Cambridge Audio Azur 851N

Synergy AV's Marketing Assistant, Katherine Woods told StereoNET:

The 851N is designed for those who want to play their digital music with no compromise on sound quality, just as the original artist intended. Capable of playing all popular formats up to 24-bit/192kHz studio master quality files, the 851N then intelligently upsamples all incoming audio to 24-bit/384kHz for the best quality possible.

According to Cambridge Audio, “the twin Analog Devices AD1955 DACs in ‘dual differential’ mode ensures the very best digital to analogue conversion. Left and right stereo channels are processed separately for maximum fidelity, accuracy and stereo separation.”

The 851N shares the Azur philosophy of combining specially selected, audiophile grade components in an all-metal, ultra-rigid chassis. A 4.3” (11cm) colour screen has been included for displaying album artwork and new Cambridge Connect Apps for Apple and Android are also available for ease of use.

The 851N can be connected either wired or wirelessly via UPnP over a home network, finding and streaming music stored on computers, laptops and NAS drives. Three USB inputs also allow direct playback from USB HDDs and memory sticks. Inputs also include two TOSLINK optical inputs, two S/PDIF coaxials, an AES/EBU input and asynchronous USB audio.

RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs, as well as a digital AES/EBU, TOSLINK and coaxial outputs, allow connection to a wide range of hi-fi components, and the RS232 port enables integration into custom installations.

The Azur 851N handles all popular codecs including WMA, MP3, AAC HE AAC, AAC+ and Ogg Vorbis and lossless 24-bit/192kHz FLAC, ALAC, WAV and AIFF files. There is also in-built support for streaming services including Spotify Connect, Pandora, Rhapsody, BBC iPlayer Radio, and of course Internet Radio.

Cambridge Audio Azur 851N is available from March for $2,599 RRP, and comes with a 2 year warranty.

For more information visit Synergy Audio Visual.