Azur 851W
Power Amplifier
£1,699.00
4.4
(18)

Delivering immense power and incredibly low distortion, the 851W power amplifier is perfectly matched to partner our 851E pre-amplifier and 851N network player; taking their pure signal and amplifying it with huge presence and authority.

"One of the most transparent, thrilling and richly rewarding amplifier combinations I have encountered."

- Andrew Everard, May 2014

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  • CLASS XD

    Rather than use a Class A design, which is sonically brilliant but generates vast amounts of heat, or a Class AB design, which is efficient but sonically limited, we developed our own Class XD amplifier design which the 851W takes advantage of. This has the sonic purity of Class A and the efficiency of Class AB for the best of both worlds. For more information on our unique patented Class XD technology watch the video at the bottom of the page or click here for a full description.

    TERRAPIN BUFFERING

    When designing a stereo system, listeners are often encouraged to think about system matching, where components are handpicked to provide the best overall sound quality. People often assume this is due to the different audio characteristics, but frequently it is due to impedance (the relationship between voltage and current input/output) matching components. Products perform at their optimum when their input and output impedances match. This isn’t always possible though so we decided to develop our unique Terrapin impedance buffering module. This enables the 851W to be paired with a huge variety of audio sources and pre-amplifiers of varying impedance without risking any sacrifice in musicality or overall audio performance.

    POWER AND CONTROL

    To build the 851W to be the best toroidal transformers were essential. But rather than use one for everything we designated one for the sound amplification itself, and another for the input circuitry. This means the signal is unaffected by audio output volume, so always sounds fantastic. The primary toroidal transformer provides unrestricted power to the dual mono amplification blocks. It’s a true audiophile transformer that will operate without distortion and with no buzz, interference or hum. The second smaller toroidal transformer takes care of pre-amplification processes. View the videos below for an insight on why we use toroidal transformers.

    FLEXIBLE CONFIGURATION

    The 851W can be used in stereo, bi-amped or bridged mono configurations. In bridged mono mode into 8 Ohms the 851W is a 500W monoblock amplifier. Into 4 Ohms, this figure increases to an incredible 800W. It can be paired with our 851E pre-amp, any of our digital pre-amps such as the 851N or CXN, or any other analogue pre-amps, and thanks to our Terrapin buffering module it will always sound perfectly matched. 
     

    CAP 5 PROTECTION

    Our proprietary CAP 5 protection system protects the 851W, plus any connected equipment and speakers, ensuring ultimate reliability and peace of mind. For more information on this unique development have a watch of the video below. 

  • Technical Specifications

    Power output – stereo/mono 200W per channel into 8 Ohms 350W per channel into 4 Ohms
    Power output – bridged mono 500W 8 Ohms 800W 4 Ohms
    THD (unweighted) < 0.001% 1 kHz < 0.005% 20 Hz - 20 kHz
    Frequency response 5Hz – 80kHz
    S/N ratio (ref 1W / 8 Ohn) >90dB (unweighted)
    Sensitivity – stereo or mono 1.5V rms unbalanced 1.5 + 1.5V rms balanced
    See all tech specs See less tech specs
  • Azur 851W Reviews

    4.4

    4.4
    (18)

    14 Reviews

    Nicht zu viel versprochen

    Vor 3 Jahren gekauft und 2. Amp hinzugefügt als doppel Mono

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    Response from Cambridge Audio

    Dear Customer

    Thank you for your positive review. We hope you enjoy years of listening happiness.Kind Regards

    Cambridge Audio Customer Support

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    Done with Cambridge

    I have only had this amp about a year and had to send it in to get (rare fault according to Cambridge) DC circuit replaced. Here we are a few months later, and it blows out the same circuit. Half the time the auto on never worked either. So disappointed.

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    Response from Cambridge Audio

    Dear CustomerKindly accepts our sincere apologies for the inconvenience faced.

    We‚'d like to learn more about your specific situation and makes things right.If you wouldn‚'t mind please contact our support agents via our support site so that we can provide the best option available.

    Kimd Regards

    Cambridge Audio Customer Support

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    Musical Powerhouse

    I purchased this a few days ago and from first switch on it really helped to deliver more power to my B&W 704’s and has made them sound a lot more musical. Before I was running them off an Arcam AVR which is fairly powerful with class AB amplification but given that they dip down to 3.1 ohms when driven a bit harder the Arcam was not enough. So I decided on the 851W. In summary I am extremely happy with my purchase as this has added a lot to my system. I use this for both
    music and home cinema.

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    Response from Cambridge Audio

    Dear CustomerThank for giving us your precious time through this review.We are delighted to know that they have lived up to your expectation.We're thrilled to hear that you are enjoying them as we intended and we hope they bring you many years of enjoyment!Kind Regards

    Cambridge Audio Customer Support

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    superior power amplifier

    The combination Cambridge Audio Azur 851W & 851N replaced a Mark Levinson No. 383 in my system, which otherwise consists of Dynaudio Confidence C1 speakers and a classic Creek Evo CD player. The 383, arguably one of the best integrated amplifiers ever built, is certainly hard to beat, but the 851W/N combo is even superior, as far as I am concerned. Some die-hard audiophiles will likely contradict this judgement, but the question is, if they will do so based on first hand experience.

    The sound of the 851W is crisp and precise, not cold or analytic, but warm and smooth. The 851W delivers plenty of power and works very well with the C1, which is a speaker that exposes every weakness of an amplifier in the blink of an eye. Although a true powerhouse, the 851W performs also excellent at low volumes, which is important to me. Finally, it looks perfectly elegant and understated.

    Combined with the 851N you get a 21st century setup that can deal with all types of digital sources, provides good comfort and smart energy saving functions. And ultimately you still have the option to use two 851Ws instead of one, altough I can't think of many speakers that require such overkill output power.

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