CAMBRIDGE AUDIO AZUR 851A | AN AMP TO BE PROUD OF
THIS FLAGSHIP INTEGRATED CLASS XD AMPLIFIER OFFERS ASTOUNDING DEPTH AND CLARITY
An integrated amplifier is the blend between a preamp and a power amp. As such, it needs to be built with not only a fastidious attention to detail, but also with enough power to get your speakers standing at attention.
The Cambridge Audio Azur 851A takes that combination to heart - and does so without compromising build quality or finesse. The 851A embodies astounding power, grace, and remarkably low distortion. Rated at 120 watts per channel, it presents music with a breathtaking depth and clarity that many amps can only hope to achieve. With power and flexibility to spare, it allows you to hear many details in your music you haven’t heard before. Certainly an amp worth hearing - and hearing more about.
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
Cambridge Audio jumped onto the scene in 1968. They were founded in (you guessed it) Cambridge, England. Driven by their love for music, Cambridge has been designing and engineering audio equipment for over fifty years. Their goal? To deliver Great British Sound into homes worldwide.
And the Azur 851A? Cambridge Audio quoted this amp as "The best amp we've made — ever!" Quite the claim from such a remarkable company. Let’s look into the making of the 851A to see the technology that backs up those words.
CLASS XD TECHNOLOGY
The beating heart of the Azur 851A is its Class XD technology. What makes this special? Well, many amplifiers use Class A or Class AB amplifier designs. Class A amplification has extremely low distortion and produces great sound - but it’s terribly inefficient. Class AB amplification is far more efficient - but it tends to have a greater level of distortion.
The brilliance behind Cambridge Audio’s patented Class XD technology then is combining the best of both worlds. Using the sonic refinement of Class A and the uncompromising efficiency of Class AB, you’re left with a clean-powered amp whose sole purpose is to provide the best quality sound possible for your speakers.
We also have to mention here the dual transformers that the Azur 851A uses. The primary toroidal transformer provides unlimited power to two mono amplification blocks; the secondary toroidal transformer is dedicated purely to preamplifier purposes. These two transformers effectively combine a preamp and a power amp into one device. Add to that the Class XD circuitry, and you’re left with pristine, pumped-up power that’s enough to make any audiophile drool.
CONNECTIVITY
Not only does the Azur 851A offer impressive sound, it also offers impressive connectivity. First, you’re given eight RCA inputs for typical analog connections and two balanced XLR inputs for higher-end components. The RCA inputs even feature a level-trim function, meaning no notable jumps in volume when you switch between input devices.
Then you’re also provided with two sets of speaker terminals, allowing for bi-wiring or for running additional speakers into a second room. Finally, it has an infrared control input and an RS-232 port for multi-room audio systems, and a Control Bus in/out terminal for linking up compatible Cambridge Audio components.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Power output: 120W RMS into 8 Ohms; 200W RMS into 4 Ohms
- THD (unweighted): < 0.001% 1 kHz at 80% of rated power 0.01% 20 Hz - 20 kHz at 80% of rated power
- Frequency response: 10 Hz - 50 kHz +/- 1 dB
- S/N ratio (ref 1w): > 93 dB (ref 1W/8 Ohm)
- Input impedance: Inputs 1 and 2 (balanced) 20 kOhm, Inputs 1-7 unbalanced 20 kOhm Rec Input 20 kOhm
- Power amp damping factor: > 110 at 1 kHz
- Max. power consumption: 800W
- Min. power consumption: Active (no signal) 70W
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 430 x 115 x 385mm (16.9 x 4.5 x 15.2”)
- Weight: 15Kg (33lbs)
IN SUMMARY
You can’t get much better than the Azur 851A! Cambridge Audio really did put their heart into the making of this integrated amp. They also managed to pack it into a graceful design with a beautiful black finish and a sleek front panel with an intuitive display. Whether you believe it to be their best is a matter of personal preference. But you can’t deny that this audiophile-worthy amp would be the feather in the cap of most stereo setups.
If you’re interested in getting your hands on (and your ears around) this incredible integrated amplifier - or you simply want to see more pictures of it - you can check it out on our website here. Thanks for reading! Have a great day.
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