Cambridge Audio Azur 840W

SolidSqual

Anyone had a chance to listen to one of these amps?

BlueFox

SolidSqual wrote: »

Anyone had a chance to listen to one of these amps?

I have two of them, left and right, for about 3 years now, and love them. I have posted multiple times regarding the excellent sound from them. One was about going to MIT Shotgun S1.3 XLR cables, another was in regard to upgrading the power cords to Shunyata Python CX cables, and the last post was in regard to going to an all Shunyata power system.

They are being offered for sale now at almot 50% off, which is a great price. I guess Cambridge is getting ready to release a new version.

Since they run in Class A, and then switch to Class B they get hotter than Hades. I had my central air fixed last year since summertime listening was miserable. :biggrin:

I have been constantly amazed at how much sound I have been able to get out of the Cambridge gear as I have done various cable and vibration upgrades.

I am using the Cambridge Audio 840E pre-amp to drive those puppies. However, they do not have "meeters".

SolidSqual

Hey,

Very cool. Thanks for the response. What speakers do you have?

BlueFox

Speakers are PSB Synchrony One. Here is a link to the Shunyata power upgrade review with pictures of everything.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?130625-Shunyata-Triton-and-Ztron-power-cables

After thinking about my post, I really have had these amps for around 4 years now. The only problem I have had is the right amp will no longer turn on/off via a trigger from the pre-amp. I have to push the power button instead.

The only other issue I have had is that about 2 years ago I purchased MIT S1.3 speaker cables to go with the MIT ICs. Both amps are in bridged mono mode, and I could hear the improvement over a single amp in stereo mode after I got the second amp. Anyway, the electronics in the MIT cables do not like the amps in mono mode. After I hooked up the cables, and powered on, the speakers started crackling and popping. Yikes!! Turned them off and tried the cables with the amps in stereo mode. No problem, but the MITs were incompatible in mono mode. So, I bought Shunyata Anaconda Ztron speaker cables, and they work fine.

NewHTguy

Now is the time to buy one (or two if you follow bluefox's lead). I got one for $1399 (new) from spearit sound not too long ago. For me, that's a lot of coin, but I decided the deal was too good to pass up. It definitely helped my Lsi7s come alive relative to my HK 3490. Here is the most detailed review that I've come across
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cd-players/662-cambridge-audio-840-series-.html
The only thing that I wish this amp had was a signal sensing trigger.

SolidSqual

I purchased an 840W today from Audioadvisor. I just couldn't miss the deal for $1,499. With all the accolades this amp received, I'm very interested in hearing what it has to offer.

BlueFox, can you comment on break in time? How does this amp compare to others you have owned.

Mike

BlueFox

Congratulations on your purchase. Now go buy another before they are all gone.

Burn-in is an interesting point. I had my first amp for about 6 months when I decided to buy another. It occurred to me that this would be the perfect burn-in experiment. The left amp is 6 months old, and the right amp is brand new. After hooking everything up, sitting back, and really listening while switching power off/on between the amps, and just in stereo, I could not hear any difference between the two amps. Then again, maybe that just means I am deaf.

However, this is one thing that I have noticed more than once. Every night I turn my system on when I get home, and turn it off when I go to bed. However, on Fridays I turn it on and leave it on until Sunday night bedtime. Anyway, more than once I have been listening on Saturday night, and thought to myself that it sounds better than it did yesterday. It is subtle, but it seems real to me.

Let me suggest two tweaks. First, add a Shunyata power cord. The improvement is obvious. I have used the stock cord, a Shunyata Venom, and since that worked so good, I went to a Shunyata Python CX a month later. Both Shunyatas made a positive improvement. You need 20 amp IEC-19 connectors for the amp side.

Second, add Mapleshade micropoint brass footers. I have these on all my gear, and they also make a positive improvement.

However, even stock the 840W is a great sounding amp. Unfortunately, I cannot say it sounds better than amp ‘x’ since these amps were part of my two channel overhaul. They replaced a late 80s Denon integrated amp. While good, there is no contest in sound quality.

SolidSqual

I'm actually tempted to buy two more so I can begin my triamping operations. I'm going to hear how this amp sounds first, then order two more if the sound is nice and they are still available.

I have some Herbie Audio Labs feet and a BPT PC that I will be using. I can't remember the last time I used a stock cable.

BlueFox

SolidSqual wrote: »

I'm actually tempted to buy two more so I can begin my triamping operations.

Triamps!! :eek:

I wish all CDs were recorded like the old RCA Living Stereo series which were in 3 channel back in the 50s. Having three front speakers is really the way to hear true stereo.

Anyway, I hope it works out for you.

heiney9

Having SDA's is like having 3 front speakers

H9

SolidSqual

heiney9 wrote: »

Having SDA's is like having 3 front speakers

H9

Eh, the SDA effect does nothing for me. In every rig I've heard with SDAs, I find instrument placement and size to be peculiar at times.

SolidSqual

BlueFox wrote: »

Triamps!! :eek:

I wish all CDs were recorded like the old RCA Living Stereo series which were in 3 channel back in the 50s. Having three front speakers is really the way to hear true stereo.

Anyway, I hope it works out for you.

When I move into my new place, I will be looking into the Trinaural Processor. http://www.ampzilla2000.com/trinaural.html

I had a chance to demo one of these at a guys house in NY and it was really an amazing experience. Stereo is not the perfect way to produce sound. That is very clear after you hear a properly executed 3 channel rig.

SolidSqual

Actually to amend my second to last statement, I like the SDA effect on Polk's new surround bars. There the tech makes wonderful use of a small enclosure and sub to produce very acceptable HT playback.

heiney9

SolidSqual wrote: »

Eh, the SDA effect does nothing for me. In every rig I've heard with SDAs, I find instrument placement and size to be peculiar at times.

Eh, I know.....when back-up singers are on the stage behind the main singer and the SDA's actually get it right.....that sucks. Or when when a trumphet player is front and to the right but not as far right as the guitar player.....and you can visualize it because of the pinpoint accuracy.....that sucks to. And when a female singer songwriter and her acoustic guitar are sitting on a stool dead center and it feels like you can reach out and touch her because she seems so real and 3 dimensional........eh, that all sucks. Or the guy playing morraca's (sp) is way in the back next to the drummer and you can visualize his position on the stage......it's all boring.

H9

SolidSqual

I'm confused. Are you sure that's the SDA effect? My speakers do everything you mentioned without any trickery.

I'm glad you got your speakers dialed in. I guess on lesser systems owned by members of this forum, I've heard clarinets walking on the ceiling and violins attacking like monkeys out of the Wizard of Oz.

heiney9

SolidSqual wrote: »

I'm confused. Are you sure that's the SDA effect? My speakers do everything you mentioned without any trickery.

First, I'm just busting your balls a bit and it's not "trickery". If you took the time to read the original white paper you'd realize what SDA's correct for (not completely as that would be impossible by passive means) is a physical aural phenomenon. No tricks, no mirror's but an acoustic phenomenon common to all stereo speakers and stereo recordings.

SolidSqual wrote: »

I'm glad you got your speakers dialed in. I guess on lesser systems owned by members of this forum, I've heard clarinets walking on the ceiling and violins attacking like monkeys out of the Wizard of Oz.

Perhaps they are lesser systems. I hear none of those effects. I will say on some non-conventional recordings you can get some out of the ordinary stuff once in awhile. For instance I don't enjoy The Beatles re-masters as much on SDA's. The way it was originally recorded with everything in the left or right channel does sound a little funky. Certain recordings where the producer has purposely exaggerated the recording space sound way out there, but to be fair those types of recordings don't sound quite right on non-SDA speakers either. Madonna's-Music cd comes to mind

Anyway sorry to derail, just doing a little defending of SDA's. It seems they are a love/hate piece for most people.

H9

FTGV

SolidSqual wrote: »

When I move into my new place, I will be looking into the Trinaural Processor. http://www.ampzilla2000.com/trinaural.html

Interesting I know Magnepan have do some work towards 3 ch. as well.http://www.avguide.com/blog/magnepan-s-tri-center-concept-does-stereo-sound-better-three-channels

SolidSqual

heiney9 wrote: »

First, I'm just busting your balls a bit and it's not "trickery". If you took the time to read the original white paper you'd realize what SDA's correct for (not completely as that would be impossible by passive means) is a physical aural phenomenon. No tricks, no mirror's but an acoustic phenomenon common to all stereo speakers and stereo recordings.



Perhaps they are lesser systems. I hear none of those effects. I will say on some non-conventional recordings you can get some out of the ordinary stuff once in awhile. For instance I don't enjoy The Beatles re-masters as much on SDA's. The way it was originally recorded with everything in the left or right channel does sound a little funky. Certain recordings where the producer has purposely exaggerated the recording space sound way out there, but to be fair those types of recordings don't sound quite right on non-SDA speakers either. Madonna's-Music cd comes to mind

Anyway sorry to derail, just doing a little defending of SDA's. It seems they are a love/hate piece for most people.

H9

Hey no worries. I knew you were busting my balls. I was doing the same. I don't claim to be an SDA expert.

SolidSqual

FTGV wrote: »

Interesting I know Magnepan have do some work towards 3 ch. as well.http://www.avguide.com/blog/magnepan-s-tri-center-concept-does-stereo-sound-better-three-channels

Cool find, thanks for that.

SolidSqual

Guys,

I received the 840W tonight. Out of the box, the it is excellent. I mean seriously, I'm a little taken aback. The sound is incredibly organic like my Quicksilvers. But the the pace is incredible. The dynamics are much tighter. The sound is just so clean. I am totally diggin this amp. It looks to be built like a tank to boot.

leroyjr1

Didn't you just order it yesterday?

polkfarmboy

SolidSqual wrote: »

Guys,

I received the 840W tonight. Out of the box, the it is excellent. I mean seriously, I'm a little taken aback. The sound is incredibly organic like my Quicksilvers. But the the pace is incredible. The dynamics are much tighter. The sound is just so clean. I am totally diggin this amp. It looks to be built like a tank to boot.

You are not allowed to use the word PACE when describing amplification ...... unless your a British audio review writer

BlueFox

SolidSqual wrote: »

Guys,

I received the 840W tonight. Out of the box, the it is excellent. I mean seriously, I'm a little taken aback. The sound is incredibly organic like my Quicksilvers. But the the pace is incredible. The dynamics are much tighter. The sound is just so clean. I am totally diggin this amp. It looks to be built like a tank to boot.

Excellent. I was worried you were going to say it sucked, and then I would start doubting my hearing and sanity. :biggrin:

Seriously though, all the reviews I have found support your opinion. In 2009 the absolute sound listed it as one of the bargins in high-end audio, and that was before the $1000 off sale.

SolidSqual

This has to be one of my best upgrades in a while. This amp is just so smooth. It just lets the music flow.

SolidSqual

leroyjr1 wrote: »

Didn't you just order it yesterday?

Yeah, evidently Audio ADvisor has a warehouse in MI. It was down here in two days.

BlueFox

If you think it sounds good now wait until you get your 2nd and 3rd, and put them into bridged mono mode. When I did that the sound quality seemed to kick up a notch. Plus instead of running my pre-amp at -25 with one amp I now run it at -40db with two amps.

I might very well be wrong, but it almost seems as if these amps were designed as mono amps, and stereo was added as a marketing gimmick to help sales. Usually, when an amp is in mono mode the power doubles, or is slightly less than double. These amps are the opposite.

For example, in stereo at 8 ohms they develop 200w/ch, and 350 w/ch at 4 ohm. In mono they develop 500w/ch at 8 ohm, and 800w/ch at 4 ohm.

Anyway, I'm glad you are liking it so far. When I bought mine I bought it blind with no reviews to help. I was originally going to get the Parasound A21, but they were to big for my rack. Looking on Audio Adviser I saw these amps as a new product with essentially the same specs as the A21, but with a much better form factor. So, I bought one, then two, and have been in audio heaven ever since.

SolidSqual

Yeah, I looked at the A21 as well. I'm glad I went with this amp. I've heard the A21 in my system before and 840W sounds much better to me. I did not have nearly the same reaction with the A21 as I am now.

NewHTguy

Congrats SS! I'm glad you're loving it. Unfortunately, my office set-up doesn't do the amp justice. Some day I hope to really take advantage of what it can do. As Bluefox has stated, the amp does get hot. It may actually be hotter than my Onk 875. So be sure to keep it cool.

sailsman

I updated my entire system about two years ago and went with Cambridge 840AV2 & 840C. The one piece of the puzzle that I really wanted to add was the 840W. I found the cost to be a bit too much to bear having just purchased the other equipment. I get the Audio Advisor catalog and always glance through it to see what's available. When I saw the 840W at $1499.00 my jaw about hit the floor. This was on a Friday. On Monday I called to place my order and purchased the last unit available in silver. It is an enhancement to my system. I use Paradigm Studio 100's and everything is powered through a Furman Elite 15PFi. This is such a remarkable system compared to my old set-up that was approaching 25 years old. I am curious to know what you other 840W owners are using for pre-amps and speakers. Enjoyed reading the thread and look forward to further discussion.