Think of it like school grades. The 740 might have "scored" and 89 and the 650 an 80. Both "B's," but one still better than the other.
Stereophile Class Recommendations for Cambridge
I took a look at the latest Stereophile Recommended Component List today and saw something that I consider quite interesting. In the digital player section under the Class B rating, Cambridge Audio has two players that made it; the 740c and the new 650c.
I've never heard either, but read plenty of reviews and comments on the 740, so I know its held in high regard. That said, if a company is offering a number of cdp's at various price points, shouldn't, in a perfect world, the performance of a product get better as you go up the line?
Maybe my interpretation is wrong, but what does it mean if they're both considered good enough to be in Class B? Do they sound the same? Is it time to upgrade the 740c? Or is the 650 performing way above its price range.
At the end of the day, I know the proof is in the listening, but I was just wondering how everyone perceives these ratings by the "esteemed" Stereophile Magazine. i know that I use it, along with other review mags, at least as a guide to determine what I wish to audition.
Please share
I've never heard either, but read plenty of reviews and comments on the 740, so I know its held in high regard. That said, if a company is offering a number of cdp's at various price points, shouldn't, in a perfect world, the performance of a product get better as you go up the line?
Maybe my interpretation is wrong, but what does it mean if they're both considered good enough to be in Class B? Do they sound the same? Is it time to upgrade the 740c? Or is the 650 performing way above its price range.
At the end of the day, I know the proof is in the listening, but I was just wondering how everyone perceives these ratings by the "esteemed" Stereophile Magazine. i know that I use it, along with other review mags, at least as a guide to determine what I wish to audition.
Please share