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Cambridge Audio Azur 740A review
Cambridge Audio continues to meet the needs of audiophiles at all levels and the 740A is no exception. The Azur 740A offers true hi-fi quality but at a fraction of the cost. Indeed the technology in the 740A is normally only used in products costing many times more.
The 740A is the latest in Cambridge Audio's Azur series of integrated amplifiers. Using technology from both the top-of-the-range 840A powerhouse and a new evolution of the highly regarded amplifier circuitry used in the 540A/640A V2, the 740A is set to rejuvenate the mid price sector. The amp puts out an impressive 100W RMS into 8 Ohms and with two pairs of output transistors per channel has enough peak current capability to get the best from even 'difficult' speakers. A large front panel allows for assignable inputs to be displayed and sophisticated software afford a plethora of features.
The 740A uses a further development of Cambridge Audio's trusted amplifier topology. Two pairs of extremely high current output transistors per channel allow the 740A to drive almost any speaker with ease and ensure excellent bass response and dynamic control.
Other features include the use of a high precision silicon gate volume / balance control rather than the more common potentiometer. Volume is controllable in 1 dB steps over most of the range, giving precise control and superbly matched channel balance.
Software control of all functions allows gain trim to be applied to any input and other operations.
One of the 740A's most attractive and user-friendly features is the customized front panel display. Individual sources can be named such as CD player etc.
The 740A also includes support for multi-room use. By plugging in one or two external Cambridge Audio Incognito keypads (or Incognito active speakers) and a power supply unit, the 740A can become the hub of a simple multi-room system. In addition, Control Bus Input/Output and IR emitter input are provided to make it easy to integrate this unit into custom installation systems if desired.
The 740A sits on a custom made low resonance acoustically dampened chassis. An Azur Navigator style remote control is also provided, giving full remote control of your amplifier in an attractive and easy to use handset. As an additional facet, all Cambridge Audio remotes feature iPod™ Command – which means that basic iPod controls such as volume and track select can be controlled from the comfort of the user's armchair. This boon requires the use of an Apple or other universal dock.
Features:
100W RMS into 8 Ohms, 150W RMS into 4 Ohms
6 inputs, 2 outputs and Tape In
Customisable front panel display to allow assignable source inputs
Incognito Ready connections to keypads and speakers for the simplest three-zone hub-less multi-room system
IR emitter In and Control Bus In/Out allow multi-room use and custom installation
Navigator style Azur remote which also controls: iPod track skip and volume functions, Azur CD players, Cambridge Audio's Incognito keypads, Discrete commands for custom install use
Solid aluminium front panel plus an ultra rigid, acoustically dampened chassis for extremely low distortion
Headphone socket
Available in silver or black
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