Planar Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Cambridge Audio 540R Receiver by SQN

Model:	540R
Category:	Receiver
Suggested Retail Price:	$699
Description:	6.1 channel a/v receiver
Manufacturer URL:	Cambridge Audio
Manufacturer URL:	Cambridge Audio

Review by SQN_NorCal ( A ) on April 03, 2005 at 06:41:02
IP Address: 59.37.9.124

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for the 540R

Great sounding receiver. If you're on a budget and are using smaller Maggies for movies as well as music, you can't go wrong with the CA for sound quality. On the other hand, if you're into surround modes, then the CA is definitely NOT the right receiver. Sound was very detailed and open, full and with very good soundstage. GOBS of power without any signs of stress when driving MC1's as the mains and MMGW's in the rear channel. Way better than everything in this price range that I've heard (and is capable of driving a 4 ohm speaker, of course).
When you look at it next to the NAD or H/K offerings, you'd think it was a 25 WPC receiver it's so small. Amazing.
Best of all, the CA drives a 4 ohm load with no problem, and according to the dealer, is stable to 2 ohms (didn't test that).
Tested against the NAD 743 and H/K 635 and a Denon 1705(?).
Results -
NAD 743 ($699): CA was slightly more detailed, brighter and had better soundstage. CA was noticably more powerful. NAD in stereo mode sounded quite good but the CA had the edge. In 4.1 channel surround; however, the CA blew the NAD out of the water. The rear channels came alive and the phantom center was much more clear and articulate. No comparison in theater mode.
H/K 635 ($899): CA not quite as warm. CA noticably more detailed, full sounding and with a clearly better sound stage. Very noticably more power. H/K never made it to the theater sound test. H/K, on the other hand, had a bizillion more cool features than either the NAD or CA.
HIGHLY recommended for anyone looking for a "budget" receiver if using Maggies for home theater or mostly music and some theater. Didn't test it with any other speakers. Great sound.

Product Weakness: Single purpose remote that can't even control other CA products from the Azur family. No "B" speakers!!! Could use some more digital inputs. No video conversion, just like-to-like routing. Dolby Prologic II and not IIx.
Product Strengths: Musical sound. Great single purpose remote with very nice feel. Small. Nice build quaulity. Lots of current. Drives 4 ohm load no problem.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	CA 540R; 80 watts per channel into 6 channels
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	DVD player
Speakers:	Magnepan MC1 & MMGW
Cables/Interconnects:	Monster Interlink 400
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, rock, classical, acoustic
Room Size (LxWxH):	20 x 12 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	None - hard wood floors
Time Period/Length of Audition:	4 days
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Single purpose remote that can't even control other CA products from the Azur family. No "B" speakers!!! Could use some more digital inputs. No video conversion, just like-to-like routing. Dolby Prologic II and not IIx.
Product Strengths:	Musical sound. Great single purpose remote with very nice feel. Small. Nice build quaulity. Lots of current. Drives 4 ohm load no problem.