Azur 851C

Flagship Upsampling DAC, CD Player & Preamplifier

Our finest CD player and DAC, the 851C uses our extensive digital knowledge to become the cornerstone of your digital hub. No matter the source of your digital music, twin DACs in dual differential mode and 2nd generation Adaptive Time Filtering make the music sound as the original artist intended – extraordinary.

旗舰级升采样数字模拟转换器、CD 播放器与前置放大器

851C 是我们最好的 CD 播放器和数字模拟转换器，集成了我们广泛的数字知识，成为您数字中枢的基石。不管数字音乐的来源是什么，处于双差动模式的两个数字模拟转换器和第二代自适应时间滤波，让音乐听起来与原创艺术家预期的一样 - 非凡不已。

SOUND PERFECTION

The 851C uses audiophile grade components throughout and incorporates our most advanced technologies to ensure it plays music perfectly. Your discs are spun on our own audio-only transport and coupled with our S3 servo to give error-free data retrieval and jitter minimisation. Our ultra-rigid metal construction also ensures components are isolated and free from vibration.

All data is then put through our 2nd generation Adaptive Time Filtering that upsamples everything to 24bit/384kHz hi-res quality, no matter the original source. As a result, jitter is almost completely absent, and the music sounds amazing. Read more on our proprietary ATF upsampling technology here.

The upsampled music then passes through Twin Analog Devices DACs (very high-end digital to analogue converters) which are implemented in a dual differential configuration meaning each channel has its own DAC to process data. The result is lifelike stereo imaging where instruments can be heard in specific parts of your room with uncanny accuracy.

All of these audiophile internals are powered by a large toroidal transformer for the best delivery of a high quality and consistent signal with low noise and buzz levels.

851C 的各个部分均使用发烧级组件并融合我们最先进的技术，确保完美地播放音乐。您的磁盘在我们自有的仅音频走带装置上旋转，与我们的 S3 伺服机构相结合，可实现无差错的数据检索和抖动最小化。我们的超硬金属结构也确保了组件被隔离且无振动。

然后所有数据经受我们的第二代自适应时间滤波，不管原始来源是什么，将所有内容升采样至 24位/384kHz 高清晰度质量。因此，抖动几乎被完全去除，音乐听起来非常棒。在此处了解有关我们专属 ATF 升采样技术的更多 信息。

然后经过升采样的音乐通过两个模拟设备 DAC（超高端数字至模拟转换器），它在双差动配置中实现，意味着每个通道均有自己的 DAC 来处理数据。结果得到逼真的立体声成像，可在房间的特定部分听到乐器声音，其精度令人难以置信。

所有这些发烧级内部构件均由一个大环形变压器来驱动，实现最佳质量和一致的信号，具有低噪声和蜂音水平。

DIGITAL PRE-AMPLIFIER

With premium XLR and RCA outputs you can then connect the 851C to the perfectly compatible 851A integrated amplifier with other sources. The 851C also has a digital volume stage built in so it can be used as a pure pre-amplifier – just connect it straight into our 851W power amplifier or a pair of active speakers for further sonic benefits.

连接和灵活性

851C 不仅是为了 CD 回放而制造，我们想要充分利用其 ATF 升采样和优异的数字模拟转换器，因此它是一个完整的数字中枢，可连接到几乎任何数字产品。它配备光纤和同轴数字输入和输出，再加上异步 USB 音频输入。因此您可连接电视机、流媒体设备、计算机、PC、MAC 等，所有内容均经过升采样，达到令人吃惊的高清晰度质量。

DIGITAL FILTERS

We built the 851C with three selectable filters, linear, minimum and steep, this allows you to choose the type of sound that suits your ideal listening preferences.

数字前置放大器

借助优质的 XLR 和 RCA 输出，然后您可将 851C 连接到完美兼容的 851A 集成放大器（带有其他来源）。851C 同时内置了一个数字音量级，因此它可当作纯前置放大器 – 只需将它直接连接到我们的 851W 功率放大器或一对有源扬声器以获得进一步的优质声音。

CONNECTIONS AND FLEXIBILITY

The 851C isn’t just built for playback of CDs; we wanted to make the most of its ATF upsampling and superb DACs, so it’s a complete digital hub which can connect to almost anything digital. It’s got optical and co-axial digital in and outputs plus an asynchronous USB audio input. So you can connect up TVs, streamers, PCs, MACs and more, and everything will be upsampled to amazing hi-res quality.

数字滤波器

我们为 851C 内置了三种可选择的滤波（线性、最小量和急剧），这样就可让您选择最适合您的理想聆听偏好的声音类型。

DIGITAL TO ANALOGUE CONVERTERS
Dual Analog Devices AD1955 24-bit DACs

DIGITAL FILTER
Analog Devices Black Fin ADSP-BF532 32 bit DSP performing 2nd Generation ATF2 upsampling to 24-bit/384kHz. Linear Phase, Minimum phase or Steep modes.

ANALOGUE FILTER
2 Pole Fully Differential Linear Phase Bessel filter

DIGITAL INPUT 1
S/PDIF 75 Ohms or TosLink optical

DIGITAL INPUT 2
S/PDIF 75 Ohms or TosLink optical

AES/EBU INPUT
XLR balanced 110 Ohms per phase

USB AUDIO INPUT
USB Type B conforming to Audio profile 1.0 or 2.0 (user selectable)

AUDIO OUTPUTS
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue audio outputs

COMPATIBILITY
USB 1.0 16-24 bit, 32-96kHz USB 2.0 16-24 bit, 32-192kHz TosLink 16-24 bit, 32-96kHz S/PDIF and AES/EBU 16-24 bits 32-192kHz CD playback is intrinsically limited to 16-bits 44.1kHz

THD (UNWEIGHTED) @ 1KHHZ 0DBFS
< 0.0004%

THD (UNWEIGHTED) @ 1KHZ -10DBFS
< 0.0004%

THD (UNWEIGHTED) @ 20KHZ 0DBFS
< 0.0007%

IMD (19/20KHZ) 0DBFS
< 0.0002%

LINEARITY @ -90DBFS
+/- 0.2dB

LINEARITY @ -120DBF
+/- 0.4dB

STOP-BAND REJECTION (>24KHZ)
> 120dB

TOTAL CORRELATED JITTER
< 60pS for all digital inputs, CD playback and USB 2.0 < 180pS for USB 1.0

CROSSTALK @1KHZ
< -130dB

CROSSTALK @20 KHZ
< -114dB

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
< 50 Ohms

0DB FS OUTPUT
2.2Vrms (2.2Vrms each phase for the balanced output)

MAX. POWER CONSUMPTION
40W

IDLE CONSUMPTION
8W

STANDBY POWER CONSUMPTION
< 0.5W

COLOUR
Black or silver

DIMENSIONS (WXHXD)
430 x 115 x 360mm (16.9 x 4.5 x 14.7”)

WEIGHT
10.0Kg (22lbs)
 

Cambridge Audio Azur 851C review by WHAT HI-FI

Our Verdict 

An incredibly capable performer, but a touch too clinical for our tastes

For Good 

Massively detailed and precise performer

agile and articulate sound

impressive features

Against 

Could do with more dynamic exuberance and rhythmic drive

Reviewed on 29th October 2012

The Cambridge brand might have built its reputation on turning out high-quality budget kit, but the Azur 851C shows it’s more than capable of moving up a gear or three when the price goes up.

Despite the page headings above, to call the Azur 851C ‘just’ a CD player is to do it a disservice. It’s far more than that, as even a quick scan of the features list shows.

There are digital inputs, for starters, and alongside the now-standard trio of USB, optical and coaxial you’ll find the less common AES/EBU digital connection, too. All the inputs will accept a full-fat 24-bit/192kHz signal (bar the optical, which is limited to 96kHz).

Cambridge Audio Azur 851C

The company is especially proud of the digital-to-analogue design in this product. It up-samples the digital data stream up to 24-bit/384kHz, irrespective of whether the source is the built-in disc drive or a laptop.

The advantage of doing this is claimed to be greater linearity of response from the DACs. A great deal of attention has also been paid to reducing jitter to minimal amounts. The aim is, as always, to deliver a better sound.

The highlights don’t stop there: the 851C can also function as a digital preamp and switch digital sources, adjust left-to-right balance and take charge of volume levels. In a digital-based system all you’ll need to add is a power amp and pair of speakers.

Or, if you want to get purist, the Azur 851C connected to a pair of active speakers is about as minimal as a system gets.

Cambridge Audio Azur 851C: Sound quality

The 851C is impressive out of its box. It’s a large and hefty unit, solidly put together and finished to a high standard. We like the remote control, too. It looks like a classier version of Cambridge’s standard wand.

In use it sounds remarkably consistent, regardless of input. With a CD of Drake’s Take Care it delivers an impressively clean rendition. There’s a massive amount of detail and terrific precision in the way the 851C handles the leading and trailing edges of notes.

The rapid-fire lyrics on Under Ground Kings, meanwhile, are easy to follow and delivered with plenty of finesse.

Cambridge Audio Azur 851C

Move on to the likes of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and the player responds with an appealing lightness of touch. It uncovers harmonic nuances with ease, while still managing to deliver dynamic changes with authority. The insight this machine gives into the recording and production is excellent.

Feed in a 24-bit/88.2kHz version of The Rolling Stones’ Let It Bleed and the 851C continues to impress. The extra resolution of this recording is readily apparent, as is the extra subtlety and fluidity on show.

Cambridge Audio Azur 851C: Sonic flaws

However, despite the Cambridge’s obvious talent, we’re not totally convinced. Regardless of the recording, it favours analysis over fun, making it easier to admire than it is to love.

Major Lazer’s Pon de Floor should charge along, but instead it sounds a tad restrained, lacking the dynamic contrast and rhythmic coherence of the best.

While something like Cyrus's CD 8 SE2 isn’t as overt about the detail it digs up, it’s still a more exciting and involving listen.

Cambridge Audio Azur 651C: Preamp

Trying the Cambridge as a preamp gives us mixed results. We like the clarity and resolution on offer, but can do without the loss of substance and hint of electronic edge using it in this configuration produces.

Make no mistake; this Cambridge is an immensely capable performer. If detail resolution and precision are paramount, then dive right in – in those respects it’s as good as anything we’ve heard at this price.

But it doesn’t manage to engage us in the way some rivals can. And that’s why it gains a four star rating.