NAD C315BEE vs Cambridge 640A v2?

[admin_exported]

I am in the process of constructing my vinyl setup. I currently have:

Pro-ject Debut III Phono SB

Wharfedale Diamond 9.1s

I now need to get an amplifier. The turntable already has a preamp. I am trying to decide between the 640a and and C315BEE. I can get them both for the same price, £169.99.

I am inclined towards the Cambridge, considering it used to be a lot more expensive, but has been reduced significantly since it is no longer in the current range. Does anyone have experience any with the amp/speaker pairing? All input would be appreciated. Cheers.

 

[Anonymous]

Personally I would recommend a second hand NAD C352 on ebay perhaps as this will give you a lot more than both of these mentioned amps in terms of bass, presence and soundstage.

 

[matthewpiano]

Out of those two I'd go for the Cambridge. A more refined sound and better resolution than the NAD, and its a bargain at that price.

 

[vinod_david]

Go for 640.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd probably agree with the CA amp. I just bought a C315BEE and decided it was just a bit lacking, so have sent it back and upgraded to the C326.

The C315 BEE does have the best remote control for anything I have seen in a long long time though - size of a packet of 10 cigarettes and with minimal buttons for amp & and NAD cd player. Shame NAD only do this for their budget amp. I would kill for a similar one for 326 (or universal) that could also run a DVD player.

>

As an aside, I noticed a Cyrus One go for £90 on ebay the other day. I used to run a turntable through that amp and it was lovely. Second hand and old is good if you have the time.

 

[Anonymous]

2nd hand Musical Fidelity B200 integrated amplifier ... ebay item 140339967013 ... might sell for very cheap ... have a friend who used to have one and he enjoyed owning it

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies so far. Looks like the Cambridge is a good choice. I'd rather not buy second hand. Although I am on a budget, I do not want an old piece of kit crapping out on me. I want this to last me at least 5 years before I sell it and upgrade.

 

[Anonymous]

Ah fair enough well in that case, yes I would go for the CA out of those 2 definitely.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks hi fi newbie. Well it looks like I'll go with the 640a, a clear winner. Hopefully it will still be in stock when I actually get round to buying it!

 

[Anonymous]

Definitely the 640A. The NAD is the bottom of their range, whereas the 640A is the middle of the Cambridge Range. When first released it cost £300 and it's replacement (the 650A) costs £350!

 

[Anonymous]

Well that's a pretty conclusive set of replies! Definitely going to go with the 640a. I'll phone a few different branches of Richer Sounds tomorrow to try and see if any have a black version going cheap.

Does anyone know of one near them selling a black 640a for cheap? The silver looks pretty easy to get hold of.

 

[vinod_david]

Good decision.

 

[Anonymous]

Going to be collecting it tomorrow. Can anyone who owns one do me a huge favour? If you could measure the dimensions of the box and post them here it would be great. I'm going to be getting the train to the store and will need to bring a bag to carry it in!

 

[vinod_david]

Hi:

W - 44 cm
D - 30 cm
H - 10 cm

 

[Anonymous]

I can't tell you the dimensions just at the moment, but the box is pretty big. Finding a carrier bag to fit it in may be tricky. The box does have an in-built plastic handle though, so carrying it is no problem

EDIT: Oops, should have refreshed!

 

[Anonymous]

vinod_david, aren't those just the dimensions of the amp? I'm assuming the box is going to be bigger.

Thanks for the info about the box though Suasexed, that will make things much easier!

 

[vinod_david]

Yes, dimension of amp only. The CA box itself has a nice handle to carry. I thought you'll ditch the box at the shop and carry only the amp back home.