Cambridge Audio Azur 540R v.3 AV-receiver
Quite conservative Englishmen from Cambridge started production of cinema equipment not so long ago, and Azur 540R AV-receiver (then the first version) became one of the first-born in this segment. Such a slow replenishment of the model range can be explained primarily by the reluctance to launch a product of mediocre quality on the market, because the reputation of the traditional stereo of this brand among lovers of good sound is invariably high.
The third generation of the popular model has acquired almost all the functions of a modern receiver: there is also video switching (including HDMI), a multi-level on-screen menu and a full set of decoders for the most popular multi-channel audio formats. The device is well prepared for use in multi-room installations, for which an input for an external IR receiver and an RS-232 port for controlling an external controller are provided. It can also be used to update software downloaded from the official Cambridge Audio website. Perhaps, at this price of the receiver, only auto-calibration is missing, which greatly simplifies the initial setup procedure. Yes, and the remote control, in my opinion, could be more functional, the ability to control equipment from other manufacturers would not hurt.
By tradition, here special attention is paid to the output stages of power amplifiers. They are made on discrete elements using high-current transistors. There is a huge toroidal transformer in the power supply, so fears about energy performance were dispelled in advance.
The digital audio path uses a CS42518 multichannel DAC and a CS493263 signal processor manufactured by Cirrus Logic.
When the source was connected via the analog input, the remarkable musical potential of the new Azur was immediately revealed. I would describe the sound briefly: pure and extremely natural. The tonal balance is almost perfect, the timbres are only slightly embellished, but the overall sound is harmonious. The powerful bass register is confidently controlled, the acoustics are damped accurately and confidently. The energy is really very high, and the dynamics are especially impressive. According to this indicator (I'll run a little ahead), the receiver surpasses many competitors. The created sound space goes far beyond the acoustic systems and has an incredible volume, albeit with a slightly increased scale of individual instruments.
When switching to digital inputs, the character of the sound changes very slightly. While retaining most of the advantages of an analog connection, the device slightly loses some of the dynamics, but brings more order to the sound stage. It acquires the correct proportions and a more pronounced localization of virtual sources. In general, it can be noted that both connection options are good - which of them is better, I can't say for sure, this is a matter of taste.
