Cambridge 640, 740 and 840

Audio Advisor should allow you a 30-day money-back guarantee.

I've heard the 340, 540, 640 and 840. For me, the 640 is the sweet spot in terms of value.

However, given that Cambridge products in a certain "series" (340, 540 and 640 being one and 740 and 840 being the other here) have the same sonic flavor, the lower models always offer a generous taste of the higher ones because they tend to be based on the same basic architecture.

Therefore, if you could find a used 740 -- and depreciation is usually pretty steep on Cambridge -- that may end up being the ultimate value. I bet that sooner or later you could nab one for around $550 to $650.

I would also strongly suggest you listen to the Rega Apollo. It's not as detailed as the 840 (nowhere near, actually) but it may end up being the more musical player depending on your person taste.

I think the cambridge audio gear is a good value for the money. The 640 c is a great place to start unless you find a great deal on a 740 or 840 (don't know what you want to spend). If you go that way and look for one used make sure that you are looking at the 640 version 2 (though I had the original and it was a pretty good player as well). If you buy new, audio advisor has the best prices I have seen including free shipping above a price that should cover those three models.

Spearit Sound has the same prices as AA and free shipping as well.

buy the 564D at a cheaper price - uses the same wolfson dac, potent bass but slightly lean overall tonally compared to the best. Very good value for money as it has a lot of the qualities found in the very best.

I had the 640C. If you like your sonics lean, that's what I experienced.

Thanks everyone for the input.

Phill