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Home / Reviews / Cambridge Audio Azur 640C V2 review

Cambridge Audio Azur 640C V2 review

Cambridge’s budget CD player isn’t the most stylish machine in the rack, but can it please us with performance?

Cambridge Audio has a well-deserved reputation for sonic class-leaders, often beating Marantz, NAD and Pioneer. But it’s lost its way somewhat with the Azur 640C V2.

Don’t get us wrong, it’s still a very good CD player – but just not up to the standard we’re used to from the London-based firm.

Lacking precision

When it comes to transparency, detail resolution and dynamics, rivals like the Marantz CD600 and Pioneer PD-D6-J are edging ahead. The Azur still provides power and attitude while the basslines are taut and tuneful, but a certain precision is lacking in the treble and high mids.

And call us shallow, but the design is a long way off elegant, bearing a more supermarket-shelf look. In short, cheap. Even the remote isn’t as good as Marantz’s.

Roll on V3

But all audio products are in a continual game of catch-up. Just as Marantz and Pioneer have leapfrogged Cambridge, we expect a Version 3 model of the Azur 640C will take pole position.

The Azur isn’t a bad CD player – in fact it’s cheaper than its rivals and a good all-rounder. But when we expect the best, good isn’t good enough.

 

Stuff Says…

Score: 4/5

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