Cambridge Audio Azur 840C CD-player
While the 740C is a player that is great, a step is marked by the 840C to the universe of serious furrowed-brow hifi. Round the rear from its aluminium-plate front panel will be the signals that only the commenced need apply for possession: balanced XLR output outlets, two digital signal input signals, therefore the player can become a DAC for other digital apparatus; and an RS232 serial port for communicating with high end multi-room sound controls. Before converting CD's not unfamiliar 16-bit binary words sampled at 44kHz, the electronic information is interpreting into 24-bit words tried at 384kHz.
But if I may set up an automotive metaphor the elaborate engine gets the suspension, transmission, steering system, and chassis. Magic pixie dust is scattered elsewhere in the circuitry at the same time, as testified by the eradication of capacitors.
A couple of nights past Mazzy Star played in the lounge above me while I had been attempting to work downstairs, but I was diverted by the feeling of space and depth in the sound the 840C conjures from poor CD.
Kula Shaker's new record, Strange Folk, turned out to be a great showcase for the gifts of the 840C, as it swings from folksy to rave, as well as in scale from cinematic to suggest. Instruments, whether played to death or having a fine hand, had an almost tangibility that is emblematic. Crispian Mills' voice, and those of any amount of backing singers, were merely arresting, and that I should notice that the record is far from an audiophile record. Portishead's eponymous debut is also a small sonic shambles, but, in light of the truth that they will soon release a brand new record, I gave the disc a spin and was at once sucked deeper than before to the damp, oppressive, though somehow alluring setting the group evokes.
Probably the most telling signs of the achievement of the 840C is my inattentiveness on when assessing a part to the most common things reviewers dwell. Bass Guitar expansion, dynamism, resolution, neutrality, soundstaging, I am quite certain were all top notch, because I really had no occasion. It is actually not that bad, and might be the greatest player I Have heard under $5K. No, it's the most effective player I Have heard under $5K.
Most gear sent for review is things that was really capable, about which not much need be said. Every now and again, though, a part comes along that has seemingly been made by individuals unaware of what might reasonably be expected of this kind of matter, so that they happily surpass every anticipation that is realistic. The 840C is only such a something. If you are in the stage in your hifi growth in which you are in need of a person that will help you comprehend just what a performer means by their music, and those type of players are expensive, I'd suggest beginning your search here. Only get one in case you can not manage more.
