Cambridge Audio Azur 851N network player review. HI-FI WORLD Magazine

External DAC Cambridge Audio Azur 851D, review. WHAT HI-FI? Magazine, July 2014

Cambridge has several digital filters that make subtle changes to the sound. We preferred the "Minimum" setting - it produced the most organic and smooth sound on our reference Bryston/Naim system. Experiment with them all and choose the best one according to your taste.

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If you're looking for a quality digital preamp, you've come to the right place.

While other test models have a small footprint and are suitable for desktop installation, the 851D's appearance and dimensions are more suitable for a traditional hi-fi system.

It's packaged in a full-size 8 Series chassis with luxurious finishes, a crisp backlit display and a ton of useful features. We even liked the remote control - it's high quality and convenient, and you can use it to control other Cambridge devices. Externally, it is similar to the remote control from the Fostex model.

Almost complete set

The Cambridge DAC doesn't play DSD files, but it handles almost everything else. It works with all formats up to 24-bit/192 kHz when fed to any input - coaxial, optical, USB and AES/EBU. The included Bluetooth module with aptX support allows you to use smartphones and tablets with the DAC. Like the other models in this test, the 851D features a headphone output and can be used as a digital preamp, with its variable level output allowing direct connection of a power amplifier or powered speakers.

From the very beginning, the Azur 851D makes a very pleasant impression. Composition by John Williams Theme From Jurassic Park

demonstrates high detail and tonal balance. The soundstage has density and precision, it is wide, deep and multi-layered, with the various groups of orchestral instruments placed in the right places. A stable stereo panorama ensures control of all elements of the performance.

Cambridge has several digital filters that make subtle changes to the sound. We preferred the "Minimum" setting - it produced the most organic and smooth sound on our reference Bryston/Naim system. Experiment with them all and choose the best one according to your taste.

Tom Odell's Another Love

when transmitted via Bluetooth, despite the inevitable decrease in resolution and detail, the Cambridge version sounds more than decent. The tight and focused piano line is rich in detail.

However, when playing We Have All The Time In The World

Louis Armstrong in CD quality reveals some of the 851D's shortcomings. Despite the detail and fluidity, the DAC is not very successful at conveying the nuances of the music and the emotions of Armstrong's inimitable voice.

Unnatural rigidity

The Cambridge's sound is a little less expressive and sophisticated than that of the class leaders; At times it is characterized by brightness and unnatural rigidity at the edges of some notes. However, the 851D itself isn't bad; He may not have the most emotional or exciting character, but he is definitely worth getting to know.

Prepared based on materials from the magazine “WHAT HI-FI?”, July 2014
www.whathifi.ru This review was read 5,236 times

Streamer with decent sound: Cambridge Azur 851N

Say hello to Cambridge Audio's new network player and, if you're lucky enough to have such toys in your budget, consider making room for it in your hi-fi rack. The Azur 851N is part of the flagship Azur 851 line. And it's a big step up from the CXN model, which won the award as the best streamer of 2015. A step not only in terms of quality, but also in terms of price. Like the CXN, it features a preamp and, thanks to volume control powered by a 32-bit Blackfin signal processor, can be connected directly to a power amplifier. The audio signal passes through a pair of 24-bit Analog Devices DAC chips operating in dual differential mode so that each stereo channel is processed independently. According to Cambridge, this improves accuracy.

There are also more connection options.
There are additional coaxial and optical connectors, a third USB connector, as well as an AES/EBU interface. The chassis design has become significantly more powerful. But the main thing that justifies the noticeably increased price is the new sound. Sound

CXN's signature muscular, full-bodied sound has been enhanced with drive, powerful delivery and analyticity. We also don’t forget about expression, dynamics, volume and openness of sound. Even at Spotify's low resolution, Cold War Kids Lost That Easy sounds full, with voices and a depth that's not possible on CXN. As a universal player and home entertainment center, the “big brother” beats its predecessor on every point. Unmistakable rhythmic pattern, accurately conveyed polyrhythmic structure of the track, hypnotic sound of the bass guitar and melodic rhythmic structures of the synthesizer. Changes of pace are handled quickly, clearly and decisively. In terms of balance, the player produces low, deep bass, sparkling highs, and tight, clear, and well-articulated mids.

On Sufjan Stevens' Jacksonville, the violin runs, keyboard runs, and banjo runs are textured and executed as beautifully as the artist's soft, breathy vocals. The trumpet parts float freely above the sound stage, without mixing with other instruments. A remarkable balance between power and delicacy will not allow the listener to get bored when listening to Cadillac of the Skies by John Williams. Azur really shows off his talents on the 24-bit/192kHz digitized version of Hans Zimmer's Born In Darkness, creating an emotional, open and layered sound. But even with a compressed streaming MP3 player, it sounds decent, providing enough volume and detail to make your listening pleasure enjoyable.

The 851N case looks expensive. We have no doubt that the all-metal construction and brushed metal finish (silver or dark gray) will stand the test of time. The model is slightly taller and bulkier than the CXN, but no less elegant. The crisp 11cm screen appears to be borrowed from the CXN. A set of control buttons stretches across the entire front panel. This makes it somewhat overloaded, but does not spoil the overall impression. The convenient large volume knob/controller will also help when manually exploring a large music library. The remote control is easy to use and intuitive, but the best way to operate the player is to download the free Cambridge Connect app (iOS and Android). The program will provide quick and convenient access to thousands of Internet radio stations and files from your local servers. A logical interface allows you to present libraries both in the form of lists and tables. If you have several Cambridge players at home, the program can easily switch between them.

Functions

You can connect to the network by installing the included Wi-Fi adapter into the USB connector, or using an Ethernet cable.
In both cases, the player will be able to play files from your laptop, PC or NAS with a resolution of up to 24-bit/192kHz (upsampling up to 24-bit/384kHz is possible). The player supports any formats from DSD64 to FLAC and WAV. Wireless technologies include Spotify Connect, AirPlay and Bluetooth (with the purchase of an optional adapter). The last limitation is somewhat frustrating. We'd prefer to see Bluetooth built-in by default. A rich arsenal of connectors on the rear panel includes two RCA, balanced XLR, digital optical and coaxial outputs. The optical and coaxial connections are complemented by an asynchronous USB input for connecting a computer, as well as three standard USB connectors (one on the front and two on the rear panel). Like the CXN, all digital inputs support resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz. The player can be configured to work with a universal remote control for the Cambridge multi-component system. If we are missing something from this list, it is perhaps a pair of analog inputs for connecting equipment of the previous generation. First tests

1)
BUILD QUALITY
We expect a serious approach to the choice of materials and build quality from a flagship, and the 851N fully meets the requirements.
2) EVERYTHING YOU NEED...
There are an unusually large number of digital interfaces: two optical, two coaxial, one USB B and as many as three USB A. 3)
...AND EVEN MORE
In addition to this comprehensive set, there is also a rare AES/EBU connector, which is usually found only in professional equipment.
4) ANALOG OUTPUTS
Balanced XLR and standard RCA connectors operate in line output mode or with the ability to adjust the volume.
Conclusion
Cambridge has done it again.
The Azur 851N is the ideal high-end streamer for those looking for a decent digital preamp or player that can be seamlessly connected to their existing system. We would have preferred built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support. But the need to plug adapters into USB connectors is a small price to pay for the outstanding capabilities of this device. For
Rich, balanced and rhythmic sound; openness and volume; support for a wide range of file formats; intuitive application

Against

Bluetooth only as an option; no analog inputs

Verdict

Another powerful Cambridge streamer whose capabilities fully justify the high price

Source:
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