From what I've read about both Cambridge players, they have different sonic profiles. The 840C often characterized as sounding highly resolved and warm whereas the 851C has been said to have a cooler, drier sound. So I would recommend repairing the 840C or perhaps looking into a Marantz player which will have a similar sound profile as the 840C.
To be very clear, all of what I'm saying here is based on what I have read not experienced.
All the best!
|
Why not get a dedicated DAC if you have the Sony?
If so, I would get an Ayre Codex or a Schiit Gungnir or Yggy. They can accomodate the Sony as well as stream Tidal from (I assume) your PC.
Bob |
If you like the sound of the 840c, get it fixed. However, if you haven't already, you might want to take off the cover and see if you see any obvious problems you may be able to remedy yourself before sending it out for service.
|
Grm,
Cambridge AZUR 840C
is supposed to be a nice (mid-fi) player but if I was in your shoes, then I would probably sell it in ebay as defective and bought Denafrips ARES for $600 + $50 shipping.
You can use your Sony as a transport and have a real high-end DAC for cheap. I just bought one for my smart TV and it is just crazy what you will get for the money.
I don`t say that it is better than my reference player but it is way, way more than you will get from some $2000 to $5000 DAC/players. And yes I have owned quite a bit of digital from this price range plus some up to 20K.
|
|
Doesn't the 840 have digital inputs? I love the sound from it. Keep using the sony as a transport. |
Mr. George,
Thanks for the link! I think I will start by opening the unit and reseating connectors and looking for anything questionable.
Thanks to all for your help and suggestions!
grm
|
I am confused if you are only using it as a DAC why bother with a new laser etc. ?. Unless that assembly has the DAC in it? Like many others have said there are many new DACs to choose from or just use the Sony for discs. |
I think the 840C is well worth the $300.00 repair if you are planning to use it for CD playback. If as a DAC only with another transport, why bother now?
Bill |
I agree with all the people who are saying that if you only use it as a DAC, why are you thinking of messing with the laser? If you think the Sony is a poor transport (why?), you can probably get a DVD or BRP as an alternative transport for a lot less than $300 |
grm-
how do you like the Sony SCD-2000ES ? Happy Listening! |
Hi, jafant. I think I paid around $450 for the Sony SCD-2000ES. It turned out to be an absolute steal. Not only does it hold 5 disks, it plays hybrid SACD's and has both TOSLINK and COAX outputs for playing CD's on an external DAC. In terms of SQ, it gives my Cambridge a run for the money, of course, the Cambridge is better (except for SACD where the Sony edges out the Cambridge). Using it as a transport connected to my cambridge for playing CD's it does the job, but the Cambridge sounded better playing CD's with it's own transport. I think after reading all of these posts, and the fact that most of my listening now is through TIDAL, I'm going to save my $ and time and Use the Cambridge as a DAC. If and when the Cambridge dies, or when I can afford an upgrade, I'll replace it at that time.
|
I think just buy good oppo player, very few tech knows how fix cdp, I have my Sony 9000es modwright 3k, send to repair shop, it looks like , they won't be able to fix, so I bought SACD marantz and Yamaha SACD way to go if you have the budget, you get new technology . |
|
I agree with George. buy a working new or used Sanyo mechanism and replace it. It is not difficult at all to replace the drive mechanism, and that definitely appears to be the problem. I don't understand the logic of buying a new unit when you are happy with your existing unit. It is a computer drive. When the drive fails, replace the drive. Especially if you are happy with the sound of this unit. Why spend extra money if you don't have to. I bought a used Naim Unitserve music server recently. The drive mechanism read one disc and didn't read others. It also ejected disc about two feet. Funny. The existing drive was a Teac DW-224SS-W93 drive built in 4/2010. I contacted Teac and they told me the replacement drive is a DV-W28SS-VM3. So I bought one and replaced the old unit. I also opened the old unit and cleaned the lens and lubed the moving parts and it worked much better. Its not rocket science. The unit works great now. enjoy |
Very nice! grm-
Happy Listening!
|
If you need a CD player , replace the one you have. They wear out having moving parts. A very very costly one well that would be a different story, it comes down to wear you draw the line. |
George. Is that Sanyo laser the same one used in the newer Cambridge 851C??? |
"Is that Sanyo laser the same one used in the newer Cambridge 851C???"
@mr_m ,
Yes, both use the Sanyo SF-P101N.
Bill
|
mr_m241 posts04-13-2017 12:01amGeorge. Is that Sanyo laser the same one used in the newer Cambridge 851C???
Yes just to confirm all the Azures except for two use this laser/mech and the fist one one
azur340c
used either, I'd say it was a MkI and MkII CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
azur340c
CS4338
KSS-213C / SF-P101N
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
azur350c
WM8728
Sanyo SF-P101N
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
azur351c
WM8728
Sanyo SF-P101N
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
azur540c
1 x WM8716
Sony KSS-213C
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
azur540c v2
1 x WM8740
Sanyo SF-P101N
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
azur550c
1 x WM8740
Sanyo SF-P101N
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
azur640c
1 x WM8740
Sony KSS-213C
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
azur640c v2
2 x WM8740
Sanyo SF-P101N
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
azur650c
2 x WM8740
Sanyo SF-P101N
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
azur651c
2 x WM8742
Sanyo SF-P101N
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
azur740c
2 x WM8740 + Anagram
Upsampler
Sanyo SF-P101N
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
azur840c
2 x AD1955A + Anagram
Upsampler
Sanyo SF-P101N
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
azur851c
2 x AD1955A + Anagram
Upsampler
Sanyo SF-P101N
Cheers George
|
|
Thanks! for sharing- George.
|
