Digital Drive: REVIEW: Cambridge Audio 840 C CD Player/Recorder by rkeman

Model:	840 C
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$1499.00
Description:	Q5 upsampling - dual 24-bit 384kHz
Manufacturer URL:	Cambridge Audio
Manufacturer URL:	Cambridge Audio

Review by rkeman ( A ) on December 19, 2006 at 09:51:57
IP Address: 12.168.121.2

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for the 840 C

The Cambridge Audio 840C is a combination CD player and digital to analog converter (DAC) squarely aimed at value-oriented audiophiles. Asynchronous upsampling to 384k Hz is accomplished in the 840C using technology developed in cooperation with Anagram Technology (Q5 Adaptive Time Filtering)and implemented using the Analog Devices 32 bit Blackfin digital signal processor. The digital to analog converters are Analog Devices AD1955 operating in dual differential configuration. There are two digital inputs each offering both RCA coaxial and Toslink connectors allowing the 840C to serve as a high performance DAC for sources such as DVD players and satellite or cable tuners. Balanced and RCA analog outputs, digital RCA coaxial and Toslink outputs, a control Bus in/out, and RS232 port are also provided.

Build quality of the relatively hefty 840C (18.7 lbs)is a step up from mass market products and includes a 7 mm thick aluminum faceplate, extruded aluminum side panels, and sturdy damped steel chassis. The CD drive is proprietary to Cambridge Audio and operates quietly and smoothly. Connectors and controls seem robust and logically arranged. The detachable IEC power cord allows experimentation with aftermarket cords and is firmly mounted to the chassis. A well appointed aluminum remote control rounds out the package.

All of the technology and features don't add up to much if excellent sound quality is not the result, and the Cambridge Audio 840C really delivers. The noise floor is extremely low (balanced or unbalanced)and provides an inky black background from which the music emerges. Asynchronous upsampling has associated with slightly grainy treble and subtle upper midrange prominence in some quarters, but the 840C shows not a hint of either. The overall presentation is smooth and well defined reflecting the nature of the source material. Bright, compressed or strident recordings are clearly reproduced as such. Bass is rich and full when called for and shows none of the confusion and threadbare character found in many lesser CD players. Soundstaging is natural and limited only by the source material.

So how does the Cambridge Audio 840C compare to other CD players and DACs? Today's better digital gear is very, very good and the law of diminishing returns is clearly moving ever downward in cost. The less expensive Cambridge Audio 640C sounds very good and led me to consider the 840C. The addition of digital inputs and true balanced operation are worthwhile for the purist and do elevate the level of performance. The Benchmark DAC-1 offers many of the same design attributes as the Cambridge and is also a superior performer, but sounds perhaps a hint less refined and metallic in comparison. Older Technics DVD-A10 and Panasonic RP-91 DVD/DVD-A players and a more recent Sony multidisc DVD player are clearly rougher and more "digital" than the 840C.

Overall, the Cambridge Audio 840C represents an excellent perfromer in the world of digital audio and a fine valvue for any audiophile.

Product Weakness: None
Product Strengths: Great sound, digital inputs and balnced operation.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Theta Intrepid
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audio Research LS-9
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Cambridge Audio 840C and DVD-89, Motorola Cable Box
Speakers:	Vandersteen 3A Signature
Cables/Interconnects:	Belden DIY
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Pop and classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	22 x 14 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Normal furnishings
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 weeks
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	None
Product Strengths:	Great sound, digital inputs and balnced operation.