Improving Upon the Award-Winning Cambridge Audio Azur 640 Series was Not Easy.....Introducing the New 650C!
18-months of Research & Development has Resulted in Numerous Critical Improvements
- Double-sided surface mount technology eliminating wire links and reduces signal path for greatly improved fidelity
- Custom made dedicated CD transport based on the 740C CD Player
- 3rd generation of proprietary servo laser pick-up conrol using ARM7 processor
- Precision master clock oscillator reduces jitter even further than before
- Selectable filters allow slow or sttep roll off, similar to what is found in the DacMagic DAC Audio Converter
- Black mask LCD display with CD text support
- Dual layer damped feet for improved vibrations control
- New casework design using thicker brushed aluminum front panel with wrap around cover and no visible screws
- Energy Star certified (New innovative circuitry design consumes less than 1-watt during standby mode)
Cambridge Audio 650C CD Player
Moving up a gear!
Taking performance even higher, the Cambridge Audio 650C cd player builds on the 550C by optimising a pair of WM8740 24bit/ 192kHzcapable DACs implemented in a dual differential configuration. Since each channel has its own DAC to process information, completely separate and symmetrical analogue filter circuitry can be implemented for excellent imaging. The 650C also features the more sophisticated Four-Pole Dual Differential Double Virtual Earth Balanced version of this filter resulting in an incredibly low noise floor, barely measurable distortion and ultimately unprecedented levels of performance.
After extensive listening tests, Cambridge Audio’s engineers decided that it was possible to raise the
performance of the trusted Wolfson WM8740 DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) to even greater levels and so this legendary 24bit/192kHz-capable DAC proudly features once again. But now, it’s been coupled to a new version of our proprietary Double Virtual Earth Balanced filter topology with Bessel Coefficients resulting in even greater musicality. These Wolfson DACs also feature a selectable digital filter with two settings enabling you to tailor output to best match your taste.
But arguably the most important development is the introduction of an entirely new in-house designed servo solution. Whereas many ‘comparable’ CD players utilise an inferior CD/DVD-ROM derived drive, the 650C takes full advantage of Cambridge Audio’s audio-only, CD transport which is coupled to our new highly sophisticated S3 Custom CD ServoTM. This third generation audiophile servo employs an all-new chipset and the latest double-sided surface-mount technology for ultra short signal paths with freedom from wire links. The net result gives the 650C extraordinary ability to retrieve maximum digital information whilst maintaining extremely low jitter; the digital noise that affects your listening pleasure.
The Cambridge Audio 650C’s well-proven transport has been re-worked to facilitate even quieter operation and a new bracing mechanism (derived from the 740 Series) guarantees incredible rigidity. As with all Cambridge Audio Azur CD players, a high quality toroidal transformer ensures lower noise and less waveform distortion as well as incredibly quiet operation.
Like any Cambridge Audio design, usability and aesthetics are of enormous importance. Both players are a breeze to use – either from the sturdy controls or of course the remote. The CD drawer now offers smoother, premium operation and this along with a striking new reverse black display adds even greater appeal. And for maximum user convenience, CD-text support is now featured. Of course, like all the cleverest technology, the benefits are far easier to experience than they are to explain but within moments of hearing them, you’ll be aware of these players’ rich, smooth and truly accurate musical delivery.
With so much shoehorned inside, it’s astonishing how the new Azur 650C looks so elegant. In addition to a raft of sonic and environmental benefits, the new Azur range has a completely fresh contoured look with razor sharp displays and velvety smooth controls. A substantial brushed aluminium front panel, a seamless wrap-over lid assembly and dual-layer damped feet all adhere to Cambridge Audio’s rock-solid design standards and also help improve performance through superb resonance control.
Azur 650C CD Player Performance Features
- Audio specific S3 servo solution
- Double-sided surface mount circuitry
- Wolfson WM8740 DACs (Digital to analogue converters) - Twin
- Four-Pole Dual Differential Double Virtual Earth Balanced filter topology
- CD-Text display for suitable discs
- Audiophile grade toroidal transformer
- New selectable choice of sharp roll off or slow roll off filters
- EnergyStar (<1W) standby circuits
- New Navigator remote, also controls Azur amplifiers and docked iPods
- New wrap-around casework design with thick brushed aluminium front panel and new reverse black DFSTN display
- Black or Silver Finish
Energy Star
So many highs… just one big low!
Reducing the energy consumption of our products within the bounds of maintaining optimal performance is an absolute priority for Cambridge Audio and after a lengthy research and development programme we’ve managed to produce some of the lowest consumption hi-fi ever developed.
Despite being bestowed with an unprecedented amount of technology, the new 550 and 650 ranges* benefit from a closely coveted stamp of approval by Energy Star thanks to their ability to consume less than one watt of power in standby mode. This is naturally brilliant news for the environment but what’s more, it all adds up to significant power consumption savings for you!
Critically, this incredible achievement has been realised without any effect on sound quality since Cambridge Audio’s proprietary standby circuit is totally isolated when the unit is in use. And for those occasions when you want to cut consumption completely – on holiday for example – hard power-down controls are located on the rear panel for complete isolation. So it would for once seem that immense performance and consideration for the environment are not mutually exclusive!
* Excluding 550T
Cambridge Audio 650C CD Player Specifications
- D/A Converters: Dual Wolfson Microelectronics
- WM8740 24-Bit/192kHz capable
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
- THD @ 1Khz 0dBFs: <0.001%
- THD @ 1kHz -10dBFs: <0.0005%
- THD @ 20kHz 0dBFs: <0.002%
- Inter Modulation Distortion (IMD) (19/20kHz) 0dBFs: <0.0005%
- Linearity @ -90dBFs: +/- 0.5dB
- Stopband rejection (>24kHz): >90dB
- Signal to Noise Ratio A-wtd: >104dB
- Total correlated jitter: <140pS
- Crosstalk @ 1kHz: <-100dB
- Crosstalk @ 20kHz: <-99dB
- Output Impedance: <50 Ohms
- Max. Power Consumption: 25W
- Standby Power Consumption: <1W
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 3.4" x 16.9" x 12.2”
- Weight: 10.6 lbs
Cambridge Audio has been at the forefront of British hi-fi for more than thirty five years. Since its inception in 1968, Cambridge Audio has brought some of the most innovative and technologically advanced products to market.
During the ‘70s, the P40, P50 and P110 amplifiers established the international reputation of the Cambridge Audio brand. The ‘80s saw Cambridge Audio launch the world’s first two-box CD player. In the ‘90s, the DacMagic was the first product in the company’s history to win an esteemed What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision Best Buy award. The new Millennium saw Cambridge Audio continue to innovate with its award winning DAB digital tuners and of course the highly-acclaimed Azur range.
Cambridge Audio has a philosophy of using only the finest quality components, all models are developed using state-of-the-art test and measurement equipment and feature the latest technology. This commitment to engineering excellence, combined with state of the art manufacturing facilities, means every Cambridge Audio product offers the best possible performance. Prior to launch, all designs undergo rigorous evaluation involving meticulous listening and fine tuning.
But the main reason for Cambridge Audio's success... our people. We employ nearly 80 colleagues, the majority at our London headquarters, including over 20 engineers in a dedicated research and development facility. Every member of our team shares the same passion for hi-fi and home cinema as you – our customers. That’s why we always go the extra mile to make sure we only produce products we're proud enough to take home – and trust us we do!
Cambridge Audio products are distributed in over 45 countries and the company turns over in excess of $40 million.
