CAMBRIDGE Azur 840A V2
Integrated amplifiers
The 840A V2 have made quite a significant progress from the original model. The V2 is not just a marginal improvement, it is a completely new amplifier. Considering the budget limitations they mined as much as possible from it in Cambridge Audio.
Function and form
The Azur 840A V2 builds once again on the Cambridge's proprietary Class XD technology. In fact, the Cambridge Audio's XD concept lets the amp run in the Class A for a few first watts and then it switches into Class B (unlike competitors that usually feature A to AB transition).
Like with the original model there is a massive shielded toroid in the 840A V2 (120W into 8 ohms, 200W into 4 ohms) for the amp's power section. There is another toroid, however, that provides the supply for the preamplfier section. The output stage was completely redesigned for the V2 to improve the amplifier's perfromance in balanced loads. The XLR input has one unusual feature - it can be switched off from the rear panel. The Azur 840A V2 can be also used as a preamplfier as both the sections can be separated.
Bass management
The V2's predecessor, the Cambridge Audio Azur 840A, introduced extremely open and transparent sound into the world of 'mid-end' audio. It is not a surprise that the V2 continues to deliver fast, detailed and open sound. This results into a kind "lighter" colour of the sound, which is by no means thin, however. The microdynamics are amazing for the asking price and the level of detail can challenge much pricier amps too.
Clarity & delicacy
The highs are extended, controlled and clean, the bass may seem shy but when called to action it can be very convincing. I liked that the bass did not try to mask the slight absence of weight by blurring transient edges - such amps may sound mighty but soon a listener finds the bass to be boomy and smeared. The V2's bass is quite articulated, though it should not be driven into punishing levels.
Tonal accuracy
The monochrome display of the Azur 840A V2 provides all the information on the status of the amplifier. As the unit is controlled by a microprocessor chip it offers remarkable flexibility - naming the inputs, setting loudness levels for each input separately (in 1dB steps) etc. The only dislikable thing that the relay control brings along presents itself at night - at low volumes one can hear clearly relays switching. Also the tone controls are something that I could do without. They can be switched off by the DIRECT button but their existence is useless.
Spatial resolution
I did not like the depth of image of the original 840A - the sound was way too flat and two dimensional. It is not anymore with the V2! Not only that the depth has improved but it can challenge the best amps now. It was like the front wall in my room had dissappeared and the amp had built its own stage in front off me.
Recommended resellers
Excelia HiFi, Chrudim, tel. +420 724 00 77 44
Manufacturer's website: http://www.cambridgeaudio.com
Associated components
- Sources: NAD Masters M3
- Amplifiers: Xindak XA-6950, NAD Masters M5
- Interconnects and speaker cables: Nordost Heimdall and Nordost Valhalla
- Loudspeakers: Dynaudio Confidence C1
Gallery
AAVIK I-280
As far as its function is concerned the I-280 is an old-school integrated amplifier for audiophile purists. On the rear panel it has five single-ended RCA inputs, a preamplifier output, and speaker posts. The amplifier can be ...
Recommended resellers
RP Audio, Ostrava, +420 737 366 831
ACCUPHASE E-270
It is one of those rare amplifiers that is designed and built entirely in Japan, with absolute focus on perfection. Accuphase should establish its own university to train the rest of the world in how to design ergonomic devices and ...
Recommended resellers
CZ: Perfect Sound Group, Praha, tel. +420 722 960 690
SK: Nisel SK, Bratislava, tel. +421 905 203 078
ACCUPHASE E-4000 + PS-1250
The E-4000 is a successor of E-480 that we have not reviewed, and the E-480 was the successor of E-470 that we have reviewed. Interestingly, the “400” range of Class AB integrated amplifiers of Accuphase can be tracked back to 80’s ...
Recommended resellers
CZ: Perfect Sound Group, Praha, tel. +420 722 960 690
SK: Nisel SK, Bratislava, tel. +421 905 203 078
ACCUPHASE E-450
The Accuphase could create the illusion of Diana Krall’s presence in my listening room – it is not only a headless or bodyless voice in the room but the whole person performing just for you. If I should be nitpicking then the E-450 ...
Recommended resellers
Nisel SK, Bratislava, tel. +421 905 203 078
ACCUPHASE E-5000
What would you like to know about the all new Accuphase? Clean and sweet treble – ticked. Rich and colorful mids – ticked. Wide and deep soundstage – ticked. But these are not new things, rather a usual Accuphase list of traits. So, ...
Recommended resellers
Perfect Sound Group, Praha, tel. +420 722 960 690
ACCUPHASE E-560
Right after first few minutes of listening a listener forms his opinion on the Accuphase. As listening progresses, this initial opinion usually proves to be wrong. The reason is that there is nothing spectacular in Accuphase's house ...
Recommended resellers
Nisel SK, Bratislava, tel. +421 905 203 078
ACCUPHASE E-800
The physical appearance of the E-800 is totally Accuphase: satin gold aluminum panel, controls cleverly hidden behind a flap, sensitive and accurate VU meters, silky operation of knobs and buttons, and legendary fanatical ...
Recommended resellers
Navrátil Audio, Havířov, +420 737 821 360
Nisel SK, Bratislava, tel. +421 905 203 078
