Thanks,
How do you rate Marentz, CA azur ,Nad ,Rotel?
mainly sound,durability,better DAC,better transports ?
Well Spirovious, I have never heard the Rotel, so I cannot comment. Between the NAD and the CA, you can hardly make any difference. Both are good brands, and make good equipment. NAD has been in India longer, while CA has been very aggressive over the last two years or so.
The CA 640 pair of CD player and amplifier is a formidable combination in their price range.
Similarly The NAD 320BEE and the 521 CD Player were an excellent pair. The 320BEE was based upon the legendary 3020 amplifier of NAD. NAD has replaced these units with the 355BEE and the 525. These have also been performing well in the market.
In the late 1900's, Marantz had a series of CD Players that had model numbers ending with OSE that were very popular. Then came Marantz's Ken Ishiwata who took the CDPs to a legendary level with his KI signature. This kind of died out around 2002/2003 when NAD and CA started reigning the market. Since 2007, Marantz has retaken the market with their 4000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 series of CD Players and amplifiers.
Ultimately what helps you make the decision? A number of things:
1. Your budget.
2. A specification comparison of the 3 or 4 brands that meet the specs within your budget. Look for DAC, power, connections, types of CD playable, etc. Look for THD and SNR, speaker impedance.
1. You personal audition of the shortlisted candidates with the kind of music you like. This step should never be skipped.
2. The service provided by the dealer from whom you buy the equipment.
Cheers