Cambridge Alva TT turntable

Rather than go for a Belt Drive system with the ALVA TT, we opted for a medium-torque Direct Drive. Over time, the elastic used on a Belt Drive turntable can stretch and will need to be replaced. As a result of this wear, Belt Drive turntables traditionally have a less accurate playback speed than their Direct Drive cousins. This isn’t a problem on the ALVA TT – it has just 0.06% Wow and Flutter. This means a far better pitch stability – particularly during longer, more sustained musical notes.

The Alva TT uses a classic British-made one-piece tonearm. There are no joints, giving it the best possible grounding for the cartridge and offering extremely low friction.

It’s designed to retrieve the maximum amount of sonic detail from the cartridge and therefore your records.

Bluetooth aptX HD liberates your record player from the hi-fi rack. With the freedom to place Alva TT anywhere you like, your records are invited into the lime-light. Your music can be streamed from Alva TT to any Bluetooth receiver at up to 24bit/48kHz Hi-Res, which means you’re guaranteed an authentic vinyl experience, wherever it’s placed.

Specifications:

Drive Type:  Direct Drive:

Turntable Speeds:  33-1/3, 45 rpm

Motor Torque:  1.6 kg/cm

Wow & Flutter:  less than 0.1%

Turntable Platter:  POM (Polyoxymethylene)

Diameter:  305 mm

Tonearm Type:  One piece aluminium casting

Tonearm Effective Length:  238 mm

Tonearm Overhang:  17.2 mm

Tonearm Effective Mass:  11 g

Phono Stage Gain at 1 kHz:  42 dB

Phono Stage Nominal Output (with CA cartridge):  250 mV rms

Phono Stage Equivalent Input Noise (A-weighted):  0.1 µV rms

Phono Stage RIAA Curve Accuracy:  ±0.3 dB 30 Hz - 20 Hz

Phono Stage Signal/Noise Ratio (ref 1V out, 20-20K BW):  better than 90dB

Phono Stage THD+N 1kHz:  0.0025%

Phono Stage Input Impedance:  47 kΩ

Phono Stage Input Capacitance:  320 pF

Audio Outputs:  RCA line level

Cartridge Type:  High Output Moving Coil

Cartridge Frequency Response:  ±1 dB 30 Hz - 20 kHz

Cartridge Stylus:  Elliptical

Cartridge Cantilever:  Aluminium

Cartridge Output Level:  2 mV at 1 kHz

Cartridge Tracking Force:  2 g

Cartridge Recommended Load:  47 kΩ

Bluetooth:  SBC, aptX, aptX HD

Power Supply:  AC 100 - 240 V, 60/50 Hz

Power Consumption:  6W Approx, 20W max, 0.5W (Standby)

Dimensions (W x H x D):  435 x 139 x 368 mm

Weight:  11 kg

Cambridge 540A v2

Cambridge 540A v2 - High performance integrated amplifier

 For these version 2 models we have been able to further improve the audio quality and make them more powerful through many detailed changes and enhancements developed as a result of our on-going research programme. We have also added some new features, including support for Multi-Room use. All this proprietary engineering is housed within our low resonance, acoustically damped chassis. An Azur Navigator remote control is also provided, giving full remote control of four amplifier in an attractive and easy to use handset.

  

The 540A V2.0 features a new preamp stage with buffered inputs for lower crosstalk and improved stereo imaging, whilst the headphone output is now provided be a separate Class A headphone driver circuit. The amplifier stage has been revised with new low-noise input transistors, special driver stage PSU regulation, a new voltage amplifier topology and separate current sources for the voltage amplifier and predriver stages. These enhancements to the original circuits all work to elevate the sound quality to a new level. A new heatsink and transformer are employed and the power output is now 60 watts per channel (from 50 wpc on the V1 model).

With output at 60 watts per channel, the 540A Version 2 is a clear leader in budget amplifier circles offering a huge number of features and a build quality to embarrass more expensive rivals.

The 540A features full remote control and dedicated multi-room connections.

Other features:

60 watts Power output at 8 Ω

Amplifier type Class AB

Incognito Ready multi-room outputs

Tape and 5 analogue inputs

Headphone socket

Special CAp5 protection circit

Premium 3-way binding posts

Azur navigator remote control

All metal construction with Black or Silver Finishes

Specifications:

Power Output:

60 watts (into 8Ω)

90 watts (into 4Ω)

THD (unweighted)

Less than 0.002% at 1 kHz, of rated power

Less than 0.070% from 20Hz - 20 kHz, of rated power

Less than 0.025% from 20Hz - 20 kHz at 10 W

Frequency Response:  5 Hz - 50 kHz (-1 dB)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (ref 1w):  better than 85 dB

Input Impedances:  47 k Ω

Power Amp Damping Factor:   better than 100 W

Max Power Consumption:  650 W

Min/On Power Consumption:  less than 35 W (no signal)

Standby Power Consumption:  less than 10 W

Bass/Treble Controls:  Shelving, ultimate boost/cut  ±7.5 dB (at 20 Hz and 20 kHz)

Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 x 100 x 310 mm (16,9 x 3.9 x 12.2”)

Weight:  7.4 kg (16.3 lbs)

I like 

Cambridge 540C v2

As with previous Azur CD players, the 540C V2.0 make use of a custom Cambridge Audio servo solution and transport, at the heart of which is a VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) circuit which dynamically adjusts in real time the focusing, tracking and output level of the laser for the maximum retrieval of digital information. To ensure the very best performance there are also multiple separate power supplies for the D/A converter circuitry, audio filters, clocks and other stages, as well as extensive use of low impedance film capacitors.

For the Version 2 models, we have significantly upgraded and improved the Digital to Analog stages as well as the anti-aliasing filters for even better sound quality and have added features that allow these products to be used in Custom Install applications. All this proprietary engineering is housed within our low resonance, acoustically damped chassis. An Azur Navigator remote control is also provided, giving full remote control of your CD player in an attractive and easy to use handset.

About the 540C V2.0

The 540C V2.0 now employs a WM8740 24 bit/192 kHz capable Digital to Analog converter from Wolfson Microelectronics. This very high quality part is coupled to a new three pole Double Virtual Earth Balanced filter design for very low noise and distortion. A new toroidal transformer is now fitted giving lower noise and less waveform distortion, for quieter PSU operation. Finally, to allow seamless integration with multi-room entertainment systems, a Control Bus input and output have been fitted, as has an IR emitter input.

Cambridge 540C v2 - five star CD player

The Azur 540 C boasts performance, build quality and a specification to embarrass not just its immediate rivals, but many CD players costing at least twice the price.

New features include an upgraded DAC abd Control Bus connections for easier multi-roomcontrol

Electronics sit on a low resonance, acoustically damped chassis and like all Azur products, the 540C is housed within a solid aluminium fronted case.

 Other Features:

Single Wolfson WM8740 DAC

CD-R/RW playback

Control Bus and IR emmiter in

Dimmable display

Azur navigator remote control

All metal construction and blac/silver finishes

Specifications:

D/A Converter:  Wolfson WM8740 24-Bit/192 kHz capable

Filter:  3 Pole Double Virtual Earth balanced

Frequency Response:  (±0.2 dB) 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion :

at 1 kHz (0 dBFs):  less than 0.0015%

at1 kHz  (-10 dBFs):  less than 0.0010%

at 20 kHz (0 dBFs):  less than 0.0080%

Intermodulation Distortionn (19/20 kHz) 0 dBFs:  less than 0.0015%

Linearity at -90 dBFs:   ±0.5 dB

Clock Deviation:  ± 10 p_pm

Stopband Rejection (>24kHz):  less than 90 dB

Signal-to-Noise  Ratio (A weighted):  less than  100 dB

Total Correlated Jitter:  better than 210 pS

Crosstalk at 1 kHz:  better than -100 dB

Crosstalk at 20 kHz:  better than -90 dB

Output Impedance:  better than 50 Ω

Dimensions ( H x W x D):  70 x 430 x 310 mm

Weight:  4.6 kg (10.1 lbs)

I like 

Cambridge 540P

Cambridge 540P - MM phono pre-amplifier

The entry-level 540P is a high quality Moving Magnet design featuring single-ended "Class A" gain stages and a discrete transistor input stage instead of the more common integrated circuits. The 540P employs a highly accurate active RIAA equalisation system. The rear panel benefits from gold plated input connectors to minimise signal path interference and reduce surface degradation. An external 12 volt power supply comes as standard.

This unit feature the now customary Azur steel chassis and a robust anodised aluminium front plate.

Specifications

Max Power Consumption:  5 W

Gain at 1 kHz :  39 dB

Nominal Output :  300 mV

Sensitivity for Nominal Output:  3,35 mV

Total Harmonic Distortion:  less than 0,009% (20 - 20,000 Hz)

RIAA Curve Accuracy:  less than ±0,65 dB (25 -20,000 Hz)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  better than 85 dB (using Audio Precision RIAA-1 with grounded inputs)

Crosstalk at 20 kHz :  better than 76 dB

Dimensions (H x W x D):  46 x 215 x 133 mm (1,8" x 8,5" x 5,2")

Weight:  0,8 kg (1,8 lbs)

I like 

EISA 2012-2013 Cambridge Audio Azur 851C - 851A

European Two-ChannelSystem 2012 - 2013: Cambridge Audio Azur 851C - 851A

 When is a CD player more than a CD player? When it’s designed to be an outboard D/A converter complete with integral CD drive. This is Cambridge Audio’s Azur 851C, its best player to date and one that combines its most sophisticated DAC design with USB and legacy digital audio inputs. The partnering 851A amplifier is just as slick, employing the latest version of the company’s proprietary Class XD technology to comfortably exceed its 120W specification. So while the 851C DAC/player brings a quiet composure to the party, the 851A is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a muscular amp that grips the speakers and serves up tight, powerful and extended bass. In the 851C and 851A you’re getting cutting-edge technology for substantially less than high-end prices. Add the best speakers you can afford and this two-channel system will deliver a taste of hi-fi heaven.

 

 Detailed Specifications 851A

Power Output:  120W RMS into 8 Ω/ 200W RMS into 4 Ω

THD (unweighted):  < 0.001% 1 kHz at 80% of rated power; < 0.01% 20 Hz - 20 kHz at 80% of rated power

Audio Inputs:  2 sets of balanced XLR, 8 further RCA inputs

Audio Outputs:  Preamp output, Record output

Frequency Response:  10 Hz - 50 kHz  ±1 dB

S/N Ratio (ref 1W/8 Ω):  > 93 dB

Input Impedances

Inputs 1 and 2 (balanced):  20 kΩ

Inputs 1-7 (unbalanced):  20 kΩ

Rec Input:  20 kΩ

Power Amp Damping Factor:  > 110 at 1 kHz

Max. Power Consumption:  800 W

Minimum Power Consumption:  70 W Active (no signal)

Standby Power Consumption:   <0 .5w=".5w" p="p">

Controls:  Shelving type

Max bass boost/cut  ±10 dB at 10 Hz

Max treble boost/cut ±7.5 dB at 20 kHz

Dimensions (H x W x D):  115 x 430 x 385 mm (4.5 x 16.9 x 15.2”)

Weight:  15.0 kg (33 lbs)

Detailed Specifications 851 C

D/A Converter:  Dual Analog Devices AD1955 24 bit DACs

Digital Filter:

Analog Devices Black Fin ADSP-BF532 32 bit DSP performing 2nd;

Generation ATF2 up-sampling to 24-bit/384 kHz;

Linear Phase, Minimum phase or Steep modes.

Analogue Filter:  2 Pole Fully Differential Linear Phase Bessel filter

Digital Input 1:  S/PDIF 75 Ω or Toslink optical

Digital Input 2:  S/PDIF 75 Ω or Toslink optical

AES/EBU Input:  XLR balanced 110 Ω per phase

USB Audio Input:  USB Type B conforming to Audio profile 1.0 or USB Audio profile 2.0 (user 1.0 or USB Audio profile 2.0 (user selectable)

Analogue Audio Outputs:  Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue audio outputs

Compatibility:

USB 1.0 16-24 bit, 32-96 kHz;

USB 2.0 16-24 bit, 32-192 kHz;

Toslink 16-24 bit, 32-96 kHz;

S/PDIF and AES/EBU 16-24 bits 32-192 kHz;

CD playback is intrinsically limited to 16-bits 44.1 kHz

Standby Power Consumption:  <0 .5=".5" p="p" w="w">

Dimensions (H x W x D):  115 x 430 x 360 mm (4.5 x 16.9 x 14.7”)

Weight:   10kg (22lbs)