CP-500 vs CP-700 preamps - how big is the difference?

[Antonkk]

I mean sure the 700 pre must be better but how much better? The cost is like 2 times more!

[aarsoe]

Why not wait for the CP-800? Just around the corner..

[beden1]

I mean sure the 700 pre must be better but how much better? The cost is like 2 times more!

I own a CP-500 and it sounds excellent. It's very pleasing overall, and in fact, I will be using mine again in a dedicated analog stereo system that I'm in the process of putting together. I also have an SSP-800, and it reproduces more clarity and extra fine detail over the CP-500 (somewhat similar to the CP-700). It also depends on the source material.

The CP-700 will sound better than the CP-500 as I described, if you also have source players and speakers capable of reproducing the high quality of sound, and a dedicated room that has decent acoustics.

It's also a difference of only a few degrees, and whether or not you have a trained ear to be able to hear the difference.

[Aquarius]

I own a CP-500 and it sounds excellent. It's very pleasing overall, and in fact, I will be using mine again in a dedicated analog stereo system that I'm in the process of putting together. I also have an SSP-800, and it reproduces more clarity and extra fine detail over the CP-500 (somewhat similar to the CP-700). It also depends on the source material.

The CP-700 has balanced connections where the CP-500 does not.

The CP-700 will sound better than the CP-500 as I described, if you also have source players and speakers capable of reproducing the high quality of sound, and a dedicated room that has decent acoustics.

It's also a difference of only a few degrees, and whether or not you have a trained ear to be able to hear the difference.

OMG... What a post! :s

First of all, as a CP-500 owner you should know that cp-500 DO HAVE balanced connectors.
And second, if someone here doesn't have trained ears, NAD will do the job just fine.

CP-700 represent a quantum leap in definition and transparency over CP-500.

[beden1]

OMG... What a post! :s

First of all, as a CP-500 owner you should know that cp-500 DO HAVE balanced connectors.
And second, if someone here doesn't have trained ears, NAD will do the job just fine.

CP-700 represent a quantum leap in definition and transparency over CP-500.

It does have balance outputs. I have not used it for about 1 1/2 years so I forgot, sorry about that.

CP-700 a quantum leap over the CP-500, not really, but maybe you have better ears than mine. Or, you a proud owner of a CP-700 and trying to justify your purchase?

[RebelMan]

Definitely not a quantum leap but maybe a sure footed one.

[aarsoe]

One more difference - the cp-700 have dual balanced outputs, the cp-500 only have single balanced outputs.

[Antonkk]

Allright but what about CP700 vs new CP800 pre? Other than USB features will it be any upgrade?

[beden1]

Allright but what about CP700 vs new CP800 pre? Other than USB features will it be any upgrade?

IMO, if the CP-800 is at least as good as the SSP-800, then absolutely yes!