Cambridge Audio Azur 840A Class XD Integrated Amplifier (Used)

by **raymond88** Thu Jun 30, 2011 12:39 pm

Item: Cambridge Audio Azur 840A Class XD Integrated Amplifier c/w power cord & original remote control.

Condition: 8.5/10. Item in excellent condition.

Price: ~~RM3500 nego~~ RM2800

Contact: 012-3816611 Raymond

Cambridge Audio Azur 840A Class XD Integrated Amplifier (Used) Cambri18

Cambridge Audio Azur 840A Class XD Integrated Amplifier (Used) Cambri16

Cambridge Audio Azur 840A Class XD Integrated Amplifier (Used) Cambri17

Some info:

Cambridge Audio Azur 840A

This is a very unusual beast. It has the sort of features that one usually only finds on kit costing several times this price such as the ability to adjust input gain and to type in your own input names. There is a balanced input, presumably for the matching 840C disc player when it arrives, and it has separate mains transformers for pre and power amp sections. Initially it seemed a bit expensive for a Cambridge, but the reason soon became clear. It also includes the brand's class XD (crossover displacement) technology which claims to operate purely in class A for the first few watts, which are the important ones, and then “move smoothly” into class B at higher levels. Cambridge rates output at 120 watts and claims that its XD system offers lower distortion than regular class AB designs.

With all these features one is naturally a little sceptical as to whether the 840A can actually deliver the important bit, the music. We're happy to say that it can, and with an impressive degree of transparency at that - there might be something in this XD technology. It delivered the greatest resolution and finesse in the group with a grasp of subtleties such as micro-dynamics that belies its price tag. It's not quite as tight in timing terms as the Naim but is more even-handed and revealing in its presentation. There is a vitality to dynamics and a nimbleness across the band that makes for gripping listening. It's expensive for a Cambridge but it's a bargain nonetheless.

Verdict

Plus points
Unheard-of features at the price combined with remarkable transparency and evenness

Minus points
Timing not as tight as some

Score:

Cambridge Audio Azur 840A Class XD Integrated Amplifier (Used) 10-10

More info here:

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=111

http://www.avguide.com/review/cambridge-audio-azur-840a-class-xd-integrated-amplifier

http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/1/430484.html

http://www.audioreview.com/mfr/cambridge-audio/integrated-amplifiers/840a/PRD_440376_2717crx.aspx

Thanks for viewing.