Cambridge Audio AZUR 851A, AZUR 851C & Monitor Audio SILVER 500

Make your new system sound even better! Cables aren’t included with this package - giving you the chance to tailor the sound to your taste. Experts recommend spending around 10% of your total budget on cables for the best-balanced sound.

** 18 months 0% Interest Free Credit is available on this This HiFi system via telesales  only, please call for details. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Click here for more info. Offer excludes Clearance, Refurbished and Open Box products.

”Extraordinary array of features; refined and revealing sound that puts musicians in the room... Smooth, svelte sounding amp with power.” Hi-Fi Choice magazine.

UNIQUE CLASS-XD AMPLIFIER

What makes this amplifier very special is the Class XD amplification. Technically speaking, this combines the best qualities of Class A amplification - smoothness and realism - with the best from Class B - power and control, without the disadvantages inherent with many Class AB designs. What this means to the listener is a smooth, yet detailed sound quality with the ability to drive almost any speaker and a substantial power output.

MASSIVE TOROIDAL POWER SUPPLY FOR HUGE DYNAMIC POTENTIAL AND DEEP, EXTENDED BASS

At its heart, the 851A is powered by a massive toroidal power supply. This is so large that it accounts for a third of the weight of the unit. With a power transformer of this size, it can come as little surprise to find that the 851A has a monster power output to match. A genuine 2 x 120 watts into an 8 ohm load and an awesome 2 x 200 watts into a 4 ohm load are easily achieved. What this means in terms of sound quality is deep, effortless bass. Furthermore, such is the control and current on offer that the 851A handles tricky dynamic sections, such as the sweep of a full orchestra with consummate ease. Yet the 851A can do subtle, too. By using a separate toroidal power supply for the pre-amp section, the 851A ensures that pre-amplified signals arrive at the power amp stage in the best condition possible and therefore brimming with subtle detail. Short of having a separate pre/power amp combo, this separate power supply is the next best thing.

DUAL MONO CONFIGURATION FOR SUPERB STAGING

With separate taps for the left and right channel from the power supply and separate left and right amplifier circuits, the 851A is a true dual mono amplifier. By having separate circuits for the left and right channels, each channel has its own, distortion free feed. This brings about greater separation between instruments, greater width of sound and enhanced realism.CLASS LEADING CONNECTIVITY INCLUDING PROFESSIONAL XLR CONNECTORS

With no fewer than eight audio inputs, the 851A is capable enough to handle even the most complex of systems. XLR balanced connections offer a professional grade connection with compatible equipment, such as the 851C CD player and Stream Magic 6 network player. Another string to the 851's bow is the ability for it to work seamlessly within a home cinema system. Fixed level inputs make it easy to use the Azur 851A as the front amplification as part of a home cinema system. Keeping track of all those inputs is easy, thanks to the programmable display. The large display can be programmed to name your sources, exactly as you please so that, for example, the PlayStation 3 input is labelled, ‘PS3’ rather than ‘Aux 3’.

FULL METAL CASING WITH EXTENSIVE DAMPING

Using a full metal casing, with rounded edges, doesn’t just look and feel good, it helps the sound, too. The case is rigid and well damped, meaning that it won’t resonant unhelpfully. The thick aluminium front panel looks the part and also acts as a shield against electrical interference such as dimmers and RF devices. All these details combine to create an amplifier that not only looks stylish but also offers exceptional resistance to both mechanical and electrical interference.

To experience music more vividly than ever before, the Cambridge Audio Azur 851A provides your front row seat.

THE HIGHEST QUALITY CD PERFORMANCE

If you already have a treasured collection of CDs and are keen to keep increasing your collection, the Cambridge Audio 851C will get the very best out of the format – so much so that you might be surprised by just how good CD can still sound.

At the heart of the 851C is a 32-bit Analog Devices Black Fin DSP (Digital Signal Processor). This in turn feeds two AD1955 24-bit DACs from the same company in dual differential formation. Each DAC handles just one channel for excellent stereo imaging, operating fully in differential mode for exceptionally low distortion and noise. What this equates to for the listener is an exceptionally unforced, natural sound quality. Instruments and vocals "breath" with emotion and depth. Rather than sounding grey and mechanical, the Azur 851C uses colour, texture and fluidity of sound to create a sense of realism usually lost on players of this price.

AFT2 AUDIO UPSAMPLING FOR A SMOOTHER SOUND

The high quality DACs are complemented by a new Anagram Technologies AFT2 24 bit/384 kHz up-sampling circuit. Up-sampling conventional CD "stretches" the format to give the highest resolution possible. It also aids standard 24-bit/192kHz recordings with a faster sampling rate for less jitter. Up-sampling sound gives a smoother, more relaxed sound quality with added detail. You'll also notice enhanced depth of sound and a more natural quality without the "edge" that can afflict digital music. You'll hear every detail, including the odd cough, squeaky chair and flutter of sheet music; in short, it's like being there for real!

TAILORED SOUND

As we all prefer slightly different nuances of sound quality, the 851C comes with Cambridge Audio’s triple filter system. Select from Linear Phase, Minimal Phase or Steep modes and you can subtly alter the sound quality. You might even find certain types of music sound better with a particular filter engaged.

HIGH-END DAC IN ITS OWN RIGHT

If you’ve been considering buying a separate DAC or would like the opportunity to upgrade the sound of all your digital sources then consider this. The Cambridge Audio 851C not only has digital outputs but also comes with four digital inputs. What this means is that you can connect up sources via a choice of optical/coaxial for inputs 1 and 2 and XLR or USB. In essence this means that pretty much any digital source with a digital output can have its sound improved by being connected into the 851C. So, it’s not just a class-leading CD player, but also unbeatable DAC for the rest of your system.

DIGITAL PRE-AMP FOR CLASS-LEADING FLEXIBILITY

The Cambridge Audio 851C is not just a top quality CD player and DAC; it’s also an impressive digital pre-amplifier too! Use digital inputs 1 and 2 to connect up your Blu-ray player, games console or any other source with a digital output and use the pre-amp to select the source and alter the volume/balance. You can even connect your PC or media device by USB, as well. Once processed, the signal is ready to go straight into a power amp or active speakers – making for a, very, high quality minimalist system.

FULL METAL CASING WITH EXTENSIVE DAMPING

Using a full metal casing, with rounded edges, doesn’t just look and feel good, it helps the sound, too. The case is rigid and well damped, meaning that it won’t resonant unhelpfully. The thick aluminium front panel looks the part and also acts as a shield against electrical interference such as dimmers and RF devices. All these details combine to create an amplifier that not only looks stylish but also offers exceptional resistance to both mechanical and electrical interference.

Reinvigorate not just your entire CD collection but also all your digital sources – the Cambridge Audio 851C is a powerful tonic for a tired system.

Feel the full force of music, with the Monitor Audio Silver 500 speakers.

Flagship model for reference dynamics
If you like to feel your music as opposed to simply hear it then these are the speakers for you. With a bass reach that makes a separate subwoofer totally unnecessary, the Silver 500s do justice to the most dynamic rock and full scale orchestras. The three-way design is suitable for large rooms although still easy-going about positioning. They also make awesome front speakers for a top quality home cinema system.

The best drive units – improved
Featuring a completely new version of Monitor Audio’s iconic gold tweeter dome, the treble response is better than ever. Tuned for a crisp, low distortion sound, the top-end is sweeter than ever. The 8" bass cones and 4" mid-range units feature distinctive RST (Rigid Surface Technology). Inspired by the Japanese art of Origami, the lightweight cones are made more rigid by the precise pattern of surface dimples. It makes the mid-range open and natural-sounding.

With technology from the Platinum series
Evolved from the reference quality Platinum models, the Silver 500 features DCF (Dynamic Coupling Filter). This replaces the usual, solid coupling of driver and voice coil with a flexible coupling. This helps damp any surplus energy, aiding the precison of sound. The perforated design also helps with cooling and pressure relief – giving enhanced efficiency.

Cabinets designed with help from the National Physical Laboratory
Designed with the aid of a precision laser scanner from NPL (National Physical Laboratory), the handcrafted cabinets are exceptionally well built. The scanner identified areas of cabinet resonance making the placement of the bracing pin-point accurate. Ultra-low cabinet distortion lets the drive units perform unimpeded, giving you the clearest and most natural sound going.

Slim-line and superbly finished to match your decor
Available in a wide range of premium real wood veneers and high gloss finishes, the Silver 500 looks every bit as good as it sounds. The new tweeter features a smart speckled finish for individual style. Magnetically attached grilles give a clean appearance when removed - ideal for showing off those hi-tech drive units.

From the deepest bass to the highest treble, hear every element of the music with the impressive Monitor Audio 500 speakers.