Cambridge Audio Azur 550C CD Player, Silver
From Cambridge Audio
The new 550C offers mind-bending performance from what at first appear to be a relatively modest design. Indeed simplicity and purity is the name of the game with the Cambridge Audios latest CD players which deliver excellent dynamics, clarity and superb timing from music of all genres. Arguably the most important development is the introduction of an entirely new in-house designed servo solution. Whereas many comparable CD players utilise an inferior CD/DVD-ROM derived drive, the 550C takes full advantage of Cambridge Audios audio-only, CD transport which is coupled to our new highly sophisticated S3 Custom CD ServoTM. This third generation audiophile servo employs an all-new chipset and the latest double-sided surface-mount technology for ultra short signal paths with freedom from wire links. The net result gives the 550C extraordinary ability to retrieve maximum digital information whilst maintaining extremely low jitter; the digital noise that affects your listening pleasure. The 550Cs well-proven transport has been re-worked to facilitate even quieter operation and a new bracing mechanism (derived from the 740 Series) guarantees incredible rigidity. As with all Azur CD players, a high quality toroidal transformer ensures lower noise and less waveform distortion as well as incredibly quiet operation. With so much shoehorned inside, its astonishing how the new Azur 550C looks so elegant. In addition to a raft of sonic and environmental benefits, the new Azur range has a completely fresh contoured look with razor sharp displays and velvety smooth controls. A substantial brushed aluminium front panel, a seamless wrap-over lid assembly and dual-layer damped feet all adhere to Cambridge Audios rock-solid design standards and also help improve performance through superb resonance control
- Amazon Sales Rank: #161574 in Consumer Electronics
- Brand: Cambridge Audio
- Model: Azur 550C-S
Caveat Emptor
This is an update of my earlier review:
The Cambridge Audio Azur 550C CD player is attractive, solidly built and produces a sweet, gorgeous sound, akin to my highly rated CD player from the now defunct Califoria Audio Labs.
HOWEVER, the Azur 550C is unable to read about HALF of my CD-R collection...I get an error message and the tray opens. These are high quality CD-R's that I play with no problem on my other CD and DVD players, both at home and in my car.
The Azur 550C is a brand new model, and I hope my unit is from a bad batch. I have yet to hear from the manufacturer, but my retailer shipped me an immediate replacement, today. I will keep you informed of the outcome.
CAVEAT EMPTOR !
Additional information:
Cambridge Audio informed me that the Azur 550C and other Cambridge Audio CD players are designed to play CD audio files only (meaning CD-R's that are burned in the CD-DA format and have ".cda" files only. These are the files you would find on a CD-R if you burn an exact copy of a music CD). Cambridge CD players will not play MP3/WAV/WMA/mixed audio-video, etc files.
That still doesn't explain why the Azur 550C is unable to read half of my music CD-R's, all of which are in the proper CD-DA (.cda) format, and which are supposed to be suitable for this machine.
