Azur compact disc player
3
Thank you for purchasing this Cambridge Audio Azur range CD player. These
version 2 models are part of our commitment to the on-going development
of the Azur range. We hope that you will appreciate the results and enjoy
many years of listening pleasure from them.
As with previous Azur CD players, both the 540C V2.0 and 640C V2.0 make
use of a custom Cambridge Audio servo solution and transport, at the heart
of which is a VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) circuit which dynamically
adjusts in real time the focusing, tracking and output level of the laser for the
maximum retrieval of digital information. To ensure the very best
performance there are also multiple separate power supplies for the D/A
converter circuitry, audio filters, clocks and other stages, as well as extensive
use of low impedance film capacitors.
For the Version 2 models, we have significantly upgraded and improved the
Digital to Analog stages as well as the anti-aliasing filters for even better
sound quality and have added features that allow these products to be used
in Custom Install applications. All this proprietary engineering is housed
within our low resonance, acoustically damped chassis. An Azur Navigator
remote control is also provided, giving full remote control of your CD player in
an attractive and easy to use handset.
About the 540C V2.0
The 540C V2.0 now employs a WM8740 24 bit/192 kHz capable Digital to
Analog converter from Wolfson Microelectronics. This very high quality part is
coupled to a new three pole Double Virtual Earth Balanced filter design for
very low noise and distortion. A new toroidal transformer is now fitted giving
lower noise and less waveform distortion, for quieter PSU operation. Finally,
to allow seamless integration with multi-room entertainment systems, a
Control Bus input and output have been fitted, as has an IR emitter input.
About the 640C V2.0
The 640C V2.0 now employs a
pair
of WM8740 24 bit/192 kHz capable
Digital to Analog converter from Wolfson Microelectronics implemented in a
dual differential configuration. As each channel has its own DAC to process
information, completely separate analog filter circuitry can be implemented.
Moreover, because of the separation of left and right audio converters, the
640C V2.0 embraces a symmetrical layout. This ensures that both left and
right channel circuitry operate identically, ensuring the 640C V2.0 delivers
fantastic sound-staging and stereo imaging properties. The dual differential
configuration also offers better signal-to-noise ratios and exceptionally low
distortion characteristics in part from the use of a new version of our
proprietary Double Virtual Earth Balanced filters.
The 640C V2.0 features a new Four Pole Dual Differential Double Virtual
Earth Balanced topology. This means the DAC for each channel features two
fully balanced outputs each of which are then summed in a 3rd order virtual
earth balanced filter stage, then a further 1st order balanced filter stage
sums the balanced outputs of the earlier filter stages. This double balanced
configuration largely rejects noise and distortion products present in the
DACs and filters and provides an unprecedented level of performance. As
with the 540C V2.0, a new toroidal transformer is now fitted giving lower
noise and less waveform distortion for quieter PSU operation. Control Bus
input/output and IR emitter input have also been fitted for Custom Install use.
Your V2.0 CD player can only be as good as the system it is connected to.
Please do not compromise on your amplifier, speakers or cabling. Naturally
we particularly recommend amplification from the Cambridge Audio Azur
range, which have been designed to the same exacting standards as our CD
players. Your dealer can also supply excellent quality Cambridge Audio
interconnects to ensure your system realises its full potential.
Now we invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy!
Matthew Bramble
Technical Director
INTRODUCTION
540C/640C V2.0
Compact disc player
