Our take on the Cambridge Audio Azur 551P

by Dave Bar

The Azur 551P adds excitement and life to the sound of your vinyl records.

"Do I really need a separate phono preamplifier?"

The simple answer is, of course, if your turntable or stereo system doesn't already have one built in. But even if does, and you're currently plugging your turntable directly into your receiver or amp's phono input, you could still be missing out on a lot of sonic goodness. That's because many manufacturers use low-cost, low-fi circuitry that sounds flat and lifeless. The Cambridge Audio Azur 551P solves that problem. It boosts and equalizes the tiny voltages coming from your 'table's moving magnet phono cartridge to deliver a robust, line-level signal infused with rich, dynamic sound — revealing layers of musical detail hidden in the grooves of your favorite vinyl records.

The Cambridge Audio difference

Cambridge Audio has a passion for creating high-value audio gear that captures every last drop of detail and emotion from your music. The 551P has been carefully designed to offer plenty of foot-tapping performance at a price that won't break the bank. Its advanced electronics include high-quality 'Class A' amplification circuits and hand-picked components housed in an all-metal outer casing featuring a thick brushed aluminum front panel. The 551P isn't expensive, it only sounds and looks that way.

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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 1-7/8"H x 6-3/4"D
warranty: 1 year
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What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Product Research

What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

MM phono pre-amplifier
AC power supply (with attached 6' DC cord)
Quick Start Guide
Important Safety Instructions
Caution note

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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 551P 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 551P. Connected using a stereo audio interconnect cable, the 551P 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 551P 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 551P 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 551P 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 551P 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 551P 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 551P to a "Phono Input" on a receiver or amplifier.

Ground Terminal: The 551P 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.

Power Switch: The Cambridge Audio 551P features a front-panel power switch to turn the unit On/Off; this allow energy consumption to be zeroed when not in use.

External AC Adapter: The Cambridge Audio 551P MM phono pre-amplifier includes an external AC power supply.

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

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5 out of 5

Cambridge Audio Azur 551P

Written By JoeR, Pittsburgh,PA on Saturday, May 25, 2013

Unit performs as advertised without any problems to date.

Pros:

Unit performs as stated.

Cons:

None

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5 out of 5

First pre amp

Written By DonE., Hilo Hawaii on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

I haven't used a pre amp before , so take this w/ a grain of salt. I had a hum in my system when using this device , so I upgraded the in/out audio cables per Crutchfield tech support. That cured everything . Sound is clearer than I remember my LPs from years ago ( some from 1963 ) I have traveled & toted about 300 LPs for all of my adult life. Getting this with the Pro-ject Carbon turntable was a little pricey for me , but hearing those cuts on my LPs that NO ONE plays anymore was worth it. (Thanks , Honey),my wife , not Crutchfield... P.S. went with Monster gold cables..

Pros:

works & looks great

Cons:

they should put really high quality cables with it , or none at all

1 out of 1 people found this helpful

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5 out of 5

Superb upgrade in SOUND!!

Written By R. Proudfoot, Oak Park, MI on Sunday, January 13, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

I decided some months back to renew my interest in vinyl. I dug out my old Technics SL-Q2 turntable, installed a new Audio Technica stylus and purchased this product. As with the previous reviewer I could not plug into the phono jack in my Sony receiver but instead plugged into an auxiliary jack. What an improvement in the SOUND!!!! Remarkable improvement compared to listening to my old albums without this phono pre-amp. Highly recommended!!!

Pros:

Much improved sound quality. Really makes my entire unit sound totally different (amazingly different). Simple to set up/install.

Cons:

None

3 out of 3 people found this helpful

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5 out of 5

Excellent Product

Written By David D, Clayton, North Carolina on Saturday, December 01, 2012

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Excellent product, I was skeptical of this product at first, my turntable has a built-in amp, and also my amplifier has a phono jack. I went in through a line on my amp, and turned off the switch to the preamp on the turntable. I was amazed at how much better the sound of my old albums produced using this product. I don't have high dollar audio equipment, but I feel like I do now! The sound is louder, more pure, and crisp, not as dull and flat as it use to be. I'm not saying this is a miracle product, but it did help out my stereo system. I don't think I'll go out and buy one of those $500 plus turntables, I'll stick with my cheap $200 table for now. I'm a satisfied customer, and I recommend this product... made in England, not China, so it should last for more than a couple of days, but what do I know, it's probably made in China too.

Pros:

Does improve the sound of your turntable (mine anyway), Not a bad looking peice of equipment

Cons:

none

5 out of 6 people found this helpful

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1-4 of 4

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Cambridge Audio Azur 551P

Phono preamplifier for moving magnet cartridges (Silver)

Item# 779551PS offer details

Review Summary

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Our take on the Cambridge Audio Azur 551P

by Dave Bar

"Do I really need a separate phono preamplifier?"

The Cambridge Audio difference

Highlights:

Shop all Cambridge Audio Phono Preamps

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

Product Research

Our Product Research Team

Features

Product Reviews

Reviews for the Cambridge Audio Azur 551P

Average Customer Review:

Review this product:

Crutchfield Video Review Guidelines

Filter by rating:

Cambridge Audio Azur 551P

First pre amp

Superb upgrade in SOUND!!

Excellent Product

Accessories

Add accessories for the Cambridge Audio Azur 551P

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

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

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