Cambridge Audio 840c CD Player, Azur 840C Upsampling CD Player

Cambridge Audio 840C Upsampling CD Player

Thank you for your interest in the Cambridge Audio Azur 840C Upsampling Compact Disc Player. This unit is part of the new '8' series range, taking Cambridge Audio to new levels of audio excellence. The 8 series range has been developed as part of a commitment to the on-going development of the Azur range. Cambridge Audio and Wild West Electronics hope that you will appreciate the results and enjoy many years of listening pleasure from it.

The Cambridge Audio 840C incorporates a raft of new technologies and features. Key to its abilities is the ATFTM (Adaptive Time Filtering) upsampling process - developed in conjunction with Anagram Technologies of Switzerland. This system intelligently interpolates 16 bit/44.1kHz CD (or other) data to 24bit/384kHz through the use of a 32 bit Analog Devices Black Fin
DSP (Digital Signal Processor) for the very best sound quality. The ATF system applies sophisticated polynomial curve fitting interpolation and incorporates a time domain model which allows data buffering and reclocking almost completely eradicating digital jitter. Because the audio data rate is so high aliasing artefacts are moved way above audible frequencies allowing us to use a low order 2 pole linearphase Bessel filter on the output for constant group delay and minimal phase shift.

Two very high quality Analog Devices AD1955 24 bit DACs (Digital to Analog Converters) are used in dual differential mode. As each channel has its own DAC to process information, completely separate and symmetrical analog filter circuitry can be implemented. These allow both left and right channel circuitry to operate identically, ensuring the 840C delivers fantastic sound-staging and stereo imaging properties. All filtering from DACs to output is also fully differential using unique
differential output amplifiers.

This fully balanced configuration largely rejects the already very low noise and distortion products present in the DACs and filters and provides an unprecedented level of performance. A true balanced (XLR) output is fitted as well as a summed conventional unbalanced phono/RCA output. Automatic DC servo circuits null all DC offsets allowing no capacitors in the signal path at all.
Two digital inputs are fitted allowing other digital sources to be brought into the 840C and upsampled, the 840C then working as a very high quality Digital-to-Analog Convertor (DAC).

A digital output is also fitted which can even output upsampled data at various rates and word widths, independent from the main audio output, which is always set at 24/384 for best sound quality. In addition to these audiophile features Control Bus Input/Output, IR Emitter Input and RS232 control are provided to make it easy to integrate this unit into Custom Installation systems if desired.

A completely new 8-series casework has been designed which combines massive structural rigidity with careful damping and control of acoustic resonance. An Azur Navigator remote control is also provided, giving full remote control of your CD player and Azur amplifiers in an attractive and easy to use handset.

Your new 840C CD player can only be as good as the system it is connected to. Please do not compromise on your amplifier, speakers or cabling. Naturally we particularly recommend amplification from the Cambridge Audio Azur range, and in particular the 840A Integrated Amplifier which has been designed to the same exacting standards as this CD player. Wild West Electronics can also make quality recommendations for speakers and quality cabling solutions.

The Cambridge Audio 840C marks the zenith of Cambridge Audio’s critically acclaimed Azur line up. Like all Azur products, the 840C promises unseen levels of performance and engineering excellence to the price points in question. But rather than redefining expectations in the entry-level market, the arena most often associated with Cambridge Audio, the company will reinvigorate the mid-end price sector.

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 digital-to-analog convertor (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.

A Control Bus In/Out, an IR emitter in connection and an RS232 port are provided for easy multi-room connectivity. The RS232 protocol enables a two-way interface with third party home automation touchscreens.

As with all Cambridge Audio Azur products, the foundation of the 840C’s excellence is a bespoke chassis. This comprises an incredibly thick 7mm front panel and extruded side panels, both fashioned from aluminium, which combines with a 2mm formed steel base plate and specially designed vibration absorbing feet. The result is an ultra rigid, low resonance, acoustically dampened platform for the electronics to sit in.

Cambridge Audio Azur 840C features

Adaptive Time Filtering (ATF) asynchronous up-sampling technology converting 16-bit 44.1 kHz CD data to 24-bit 384kHz
32-bit Analog Devices Black Fin DSP
Dual differential DAC configuration using high-end Analog Devices AD1955 DACs
Fully differential anti-aliasing topolopgy based on linear phase Bessel filters
DC servo circuitry with no capacitors in the signal path
Two digital inputs allowing up-sampling and playback of other sources
Digital outputs allow recording of up-sampled audio
Control Bus In/Out, IR emitter in and RS232 for easy multi-room compatibility
Extruded aluminium side panels and solid aluminium front panel plus an ultra rigid, acoustically dampened chassis
Navigator style Azur remote control which also controls Azur amplifiers
Available in silver or black

Download Product Manual:

840cmanual.pdf

Download Product Brochure:

840seriesbrochure.pdf

Q5™ Upsampling explained in plain English

Q5 Upsampling allows digital audio signals from virtually any audio source to be resampled, resynchronized and retimed to extraordinary levels of detail. In effect, upsampling the digital data stream (up to 384kHz) allows existing “standard” CDs to have the enhanced audio clarity, richness and dynamic range that would normally be associated with SACD or DVD-A disks “upgrading” the investment you have already made in your CDs. You may be astonished once you begin to hear what you have been missing!

Three proprietary ANAGRAM technologies are included in Q5: adaptive time filtering, data-to-system synchronization, and an innovative virtual time-domain model. These technologies effectively reduce noise artefacts caused by imperfect digital systems and allow the digital signal to closer represent the true analog sound of the studio mastered audio data. Furthermore, by leveraging powerful yet low cost DSP architectures ANAGRAM allows the average audio consumer to benefit from these state-of-the-art audio technologies.

Adaptive time filtering allows the system to adapt to small fluctuations in the systems audio master clock. The master clock is the heart of any digital audio system, however as all components that are constructed from physical materials, they will at some point in time deviate from their ideal generalized behaviour causing, in this case variation in frequency and system jitter in this important internal timing reference. Typically these variations will not be corrected for, however in Q5 enabled devices the system automatically adapts to these small fluctuations resulting in perfect “glitch” free analog sound even after endless hours of continuous playback.

Data-to-System synchronization allows any incoming audio stream to be resynchronized and retimed to a local high quality clock. By using a stable clock reference, the negative effects of inter-component jitter can be minimized. When converting the digital audio to an analog signal through high performance D/A converters, this reduction in jitter has enormous benefits in the level of detail and clarity in the reconstructed analog sound. Combing this process with a virtual time domain model that uses an advanced cubic interpolation algorithm to resample the incoming audio data, timing errors in this signal can be compensated for at amazing levels of accuracy. The end result is tighter, more focused bass, increased stereo imaging, focus and separation for all musical instruments and voices.

Azur 840C CD Player Specifications

Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
THD @ 1Khz 0dBFs: <0.0008%
THD @ 1kHz -10dBFs: <0.0004%
THD @ 20kHz 0dBFs: <0.002%
THD @ (19/20kHz) 0dBFs: <0.0002%
Linearity @ -90dBFs: +/-0.5dB
Stopband rejection (>24kHz): > 120dB
Signal to Noise Ratio A-wtd: > 113dB
Total correlated jitter: > 130pS
Crosstalk @ 1kHz: > -130dB
Crosstalk @ 20kHz: > -114dB
Output impedance: > 50 ohms
Digital input word widths supported: 16 - 24 bit
Digital output word widths supported: 16, 20, 24 bit
Digital input sampling frequencies supported: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
Digital output sampling frequencies supported: 32kHz - 192kHz pass through (including 44.1kHz for CD) 48kHz,
96kHz, 192kHz upsampled
Audio output up-sampling: Fixed 24 bit, 384kHz
Dimensions (H x W x D): 115 x 430 x 360mm
4.5 x 16.9 x 14.7"
Weight: 8.5kg (18.7lbs)

Average Customer Rating

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.

	Cambridge Audio 840A V2 (version 2) Azur Series Class XD™ Integrated Audio Amplifier with 200 Watts X 2 (4 Ohms), Black or Silver $1,799.00
	Cambridge Audio Azur 840E Stereo Preamp (Black or Silver) $1,799.00
	Cambridge Audio Azur 340T Radio Tuner with RDS (Silver Only) - (Product Discontinued and is No Longer Available!) $359.95

	ZIP Installation Services - Site Survey and Consultation at your Home or Office $99.00
	ZIP Installation Services - Electronics Removal and Recycling $79.00

	Analysis Plus Copper Oval Interconnect Audio Cables, RCA or XLR Terminations - .5 Meter (good) $225.00
	Monster Cable M1000 M Series Audio Interconnect Cables - 4 feet (ULTIMATE) (Backorder No ETA) $120.00
	Monster Cable M850 M Series Audio Interconnect Cables - 4 feet (Best) $90.00
	Monster Cable M1000 M Series Audio Interconnect Cables - 4 feet (ULTIMATE) (Backorder No ETA) $120.00
	Monster Cable M850 M Series Audio Interconnect Cables - 4 feet (Best) $90.00
	Monster Power PowerLine 300, 8ft High Performance Detachable IEC Power Cord (BEST) $99.95

	2 Year - Audio under $2000.00 $130.95
	4 Year - Audio under $2000.00 $211.95

Cambridge Audio Azur 840C CD Player with 2 X Anagram Technologies 24-bit/384kHz DAC, XLR Balanced and RCA Unbalanced Audio Outputs, SPDIF and Optical Digital Inputs and Outputs (Black or Silver)