Azur 651A Integrated Amp

Why We Like It

Well known across the pond, and in domestic audiophile circles, Cambridge Audio has a passion for building the next generation of accessible audio centric products updated for the latest digital sources.

Overview

Thanks to the explosion in digital music, for many people the personal computer has become more important than their towering CD collections.

So we listened to you and instead of adopting the more common and simpler approach of including USB connectivity on a CD player, we've developed a direct USB audio connection to the 651A amplifier. So now, you can simply plug your Mac or PC directly into the 651A amplifier and with the addition of your chosen speakers, you'll instantly enjoy a whole world of digital music stored or streamed from your computer.

Computers are fast becoming a great addition to the hi-fi but they're not without their faults. Poor quality soundcards plus jitter - a side effect of digital music stored on computer hard drives - means audio performance can be really lousy. But plug your PC into the 651A and you'll be amazed just how incredible it sounds. Our in-house developed USB audio processor extracts audio data directly from your PC hard drive - bypassing its soundcard - and takes care of the critical digital to analogue conversion process bringing dull and lifeless MP3 files alive like you've never heard them before!

Features

At Cambridge Audio we don't believe in gimmicks. Instead we like to invest in components that really make a difference to the sound you hear. That's why in the 651A, we use a premium toroidal transformer which is key to its unruffled performance with music of all types.

Adding to the audiophile specifications are separate transformer taps for left & right channels, twin rectifiers and separate PSUs for dual-mono operation of the left and right power amplifiers. Meanwhile a high grade film type volume pot means the 651A also performs as well at low levels as at higher volumes.

Whatever hi-fi speaker you choose, the 651A is designed to drive almost any model with ease. Our retuned output stage featuring Sanken output transistors gives excellent bass response and dynamic control.

We all like to crank up the volume from time to time and our proprietary CAP5 system ensures unrivalled peace of mind against overloads, faults and clipping.

Meanwhile, connection support for analogue sources like CD players, iPod docks and tuners is better than ever so whether you store or stream music from your computer, iPhone or maybe you prefer the luscious sound of good old vinyl, the all new Cambridge Audio 651 will make all your music sound amazing.

Class-leading power of 75 Watts per channel remains another massive advantage and a whole host of custom designed components together with our legendary approach to design means whatever you're listening to, it'll simply sound fantastic.

Specifications

Power output: 75W RMS into 8 Ohms

THD (unweighted): < 0.002% @ 1kHz, 80% of rated power

< 0.03% 20Hz - 20kHz, 80% of rated power

< 0.02% 20Hz - 20kHz @ 10W

Frequency response: 5Hz - 50kHz (-1dB)

S/N ratio (ref 1w): >92dB (unweighted)

Input impedance: 47k ohms

Power amp damping factor: >100 at 1 kHz

Max. power consumption: 600W

Standby power consumption:

Shelving, ultimate boost/cut

+/- 7.5dB @ 20Hz and 20kHz

USB audio input USB Audio 1.0

16 bit 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz.

Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 x 120 x 350mm (16.9 x 4.7 x 13.8")

Weight: 8.4Kg (18.5lbs)

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