[john1970]

Dear AC Members,

I purchased a new Cambridge Audio 540C V2 CD Player yesterday from the local authorized dealer.  I noticed last night that whenever I advance (skip between) tracks the transport makes a series of clicking sounds.  I have used Marantz and NAD CD players in the past and I have never noticed this previously with those CD players.  I called the local dealer and he assured me that everything is normal and that the laser is simply looking for the tracks.  I have my doubts because:

1) I don't remember the store demo model making such sounds and I did test the track skipping function.
2) My non-functioning JVC DVD player made very similar sounds about 4 months before it died. 

I understand that every transport is different and maybe the Cambridge Audio normally makes such sounds.  If someone here also owns one please let me know ASAP if the clicking sounds are normal.  I need to return it no later than next Saturday for a full refund (within the first 7 days after purchase).  I don't want to get stuck with a lemon.

Thank you,

John

[Bemopti123]

Although I have no experience with your CDP, if it were me, I would return the CDP.  Too many dealers or salespeople attempt to claim things are "normal" when it comes to technology.  They usually buy time until it is too late to return it.  The worst that you can face is dealing with the factory.  I have had products that were "foolproof" that never ever had issues and the rep/distributor told me, "Oh, you must be overdriving the amplifier" while I never even did.  It had to go back to the distributor 2 for repairs.

If you have doubts, return it.  You will save yourself a lot of time and aggravation.   

[audio-heaven]

I agree with Bemopti123, I am inclined to think the noises you are hearing are not normal, to call your dealers bluff you could take your suspect player back to the dealer and have him up hook up another 540C v2 to see if it makes the same noise.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if the dealer decides to forgo this test and gives you a replacement instead

[john1970]

Dear Everyone,

I returned the player this afternoon for a full refund on my credit card.  I am going to continue using the Marantz CD5001 in my system until I find a suitable replacement.  Eventually the Marantz will be moved into my office and I will need another CD player for my home system.  I am willing to spend upto $500.  Although, IMO it is difficult to hear any huge difference between the $300 Marantz and other players costing twice as much.  If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.  I like the fact that the Marantz has a 3 year warranty from the manufacturer.

Thanks,

John

[Upstateaudio]

Try the Onix CD5. $400.   Also has a 3 year warranty.

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=processors&product=48.1

It is supposed to be wonderful stock and also can later upgraded by Underwood Wally if you want to later.

[audio-heaven]

Glad to hear you got a quibble free re-fund, if you have a computer in your office how about using that as your CD transport instead? People are getting very good results using one of these.

http://www.trendsaudio.com/EN/Product/USB_Audio_desc.htm

And a review:

http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/trendsaudio_ud10_e.html

I have just ordered one myself

[mjosef]

I have had the original 540C for about 14 months, and never heard those series of clicks...just one click when I press the back or next track button... Never had a problem with my unit. ( insert sign of the cross here) 

[WEEZ]

Try one of these.

www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0607/cec_cd3300r.htm

WEEZ

[Bob Reynolds]

I have a Cambridge 340C (replaced a 6 year old Cambridge D500SE) in my office system at work. I've never tried the track advance. I'll try it tomorrow and post the results just for an FYI.

+++++

Regarding another CD player. You might consider a Denon 3910 universal player. Crutchfield still had some a couple of months ago at a very good price. I bought one last December to replace a 4 year old Pioneer DVD player. It does an excellent job with video (as tested with the HQV Benchmark DVD). It sounds quite close to my Arcam CD23T on CDs and is indistinguishable on HDCDs. The warranty isn't much though, but it was obviously superior to a Marantz DV7600 universal player.

[Bob Reynolds]

John,

My Cambridge 340C does make a small click with each track change. It's just before the display refreshes with the new track info. If I advance quickly enough there is no clicking sound except on the last track. I probably would have never noticed it without looking for it.

-- Bob