I am in the process of upgrading a 12 year old Yamaha CDX-530E. Having read the reviews, I thought I had the shortlist down to a Marantz CD5400 or the NAD C521BEE.

Having listened to them both, the NAD seems to play the musiv very accurately but with no real warmth to the sound, whereas the Marantz had a much warmer sound but was less clear.

I'm inclined to forget the Marantz because it looks and feels very plasticy, whereas the NAD feels much better built. I just have a slight question mark over the NAD's very clinical presentation.

I am now wondering whether I should consider the Cambridge Audio Azur 340C, but can't find any reviews on it.

Does anybody know how it compares to the other two? Or is a happy owner?

Hi Jon, don't know about the Cambridge Audio 340C, but it might be worth looking at the higher model 640C, as I know that's got universal acclaim from all the mags. It's about £250 I think. Right price range?

the best cd players in ther market for a budget price are far Harman Kardon and Denon (20 and 24 bit and 8 fold oversampling)

Jon

I don't know if they've still got them, but Richer Sounds were selling version 1 of the Azur range cheaply I think the 540C was available for that price!

Theres a new Marantz cdp that matches their budget line amp, i hear its a bit of a good 'un!I would personally go for a second hand unit, offering better quality for your outlay.

Ice hockey boy,

I'm suprised you're not selling!

Patrick, ive either swopped or sold all of the "good stuff" and now got what i consider to be a great system, Eastern Electric Minimax cdp, Classe pre, Lyngdorf power, and PMC FB1 speakers, and am left only with lower quality stuff to flog, eg Technics 490 etc.

Hats off to you,

I was concerned you may take offence at my comments. Thats some serious kit you've got there.

Which one has seen the biggest improvement then?

I've not listened to any of the equipment you've got in action, but have read with interest the results they can throw up; particularly the Eastern Electric CD (with valves?), and PMC speakers - How are they working out for you?

I couldnt see anything to be offended by!You are right about me flogging stuff, but since the current set up, i have no need to any more.
The Minimax really is a great cdp, yep, 2 valves in the output stage, and i am so pleased with the FB1's, but, i believe the thing that made the biggest difference was the Lyngdorf sda 2175 amp, it sh*ts all over the MF kit i had before! The difference was instantly noticeable in the bass , where before, with the MF power amp, i had to have the Rel sub wired in for any level of "real" bass.

Well

Thats a ringing endorsement for Lyngdorf, just need to get saving for the next five years. I'll try and listen out for their kit at one of the HiFi shows coming up in September. (If they exhibit?)

I've got budget equipment and my amp is probably the cheapest thing there. If you can get such a sonic improvement from your amp, then thats perhaps where I should look to improve things.

Cheers