Azur 851C
Upsampling DAC, CD Player & Preamplifier
$1,500.00
4.6
(14)

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.

"Sweet, refined and simply musical... the sonic performance is absolutely consistent. Highly recommended!"

- AV MAX, JULY 2014

Colour
$1,500.00
FREE DELIVERY
60 DAY FREE RETURNS
EXCELLENT SUPPORT
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  • 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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

  • Technical Specifications

    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
    See all tech specs See less tech specs
  • Azur 851C Reviews

    4.6

    4.6
    (14)

    10 Reviews

    So Under Rated... Brilliant Machine!

    I had the Azur 851Cs predesessor, it was great, used it for 15 years, I bought the 851c because the 841 developed a small fault, later easily fixed... Anyway I was usekng a 1000euro preamp with the 841c, and to begin with continued with it, I then tried the internal DSP preamp kn the 851c... WOW! Detail, SoundStage and Pressence ALL took a very noticeable increase in quality... Fantastic Player... why are Cambridge phaseing it out?.. things I would loved to have added, headphone output and DSP Tone Controls.

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    Response from Cambridge Audio

    Dear Customer

    Thank you for the valuable and positive review. At Cambridge Audio we focus our efforts and budget only on specs that make a real difference to the sound you hear and we are glad to know that you are satisfied with the build quality of the product.We hope it adds a whole new dimension to your music experience.Kind Regards

    Cambridge Audio Customer Support.

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    Superb Sonic's and feature set.

    I purchased this player a few months ago requiring a dedicated CD player after using a Blu-Ray player for awhile. Many years ago I owned the predecessor to the Azur 851C, the Azur 840C back in 2009. It was an excellent unit but had to sell it after awhile due to financial constraints at that juncture.
    Fast forward to this year and after having "burned in" the 851C for about 50 to 60 hours initially...the sound began to even out...the balance between the frequency ranges established...very solid and wide soundstage but with clarity and detail.
    I think it's critical to get at least 100 hours in before true critical listening can be done...the sound settles improves exponentially.
    Build quality and finish is the excellent, my only quibble is the tray mechanism...it feels very light weight and it's not as smooth as I feel it should be when looking at the solid build of the chassis and overall solidity of the player. My tray vibrates quite a bit when closing...perhaps Cambridge could let me know if this can be remedied.
    Feature set is still very good...considering the player was introduced in 2012, digital inputs, XLR, Co-ax, AES, USB and balanced and single ended outputs.
    I definitely recommend this player for sound, overall solidity and build quality and the flexibility as a digital Pre-Amp and DAC.

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    Response from Cambridge Audio

    Dear Customer

    Thank you for taking out time to review Azur 851C.We are pleased to know that you are happy with its build quality and the sound it offers.For the issues that you are facing with the tray I would suggest you please get in touch with one of our support agents via the support inquiry form here: https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/support-query/melomaniaand someone will get back to you shortly to assist in troubleshooting your issue further.Kind Regards

    Cambridge Audio Customer Support

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    versatile in every way

    I bought this player a few years ago and use(d) it mainly as a cd-player. This player changes sound into musicality, that's for sure.. what I discovered lately is that the digital pre-amp is very good, actually, after a very good support of the Cambridge Audio support-team I even found out that I can use the RCA output to drive an active subwoofer whilst the XLR output goes directly to the power amp. great feature ! I also use the usb input, connected with the laptop and the driver downloaded from the Cambridge Audio-site and it works flawless, only good points for this unit, it's a keeper

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    Response from Cambridge Audio

    Dear Customer

    Thank you for taking the time and reviewing Azur 851C and for your trust in Cambridge Audio.We love hearing from satisfied customers such as yourself. We are glad to know that you are happy with the features and the sound quality that the product provides and hope that you enjoy years of listening happiness.Kind Regards

    Cambridge Audio Customer Support

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    It's fine but I want to use it more.

    Good evening, please, what small active speakers would fit this CD player? The room where I have a bike simulator is about 4 x 3 meters. Well thank you.

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