Which CDP with Arcam Alpha 5+ integrated amp?

[phaco]

Hi, my Arcam Alpha One cd player finally died on me last week after about 10 years of good service, and it is not economical to have it repaired. It was matched with an Arcam Alpha 5+ integrated, which I intend on keeping, and I have pretty much narrowed down my options to 3 or 4 players:

Cambridge 540C
Rotel RCD-02
NAD C521BEE

Any clues on which one would sound best with my Arcam amp? I listen to very varied styles from instrumental classical to punk through all kinds in between, but there will likely be more classical as my girlfriend is a classical singer. Thanks!

 

[kay]

The Cambridge is a cracking player. Then again, so are the others. Sorry, no idea how well they'll match up - I suspect they all would complement it rather nicely.

 

[j_garcia]

I listened to the 640C (with a 640A) this weekend and, maybe I had too high of an expectation for it, but it didn't exactly blow me away. I have to say it was in a less than optimum listening environment too, so I may have to give it a second shot, and maybe ask them to set me up in an actual listening area instead of their display. I'm definitely not saying it isn't a good player, it is. The sound was smooth and natural sounding, bass was clean and vocals were clear.

Any reason not to consider the Arcam CD73? I've heard this guy and was pleasantly surprised. IMO, it sounded better than the 640C.

I haven't heard the Rotel or the NAD, but I've always been a fan of NAD.

 

[phaco]

I bought the Cambridge 540C yesterday, after auditioning it side by side with the NAD C521BEE. In my opinion, the NAD was out of its depth , it's fairly obvious to me that the CA is actually OBJECTIVELY better, but maybe I'm going a bit too far. At any rate, I'm very happy with the purchase. Thanks for your input...

 

[anamorphic96]

Both players are equal !!!

What about the Cambridge helped you decide ?

I personally feel the NAD is just as good as the Cambridge just doing things a tad different. The Cambridge being more up front and detailed while the NAD being warmer and more laid back.

I like both players alot there just different presentations and it comes down to how you like your music.

Thats my 2 cents.

Cheers