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
Our 60-day money-back guarantee

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What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

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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

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 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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