amps and with your speakers and B&W as well as Monitor Auido; I'd say it's more of a sideways step.

I think to move on you'd have to look at the Roksan Kandy K2 or maybe a 2nd hand Cyrus 8vs2 to better your system currently.

Although saying that I think one of the Yamaha AS1000 amps might be worth a nosey

 

[the record spot]

Nope, like Dan, I'd be upping the ante somewhat. Some of the Exposure kit might be worth a look, the 3010S2 will be down in price with the new line out, also the aforementioned Yammies and see Audio Emotion's ad for an Eastern Electric M520 at £950 from £1800...now that would be a step-up!

 

[crusaderlord]

Another no from me too - the C352 is a great amp anyway for its price

 

[d_a_n1979]

These guys: http://www.theaudiowarehouse.co.uk/index.php

have a Moon i-1 integrated amp for sale; inj black and ex-dem for £699!

I'm sure that would be worth a look.

If I could find somewhere in the North West to demo one I think I'd be damned interested in it too at that price. Good review via What Hifi

 

[Anonymous]

I know plenty of people on here don't fancy CA kit, but I have a 740A and would really recommend it if you like fast, detailed and exciting delivery of music. Not one for the ultra analysers or old fogeys out there, but if fun is your purpose in listening to music its a winner. As always, of course, its a matter of personal taste and matching kit, but don't dismiss the 740A on account of other people's opinions, especially when you can get a 30 day trial at Richer Sounds. Try it for yourself.

 

[plastic penguin]

Not heard the higher end Cambridge, but like the others say, the Nad 352 is a fabulous amp, so I would suggest if you're taken by Cambridge look at the 840V2: Gerrardasnails loves his.

If you're looking at a serious upgrade you may hanker after better speakers than the Neos.

 

[d_a_n1979]

plastic penguin:

If you're looking at a serious upgrade you may hanker after better speakers than the Neos.

Thats an idea PP but I think hifinewbie likes his Neo's

They will stand their ground with amps up to £1k easily IMO so I think there is room for a new amp possibly.

I really do think that with the reviews and it's soundstage/sonic abaility; the Moon i-1 integrated would be well worth looking at. I also think the Rotel RA1520 would be well worth considering; from the folks I know that have it; it's a damned good amp.

 

[Anonymous]

Lol yes I do and the notion of getting rid of them is blasphemy! I am too sold on floorstanders now and don't really see an affordable upgrade which will shame the Neo's

Unfortunately I couldn't spend 699 without thoroughly demoing them first which is obviously problematic. I would really like to hear the new Rotel, see what all the fuss is about and as for CA, what do you think it lacks?

 

[vinod_david]

As said above + if you're looking for real upgrade, 840 v1 now on sale at RS, very cheap OR new V2.

 

[tonky]

Hi,

The CA 840A v2 is very loud,very clear, spacious and detailed. Listen to it at Richer sounds.

It's great for vocals in particular. I am not a heavy metal fan in particular - but i listen to Led Zep early albums and it really does them justice.

cheers - tonky