Upgrading Cambridge Audio A5 to Azur 640A v1?

[admin_exported]

Hello!

I've been offered an Azur 640A v1 for cheap, it would cost me £15 to upgrade from my A5 after selling the A5 on eBay.

Is it worth it? Would I notice a difference in sound quality? I use B&W DM601 S3 speakers.

Thanks!

 

[John Duncan]

For 15 quid, yes.

 

[plastic penguin]

My only experience of Cambridge was with the A5. I was not impressed by it, although the later Azur range is a decent step-up in sound quality.

Like JD, it's a resounding Yes!

 

[Anonymous]

Definitely

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks

Can also get a Marantz PM6002 for about a £40 upgrade. Is the Marantz PM6002 worth it over the 640A v1?

 

[fatboyslimfast]

For me, yes. It's a better all-rounder, whereas the 640 can sound a little too "hifi" and miss out a lot of the emotion.

But if it's 640 or nothing, then go for the 640. A whole heap better than the hugely overrated A5.

 

[Anonymous]

jazzy639:

Hello!

I've been offered an Azur 640A v1 for cheap, it would cost me £15 to upgrade from my A5 after selling the A5 on eBay.

Is it worth it? Would I notice a difference in sound quality? I use B&W DM601 S3 speakers.

Thanks!

I had an A5 as well not that long ago. Went on ebay for £100 exactly. Good luck!

Enjoy the upgrade!

 

[Anonymous]

£100?! Most seem to go for £55 now. Im guessing your CA 840a is a big step up?

 

[Anonymous]

jazzy639:£100?! Most seem to go for £55 now. Im guessing your CA 840a is a big step up?

That was only a couple of weeks ago.

The 840A is lovely, sounded very "cold" and "bright" at first but as it get running in the sound is (still) improving. And at the moment, I'm running it for long listening sessions, where I thoroughly enjoy my music again!

 

[Anonymous]

Another question, instead of buying the 640A v1, would a used Pioneer A400 be a good step up?

I'm a little uneasy buying something so old. I've still not decided if I would even buy it (due to its looks!)

Also anything else around the £100 mark on eBay that should be considered? Any NAD amps, Arcam? I've seen a lot of people suggest Alpha 9/10 integrated amps however they seem to go for too much, about £150.

 

[Anonymous]

Bump?

 

[Anonymous]

Hi The NAD C320 BEE is a terrific amp with a big soundstage,terrific midrange and nice bass weight and can be picked up for around 100.00. However make sure it's the C320 BEE and not the NAD C320 which is the older model amplifier (if it doesn't mention BEE it's the older amplifier).

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, think the C320 BEE is better than a CA 640A?

 

[Anonymous]

Delayed reply, I have recently changed from an A5 to a 640A v2 and its chalk and cheese, they are a world apart. ÿFor £15 it's an absolute no brainer even if the v1 isn't quite as good as the v2