I should have the 840a coming to me next week, as I was looking for an affordable solution to splitting of my 2-ch. Couldn't get anything too wimpy because my speakers drop to 0.7 ohm. A couple of places are selling them for $600-$700 off msrp, I believe mostly due to anticipation of the new line coming out shortly. There are few left, I believe. Silver is now impossible to get, just a few black ones here and there. Its a switching amp A->B at 10 watts, but as I tried to read what makes Class XD different than other switching amps, I can't understand it yet. The rep is that it is a giant killer, but that's probably hyperbole I'd imagine.
I've heard a lower model of Cambridge and uber-expensive Krell side-by-side powering electrostats last year. (I know that a couple here think all amps and processors sound the same, and they would imply anything I say has zero bearing if it was not DBT. Ok, that aside as a preface...) The Cambridge stuff is not as "resolving" or "detailed" as expensive Krell, yet still very enjoyable to listen to. The Krell side-by-side had a rather "analytical" sounding nature to it. It also sounded brighter. Why? Who knows. Psychoacoustics? Maybe the Krell just has more power to be able to drive what are extremely tough frequencies for electrostats.
I've considered some more affordable Cambridge, but decided to splurge a bit. $950 shipped IIRC. I say go for it; my guess is it won't be hard to unload it if not pleasing enough.
-jostenmeat
p.s. the salesman I spoke to over the phone said after glancing at the differences of the new line to come out, he could only see a couple of small differences, one being locking balanced inputs. There are balanced on the 840a, just not locking. Expect to pay about $700 more though. I think he has only one left. Black.
