Should I try the Cambridge Audio 640p?

I dont think you will see much of an improvement. I have the PL2 and had the phono board and got a Parasound Zphono with a TT and did not see much of a change. The Cambridge gets mentioned in the same list with the Zphono. And a number of folks say the Primaluna board is very good.

If you are looking for a big change then expect to spend about 400-600. I went to a Pro-ject Tube Box SE and really like the sound and have been able to change it by swapping tubes (Brimar CV4004 to Sylvania 12ax7wa). The Jolida, Graham Slee, Lehman Black Box are in this range used and mentioned frequently here.

I would be willing to go to the 400-600 range.....thanks for the response.

There is a Phonomena Nova just listed for $600. It is outstanding. Retail is $1000. It is not mine and I don't know the seller. It will go fast.

I'm using a Gram Slee Gram Amp 2 with my phono rig and enjoy it quite a bit. Keep an eye out for other Gram Slee phono preamps, they are very highly regarded by those in the know...

-RW-

I have a heavily modified Cambridge 640P which has beaten some far more expensive phono stages including the Graham Slee Eva Gold V & EXP combination and FM Acoustic 122. It was quite decent sounding even in its original form.

I have a heavily modified 640P which has beaten some far more expensive phono stages including the Graham Slee Eva Gold V & EXP combination and FM Acoustic 122. It was quite decent sounding even in its original form.

I got one of those heavily modified Cambridge 640p's as well. It really breathes. Someone on this site is selling one for ~$600 if you just need to spend the money, else you can mod it yourself.

08-17-08: Grinnell
I dont think you will see much of an improvement. I have the PL2 and had the phono board and got a Parasound Zphono with a TT and did not see much of a change. The Cambridge gets mentioned in the same list with the Zphono.

This review MENTIONS both the ZPhono and the 640P, and of course they're on the same list because one is $149 and the other is $169, but the review makes it very clear that the ZPhono is not in the same league as the 640P. At all.

I have several Parasound Z components and a 640P. The 640P definitely operates at a higher level. As soon as I took the 640P out of the box it put out a contract on my phono noise floor. By the time I plugged the 640P in, the noise floor was gone.

Given that Audio Advisor has a 30-day trial period, which is plenty for a rigorous break-in and listening audition, and total shipping for a small unit like the 640p is maybe $15 tops, you have very little to lose to try it out.

And read this.

Thanks to all....yes i had read the review that Johnnyb53 sent the link to. It got me thinking about the 640p in the first place. Sounded like good value for the money.

Any opinions on the Rega phono stage?