It seem unusual to assert a CD player at this cost point ought to be considered an "outstanding value." In my younger years before my present career path I worked as a professional live performance sound engineer. Basically the guy in the back mixing sound for the show. I have a fair knowledge of acoustic theory, engineering, and high performance audio and sound reinforcement equipment where price point was not a consideration. I can say in my experience the Cambridge 840C is an outstanding value.
I have never added a piece of equipment to my system which instantly made so much difference with regard to sound quality. The sound of the Cambridge 840C (and my unit is still in the break-in phase) is clear, transparent and neutral. The soundstage (the placement of the sound image in space) is outstanding. Each instrument stands out clearly. The detail of the sound and the timber/tonal qualities - especially in the upper range (cimbals, etc) are outstanding. Finally, and to me this is most important, this player has the best musicality I have ever come across. The sound flows so effortlessly, so freely that it draws you in to the point where you want to revisit CDs you may not have played for quite some time so you can discover and explore the way they sound anew. Easy, very easy to listen to this player for hours and hours on end with any sense of fatigue.
If you have a descent system with a quality amp - receiver, quality speakers then this is the CD player for you. As many of the review articles have noted this player is amoung the best out there in the audiophile world and you would have to spend $5,000 or more to match much less improve upon the quality of sound you get from this unit.
Mike