i have listened to both. i need your thoughts and experiences because these sound very close to me... Rotel RA-1062 integrated Rotel RCD-02 CD player B&W CM-2 or B&W 705 NAD 320CBEE integrated NAD C542 CD player B&W CM-2 or B&W 705 (will the 320 drive the 705 ok?) The NAD combo helps me justify the upcost of the 705's... Thanks in advance,
Personally, I'd go with the NAD setup, probably 705s. Hate to do it to you, but if you have a little time to spare, go listen to Arcam (A80 integrated, CD73) as well...
John, That's cruel. That said, the Cambridge Audio 640C and one of their integrateds paired with either B&W set should not be ignored, under normal circumstances. Sorry, Richard. Between the two, it's a tough call but I'd probably go with the NAD/705 combo. Good luck.
thanks for the replies so far... i am leaning towards the NAD, i have considered others, but i am down to these two only...
They are both very good systems. The build quality of the Rotel is probably a touch better, but the quality of the NAD gear is also very good. How's the cost comparison, pretty close? If that's the case, go with your gut and ears.
I'd go, if they're really close, with the set that lets you get the best speakers, as you'll likely keep those longer than the rest of the kit, anyway.
the Rotel system will run me around 20% more than the NAD. i would prefer, as PaulDA suggests, to put that money towards an upgraded speaker. i am going to do more listening tomorrow afternoon. i extended my timeline another 24hrs, but im getting closer! thanks alot so far! -RichardK
my quest has ended... i went with Rotel euro series CD player+IA / B&W 705combo...i 'downgraded' to the RA-02 Integrated that is more of the RCD-02 'match'...my local dealer gave me a nice deal and i owe him a big thanks for being patient! although the title implies, i didnt make this decision in 24hrs...i spent hours of listening and research over the course of about 3weeks...i had to make the decision fast because i wanted the gear to debut at a party i am having next weekend...my dealer needed at least 5 business days to get the gear in house... now i am ready... thanks for your help.
