New Cambridge 540 vs. Used Music Hall CD25

Ben,
I'm with you, been contemplating either a used C25 (not sure if I want mods done), new C25.2($485), new NAD C542($400) or a Cambridge(with the Cambridge new Azur 640C V2,$549 ). So far in my researching the Cambridge is showing people having quality control problems with them. Going to keep my eye on this thread, hope you get lots of replies... good luck in your hunt.. Paul

I've owned two Cambridge CD players, though not the 540C, and a Cambridge 540A integrated amp. I own one of the original Music Hall CD25's now and have upgraded the opamps myself.

The Cambridge stuff is very good for the money but I would definitely go for the Music Hall if you can find one in good shape. The build and sonic quality are up a level from the Cambridge gear.

Upgrading the opamps in the CD25 isn't any more difficult than changing a fuse and the difference in the sound is quite startling. I prefer mine to the much more expensive separate transport and DAC I had before.

Thanks for the input. Seems like it's hard to go wrong with the Music Hall!

Ben

Or you could buy the Onix and save even more money! The onix 88 is basically the same exact player as the music hall with a different face plate. Look it up. I have one and think it is a great player, and could not tell the difference between my dealers music hall 25.

And you can do the same mods to the onix as in the music hall.

I have a 7 month old onix 88 that I am going to sell because I wanted a black cd player to match my Portal Panache. Yes I know, I am crazy...

I am also considering the Music Hall Cd25 or the Cd25.2. I'm interested in installing the opamps. Where would one buy the opamps and instructions?