News

26/9/2003

Cambridge Audio Azur series

Cambridge Audio is giving an exclusive UK debut to its dazzling new range of hi-fi electronics at this year's Heathrow-based Hi-fi Show. The company's first completely new series of products for nearly five years, the products will refresh and rejuvenate the respected Cambridge Audio marque and also underline the company's commitment to dedicated stereo performance.

At the heart of the line-up are two potent integrated amplifiers, which deliver performance belying the models' competitive price points. The 540A delivers 50W per channel, while the flagship 640A offers a more substantial 65W.

Both models embrace oversized torodial transformers, proprietary short path circuitry, and audiophile components, all housed on a specially designed low resonance, acoustically damped chassis. The series also sees elegantly styled new casework, available in black or silver, taking in a thick anodised aluminium front panel.

Meanwhile, an innovative and intelligent CAP5 protection system constantly monitors the amplifiers, without degrading signal purity, ensuring ultimate reliability. This is aided by a clipping sensor that reduces volume to keep levels in a safe range, short circuit detection, and a solid-state temperature sensor with over-heat cut out.

The amplifiers are controlled by elegant, slim-line remote handsets offering full control of the six line level inputs and tape loop monitor. An optional high quality moving magnet phono stage and bypassable bass and treble controls complete the feature count.

Complementing the amplifiers are the 540C and 640C remote controlled compact disc players.

Employing the latest generation 24-bit/192kHz digital to analogue converters from respected manufacturer Wolfson, the designs underline Cambridge Audio's commitment to stereo replay.

The components make use of a custom Cambridge Audio servo solution and transport. To ensure the very best performance there are also separate power supplies for the D/A converter circuitry, audio filter and regulator stages, as well as extensive use of polypropylene film capacitors. These electronics are housed on a specially designed low resonance, acoustically damped chassis.

www.cambridge-audio.co.uk