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Cambridge Audio Azur 840c
9 reviews
(42 views/week)
 4.89 of 5
MSRP: $
Description:The 840C embraces a raft of proprietary technologies including ATF™ (Adaptive Time Filtering) asynchronous up-sampling technology which has been developed in conjunction with Anagram Technologies of Switzerland. This system intelligently interpolates 16-bit/44.1kHz CD data to 24-bit/384kHz data, through the use of a 32-bit Analog Devices Black Fin DSP (digital signal processor). This in turn feeds two 24-bit/384kHz DACs from the same company in dual differential formation.
Each DAC handles just one channel for excellent stereo imaging, operating fully in differential mode for exceptionally low distortion and noise.
Both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR outputs are fitted. Two digital inputs are also provided which even allow the up-sampling and playback of other sources such as a DVD player via the Azur 840C. In addition, a recording digital output can even allow bit-for-bit data or upsampled data at 48, 96 or 192 kHz to be recorded by a suitable device.
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Rating
Reviewed by:
RichVergo
(AudioPhile)
Review Date
May 5, 2008Overall Rating
 5 of 5
Value Rating
5 of 5
Used product for
1 to 3 months Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1.00 votes
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Review 1 of 9
Price Paid:
$1395.00
from Audio Advisor Summary:
Just when you thought the days were numbered for the plain old compact disc format, the brilliant design of the Cambridge Audio Azur 840c makes the ordinary CD reign supreme once again. The basic concept is to upsample the Redbook CD from its 44.1kHz/16-bit audio into a 384kHz/24-bit high definition sound. When played on a good sound system, the end effect is absolutely staggering.
Out of the box, the Azur 840c makes a great impression, but the best is yet to come over a 100 hour 24/7 burn-in period. During this period it morphs into an incredible holographic sound machine in which the performers are appearing to be playing live on a huge soundstage. Every instrument detail is captured perfectly and focused within its own space. The human vocals are hypnotic and mesmerizing for their realistic definition. You would swear the singer is performing live, right in front of you. Spectacular room filling performances by K.D. Lang in Hallelujah, The Calling by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rod Stewart's The Great American Songbook, Truth and Bones by Heather Nova, The Space Between by Dave Matthews and the arresting harmonies of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss in Raising Sand. Even my recordings from the 1960's and '70s were upsampled to sound far superior to any other previous CD player. As an added design bonus, Cambridge Audio included two digital imputs to plug in outside digital sources for the benefit of upsampling these sources for higher definition. You can link up your iPod or a DVD player, so that no matter what the future holds for digital playback, the Azur 840c can always play an important role.
There is also an intangible musical timing effect from the Azure 840c, where the listener can FEEL a realistic foot stomping performance by the musicians. An example of that came from Bob Dylan's Modern Times. Dylan has always been noted for having his whole band play together for a one-take studio recording. The Azur captured the driving rhythm of the group's performance to such a realistic point that Modern Times has been elevated near the top of my favorite play list. It's these deeper discoveries and holographic presentation in any old CDs that makes the Azur 840c a must hear demonstration.
To clearly hear the 840c's detailed music and layered instruments within the soundstage, it's critically important to have high end interconnects. A trial test of different brands is the best way to find what interconnect matches to your personal system. For me, Synergistic Research Alpha Sterling matched well with my system and gave a rich, warm body to the instrumental sound. Without the Alpha Sterlings, I did find the Azur 840c to sound a bit on the lean side even though it remained highly detailed. The right interconnects can correct that issue and remove any perceived veiling to open the soundstage wide and make your room completely disappear when the music is playing.
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Rating
Reviewed by:
jlbarr1
(Audio Enthusiast)
Review Date
April 2, 2008Overall Rating
 4 of 5
Value Rating
5 of 5
Used product for
3 Months to 1 year Visitors rate this review
4.17 of 5,
6.00 votes
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Review 2 of 9
Price Paid:
$1350.00
from Audio Advsior Summary:
These comments are based upon the use of the balanced outputs of the 840c into a Krell KAV 400xi and Martin Logan Advantage electrostatic speakers. The 840c’s dither is set to “off” (do play with the circuit, its educational and sometimes useful, usually on early DDD recordings). The 840c’s transport is also used to supply raw digital data (16 bit mode) to a Lexicon DC2/ 24 bit digital controller, used in two channel modes, for the cross feed of interaural time differences as well as the creation of a spectral tilt (as in the old Quad tilt control).
Used as a transport for the Lexicon, the 840c sounds “just like” my 17 year old Sony EX7SD. The Sony is a 32 pound “tank” that in feel and mechanical smoothness is superior to the 840c, but in today’s money it would cost more than $4,000. When plugged into the 840c for digital processing and analog output, the Sony EX7SD sounds “just like” the 840c!
The balanced and unbalanced outputs of the 840c sound almost the same. As the Krell’s volume control is a resistive ladder network, I cannot match outputs closer than 0.3db. Thus the small differences, if any, can be the result of this volume difference.
As to sound, I did not compare (in home) the 840c to any CD player or digital converter still in production. Yes I auditioned a few in dealers’ show rooms, but with different speakers, preamps, amps and rooms, one does not know what part of the system is responsible for the difference in sounds.
The “big” difference I found between 840c and other CD players (in home) is in the handling of the leading edge or bite of musical instruments such as violins, flutes, horns and so on. This is especially true when the musical instruments are being taken to their limits. There is a fine line between what I call bite and hardness and the 840c manages to stay on the “correct” side of the line more often than not. Older digital converters often go too far over the line and the “truth” becomes hard and distorted. The Lexicon DC2 on the other hand over compensates, sometimes the DC2 lacks bit or life. Some would say the DC2 is “too black.” (I call the sound “dithered twice” sound – that is why you may want to play with the 840c’s dither circuit, you may like the sound of “dithered twice”).
Strengths:
Clever and refined noise shaping.
Neutral but detailed sound that can, to some degree, be tailored to taste and other equipment.
Weaknesses:
Does not have a sealed transport and is prone to dust in the laser assembly area. Try not to stack the 840c to create the chimney effect. Similar Products Used:
The Lexicon DC2 also uses Anallog Devices 24 bit converters and the Black Fin digital filter but the programming is different.
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Rating
Reviewed by:
seguina
(AudioPhile)
Review Date
March 30, 2008Overall Rating
5 of 5
Value Rating
5 of 5
Used product for
3 Months to 1 year Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1.00 votes
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Review 3 of 9
Price Paid:
$1500.00
from Son-Ideal, Montreal, Summary:
The Audio Review website does not seem to consider that reviewers can post reviews for audio components manufactured in 2008. This site appears to think that model years end in 2006.
My review pertains to Cambridge Audio's excellent Azur 840C CD player.
I was experiencing many problems with my older YBA CD Integre player. The tray loading machanism manufactured by TEAC was allways requiring repairs.
Although the sound of the YBA is excellent. I prefer the sound quality of the Azur 840C as it permits the use of balanced XLR cables in addition to RCA cables.
At the price I paid I consider this unit a real hi-fi bargain.
This unit raises the Redbook norm to a much highier level as it allows for playback of enhanced 20 and 24 bit recordings. It really gives old recordings a breath of fresh air as previously subtle musical details not revealed in older players come to life with the Azur 840C.A nice bonus provided by this player allows the owner to upgrade the units firmware thru it's RS-232C serial interface. If Cambridge-Audio develops improved decoding algorythms you can benefit from this technological improvement at no additional cost. This feature is rarely found in units in this price range. Build quality is excellent for both the player and the remote control. My Loreena McKennitt recordings have never sounded better as they do today.
If you are looking for SACD and DVD-A playback look elsewhere, this unit is purely for Redbook CD recordings.
You will be pleased to know that it does render them in a very musical manner.This unit delivers where it counts the most, the sound quality that you will come to appreciate greatly.This unit as actually manufactured in the U.K. unlike some other U.K. audio component manufacturers that have their units built in Asia. I own a Denon DVD player manufactured in Malaysia and it stinks with it's dismal quality control. When you pay very good money for any audio or video component, you expect reliability along with good performance. Quality control does not mean to test one unit in a thousand but every single one. These Asian chain gang assembly plants cater mostly to mass market in which you do not belong in. Your ears deserve much better. Strengths:
This unit is like a magnet that draws you in the music. Performs wonders with string and wind instruments. The tonal accuracy is exceptional. Piano key notes decay very naturally.
When music can send shivers down your spine. You have reached the sweet spot and need look no further.
Is this unit a giant killer?. I do not know this. To some it may just be a giant killer that prevents them from spending much more money than they have to.
This unit was not engineered by intelligent apes.It was engineered by music lovers. Weaknesses:
None Similar Products Used:
None.
I know what I like when I listen to it.
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Rating
Reviewed by:
smargo
(AudioPhile)
Review Date
November 3, 2007Overall Rating
5 of 5
Value Rating
5 of 5
Used product for
3 Months to 1 year Visitors rate this review
3.63 of 5,
8.00 votes
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Review 4 of 9
Price Paid:
$1300.00
from Tweeter Summary:
Incredibly musical player that really impresses even after weeks and months of playing - In certain ways it keeps getting better and better. I think there are players that do things that are better than the cambridge like, depth, soundstaging, imaging, etc.
But come on this is a such a wonderfully musical machine that you just want to keep listening to - really draws you in - music to die from - many I have bought over the last 17 years - every once in a while you get stoked by something - this is definetely it. I would give it 10 stars if I could.
Don't get discouraged early on - this player need tons of break in - keep staying with it - it pays off - finally Strengths:
Musicality - Musicality - Mucality - Musicality - Musicality and More Musicality Weaknesses:
Very long break in - at least for me - almost gave up - i kept saying "what's the big deal?" Similar Products Used:
arcam, cyrus cd8x, modwright with signature truth mods, sony sacd,
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Rating
Reviewed by:
sony
(Audio Enthusiast)
Review Date
October 30, 2007Overall Rating
5 of 5
Value Rating
5 of 5
Used product for
3 Months to 1 year Visitors rate this review
2.50 of 5,
4.00 votes
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Review 5 of 9
Price Paid:
$1100.00
from dealer in hongkong Summary:
great. great. great.
well built.
fantastic sound.
very detailed. Strengths:
everything.
sound, build quality, finish, features. Weaknesses:
remote control (although very good) is universal type.
however, this is just a very small thing and really does'nt make any difference. Similar Products Used:
naim. audio analogue.
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