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Cambridge Audio Azur 840W review
Cambridge Audio has taken the Azur 840 series to its peak with the introduction of two new models – the 840E pre-amplifier and 840W power amplifier. The 840W is a high-end power amplifier that has been designed by the same team behind the 840A and uses an evolution of Cambridge Audio's hugely innovative Class XD technology for a highly detailed naturally musical performance. The second generation Class XD is now complemented by a new output stage carefully adjusted to integrate with this novel technology, revised balanced inputs for lower distortion and noise. An awesome 200W @ 8 Ohms gives excellent load driving ability or, a truly massive 500W bridged mono can be harnessed for even 'difficult' high-end speakers.
At the core of the 840W's strength is a patent pending, Class XD (crossover displacement) technology (first seen in the 840A) and which has been subtly revised following continuing post-launch development and critical evaluation. This unique design gives pure Class A operation at low levels, moving smoothly into an enhanced version of Class B at higher levels. This system should not be confused with Class AB, which inherently generates greater distortion at high levels than a pure Class B design. XD technology feeds a controlled current into the output stage actively displacing the crossover point in a new way so that the usual Class B crossover point no longer occurs at zero volume - the worst possible position in terms of distortion – but at a significant output level. The result is a smooth and linear transition between the two modes of operation, which differs significantly from the abrupt, gain transition of a Class AB amplifier. To facilitate this, the Azur 840W amplifier includes a massive, oversized low flux toroidal transformer, incorporating a silicone-steel screen.
Features:
Second generation Class XD technology
Breathtaking 200W @ 8 Ohms and 500W into 8 Ohms bridged mono
Two pairs of very high current output transistors per channel in revised configuration for improved integration with Class XD
Twin rectifiers and separate transformer taps for dual mono operation of the left and right power amplifiers
Oversized low flux toroidal transformer with an enormous 1200VA power rating
Allows biamp or bridged mono modes
RCA and balanced XLR connections which are switchable from the rear panel
Cambridge Audio proprietary CAP5 protection system
Side panels incorporate strategic venting to keep the unit cool
Solid 7mm aluminium front panel plus an ultra rigid, acoustically dampened chassis for extremely low distortion
Available in silver or black
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