About the Cambridge Audio Azur 851N

Let your digital music take flight
Let your digital music take flight
Every Cambridge Audio component we've heard has impressed us, and that goes double for their high-performance Azur series. The versatile 851N gives today's audiophiles easy access to their favorite digital music sources. It handles the most popular digital file formats and gives them all a sonic upgrade, from lossy sources like MP3s and Spotify®, to your CD collection, to high-res music files downloaded from HDtracks. Add an optional BT-100 Bluetooth® dongle, and stream music from any compatible smartphone or tablet.
Think of the 851N as three components in one. First, it's a digital preamp with an assortment of connections for handling your digital gear. Plus, it's a network player ready to stream your favorite audio sources using either a wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi® connection. And, of course, it's a high-performance DAC with state-of-the-art audio processing to improve the listening experience for all digital formats. While CD-quality or better sources will sound startlingly real, it's a real eye-opener to hear how good a 320kbps Spotify® stream can sound (premium subscription required).
Advanced upsampling and DACs for clean, clear sound from every source
Cambridge's sophisticated Adapted Time Filter 2 technology upsamples all incoming digital audio to a 24-bit/384kHz signal to resolve extremely fine detail. That happens for all incoming audio data — whether it's from an Internet radio stream, a lossless FLAC file on a USB flash drive, or a connected component like a CD transport. This system performs interpolation and data buffering, and re-clocks the audio signal to almost completely eliminate "jitter" — timing errors in the music signal that can add harshness, compromise clarity and cause instruments and voices to sound less distinct. The upsampled audio signal is then fed through twin Analog Devices 24-bit DACs, for clean, detailed, noise-free sound and outstanding stereo imaging with every source.
The 851N also includes some cool adjustments that will appeal to hands-on audiophiles. A choice of digital filter settings lets you tweak and fine-tune the DAC's sound to match your system and room. A phase inversion switch lets you correct for out-of-phase recordings or amplifiers that invert phase. And an incoming sample rate indicator verifies the original source quality. Underlying all this sophisticated circuitry is a fully shielded toroidal transformer anchored to an acoustically damped, all-metal chassis for gobs of steady, quiet current and a vanishingly low noise floor.
All the right connections for your digital audio gear

The Azur 851N offers an assortment of inputs for all your digital sound sources, plus built-in Wi-Fi for music streaming and downloads. Connect to your amplifier using the RCA or balanced XLR audio outputs.
The 851N offers plenty of connections, so you can use its outstanding audio processing and D-to-A conversion to enjoy incredible sound from all your digital audio sources. You get two digital inputs with your choice of optical or coaxial connections. Coaxial connections work with many CD/DVD players, and they're ideal for a Sonos® Connect player. The optical inputs are there for your HDTV, Apple TV®, or game console. Along with these common inputs there's a balanced digital XLR input that provides an ultra-low-noise connection when used with a compatible high-end CD transport.

A free app lets you use your tablet or smartphone to select digital music files or switch audio inputs.
Use your Apple® or Android™ device as the controller
While the 851N includes a backlit remote control, and features a large, easy-to-grab control knob on the front for navigating through your music options, you'll have more fun if you get your smartphone or tablet into the act. Cambridge offers a free control app for your favorite Apple or Android device, which integrates all your music choices into a single simple interface. From the music stored on your home network devices, to thousands of Internet radio stations, to streaming services like Spotify®, this app puts everything at your fingertips.
Product highlights:
- stereo preamp/network player with built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC)
- digital inputs let you connect sources like a computer, disc player, media streamer, or TV and enjoy superior sound
- connects to your home network via wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi® for music streaming and downloads
- supports Spotify® Connect and Apple AirPlay®
- plays PCM digital audio sources up to 24-bit/192kHz
- twin Analog Devices AD1955 24-bit digital-to-analog converters in dual differential mode for precise stereo imaging
- Anagram Technologies Adapted Time Filtering 2 (ATF2) 24-bit/384kHz audio up-sampling with jitter reduction for resolving fine detail
- asynchronous USB technology for reduced timing jitter and better sound
- large toroidal power transformer for clean, stable power
- all-metal chassis with brushed aluminum front panel to minimize vibration-induced distortion
- color LCD displays track/artist info and album art
- illuminated remote control
- free downloadable apps for iOS® and Android let you use a compatible smartphone or tablet as a remote control
Connections:
- stereo balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA preamp outputs for connecting an amplifier
- digital inputs:
- Toslink optical (2 in, 1 out) supports files up to 24-bit/192kHz
- coaxial (2 in, 1 out) supports files up to 24-bit/192kHz
- balanced AES/EBU digital XLR (1 in, 1 out) supports files up to 24-bit/192kHz
- USB Type B for connecting a Mac® or Windows® computer supports files up to 24-bit/192kHz
- 3 USB Type A for connecting a thumb drive, the supplied Wi-Fi antenna, or the optional BT-100 Bluetooth receiver (1 front, 2 rear) supports files up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Ethernet port for wired connection to a home network
- Bluetooth ready accepts optional BT-100 Bluetooth dongle for wireless audio streaming from a mobile phone, tablet, or computer
- If connecting to a TV, please make sure you can select "PCM" output in its audio menu this DAC cannot decode multichannel Dolby® Digital signals
Specifications:
- total harmonic distortion: less than 0.0006% @ 1000 Hz
- signal-to-noise ratio: 110 dB
- 17"W x 4-1/2"H x 14-3/4"D
- weight: 17.9 lbs.
- Crutchfield's in-house depth measurements are made with all relevant cables in place
- warranty: 3 years
- Our 60-day money-back guarantee
- MFR # C10547
What's in the box:
Cambridge Audio Azur 851N owner's manual
- Network audio player
- 69" AC power cord
- USB-WiFi dongle w/ WLAN antenna
- Remote control (RC-8/SM)
- 3 "AAA" batteries
- 38" Mono-RCA cable
- Quick Start Guide
- Important Safety Instructions
- Spotify brochure
- "Thank You" card
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More details on the Cambridge Audio Azur 851N

Features & specs
Inputs | ||
---|---|---|
RCA Inputs | 0 | |
XLR Inputs | 0 | |
3.5mm Inputs | 0 | |
Phono Inputs | 0 | |
Phono Input Type | N/A | |
Optical Digital Inputs | 2 | |
Coaxial Digital Inputs | 2 | |
Digital XLR Inputs | 0 | |
USB Type A | 3 | |
USB Type B | 1 | |
Ethernet Port | Yes | |
Outputs | ||
RCA Outputs | 2 | |
XLR Outputs | 2 | |
Optical Digital Outputs | 1 | |
Coaxial Digital Outputs | 1 | |
Digital XLR Outputs | 1 | |
Subwoofer Outputs | 0 | |
Discrete Sub Outs | N/A | |
Headphone Output | No | |
Audio Features & Specs | ||
Frequency Response | Not given | |
S/N Ratio (Phono) | 0 | |
S/N Ratio (Line) | 110 | |
THD | 0.0006 | |
DAC Bit Depth | 24-bit | |
DAC Sample Rate | 192 kHZ | |
Home Theater Bypass | No | |
Wireless Features | ||
Bluetooth | Optional | |
Bluetooth Formats Supported | N/A | |
Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | |
Frequency Bands | 2.4 GHz | |
Ecosystems | ||
Apple AirPlay | Yes | |
DTS Play-Fi | No | |
Chromecast built-in | No | |
Roon | No | |
HEOS | No | |
MusicCast | No | |
BluOS | No | |
Music Services | ||
Amazon Music | No | |
Apple Music | No | |
Pandora | No | |
Qobuz | Yes | |
SiriusXM | No | |
Spotify | Connect | |
Tidal | Connect | |
TuneIn | No | |
YouTube Music | No | |
Control | ||
Apple Control App | Yes | |
Android Control App | Yes | |
Amazon Alexa | No | |
Google Assistant | No | |
12 Volt Trigger | No | |
IR Control | In | |
RS-232 | Yes | |
Other Specs | ||
Width (Inches) | 16.9375 | |
Height (Inches) | 4.5625 | |
Depth (Inches) | 16.0625 | |
Parts Warranty | 3 Years | |
Labor Warranty | 3 Years |
Product Research
Variety of Sources
Audio Section
Remote Control
Variety of Sources
Wired or Wireless Network Connectivity: The Cambridge Audio azur 851N network audio player offers a wired (Ethernet) or wireless (WiFi dongle) connection to your home network for access to Internet Radio, select online music services, AirPlay, and music libraries stored on your computer.
- Ethernet (LAN) Jack: The azur 851N network music player is fitted with an Ethernet (R-J45) port to connect directly to your home's network hub. Only connect the LAN port of the player to an Ethernet port that supports 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX.
- WiFi Dongle/Antenna: The 851N network audio player includes a USB-WiFi dongle/WLAN aerial antenna which plugs into the player's rear-panel USB port. This USB-WiFi dongle/antenna wirelessly connects the player to your home network. The 851N supports 802.11 b/g/n (in 2.4GHz only) with WEP, WPA, WPA2 encryption. The unit has a wireless range of 30-98'.
Note: It is not recommended to use a WiFi connection for music files above 16 bits, 44.1/48kHz (if lossless/uncompressed).
Online Music Services: The Cambridge Audio 851N lets you access Internet Radio, Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz. Access to Internet Radio and Qobuz require the free StreamMagic App (for Apple iOS 11.0+ and Android OS 5.0+).
- Internet Radio: The Cambridge Audio 851N gives you access to over 20,000 internet radio stations from around the world; all sorted by Location, Language, and Genre.
- Spotify Connect: The integration of Spotify Connect will enable Spotify Premium users to instantly select and wirelessly stream music to the 851N from within the Spotify app (for Apple iOS and Android OS). Spotify is a digital music service that gives you on-demand access to one of the largest music libraries in the world (over 15 million tracks and counting). Spotify makes it easier than ever to discover, manage, and share music with your friends. You can browse music by artist, album, track, or most popular; and create your own music library with customized playlists.
- TIDAL Connect: The integration of Tidal Connect will enable Tidal users to instantly select and wirelessly stream music to the 851N from within the Tidal app (for Apple iOS and Android OS). TIDAL is a global streaming service that offers over 30 million songs in high-fidelity CD sound quality. TIDAL has two pricing tiers; either $9.99 or $19.99 a month. Both pricing levels allow you to access TIDAL's entire music library. The $19.99 tier has the added benefit of high-fidelity sound at CD-level quality.
- Qobuz: Qobuz offers the biggest catalog of Hi-Fi and Hi-Res albums in the world, both for new releases and specialized genres. For hundreds of thousands of albums, Qobuz includes all the information you need to recreate the appeal of a real CD - the names of musicians, producers, lyrics (everything you need to know to appreciate your favorite albums). Qobuz offers MP3, CD, and Hi-Res quality subscriptions.
AirPlay Compatible: The Cambridge Audio 851N network audio player is compatible with Apple's AirPlay technology. With AirPlay, the 851N can connect wirelessly to any AirPlay-enabled Apple device. This allows you to stream music wirelessly from your iPod touch, iPhone, iPad, or your computer's (Mac or PC) iTunes library; via your WiFi network.
- iTunes Streaming: The 851N network audio player is able to stream audio from your computer's iTunes account via AirPlay technology. When connected to the same network as a computer running iTunes, the 851N can appear as an output option in the pop-up menu at the bottom of the iTunes window. You can then browse your iTunes collection on your computer & stream music to the Cambridge Audio network audio player. You will need a Mac or Windows-based PC running iTunes (10.2.2 or later) connected to the same network as the 851N.
- Apple Device Streaming: AirPlay also lets you wirelessly stream music and music apps stored on your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad to the Cambridge Audio 851N. You will need an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad (running iOS 4.3.3 or later) connected to the same network as the 851N.
- Apple Remote App: Using the Apple Remote App (free download from iTunes) on your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad and your wireless home network, you don't even need to be in the same room as the components or your computer to play, pause, skip, and stop the songs in your iTunes music library. You will even see the iTunes music information, including your track titles & artist info on your Apple device. You will need an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad (running iOS 7.0 or later) connected to the same wireless network as the 851N.
UPnP Compatible: The Cambridge Audio 851N network audio player is a UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) AV Client. Being a UPnP Client means the it can connect to UPnP AV servers on a network and browse and playback their music content. A connection to the internet is not strictly needed for this. The azur 851N just needs to be able to connect to the server to access its content. Most operating systems and/or music playback software now feature UPnP server facilities built-in. This allow you to share the music on the computer's hard-drive with Clients, such as the 851N. Your music library can include digital music located anywhere on your home network such as shared folders on your own computer (Windows or Mac), shared folders on another computer on your network, or music stored on a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) device on your network. Using UPnP, the 851N network player can connect to these devices and play back, or 'stream' non-DRM music files via the network to your home entertainment system. UPnP connection supports up to 24-bit/192kHz and Gapless playback.
Note: Not all servers support serving of all audio formats. Always make sure the server you choose also supports your formats of choice. For example, Windows Media Server does not currently serve FLAC format.
USB Ports: The Cambridge Audio 851N network audio player is fitted with three USB type-A ports (1 front/2 rear) to connect a USB flash memory device or portable USB hard drive, and a rear-panel USB type-B port to connect your Windows or Mac computer.
- Triple USB (Type-A) Ports: The Cambridge Audio 851N features three USB (type-A) inputs for music playback from a USB flash memory device or portable hard drive (up to 24-bit/192kHz). One USB port is on the front-panel, while the other two are on the rear-panel. Your USB device must be formatted in FAT32 or NTFS format with non-DRM music files. The 851N cannot supply greater than 500mA from the USB socket, itself. Good practice is to create folders for Artists within which you should have sub folders for each Album which then contain the tracks for that Album. Libraries with thousands of tracks in one folder will progressively slow down the unit's media browsing.
- Asynchronous USB (Type-B) Input: A rear-panel
asynchronous USB
(type-B) port enables the azur 851N to be connected to your Windows PC or
Mac computer for playback of music files up to 24-bit/192kHz. The 851N will act as a very high-quality DAC/sound-card with
very low jitter for your computer, offering genuine Hi-Fi-quality
playback from your stored music and Internet radio. The 851N is both USB 2.0
(Hi-Speed) and USB 1.1 (Full-speed) USB port compatible. It will also work
with the new USB 3.0 ports where the PC will simply treat the 851N as if it
were a USB 2.0 or 1.1 device.
- PC Compatible: With the azur 851N switched to USB Audio 1.0 (this is the default setting), the 851N will work with the native Windows XP, Vista or 7 Audio 1.0 driver (no need to load any new driver) and accept audio up to 24-bit/96kHz. With the azur 851N switched to USB Audio 2.0, the 851N needs the Cambridge Audio USB Audio 2.0 Driver to be loaded and can then accept up to 24-bit/192kHz (and support ASIO and WASAPI Exclusive, if required).
- Mac Compatible: No extra drivers are required to connect your Mac computer. With the azur 851N switched to USB Audio 1.1, the 851N will work with the native Mac OS-X 10.5 (Leopard) or above Audio 1.0 driver and accept audio up to 24/96kHz. With the azur 851N switched to USB Audio 2.0, the 851N works with the native Mac OS-X 10.5 (Leopard) or above Audio 2.0 driver and can accept audio up to 24/192kHz.
Note: Click here to download the Cambridge Audio USE Audio 2.0 Driver.
Supported Audio Formats: Cambridge Audio's 851N network audio player supports many of the most popular formats via Network, UPnP, and USB connection. Supported codecs include MP3 (16-320kbps), WMA (32-320kbps), AAC (16-320kbps), WAV (16/24-bit; 32-192kHz), FLAC (16/24-bit; 32-192kHz), ALAC (16/24-bit: 32-192kHz), AIFF (16/24-bit; 32-192kHz), and Ogg Vorbis (32-320kbps). The 851N will only support DSD x64 (AKA DSD64 or 64FS) via DoP (DSD over PCM). However this is only possible via USB connection to a computer, using Class 2 USB Audio mode.
Note: The azur 851N does not support WMA pro, WMA lossless, RAW, AU, or other music file types not mentioned.
Digital Inputs: The Cambridge Audio 851N's two optical (toslink) digital inputs and two coaxial (RCA) digital inputs allow it to act as a high quality upsampling Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) to improve the sound from other devices, such as set top boxes, games consoles, or disc players. The optical and coaxial digital connections support up to 24-bit/192kHz, 2ch PCM audio.
Optional Bluetooth Adapter: Simply plug in the Cambridge Audio BT100 Bluetooth Audio Receiver (779BT100, sold separately) into the network audio player's rear-panel USB (type-A) port for wireless music streaming from many of today's most popular Bluetooth supporting devices; such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows Phone/PC, Mac computer/laptop, and more. The BT100 even supports the high-quality Bluetooth aptX CODEC, so you can stream audiophile quality music from your Bluetooth-enabled Android (OS 4.0+) device to the Cambridge Azur 851N.
Audio Section
Audiophile Performance: The Cambridge Audio azur 851N network audio player provides audiophile performance for outstanding reproduction of your streaming music files. The 851N incorporates twin Analog Devices (AD1955) 24-Bit DACs with bit-perfect signal path and jitter suppression, as well as Cambridge's advanced ATF2 upsampling technology and Dual Differential Earth Balanced Filter Topology for all sources.
- Twin Analog Devices (AD1955) 24-Bit DACs: The azur 851N uses twin premium Analog Devices DACs in "dual differential" mode for excellent stereo imaging. Each stereo channel processes information separately for greater accuracy and imaging. Since each channel has its own DAC to process information, completely separate and symmetrical analog filter circuitry can be implemented. This implementation allows both the left- and right-channel circuitry to operate identically, ensuring the 851N delivers fantastic sound-staging and stereo-imaging properties.
- ATF2 Upsampling Technology: The 851N utilizes an asynchronous up-sampling process called "Adaptive Time Filtering 2nd Generation" that intelligently interpolates (converts) incoming audio data from 16-24 bits (at any standard sampling frequency between 32-96kHz) to 24-bit/384kHz for dramatically improved musical reproduction. ATF2 will enhance the audio clarity, richness, and dynamic range of your compressed music.
- Dual Differential Virtual Earth Balanced Filter Topology: The 851 Nuses Cambridge Audio's proprietary Dual Differential Virtual Earth Balanced filter topology, configured as a low-order two-pole liner-phase Bessel filter, in order to take advantage of the achieved high-sampling rate. As a result your music will have extreme linearity with greater dynamic range.
- Bit-Perfect Signal Path w/ Jitter Suppression: Music stored on computers and other hard drives inherently suffers from jitter, so the 851Nimplements a host of enhancements such as bit-perfect signal path and jitter suppression to vastly improve the quality of digital music playback. Total correlated jitter is less than 200ps.
All-Metal Chassis & Toroidal Transformer: The 851N network audio player has an all-metal construction to ensure all components are completely isolated for the very best possible performance. The 851N also uses a large toroidal transformer to deliver perfect, low distortion power for all your music.
Digital Pre-Amplifier: By using a digital pre-amplifier, the audio signal remains in the digital domain for much longer, compared to a traditional analog integrated or pre-amplifier. Because the audio signal remains digital, and is only converted to analog at the very last minute, it is far less susceptible to analog signal deterioration. This means that the sound you hear is as close as possible to the original recording.
DSP Controlled Volume: The 851N's digital pre-amplifier uses a powerful 32-bit Blackfin DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Most digital preamplifiers use "bit reduction" to adjust the level of the volume output, however this results in much lower sound quality because digital information is being cut out of the original audio signal. Instead, the 851N's digital pre-amplifier uses the Blackfin DSP to control the level of the volume output, meaning that the entire digital signal remains fully intact for the best possible sound.
Balanced & Unbalanced Outputs: The Cambridge Audio 851N features both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) audio outputs to connect to a wide variety of home stereo receivers and amplifiers. The 851N features true balanced XLR analog audio outputs to connect high-end home receivers and amplifiers. XLR is a higher-quality output that can reject noise and interference with equipment with balanced inputs. The 851N also features an unbalanced stereo analog RCA audio output for connecting your stereo receiver or amplifier. The unbalanced and balanced outputs are simultaneously active.
Digital Outputs: The 851N features three rear-panel digital outputs; there is an optical (toslink) digital output, coaxial (RCA) digital output, and XLR (AES/EBU) digital output. These digital outputs allow pass-through of the selected digital source (no up-sampling performed). These outputs loop or pass-through unprocessed digital audio from the selected digital input. All three digital outputs are always active and can be used to connect and run equipment at the same time.
Ground/Lift Switch: When Grounded, the 851N is connected to the earth connection of the PC directly. When Lifted the ground connection is made via a network designed to break any hum loops that may be caused by the source equipment. The Grounded setting is recommended, unless audible hum is experienced.
Remote Control
IR Remote: The Cambridge Audio 851N includes a slim-line IR remote control for wireless operation of the network audio player. The IR remote also operates other Cambridge Audio devices, like Azur series integrated amps and AV receivers.
StreamMagic App: The free StreamMagic App (for Apple iOS 11.0+ and Android OS 5.0+) gives you full control of the 851N network audio player; including power on/off, source selection, and volume up/down. The StreamMagic App also gives you access and control over UPnP servers and NAS drives connected to the same WiFi network, Internet Radio from across the world, select online music services, USB media device plugged into the player, music stored on your Apple iOS or Android device, and Bluetooth audio (requires BT100 adapter). The free app also features a high-resolution display for album art and track information
Front-Panel LCD: The network audio player's front-panel color LCD displays album art and song/artist information. You can adjust the front-panel LCD's brightness level.
Remote Connections: The Cambridge Audio 851N is fitted with the following custom remote connections.
- 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.
- IR Emitter In (3.5mm): 3.5mm minijack input that enables modulated IR commands from multiroom or IR repeater systems to be received by the 851N.
- Control Bus In/Out (RCA): The Control Bus RCA input enables un-modulated commands from multiroom systems or other components to be received by the 851N. The Control Bus RCA output provides control bus output commands for further downstream units. This can be useful if using the iPhone app to control the volume on a Cambridge Audio amplifier.
Firmware/Software Updates: The Cambridge Audio azur 851N will offer firmware/software updates through its wired (Ethernet) or wireless (WiFi) connection.
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Customer Q&A
31 questions already asked
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I recently ordered my 851n but my brother had his for little over 6 months and this thing really makes your music sound good. Great dacs onboard plus the upscaling ability is unheard of at this price point . My last comment this machine is the future high quality streamed music.
mIke from SEVERN, MD