On 26 Sep 2004 05:27:08 -0700, (Niall Rooney)
wrote:

Hi,
After much research I have narrowed my decision for my "first
separates system" to:

1. Rotel RA-01 amp + RCD-02 cd player
2. Cambridge Audio 640a amp + 640c cd player

Fine, they're all good pieces of kit. But why the 640 over the 540?

Any views ? Is it true the Rotel is harsher to listen to over time
periods ?

Probably not - but people imagine the strangest things..........

Also, I have heard there is some "hum" issue on the Cambridge Audio
amp (???), possibly from a power source. Is this true ? Does it hum
during silences between tracks ??

Haven't heard anyone mention that problem.

As for speakers, the retailer recommending the Rotel system is saying
B&W 601 S3 and the speakers suggested for the C. Audio setup are
Monitor Bronze B2. I have only heard the Rotel system and B&W speakers
so far and have yet to audition the C. Audio setup. Any
suggestions/comments ?

Get the best speakers you can afford. If you're thinking about
Cambridge Audio, get them at Richer Sounds and audition the
Mordaunt-Short speaker range - they are *much* better than their price
would suggest. If you buy all the kit there, they should also throw in
all the cables you'll need.
--

Stewart Pinkerton | Music is Art - Audio is Engineering