Cambridge Audio Azur 650R A/V Receiver (TPV 97)

An AVR for Audio Purists

BOTTOM LINE

Cambridge Audio’s Azur 650R A/V receiver has been built, I think, with old-school audio purist in mind. Obviously, the 650R was designed with the thought that it would be used in conjunction with very high-quality video/audio source components. Unlike some AVRs, then, the Cambridge does not seek to modify or otherwise embellish upon the signals it is fed. Rather, it strives to reproduce those input signals with as much accuracy and purity as possible—a job it does very, very well.

While the 650R does not offer features that have become commonplace in competing AVRs, such as room/speaker EQ systems or extensive onboard video processing functions, it offers easy to use, noise free video switching and transcoding functions, plus superb core sound quality, which is something that never goes out of fashion.

SPECS & PRICING

Cambridge Audio Azur 650R 7.1 channel A/V receiver
Power output: 7 x 100 Wpc @ 8 ohms, with all channels driven
Decoding formats: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital and Digtal EX, and Dolby Pro Logic II and IIx; DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS, DTS-ES Matrix and –ES Discrete; multichannel PCM (up to 7.1 channels at up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution); five DSP modes (Movie, Music, Room, Theater, and Hall).
Video inputs/outputs: Composite video (5 in, 4 out—2 for remote zones, 1 for recording); S-Video (5 in, 2 out—1 for recording), Component video (3 in, 1 out, HDMI version 1.3c (3 in—1 out).
Audio inputs/outputs: Stereo analog (8 in, 2 out—1 for recording), 7.1-channel analog (1 in, 1 out), optical digital audio (6 in, 2 out for recording), coaxial digital audio (5 in, 2 out for recording), HDMI version 1.3c (3 in, 1 out), AM/FM tuner, headphone output
Other: Control bus (1 in, 1 out), A-BUS keypad (2 out), A-BUS 24VDC external PSU (1 in), IR Emitter (1 in, 3 out), RS-232C (1)
Dimensions (HxWxD): 5.9" x 16.93" x 16.54"
Weight: 33 pounds
Warranty: Three years, parts and labor.
Price: $1799

Cambridge Audio
www.cambridge-audio.com

Distributor
Audioplus Services
(800) 663-0686
www.audioplusservices.com