Need Help , FAST! buying in 24hrs (2ch system)

[RichardK]

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,

 

[John Garcia]

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...

 

[PaulDA]

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.

 

[RichardK]

thanks for the replies so far...
i am leaning towards the NAD, i have considered others, but i am down to these two only...

 

[Dan Driscoll]

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.

 

[PaulDA]

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.

 

[RichardK]

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

 

[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.

 

[PaulDA]

Nice purchase. Enjoy the party, and more importantly, enjoy the gear.

 

[John Garcia]

I don't think you could have gone wrong with either setup