1.888.955.6000
 
 
1-888-955-6000
crutchfield.com
Crutchfield

Free Shipping on Everything

60-Day Money-Back Guarantee  |  Lifetime Tech Support

Cambridge Audio Azur 540P

Phono preamplifier for moving magnet cartridges

Zoom
  • Cambridge Audio Azur 540P

    Front

  • Cambridge Audio Azur 540P

    Back

Item# 779540PS offer details

Item# 779540PS

Review Summary

 
DISCONTINUED
 
This item is no longer available to purchase.
 
Contact us for other options
 
 
Original price $99.99
We recommend this similar item, or shop all Phono Preamps
 
 
 
 

By buying this product you'll earn up to 100 Rewards points.

When you sign up for a Crutchfield account, you’ll be enrolled in Crutchfield Rewards. You’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend on gear from us. You can turn your points into Rewards Cards that you can use toward future purchases. You can sign up for an account now, or after you complete your purchase (you’ll get credit for the points either way).

 
Cambridge Audio

Our take on the Cambridge Audio Azur 540P

by Dave Bar

Get the most from your grooves

Vinyl is hot these days, and people are discovering (or rediscovering) just how good records can sound. Unfortunately, most new receivers and amps lack the built-in circuitry you need to plug in a turntable. And even if your system comes with a phono input, it still might leave your LPs sounding weak and one-dimensional. The Cambridge Audio 540P solves that problem in a snap. Simply plug this high-performance phono preamp in between your turntable and receiver, and instantly enjoy toe-tapping performance that brings out the best in your albums.

Highlights:

  • compatible with moving magnet phono cartridges
  • external power supply for reduced noise and interference
  • acoustically damped full-metal chassis with thick, brushed aluminum front panel
  • discrete transistor input stages instead of integrated circuits for greater dynamics and lower noise
  • single-ended 'Class A' gain stage with audiophile-grade passive RIAA equalization
  • gain: 39dB (at 1 kHz)
  • signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 85dB
  • THD: less than 0.009% (20-20,000 Hz)
  • RIAA response accuracy: ±0.65dB (25-20,000 Hz)
  • crosstalk at 20 kHz: greater than 76dB
  • 8-1/2"W x 1-13/16"H x 6-9/16"D
  • warranty: 1 year
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
Shop all Cambridge Audio Phono Preamps
     

    Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

    Product Research

    Product Research
    What's in the box?

    Download owner's manual

    • MM phono pre-amplifier
    • AC power supply (with attached 6' DC cord)
    • Instruction Booklet
    • WEEE Symbol
    • Caution note

    Our Product Research Team

    At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

    Features

    Overview: The Cambridge Audio 540P-S MM phono pre-amplifier has been designed to complement a wide range of entry-level MM (moving magnet) turntables. This high-quality pre-amplifier contains the amplification required to enable you to connect your MM turntable to your stereo amplifier or home theater receiver. Some amplifiers are already able to support turntable connections, but these built-in phono pre-amplifiers are out-performed by the Cambridge Audio 540P-S. Connected using a stereo audio interconnect cable, the 540P-S is set-up in minutes allowing you to appreciate stunning clarity, musicality, and resolution from all your vinyl recordings.

    All Metal Chassis: The Cambridge Audio 540P-S MM phono pre-amplifier features an acoustically damped full metal chassis with a thick brushed aluminum front-panel.

    Moving Magnet (MM) Compatible: The Cambridge Audio 540P-S is a Moving-Magnet-type (MM) phono stage; which describes the commonly used type of cartridge (sometimes referred to as a "needle" or "stylus") configuration typically supplied with affordable modern turntables.

    Class A Amplification: The 540P-S MM phono pre-amplifier utilizes a single-ended "Class A" gain stage with audiophile passive RIAA equalization for excellent sound quality.

    Discrete Transistors: The Cambridge Audio MM phono pre-amplifier uses discrete transistors for the input stages, instead of the more common integrated circuits which can cause interference and distortion.

    MM Phono Input: The Cambridge Audio 540P-S MM phono pre-amplifier is fitted with a set of stereo RCA inputs to connect your MM (moving magnet) cartridge turntable.

    Audio Output: The Cambridge Audio 540P-S MM is fitted with a set of stereo RCA outputs to connect your turntable and the pre-amplifier to the line-level inputs on your home receiver. Do not connect the 540P-S to a "Phono Input" on a receiver or amplifier.

    Ground Terminal: The 540P-S has a turntable ground, in case your turntable has a separate ground lead. This provides shielding to the tone-arm and the sensitive circuitry in the turntable.

    External AC Adapter: The Cambridge Audio 540P-S MM phono pre-amplifier includes an external AC power supply.

    • Input: 120V AC, 60Hz
    • Output: 12V - 500mA
     

    Product Reviews

    Review this product
    Great Gear Giveaway rewards card

    Submit a review and you will be entered to win a $150 gift card

    Crutchfield Great Gear Giveaway Official Sweepstakes Rules

    Reviews for the Cambridge Audio Azur 540P

    Average Customer Review:

    5 people say:

    Review this product:

    Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences about this product. Please be sure to focus your comments on the product itself. Read our Review Guidelines for more information.

    Your email won't be visible. Please use the email address that is associated with your order.
    (e.g., JohnD) Your review will be signed using the display name and location
    (e.g., Charlottesville, VA)

    Click on a star to rate the overall product on a scale of 1-5
    1500 characters left
    Attach a YouTube Review
    Crutchfield Video Review Guidelines
    • Only submit videos that you made or are authorized to use.
    • Do not submit videos that contain music, video or visuals that are copyrighted and belong to someone else.
    • Please see our Review Guidelines for more information.
    500 characters left
    500 characters left
    Filter by rating:
    Sort by:
    Showing: 1-5 of 5
    View page: 1
    5 out of 5

    Cambridge Audio Azur 540P

    Written By Randy N, San Leandro, CA on Saturday, May 04, 2013
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    This device works perfectly!
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    Excellent bang for your buck

    Written By js, Birmingham, AL on Thursday, April 25, 2013
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I got exactly what I was looking for: a good value on a good preamp. As always, Crutchfield's customer service was excellent.
    Pros:
    Sound. Ease of installation and use. Price.
    Cons:
    None.
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    Nice phono amp

    Written By Kyle E, Centreville, VA on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    The Cambridge Audio 540P has been hooked up for about two weeks now and so far I'm very pleased. It was easy to connect, as there are no extra inputs or outputs and just required rca cables and a spare electrical outlet. Though I'm no expert the sound quality of the Rega turntable playing through it is great, with the amp providing plenty of boost to the signal. The unit itself is a clean little aluminum box that goes with everything and is to my ear completely silent, no electric hum to fight with the music.
    Pros:
    Attractive, good size
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    4 out of 5

    Cambridge Audio Azur 540P

    Written By Anonymous, Michigan on Tuesday, January 15, 2013
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    Works fine, but rather poor construction as the rubber disk type foot came off within a couple days, glued back on but maybe that should be done right in the manufacturing process and not by the consumer, but then again who gives a rats ... Any more?
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    Cambridge Audio Azur 540P

    Written By Scott, Fort Collins CO on Sunday, December 30, 2012
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    Cambridge Audio Azur 540P works just fine NO funny noises or buzzing
    Pros:
    works like it should
    Cons:
    none so far
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    1-5 of 5

    Accessories

    Add accessories for the Cambridge Audio Azur 540P

    Use RCA cables to make audio connections between your turntable and phono preamp, and between your phono preamp and stereo. See all categories & accessories

    AudioQuest Evergreen Stereo interconnect cable with RCA plugs (0.6 meter/2 feet)
    11 people say 
    Your Price: $26.00
    Add to Cart
    Monster Cable Stereo Audio 400i Stereo interconnect cables with RCA plugs (1 meter/3.3 ft.)
    2 people say 
    Your Price: $39.95
    Add to Cart
    AudioQuest Golden Gate Stereo interconnect cable with RCA plugs (0.6 meter/2 feet)
    5 people say 
    Your Price: $56.00
    Add to Cart
    Monster Cable Stereo Audio 200i Stereo interconnect cables with RCA plugs (1 meter/3.3 ft.)
    7 people say 
    Your Price: $19.95
    Add to Cart
    AudioQuest G-Snake Stereo interconnect cables with RCA plugs (2 meters/6.6 feet)
    22 people say 
    Your Price: $29.99

    After $20.00 Special Purchase

    Add to Cart
    Panamax MD2 Space-saving surge suppressor with two outlets
    3 people say 
    Your Price: $39.99
    Add to Cart
    Monster Power AV 600 Surge suppressor
    5 people say 
    Your Price: $24.95
    Add to Cart
    Monster Power AV 800 Surge suppressor
    12 people say 
    Your Price: $49.95
    Add to Cart
    Panamax SP8-AV Power line conditioner and surge suppressor
    13 people say 
    Your Price: $69.99
    Add to Cart

    Smart people protect with SquareTrade- The best warranty at the best price

    In business since 1999, SquareTrade is the largest independent warranty provider in the U.S.

    100% parts and labor - no deductibles

    All mechanical and electrical failures covered, includes normal wear and tear.

    Your item's repaired or the full item price returned withing 5 days

    Runs concurrent with manufacturer's warranty

    Rated 5-stars by consumers

    For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Cambridge Audio Azur 540P, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/S-0HzifCv88dH/p_779540PS/Cambridge-Audio-Azur-540P.html ).

    Get live, personalized service from an expert

    Crutchfield Advisor: Hi there.

    Crutchfield Advisor: We're happy to answer questions or provide additional info about this item.

    Advisors also available at 1-888-600-3963

    Sorry, the Cambridge Audio Azur 540P is no longer available for purchase.

    • Front

      Cambridge Audio Azur 540P
    • Back

      Cambridge Audio Azur 540P