The 840C embraces a raft of proprietary technologies including ATF™ (Adaptive Time Filtering) asynchronous
The 840C embraces a raft of proprietary technologies including ATF™ (Adaptive Time Filtering) asynchronous up-sampling technology which has been developed in conjunction with Anagram Technologies of Switzerland. This system intelligently interpolates 16-bit/44.1kHz CD data to 24-bit/384kHz data, through the use of a 32-bit Analog Devices Black Fin DSP (digital signal processor). This in turn feeds two 24-bit/384kHz DACs from the same company in dual differential formation.
Each DAC handles just one channel for excellent stereo imaging, operating fully in differential mode for exceptionally low distortion and noise.
Both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR outputs are fitted. Two digital inputs are also provided which even allow the up-sampling and playback of other sources such as a DVD player via the Azur 840C. In addition, a recording digital output can even allow bit-for-bit data or upsampled data at 48, 96 or 192 kHz to be recorded by a suitable device.
Summary: Hi everybody, i bought my cambridge 840C three weeks ago. I will start by saying that this cd player need at least 200 hrs break-in time. Since that break-in is made, get ready for real music. I've tried many cd player in my life, from 100$ to 10 000$ cd player. I can tell you right now that you will need to spend 4000-5000$ to equal that player. This player is very neutral, you will hear the music like it should play when it was made, no less no more. I strongly suggest that you use the XLR cable for this player as well as good amplifier (i'm using a NAD M3 master series 2 x 180 Watts mono bloc and its very surprising for Nad equipement...) and good speakers (i use paradigm reference studio V40 wich are fine too). You will never find another player that will be better than this one at this price, it is a real bargain. The bass are deep and precise, the mid are stunning, you get into the music.
Strengths: VALUE, music realistic
Weaknesses: So far, for this price, dont know what to say... Maybe the "ordinary" look but then again, i dont care...
Summary: The prior review mirrors my experience with the 840C.An exceptional player regardless of price,but a HUGE bargain at it's current price.Depth of soundstage is the best I've EVER heard.Extraction of ALL info on discs is simply incredible.Bass is so realistic I finally feel like I'm hearing what was intended when the cd's were recorded.Tonality on stringed instuments is uncanny,percussion as well.Decay on piano is REAL!!!You can actually feel and hear the timbre of wood instruments. Vocals are as though the artist is standing in front of you.Overall soundstage is pinpoint and huge...I've personally never heard a $10,000 cd player,but if I'd spent $5-10K on a player I would want it to have all of the virtues of this one.Great job Cambridge!
Strengths: See Above VALUE,VALUE,VALUE!!!!!! Reality of sound...
Weaknesses: Not the most attractive player I've seen,but that's not why I bought it...
Similar Products Used: Sony SCD XA777ES,Sony SCD-1,Sony SCD 555ES,Lector ???,Jolida JD 100,Shanling 100 & 200,Wadia 21,Oppo,Esoteric Rt 20
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Summary: Dazzling, subtle, realistic, sweet, gorgeous, beautifully made, easy to use, great remote, handsome are a few of the adjectives that come to mind when I think of this marvelous player. I've used EAD, Wadia, Cary, Proceed and Ayre players and I prefer this to any of them. The higher upsampling rate must be extracting more than I've ever heard from other players. The imaging is very accurate with wonderful bleed between instruments and singers and yet distinct and clearly etched in their onstage locations. The interconnects, not surprisingly, are critical. Balanced is better as the reviews say, but the better the interconnect the better she will sound. Also, I find that using isolater cones makes a huge difference in the clarity of the image and ambience of the playback. The review is right I believe. . . . it IS the best CD player under $5000.
Strengths: Sound. Looks. Build quality. Ease of use. Gorgeous remote.
Summary: The last review summaries my experience with this player to a T. In the wrong system is will sound a little thin. The cable is very important and when it clicks in it is stunning. Stunning. That is how I describe this player to friends. I have been listening to CD players for over 20 years and this is the first player than prefer to my turntable. It has me eying it for an upgrade.
Prior to purchasing the 840C I had decided to go the all in one route, cd/dvd-v/dvd-a/sacd and purchased the marantz dvd 7600. I wrestle with that player for months trying to be satisfied with it. I finally got to a place where I enjoyed listening to it.
Well it is not a fair comparison but the 840c not only blew it out of the water once it was broken it but I have no urge to tweak it. It sits on its own feet in a salamander synergy cabinet.
I have the Wilco live album, kicking out your television, and it really highlights what this player does well. The music is clear and expands all around the speakers with the music played on real instruments in a real space. At the same time it is warm--not like a Rega or some of the players, like the 7600, that soften the sound to warm it up but in a real way. Now I do use a tube interegrated, a VAC avatar but it not a ovely warm tube amp. Some even say it is bright. I have played around with the tubes to get it my liking but it is not warm.
What this player has also done is make me realize how good my system really is. I have come to really appreciated how the Avator and my silverline Sonatina II's to present music in a real space and at the same time covey the emotion of the music.
I found the cable made a big difference, taking it from very good to excellent. I ended up with a Van den Hul D102 mark III. It really opened up the sound spreading the soundstage across the wall behind the speakers.
I mainly listen to rock and folk and the player holds the timing together superbly. It rocks.
Finally, I probably infer this above but it has great truth of timbre. The instruments sound real and alive, not like cardboard cutouts, which is what I always found with previous CD players.
Like the last listener it takes awhile to break in and once it does you don't want to stop listening and i get drawn into the music.
I also love that it can be used a dac. As I only watch movies through 2 channels, I use this dac rather than the one in the Marantz. The movies sound clearer and have more impact. I have also put my tv through for the off the HDTV I watch.
All in all even after 10 months I am still enjoying it. Highly recommended.
Strengths: Clear and rhythmic with a sense of real people playing real instruments
Presents the emotion message of the music
Preserves the magic
Weaknesses: Can sound a little thin if not matched correctly in the system,.
Similar Products Used: Rega planet, Jupiter 2000, adcom cd players, denon 3300, and other assorted players I can't remember.
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Summary: Just when you thought the days were numbered for the plain old compact disc format, the brilliant design of the Cambridge Audio Azur 840c makes the ordinary CD reign supreme once again. The basic concept is to upsample the Redbook CD from its 44.1kHz/16-bit audio into a 384kHz/24-bit high definition sound. When played on a good sound system, the end effect is absolutely staggering.
Out of the box, the Azur 840c makes a great impression, but the best is yet to come over a 100 hour 24/7 burn-in period. During this period it morphs into an incredible holographic sound machine in which the performers are appearing to be playing live on a huge soundstage. Every instrument detail is captured perfectly and focused within its own space. The human vocals are hypnotic and mesmerizing for their realistic definition. You would swear the singer is performing live, right in front of you. Spectacular room filling performances by K.D. Lang in Hallelujah, The Calling by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rod Stewart's The Great American Songbook, Truth and Bones by Heather Nova, The Space Between by Dave Matthews and the arresting harmonies of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss in Raising Sand. Even my recordings from the 1960's and '70s were upsampled to sound far superior to any other previous CD player. As an added design bonus, Cambridge Audio included two digital imputs to plug in outside digital sources for the benefit of upsampling these sources for higher definition. You can link up your iPod or a DVD player, so that no matter what the future holds for digital playback, the Azur 840c can always play an important role.
There is also an intangible musical timing effect from the Azure 840c, where the listener can FEEL a realistic foot stomping performance by the musicians. An example of that came from Bob Dylan's Modern Times. Dylan has always been noted for having his whole band play together for a one-take studio recording. The Azur captured the driving rhythm of the group's performance to such a realistic point that Modern Times has been elevated near the top of my favorite play list. It's these deeper discoveries and holographic presentation in any old CDs that makes the Azur 840c a must hear demonstration.
To clearly hear the 840c's detailed music and layered instruments within the soundstage, it's critically important to have high end interconnects. A trial test of different brands is the best way to find what interconnect matches to your personal system. For me, Synergistic Research Alpha Sterling matched well with my system and gave a rich, warm body to the instrumental sound. Without the Alpha Sterlings, I did find the Azur 840c to sound a bit on the lean side even though it remained highly detailed. The right interconnects can correct that issue and remove any perceived veiling to open the soundstage wide and make your room completely disappear when the music is playing.
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