Description
Cambridge Audio’s highly-respected amplifier topology goes to new levels of performance and refinement with the introduction of the 650A. A completely redesigned output stage helps improve bass response and dynamics even further while enabling control of virtually any speaker with aplomb.
If you demand the most from an amplifier, then look no further than the 650A. Building on the impressive specification of the 550A, the even higher specification 650A leaves many “high-end” hi-fi competitors behind thanks to separate transformer taps for the left and right channels, twin rectifiers and separate power supplies for dual-mono operation of the left and right power amplifiers. It also features a larger transformer and heatsink; essential to keep it cool with so much power on board! The net result of these critical upgrades is a pure 75 watts (at 8 Ohms) of smooth unruffled performance.
One area which has received considerable attention is the company’s proprietary CAP5 protection system. Maintaining the original design’s raison d'être – constantly monitoring for overloads, faults and clipping whilst guaranteeing no sound degradation – this new iteration now allows for even greater dynamics and more powerful real-world performance. And like its highly respected predecessors, the 650A features an oversize toroidal transformer for excellent efficiency and extremely low noise.
But power is nothing without control and it’s not just at high volumes where this amplifier offer
peak performance. A completely new high specification Alps volume pot control ensures perfect channel balance at low levels and is complemented with new tone controls offering equally intricate level setting.
Other important improvements include new audiophile grade polypropylene signal capacitors, gold-plated speaker outputs, custom-made electrolytic capacitors in critical positions and several new carefully calculated circuit tweaks.
With so much shoehorned inside, it’s astonishing how the new Azur 650A 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.
In terms of connectivity, the 650A offers a plethora of inputs and outputs to accommodate the most commonly used home entertainment sources. A front-mounted socket for iPod/MP3 players affords ultimate convenience. In addition, the supplied navigator remote can control the amplifier and either a 550C or 650C CD player as well as virtually any iPod when connected to a suitable dock such as Cambridge Audio’s new iD50.
You can of course also use your 650A to considerably enhance your TV audio output, DVD layer or connect network music players such as Apple TV, Sonos and Squeezebox.
Max power output per channel (Into 8Ω) 75W
6 inputs, 2 outputs and tape In
Twin rectifiers and separate power supplies
Oversize toroidal transformer and custom heatsink
Revised output stage using new high current Sanken output transistors
New Alps film type ‘black box’ volume pot for excellent channel balance
Fully updated and re-tuned CAP5 technology for optimal protection and performance
Control Bus and IR Emitter In connections for simple multi-room integration
Pre-out for connection to external power amp / active sub
EnergyStar certified ultra low power (<1W) standby circuit
New ultra-rigid wrap-around casework design with thick brushed aluminium front panel
Front-mounted iPod/MP3 socket
Supplied with new Navigator remote – also controls Azur CD players and docked iPods
Gold plated low-loss 3-way speaker terminals
LED indicator shows which speaker terminals (A/B) are selected
Finishes (Black/Silver)
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Specifications
Power Output: 75 Watts (into 8 Ohms)
THD (unweighted): <0.002% @ 1kHz, 80% of rated power
<0.03% 20Hz - 20kHz, 80% of rated power
<0.02% 20Hz - 20kHz @ 10W
Frequency Response: 5Hz - 50kHz (-1dB)
Signal to Noise Ratio (No weighting): >92dB
Input Impedance...
More details
Specifications
Power Output: 75 Watts (into 8 Ohms)
THD (unweighted): <0.002% @ 1kHz, 80% of rated power
<0.03% 20Hz - 20kHz, 80% of rated power
<0.02% 20Hz - 20kHz @ 10W
Frequency Response: 5Hz - 50kHz (-1dB)
Signal to Noise Ratio (No weighting): >92dB
Input Impedance: 47kohms
Power amp damping factor: >100
Max. Power Consumption: 600W
Standby Power Consumption: <1W @ rated mains
Dimensions (H x W x D): 120 x 430 x 350mm
(4.7 x 16.9 x 13.8”)
Weight: 8.4kg (18.5lbs)
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