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CDP Repair or Replace? Seeking advice Please

Hi,
First, thank you for your kind response!
I own what may now be considered a vintage CDP, it is a Cambridge AZUR 840C which I primarily use as a DAC streaming TIDAL. I also have a SONY SCD-2000ES SACD player connected via COAX to it to play CD's. Well, the AZUR transport coughed up a furball and will not spin a disk, which sounded better than the Sony connection. I called a dealer and they said it would cost about $300 to repair it, I asked about (not that I have the coin) upgrading to the AZUR 851C and they were quite emphatic that my $ would be best spent repairing the 840C, they did not try to sell me anything else, again, just spend the $300. Question is, what would you do? Thanks!
grm
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,611 posts
 
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!

gdnrbob
2,421 posts
 
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
reubent
3,587 posts
 
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.
plutos
224 posts
 
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.



georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
grm
Your  Cambridge AZUR 840C has a  Sanyo SF-P101N  laser/mech in it.
They cost under $10usd for the whole mech with laser, if you have just a little mechanical knowledge they take around 1/2hr to 1hr to install with no adjustments needed, $300usd is a ripoff, do it your self.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR1.TRC0.A0.H0.TRS0&_nkw=Sanyo+SF-P101N&_sacat=0

Cheers George 
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