Audio Features
Video Features
Convenience Features
Remote Control
Audio Features
Audiophile Components: The
Cambridge Audio azur 651R employs a Toroidal transformer and isolated processing
boards for a high purity, low-distortion signal. The AV receiver's X-Tract
near-silent cooling system combined with a rigid low-resonance chassis maximizes
the system's audio signal quality.
- All-Metal Case: The all-metal case and brushed
aluminum front-panel is very stable and introduces less resonance to the
audio signal.
- Isolated Processing Boards: The 651R
features isolated input and video processing boards to ensure minimum noise
distortion.
- Toroidal Transformer: The Toroidal
transformer delivers a high purity, low-distortion signal; plus better bass
response.
- X-Tract Cooling: The Cambridge Audio azur 651R employs a unique
cooling system called X-Tract. A perfectly balanced combination of forced
cooling and natural convection effectively draws heat away from the substantial
transformer and output stages and means the 651R can operate extremely quietly,
at a low temperature and enables a more compact enclosure than would normally be
possible.
7 Discrete Amplifiers: Seven discrete amplifiers driven by a low-flux
toroidal transformer are separated from the processing and input stages
delivering ultra-low noise and distortion, thereby guaranteeing performance
without compromise. This careful design of the amplifier stages ensure that the
651R can reproduce the dynamics required for movie and music soundtracks. The 7
channel amplifier is rated at 140 watts with 2 channels driven (1kHz, 8-ohms,
0.006% THD) or 100 watts with all 7 channels driven (1kHz, 8-ohms, 0.006% THD).
Amplifier Assignment: The seven amplifier
channels built into the receiver are typically used for 7.2 channel surround
(Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, Surround Back L/R, and Dual SW) in the main
room. These seven amplifier channels can be configured to accommodate various
home theater setups.
- 7.1ch: Seven speakers are powered in the main
room - Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, and Surround Back L/R. Zone 2 will need to be powered by a separate amplifier.
Bi-amplification is not an option.
- 5.1ch + Height: Seven speakers are powered in the main
room - Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, and Front Height L/R (no Surround
Back channels). Zone 2 will need to be powered by a separate amplifier.
Bi-amplification is not an option.
- Bi-Amp Mode: This receiver allows you to reassign the
surround back amplifier channels to make bi-amp connections (compatible speakers
required). A bi-amplification connection uses two amplifiers for one speaker.
One amplifier is connected to the woofer section of a loudspeaker while the
other is connected to the combined midrange and tweeter section. With this
arrangement each amplifier operates over a limited frequency range, making its
job easier. The receiver will be limited to 5.2ch surround in the main room, and
Zone 2 must be powered by a separate amplifier.
- Zone 2: You can also reassign the
surround back amplifier channels to power speakers in Zone 2. The receiver
will be limited to 5.2ch surround in the main room and you will not be able
to bi-amp the front speakers.
24-bit/192kHz DACs: The Cambridge Audio azur 651R utilizes
a Cirrus Logic 192kHz/24-bit D/A converter on each of the unit's seven channels for
exceptional sound quality. The 192kHz sampling and 24-bit word length
capabilities of the DACs allows you to play high-resolution recordings and hear
the increased clarity, detail and dynamic range of those recordings.
Dual TI 32-Bit DSPs: The Cambridge Audio azur 651R employs dual
Texas Instruments 32-bit DSPs (Aureus DA788) for compatibility with the latest Dolby Digital/DTS formats, Dolby Pro Logic/DTS Neo:6
surround processing, and Dolby Pro Logic surround
processing.
- Dolby Digital:
Dolby Digital,
Dolby, Digital EX,
Dolby Digital Plus,
Dolby TrueHD
- DTS:
DTS,
DTS-ES,
DTS-HD Master Audio,
DTS-HD High Resolution,
DTS 96/24,
DTS Neo: 6
- Dolby Pro Logic:
Dolby Pro Logic II,
Dolby Pro Logic IIx,
Dolby Pro Logic IIz
Note: Dolby Digital and DTS listening modes can only be
selected if your audio source is connected to the A/V receiver via a digital
audio connection (HDMI, optical, or coaxial). To enjoy true 7.1ch Dolby
Digital TrueHD and DTS-HD surround sound, the receiver must be connected to
your Blu-ray player via HDMI.
Matrixed Surround Modes: These modes allow a surround-sound
experience from source material that has no encoding at all. The
surround sound effect is achieved by digital signal processing of
the analog or digital stereo source used. Five modes are possible;
Movie, Music, Room, Theatre, and Hall.
Stereo Modes: The surround receiver also provides two-channel stereo
playback, as well as an analog stereo direct mode.
- Stereo/Stereo + Sub: Only the front left & front right
speakers (and subwoofer if selected) have output in this mode. If an
analog source is selected, it will be converted to digital via 24
bit A/D converters to allow digital domain sub creation and
bass/treble controls. If a digital source is selected, the 651R will
be processing either LPCM stereo (from the digital outputs of a CD
player for instance) or a Stereo downmix of DD or DTS material (from
the digital output of a DVD player for instance).
- Analog Stereo Direct: Selects the analog inputs for the
current source directly with no A/D conversion, DSP processing,
Bass/Treble, or subwoofer channel active. Provides the very best
fidelity for analog Hi-Fi source equipment. In this mode the 651R is
acting just like a normal Hi-Fi integrated amplifier.
- Multi-Channel Stereo: Create a
multi-channel stereo presentation whereby the incoming Left and Right
channels are output to the Front Left, Surround Left, Surround Back Left,
and Front Right, Surround Right, Surround Back Right channels respectively.
A mono-Subwoofer channel is also created.
Dolby Pro Logic II/IIx Music Settings: While listening in
the Dolby Pro Logic II/IIx Music format, there are three further enhancements
you can adjust.
- Panorama: A Prologic
II/IIx mode that extends the front stereo image to the surround sound
speakers for a more enveloping experience. This mode can be either On/Off.
- Dimension: Allows
gradual adjustment of the center image from being produced only by the
Center speaker (Setting 0) through levels of being spread between the center
channel and left and right speakers to finally being produced by the front
left and right speakers only (Phantom Center, Setting 7). Useful in
optimizing the front/center/right soundfield for best integration of the
three speakers.
- Center Width: Adjusts
the soundfield to be gradually shifted from the front of the room to the
back to suit taste, speaker positioning, and size of room. Setting 0 has the
image furthest forward, 6 furthest back.
DTS-HD Speaker Remap: As there is no official speaker layout for
discrete 7.1 channel audio, it could be possible that the original master track
of a 7.1 soundtrack was mastered with a different speaker layout than the one
being used in your home. DTS has addressed this issue for DTS-HD Master Audio
and High Resolution Audio by including in the bitstream flags to tell the
receiving AV Receiver which of a seven nominal 7.1 speaker layouts was actually
used. By using special DTS Speaker Remap algorithms the 651R is able to
electronically "reposition" the speakers (i.e. direct the audio propagation), so
that the playback matches the original encoded layout for the best possible
sound quality.
Audyssey Technologies: The 651R features a
collection of Audyssey audio technologies for optimal sound quality. Audyssey
2EQ/Room EQ, Audyssey Dynamic EQ, and Audyssey Dynamic Volume help
achieve the best performance in your particular room and with your speaker
setup.
- Audyssey 2EQ/Room EQ: Audyssey 2EQ/Room EQ
Auto Speaker Setup tailors the 651R's performance to any room and comes
complete with a microphone to complete this simple procedure. Audyssey 2Q
uses the measurement from up to 3 positions to correct room response in
addition to the speaker settings. Using the supplied microphone, Audyssey
2EQ automatically determines the number of speakers you have connected,
their "size" and crossover frequencies (for the purpose of bass management),
plus their distances from the listening position. Audyssey 2EQ/Room EQ
can also remove deficiencies in playback caused by sub-optimal room
acoustics. It does this by capturing any acoustical problems at the
listening area in both the frequency and time domain and applying
sophisticated corrective equalization. The result is an improved sound
quality, clarity of dialogue, and a well balanced sound for more than one
listening position. You can also choose to manually setup the receiver's
speakers settings.
- Audyssey Dynamic EQ: Audio engineers mix music and
movie soundtracks at reference levels much louder than typical home
listening levels. At lower volumes the human ear perceives sound
differently; voices change, bass dissipates, and the surround effect becomes
less enveloping. Dynamic EQ adjusts the frequency response curve based on
volume to maintain consistent bass output, octave-to-octave balance, and
surround impact, resulting in rich sound at any volume. You can set the
Dynamic EQ to 0, 5, 10, or 15 dB.
- Audyssey Dynamic Volume: Audyssey Dynamic
Volume solves the problem of large variations in volume level between
television programs, commercials, and between the soft and loud passages of
movies. Dynamic Volume addresses the issue of commercials that are too loud
and movie soundtracks with vast differences between soft and loud passages;
the results are more intelligible dialogue, loud passages maintain impact,
and soft whispers are heard clearly. When the volume level changes, Dynamic
EQ also adjusts the frequency response to maintain sound quality. You can
set the Dynamic Volume to Heavy (late night listening), Medium (daily
listening), Light (consistent dialog), or off (full dynamics).
Individual Crossovers & Advanced Bass Management: The azur 651R
provides individual crossover adjustments and advanced bass management settings.
- Tone Controls: The azur 651R offers independent Bass (100Hz) & Treble
(10khz) adjustment from -10 to +10dB.
- Speaker Crossover: Each speaker
(front/center/surround/surround back) and subwoofer crossover point can be adjusted from
40-150Hz (in 10Hz steps) and also to 200Hz.
- LFE Trim: The LFE channel (for DD/DTS material) can also be
trimmed by up to 10dB (in 1dB steps); useful for late night listening or
other situations where it might be desired to reduce the low frequency
effect level temporarily.
- Bass Augment: You can select whether to play front channel
low-frequencies through either the front speakers or the subwoofer, or
through both the subwoofer and front speakers.
Dynamic Range Control: This setting controls the dynamic range of
Dolby Digital movie soundtracks by compressing the audio to limit the difference
in level between loud and quiet passages in the movie. The receiver's Dynamic
Range Control can be set to Auto, On, or Off.
Audio Inputs/Outputs: The AV receiver offers a variety of
analog and digital audio inputs/outputs.
- Digital Inputs/Outputs: The azur 651R features optical (5 in/2out) and
coaxial (5 in/2 out) digital connections. One optical digital input is located
on the front-panel.
- Binding Post Speaker Terminals: The receiver has binding-post terminals for
all speaker connections. The binding-post terminals can accept bare wire, pin
connectors, and banana plugs (single only). Speakers with an impedance of
between 4-8 ohms are recommended.
- 7.1ch Analog Inputs: The azur 651R features a 7.1 Channel input (Front left,
Front right, Center, Surround left, Surround right, Surround Back left, Surround
Back right, and Subwoofer) for connecting a DVD Audio player, Super Audio CD
multi-channel player, or other component that has a multi-channel port so you
can playback the audio with 5.1 channel or 7.1 channel surround sound.
- 7.2ch Preamp Outputs: The A/V receiver features 7.1ch pre-amp outputs (Front
L/R, Center, Surround L/R, Surround Back L/R, and Dual Sub) for connection to
external power amplifiers.
- MP3 Input: The A/V receiver is fitted with a front-panel 3.5mm
input for temporary connection of your portable digital audio player.
- Headphone Output: The receiver features a 1/4" stereo
headphone jack on its front-panel for connecting a pair of optional
headphones. Plugging in a set of headphones will automatically mute the main
speakers and pre-amp outputs, while selecting a 2-channel stereo down-mix
soundfield. Headphones with an impedance of between 32-600 ohms are
recommended.
AM/FM Tuner w/ RDS: The Cambridge Audio A/V receiver features a built-in
AM/FM tuner with RDS. RDS is a method for the transmission of additional
information from local radio stations. It is only available in FM mode. RDS will
only work if the local broadcasting stations have RDS transmission and the
signal is strong enough.
Video Features
Video Inputs: In terms of connectivity, the 651R boasts four HDMI inputs and
dual HDMI monitor output which fully support 3D, Deep color, and Audio Return from
newer flat-panel TVs. It also features a wide selection of analog video inputs
(Component, Composite, S-video).
- HDMI (ver.1.4): HDMI (High-Definition Multi-Media Interface) is
an all digital connection that can carry both audio/video in one cable.
Direct digital transfer of audio/video and support for various types of High
Definition video content and high resolution audio make this the best
connection type to use. The four HDMI inputs can be assigned to the BD/DVD,
Video 1, Video 2, Recorder 1, Aux, CD Recorder 2, or 7.1 Direct sources. The two HDMI
outputs are parallel so the same video signal is output through both and can
be used simultaneously.
- Component: Three component vides input capable of supporting 480i,
480p, 720p, and 1080i video signals.
- Composite: Five composite video inputs
(4 rear/1 front) which support 480i only. There is also one composite video
record output.
- S-Video: Five S-video inputs (4
rear/1 front) support 480i only. There is also one S-video record output.
Note: This receiver only features an HDMI monitor output (there
are no analog monitor outputs). All analog video inputs will be upconverted
to HDMI to send to your TV.
Anchor Bay ABT2010 Scaler (up to 1080p):
The A/V receiver's
Anchor Bay ABT2010 video scaler upscales any source, including analog standard
definition, to 1080p. Composite, Component, and S-video inputs can be upconverted
to HDMI and scaled to 1080p. Lower resolution incoming HDMI signals can also be scaled
to 1080p. You can choose to bypass the scaler for a native resolution. The
receiver also uniquely features a "bypass" mode to improve picture quality by
avoiding the common problem of "double scaling", where your Blu-ray player, PS3
or video streamer has already upscaled content once, and your receiver then
scales it again
Note: 3D TV content, 24fps content, or other video standards that
651R cannot process or recognize are always bypassed and sent natively,
without scaling.
3D Pass-Through: With the advent of 3D media, it is important to own a
receiver that recognizes 3D video signals. The 651R is able to pass through 3D
signals from your Blu-ray player, ensuring that the 3D effect doesn't get lost
in translation. It also recognizes signals from 3D television broadcasts. By
connecting a 3D-compliant Blu-ray disc player and 3D-compliant TV to the 651R,
you will have a 3D home theater where you can enjoy high-definition sound and
video on a level you've never experienced before.
Deep Color Support: The 651R also supports Deep Color
content, which can display a larger color range than standard-definition
schemes. The result is a more lifelike, vibrant picture.
Audio Return Channel: This feature allows audio to be sent from your
compatible HDTV to your receiver through the same HDMI cable already being used
to send audio and video to your HDTV. This eliminates the need for extra cables
connected to your television.
Lipsync Adjustment: This feature compensates for the timing
shift between the audio and video of the receiver. If needed, the audio signal
can be manually delayed to match the video signal; adjust from 0-500ms (in 10ms
steps).
Audio Split: The 651R allows you to view one source while listening to
another. You can be watching any video input (HDMI, Component, Composite, or
S-video) on your connected TV and listen to a different analog (RCA) or digital
(Optical/Coax) audio source through the receiver.
Picture Adjustments: You can adjust the
Resolution (480p/576p/720p/1080i/1080p), Frame Rate (Auto/50Hz/60Hz), Color
Space (Auto/RGB/YCbCr422/YCbCr444), Aspect Ratio (Auto/4:3/16:9), and Color
(Auto/ITU.601/ITU/.709) for the A/V receiver's HDMI monitor
output.
Front-Panel A/V Input: The unit's front-panel A/V input
consists of a composite video input, S-video input, stereo RCA input, optical
digital input, and 3.5mm aux input.
Convenience Features
On-Screen Display (via HDMI): The AV receiver's on-screen menu
provides quick information about your system's settings. You can easily make
settings for your home theater system while viewing menus on the TV
screen. Simple settings are enabled with the setting menus displayed on the TV
screen. These menu displays can only be output to your TV via HDMI. The unit's
front-panel LCD also displays the receiver's menu adjustments, as well as input
source.
Dual Room/Dual Source:
The AV receiver's Zone 2 outputs allow you to play two different
audio/video sources in up to two rooms. The receiver has dedicated stereo preamp
outputs (2.1ch) for Zone 2, or the built-in amplifier can be configured to power
speakers in the second zone. If Zone 2 speakers are powered by the receiver, the
receiver is limited to 5.2ch in the main room. Zone 2 also offers a component-,
composite-, and S-video output so you can watch an analog video source in
another room.
- Compatible Zone Sources: You can
select the following input sources for Zone 2.
- Analog Audio/Video Inputs (to watch video in
Zone 2, you need to connect the Zone 2 video monitor out in the same way
as the video input device; there is no video conversion)
- AM/FM Tuner (you cannot select different AM/FM
radio stations for each zone)
- Incompatible Zone Sources:
Optical/coaxial digital and HDMI audio sources are not output to Zone 2.
Follow Main: The Follow Main function
allows you to enjoy the AV receiver's Main Zone audio source in Zone 2,
simultaneously (regardless of input audio signal types - analog or digital).
Stereo playback is automatically selected for both zones when Follow Main is
selected. Both the Main Zone & Zone 2 play at the same volume level during this
mode. Utilize this function when you want to play back an audio source as
background music in two rooms of your home.
Source Naming: You can rename each input so the
display reflects the actual source.
Backup Memory: The 651R has a function that preserves the preset
memory and other settings. In the event of a power failure, or if the power cord
of the unit is disconnected from the mains outlet, the back-up memory will
preserve the preset memory for approximately one week. If the power supply is
interrupted for 7 days or longer, the memory settings will be erased.
Auto Power Down: The 651R feature an automatic
power down function and will by default shut down if no audio playback has been
detected for 30 minutes.
Firmware: The tested unit contain firmware version
1.44/1.45/1.09 (as of
1/30/2013).
Remote Control
IR Remote Control: The azur 651R comes with an IR wireless
remote control that can operate this receiver's main zone and zone 2 functions.
Zone 2 Remote Control: The dedicated Zone 2
remote lets you adjust volume up/down and the source input of Zone 2 (an IR
repeater system will be required). Volume up/down is only available when you are
using the 651R to power speakers in Zone 2.
Remote Connections: The Cambridge Audio azur 651R is fitted
with the following custom remote connections.
- IR Input/Outputs: The receiver
has remote input (3) and remote output (3) minijack terminals (3.5mm) for use with
external IR receivers
- 12V Trigger Outputs: The 651R feature two trigger
outputs (3.5mm) that can be used to signal to external devices for simple
automation functions. The outputs are 0V for Off and 12V for On at up to
100mA.
- Control Bus Input/Output: The Control Bus
Input/Output (RCA) connections Allow un-modulated commands from multi-room
systems or other components to be received by the unit.
- RS232C Port: The RS-232C port is to be used in conjunction with
an external controller to control the operation of the unit by using an
external device. The RS-232C port may also be used in the future to update
the operating software of the unit so that it will be able to support new
digital audio formats.
