Cambridge Audio Azur 840A wins group test in Rs. 45k-65k range

Anil

Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2006
Messages
56
Points
8
Cambridge Audio Azur 840A wins best stereo amplifier in group test of stereo amplifiers in the Rs. 45k-65k range

Cambridge Audio Azur 840A recently won the group test in Rs. 45k-65k range. The other amplifiers in this group test included Naim Nait 5i, Primare I21, Rega Mira 3.

You can read the complete review at Group test: Stereo amplifiers 500-750 - AVReview Reviews

About Cambridge Audio Azur 840A
Cambridge Audio breaks new ground with an entirely new class of amplifier in the shape of the 840A which marks the zenith of Cambridge Audio's critically acclaimed Azur line-up.

Embracing Cambridge Audio's patent pending proprietary Class XD? technology, the 840A brings together the quality of Class A amplification, the power economy of Class B designs, and most amazingly of all, avoids many of the distortion pitfalls inherent in Class AB designs.

Completely separate pre-amp and power amp toroidal transformers and circuits make the 840A effectively a pre and power amplifier combination in one chassis

Another enormous benefit is its ability to integrate seamlessly with a home cinema system. Fixed level inputs allow the 840A to provide the front channel amplification to systems which use an AV receiver. The receiver continues to provide centre and rear amplification.

In addition to this innovative technology, the 840A uses an extremely sophisticated resistor ladder and relay attenuator for volume control and the same high quality relay switches for input selection. This enables high isolation between inputs, very accurate channel balance and leaves the amplifier completely free from the distortion associated with conventional semiconductor switching and volume control.

As with all Azur products, the foundation of the Azur 840A's strength is a bespoke chassis. This comprises an incredibly thick 7mm front panel and extruded side panels, both fashioned from aluminium, which combine with a 2mm formed steel base plate and specially designed vibration absorbing feet. The result is an ultra rigid, low resonance, acoustically dampened platform for the electronics to sit in.

Subject of many in-depth reviews in the hi-fi and specialist electronics press, the 840A recently won Hi-Fi Choice's coveted amplifier 'Ultimate Group Test' beating competitors almost three times the price!

Great attention has been paid to ensure that all functions can be operated from the stunning aluminium-faced Azur Navigator remote. As well as offering full control over all the 840A's features and functions, this neat handset also enables track skip plus play and pause of iPods? connected to Apple's iPod Universal Dock

Cambridge Audio Azur 840A Features
Patent pending proprietary Class XD technology.

Oversized low flux toroidal transformers

120 watts per channel (8 ohms)
200 watts per channel (4 ohms)

Completely separate pre-amp and power amp toroidal transformers and circuits make the 840A effectively a pre and power amplifier combination in one chassis

8 audio inputs - including 1 with balanced connections

Sophisticated resistor ladder and relay based attenuator for volume/balance control

Two pairs of very high current output transistors per channel

Twin rectifiers and separate transformer taps for dual mono operation of the left and right power amplifiers

RS232 port, IR emitter In and Control Bus In/Out for seamless integration with custom install systems

A-BUS? / Incognito? Ready connections compatible with Cambridge Audio?s new Incognito multi-room keypads or other A-BUS compatible keypads allow the 840A to form the hub of a simple but highly effective 3 zone multi-room system

Fixed level inputs allow the 840A to provide the front channel amplification when integrated with home cinema systems that use an AV processor

Cambridge Audio proprietary CAP5? protection system

Nameable inputs, backlit LCD screen

Extruded aluminium side panels and solid aluminium front panel plus an ultra rigid, acoustically dampened chassis

Navigator style Azur remote control which also controls Azur CD players plus the Apple Universal Dock

Available in silver or black
 
pretty pathetic collection of amps for the price range. Where is creek, Roksan, Vincent, Arcam to name only a few.

I am truly getting away from reviews simply because most of them are misleading though intentional or unintentional. The author does not give a background for what his comparisons are based on? Also if you read the verdicts by themselves, there is not even a remote suggestion that CA is the top performer. Sorry I can go on this rant for ever ...
 
pretty pathetic collection of amps for the price range. Where is creek, Roksan, Vincent, Arcam to name only a few.

I am truly getting away from reviews simply because most of them are misleading though intentional or unintentional. The author does not give a background for what his comparisons are based on? Also if you read the verdicts by themselves, there is not even a remote suggestion that CA is the top performer. Sorry I can go on this rant for ever ...

+1 to that.
If ifs and buts were pots and pans, there would be no tinkers!:eek:hyeah:
......which goers to say most audio forums etc are heavily biased and truth in journalism is absolutely relative
 
pretty pathetic collection of amps for the price range. Where is creek, Roksan, Vincent, Arcam to name only a few.

I am truly getting away from reviews simply because most of them are misleading though intentional or unintentional. The author does not give a background for what his comparisons are based on? Also if you read the verdicts by themselves, there is not even a remote suggestion that CA is the top performer. Sorry I can go on this rant for ever ...

While I agree with the later part of your comments, am really surprised to see that you called Naim, Primare and Rega "pathetic". Luckily I have heard almost all of the above mentioned amps and if it were my choice I would go with Nait 5i, Mira 3, Vincent 236 etc. with Roksan being the last. Plus its a mid 2006 review.

The reviewer seems to have an issue with the modest power rating of the rest. Its unfortunate to just depend on these numbers because once you listen to them, these modest 50w will sound the cleanest and they can indeed dig deeper during the peaks when needed!

Cheers.
 
I agree that numbers don't make a difference unless they are significantly different. My hk6550 is rated at 50wpc but I am finding it quite good with demanding passages. Watched "Walking Tall" yesterday using just two jbl fronts, this amp, and philips dvdp with virtual surround sound. Didn't miss my sub even during gun fight and explosions of oil tankers.
Music is also clean with good bass.

Even if it beats the group test, the question is, can a lesser priced amp challenge and beat it? I am sure there would be many, just kept out of our sight and minds by these reviewers.
regards
 
Order your Rega Turntables & Amplifiers from HiFiMART.com - India's reputed online dealer.
Back
Top