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Cambridge Audio 651A Stereo integrated amplifier with USB input (Silver)

Item # 779651AS

Just looking at the Cambridge Audio Azur 651A, you get a little unstuck in time.

Just looking at the Cambridge Audio Azur 651A, you get a little unstuck in time.

2 questions - 7 answers

Item # 779651AS

Shop all Cambridge Audio Integrated Amplifiers

About the Cambridge Audio 651A

Woody Sherman

Old school? Or a fresh face?

Just looking at the Cambridge Audio Azur 651A, you get a little unstuck in time. Is it an exquisitely "old-school" integrated amp — everything you need for classic, analog stereo without any unneeded bells and whistles? Well, yes, but wait. The design is decidedly up-tempo and modern. And what's this USB port on the rear panel? That's the indication that the 651A is not your father's integrated amp.

Old school? Or a fresh face?

Just looking at the Cambridge Audio Azur 651A, you get a little unstuck in time. Is it an exquisitely "old-school" integrated amp — everything you need for classic, analog stereo without any unneeded bells and whistles? Well, yes, but wait. The design is decidedly up-tempo and modern. And what's this USB port on the rear panel? That's the indication that the 651A is not your father's integrated amp.

The analog features you want...

The 651A will handle analog stereo sources with the best in the field, process them without coloration, and feed them to the muscular amplifier stage. That's when things really get good: separate transformer taps and power supply units for the left and right channels manage 75 watts of robust, pristine power for startlingly quick transients and powerful, yet musical bass you can feel down to your core.

... and the digital processing you need

The Cambridge Audio Azur 651A back panel

The Cambridge Audio Azur 651A features a USB connection.

Of course, that's just what you'd expect from a Cambridge Audio integrated amp. But there's a nice surprise waiting. The USB input we mentioned before is a port to an internal DAC that processes your computer's audio files and delivers them to the analog preamp section with minimal jitter or other undesirable artifacts. And for most computers there's no need to install any new drivers. One connection and you're ready to go.

The handsome, acoustically damped chassis features a brushed-aluminum, matte-black finish. The precision volume control means the 651A will deliver even low-volume levels with impact, presence and minimal noise.

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Product highlights:

  • 75 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz), 0.03% THD at 80% of rated power
  • signal-to-noise ratio: >92 dB
  • toroidal power transformer for low noise and high-current output
  • separate transformer taps for left and right channels, twin rectifiers and separate PSUs for dual mono operation of the left and right power amps
  • 5 RCA line-level analog audio inputs accommodate CD players, tuners, other components
  • front-panel minijack input for connecting a portable music player
  • 2 stereo RCA record outputs
  • 1 stereo RCA preamp output and a dedicated mono subwoofer output
  • connect a turntable with a phono preamp
  • USB input accepts 16-bit, 32/44.1/48kHz signals, no drivers needed for Mac® or Windows® computers
  • infrared control input and control bus input/output for integration into multi-room systems
  • full-size headphone jack
  • remote control
  • 16 15/16"W x 4-5/8"H x 14-5/8"D
  • weight: 18.5 lbs.
  • warranty: 3 years
  • MFR # CAMB651ASL

What's in the box:

  • Integrated amplifier
  • 6' AC power cord
  • IR remote control (RC-651A/C)
  • 3 "AAA" batteries
  • User Manual (Eng/Fre/Spa)
  • Quick Start Guide (Eng/Fre/Spa)

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More details on the Cambridge Audio 651A

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Performance Specs
Watts RMS per Channel (8-ohms) 75
Watts RMS per Channel (6-ohms) Not given
Watts RMS per Channel (4-ohms) Not given
Frequency Bandwidth 20-20k
THD 0.03%
Minimum Impedance 4 ohms
Amplifier Class AB
Signal to Noise Ratio 92
DAC Bit Depth ---
DAC Sample Rate ---
Features
Built-in DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) Yes
Wi-Fi
Built-in Radio Tuner None
Room Correction ---
High-res Audio Playback
From Network No
From USB Thumb Drive (USB-A) No
From Computer (USB-B) No
Bluetooth
Version Info ---
Receiver Mode No
Transmitter Mode No
AAC Playback No
aptX Playback No
aptX-HD Playback No
LDAC Playback No
Connections
RCA Line-level Inputs ---
XLR Line-level Inputs ---
Phono Input No
Optical Digital Inputs No
Coaxial Digital Inputs No
USB Input Type-B
HDMI Inputs ---
Stereo Preamp Outputs ---
Subwoofer Outputs 1
Recording Output Yes
HDMI Output ---
Home Theater Bypass No
Pre-out/Main-in Loop No
Headphone Output 1/4"
Removable Power Cord ---
Streaming Compatibility
Apple AirPlay No
Apple AirPlay 2 No
DTS Play-Fi No
Chromecast built-in No
Roon No
HEOS No
BluOS No
Dimensions and Warranty
Width (inches) 16-15/16
Height (inches) 4-5/8
Depth (inches) 14-5/8
Weight (pounds) 18.5
Parts Warranty 3 Years
Labor Warranty 3 Years

Product Research

Features
Controls
Connections
Add-On Devices

Features

High Quality Sound Reproduction: The Cambridge Audio Azur 651A integrated amplifier has been designed and engineered to deliver the purest, most realistic sound reproduction possible; free from interference or distortion.

Full Metal Chassis: The 651A integrated amplifier features an acoustically damped, low resonance full-metal chassis with a thick, brushed aluminum front-panel.

75W x 2Ch Integrated Amp: The Cambridge Audio Azur 651A delivers an impressive 75 watts per channel into 8 ohms, at 20-20kHz, with 0.03% THD at 80% rated power.

Fully Discreet Amplifier Circuitry: The 651A integrated amplifier has separate transformers for left and right channels, twin rectifiers, and separate PSUs for dual mono operation of the left and right power.

ALPS " Black Box" Volume Encoder: The 651A integrated amplifier uses a high end ALPS "Black Box: volume encoder that all of the signal goes through this at all times, so this is a very key component. Benefits include perfect channel balance at all volume levels and improved and stereo separation.

Toroidal Transformer: Unlike a lot manufactures who use cheap laminate type transformers, the 651A use an audiophile grade toroidal transformer offering minimal electro magnetic interference and delivering superior audio performance.

Heat Sink: The 651A integrated amplifier features substantial extruded heat sinks, allowing the amp to deliver incredible power and control.

Polypropylene Capacitors: New low inductance resistors and polypropylene signal capacitors are used for superior audio performance.

Buffered Input Circuitry: The 651A features buffered input circuitry for superior audio performance, including lower crosstalk and improved stereo imaging. It also uses new low dissipation polypropylene signal capacitors and custom made electrolytic capacitors in critical positions.

Redesigned Output Stage: The 651A integrated amplifier uses completely redesigned output stages with new Sanken output transistors, improving bass response and dynamics even further.

5-Way Protection System: Cambridge Audio has developed a proprietary protection system to ensure reliability and long life of its amplifiers. This proprietary protection system is known as "CAP5 protection circuitry". This protection system comprises five main protection methods:

  • DC Detection: CAP5 offers loudspeaker protection if the output of the amplifier goes to a high constant voltage (DC).
  • Over Temperature Detection: AP5 includes temperature detection which constantly monitors the heat generated by the output transistors. If the monitored temperature reaches a high level (suitably within the limits of the output devices) the amplifier will automatically switch into a fault mode.
  • Over Voltage Detection: CAP5 offers V/I protection by constantly monitoring the output transistors to keep them working inside their Safe Operating Area (SOA). The SOA is a set of limits given by the output transistor manufacturer to ensure reliability. V/I also protects the amplifier against short-circuits on the speaker terminals during use.
  • Short-Circuit Detection: During power up from Standby, CAP5 performs a check on the loudspeaker terminals to see if a short across the terminals has been accidentally introduced. If the resistance measured across the loudspeaker terminals is too low, the unit will remain in Standby mode until the fault has been removed and power up is re-attempted.
  • Intelligent Clipping Detection: CAP5 has the ability to detect when the amplifier starts to clip or overdrive at its output, which can damage loudspeakers and degrade the sound. Clipping distortion is caused at high volume levels when the output signal briefly goes outside the maximum voltage that the amplifier can provide, causing the tops of the signal to flatten off. When CAP5 detects clipping, the volume will be automatically nudged down until CAP5 detects an undistorted output.

Standby Circuit: This innovative new circuitry design allows 651A integrated amplifier to consume less than 1 watt of power when in Standby, but itself remains totally isolated and non-detrimental to the sound quality when the amplifier is in operation.

Controls

Main Power Switch: The 651A integrated amplifier's main power on/off switch is located on the rear-panel.

Standby/On: Once the amp's rear-panel main power switch has been turned On, you can switch the 651A On/Off using the front-panel Standby/On button.

Volume: Use the front-panel rotary volume control to increase or decrease the level of the sound from the outputs of the amplifier. The volume control affects the level of the loudspeaker output, the preamp output, and the headphone output. It does not affect the Rec Out connections.

A/B Operation: The Cambridge Audio 651A integrated amplifier lets you play A speakers only, B speakers only, or A and B speakers together.

Direct: This control gives the audio signal a more direct path to the power amplifier stage of your amplifier, bypassing the bass and treble control circuits for the purest possible sound quality.

Bass and Treble: The 651A integrated amplifier has independent Bass (20Hz) and Treble (20kHz) controls which can be adjusted from +/-7.5dB. The Bass and Treble controls only effect the speaker and preamp outputs; they do not effect the record outputs.

Balance: This control allows you to adjust the relative output levels of the left and right speaker channels. The Balance control only effects the speaker and preamp outputs; it does not effect the record outputs.

IR Remote Control: The 651A is supplied with an Azur Navigator IR remote control that operates both this amplifier and Cambridge Audio Azur-series CD players. The Azur 651AC Navigator remote control can also control the basic functions of Apple devices, such as Apple TV and Apple's iPod/iPhone/iPad when docked in a Cambridge Audio or Apple dock (sold separately).

Note: The remote operates off of three "AAA" batteries (supplied).
Connections

Analog Audio Inputs: The Cambridge Audio 651A integrated amplifier is fitted with five pair of gold-plated analog audio inputs (RCA) to connect your external audio sources; such as your Blu-ray/DVD player, AM/FM tuner, CD/SACD player, or Network Player.

Note: The 651A integrated amp is not equipped with digital inputs/outputs or video inputs/outputs. There is also no Phono input.

Analog Audio Outputs: The 651A integrated amplifier features two pair of gold-plated analog audio outputs (RCA) that can be connected to a CD recorder, MiniDisc recorder, or tape recorder.

Front-Panel Aux Input: The Cambridge Audio 651A integrated amplifier features a front-panel Auxiliary (3.5mm) input to connect your portable MP3 player or other portable audio device.

USB Port: The 651A integrated amplifier is fitted with a rear-panel USB (type-B) full-speed 1.1 port allowing USB audio streaming from your Windows PC (XP, Vista, 7) or Mac computer (Mac OSX 10.5 or higher). The USB port supports 16-bit/32kHz, 44.1kHz, or 48kHz audio.

A-B Speaker Terminals: The Cambridge Audio 651A integrated amplifier is equipped with two sets of gold-plated, binding-post speaker terminals (labeled A and B). The use of A and B speaker terminals allow you to hook up speakers in another room.

Note: When using two pairs of speaker, use only speakers with a minimum nominal impedance of 8 ohms.

Subwoofer Output: The 651A integrated amplifier is equipped with a mono subwoofer output to connect a powered subwoofer for added bass response.

Preamp Output: The Cambridge Audio 651A is equipped with a pair of RCA preamp outputs to connect the integrated amp to an external power amplifier.

Record Outputs: The 651A also features two pair of gold-plated analog audio record outputs (RCA) that can be connected to a CD recorder, MiniDisc recorder, or tape recorder.

Headphone Output: The 651A integrated amplifier offers a front-panel 1/4" headphone output to connect a set of headphones for private listening. When headphones are connected, the output to both A/B loudspeakers is muted. Use headphones with an impedance of between 32 and 600 ohms.

IR Emitter: The 651A features a IR Emitter input (3.5mm) which allows modulated IR commands from multi-room systems or IR repeater system to be received by the amplifier.

Control Bus: The 651A features a Control Bus Input and Output (RCA), which allows un-modulated commands from multi-room systems or other components to be received by the amp and loop out to another unit.

AC Power Cord: The Cambridge Audio 651A operates off of standard household AC current using the supplied detachable 6' AC power cord.

Add-On Devices

Azur Series CD Player: The Cambridge Audio Azur 651C Compact Disc Player (779651CS, sold separately) is the perfect companion to the 651A integrated amplifier.

DacMagic: Get even better sound from your computer's stored music and Internet radio, as well as add optical/coaxial digital inputs to the 351 A integrated amplifier, with a Cambridge Audio DacMagic external digital-to-analog converter (779DACMPLS, sold separately).

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Customer Q&A

2 questions already asked

Q
I know it has A and B out puts but can they be used to bi wire speakers?
garry  Jan 19, 2014
2 answers
A
We use the additional chanels for bi wire by designating them. Yes you can tell a difference in the low end by bi wiring.
jay  Jan 31, 2014
A
Yes A and B can bd used to bi wire ..but to be honest with u ..u wont gain anything unless your bi amping that is where u will see a diffrence
frank d  Jan 20, 2014
Q
I noticed on the rear of the amp it says 220 volt.Is the one shipped 120 volts to use in the usa?
leigh  Dec 13, 2014
5 answers
A
Yep, worked fine.
floyd  Dec 15, 2014
A
115V.
ronald  Dec 14, 2014
A
The back of my unit says Power rating: 115volts AC - 50/60Hz. Maximum power consumption 600W. Definitely works on USA power outlets.
leigh  Dec 14, 2014
A
I got mine two weeks ago and yes, it is 120 volt.
kevin  Dec 14, 2014
A
I do not recommend the 651A. I was dissatisfied with the sound and returned it. Instead, I purchased a Rogue Sphinx and was thoroughly impressed with the difference in quality. I'm a tube man and will never go back to solid state.
john  Dec 14, 2014

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