Cambridge Audio Azur 540D or Denon 2200?

[corysmith01]

I had pretty much settled on getting an Azur 540D. I don't need HDMI (tv can't accept it). SACD would be a bonus, but not necessary. A lot of the music I listen to isn't even available on SACD, but is on DVD-A. Now, perhaps SACD would encourage me to buy some and dabble. But, as you can see, a bonus, not a necessity.

Anyway, the 540D seemed to be a solid choice for me. I skew more music vs movies. I'd say probably a 65/35 mix. There's not a lot of info on this player, but what there is seems pretty favorable. Also, the build quaility seems pretty good too...nice and weighty. And at $359, it won't break the bank. I need bang for the buck.

But then I came across some refub'd Denon DVD-2200 for less than the Azur and it got me wondering; is that a better player/option than the Azur? Just looking for opinions here, knowing that my leanings are to audio. The 2200 has gotten very favorable marks, and it's going for about $100 cheaper.

Just wondering what folks would choose given the choice of these two. New vs. refurb. SACD vs only DVD-A. Your thoughts please. Thanks.

[j_garcia]

I loved my 2200. It was a quality player. Not a spectacular redbook player, but not bad at all (I didn't use it for redbook in general). Having both formats means you don't have to worry which one a title gets released on... There are also more titles on SACD than DVD-A by far. However, I have a buddy who has the 540D and uses it exclusively for music (redbook CDs and DVD-A) because he says it is an excellent music player. I have heard the 640C and I though it was a very good player. I don't know if it matters to you or not, but I believe the 540D is also region free.

[corysmith01]

Thank J_Garcia. I was hoping someone like you would respond b/c I know you've had both the 2200 and the 2900 (right?). I was eyeing a 2900 the other day on ubid and the last one sold. They were going for $429, which I thought was a great value.

I'm currently using a Sony dvp-nc655p...it's a 5 disc combo changer that I picked up about 3-4 years ago when I a) didn't know what I was buying (I just knew I had a lot of CD's and liked movies on DVD) and b) didn't have a lot of money, not that that aspect hasn't really changed. So, it's just a hunch, but I've got to believe that there are better players out there, hence my want to buy a new one. Also, I just want to go back to one disk...the changer has worn out its welcome.

Given that I primarily listen to redbook, and considering the player that's being replaced, would you take one over the other...that is, the 2200 over the 540D? Thanks.

[BMO]

I bought the 640C months back and am very happy with it.I believe the 640C can be bought for around $ 400 . Although it doesn't do HDCD,but my recievers does. But for what it's worth, playing those HDCD's through the the CA 640C on analouge,sounds better.
I have not heard the 540, but i am impressed with the build quality of there product.

[j_garcia]

In this case, I'd probably go with the 540D Lately I've found myself listening to more DVD-As, though I own more SACDs. This guy also said the 540 was a pretty good progressive player as well - I haven't seen it though, so I can't comment on that.

Yep, I had the 2200 and now have the 2900.

If picture quality is a factor, then I *might* give a little more weight to the 2200, because I felt it was excellent in that regard; giving me about 95% of what the 2900 does.

[corysmith01]

Awesome. Thanks for the help guys.

[corysmith01]

Not to resurrect a dead thread, but today I noticed that ubid has the Denon DVD955 (2910) for $450. Now with that in mind, would the 955 be a better choice over the Azur 540D? It's a universal player (though, like I said, not necessary, but a nice bonus) and is HDMI equipped (though like I said, my tv currently doesn't accept it, but I smell a tv purachase in my near future.) Just wondering if spending the extra $100 on the Denon would be worth it, or just stick with the original plan of the Azur 540D. Yes, I'm indecisive and probably overthink everything. Any opinions? Thanks.

[kay]

I think the 2910 is almost certainly a better buy than the 540D. Having said that, nothing out there is quite as sexy as those Azur components in terms of looks

[corysmith01]

Agreed. They look fantastic. I was actually at a local shop yesterday and they had some CA stuff. I couldn't tell by the photos online, but in person, those things look and feel so solidly built. Really weighty and really nice looking. Ah, decisions, decisions.

[kay]

If it was a stereo system, I would say go for the 640C + 640A combo and don't even think twice. But I really would prefer a universal player... and SACD does offer somewhat larger selection to make things worse for the 540D. It's a tough position to be in. I've heard rumors about a 640D from CA, hopefully they add SACD support. It would be a sweet machine, especially given their aggressive pricing at the moment.