Frontpanelcontrols

							5
			6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13
										19
1	2	3	4		14	15	16	17	18	21
					14	15	16	17	18

1 Standby/On

SwitchestheunitbetweenStandbymode(indicatedbyadimpowerLED)and On (indicated by a bright power LED). Standby is an eco-friendly <1W low powermode.TheunitmaybeleftinStandbymodewhennotinuse.

2 Phones

Allows for the connection of stereo headphones with a 6.35mm/¼" Jack plug. Headphones with an impedance of between 32 and 600 ohms are recommended.

Note:Plugginginheadphoneswillautomaticallymutethemainandpre-amp outputsandselecta2-channelstereodown-mixtobecreatedforheadphone use.

3 Tuning+/-

UsedtotuneFM/AMfrequenciesandskippresetsforthebuilt-inTuner.

4 Mode/Store

PresstocyclebetweenTunermodes.Pressandholdforstoringpresets(refer tothe‘OperatingInstructions’ofthismanualformoreinformation).

5 Display

Displaysthestatusoftheunit.

6 BD/DVD

PresstoselectthesourceequipmentconnectedtotheBD/DVDinput.

7 Video1

PresstoselectthesourceequipmentconnectedtotheVideo1input.

8 Video2

PresstoselectthesourceequipmentconnectedtotheVideo2input.

9 Video3/MP3

PresstoselectthesourceequipmentconnectedtotheVideo3orMP3input (ifadeviceispluggedintoits3.5mmmini-jackinput).

Note:TheLaudioinputisalsousedforthesuppliedautosetupmicrophone. Refertothe‘Autosetup’sectionofthismanualformoreinformation.

10 TunerFM/AM

Press to select the tuner. Once in Tuner mode press to switch between FM andAMmodes.

11 Tape/MD/CDR

PresstoselectthesourceequipmentconnectedtotheTape/MD/CDRinput.

12 CD/Aux/TV

PresstoselectthesourceequipmentconnectedtotheCD/Auxinput. With ARC enabled (see later section), press again to select Audio Return ChannelfromasuitableTV.

13 7.1Direct

Press to select a 7.1 or 5.1 source (DVD-A or SACD player etc) connected to the7.1DirectInsockets.

Note:The551Rrememberstheaudioandvideoinputtypeandprocessing modeforeachindividualsourceinput.Thesearerecalledeachtimeasource isselected.

14 Audioinputtype

Pressthisbuttontoselectbetweenanalogue,digital(optical/coaxial)orHDMI inputtypesasthesourceoftheaudioforthecurrentlyselectedsourceinput. The choices available depend on the inputs that have been assigned to that source,seelatersection.

15 Stereomodes

Press to listen to a source in either digitally processed stereo or stereo and submodes.

16 Surroundmodes

Press to select Dolby Digital or DTS surround modes (with suitably encoded digital source material), or various Pro Logic II/IIx, DTS Neo:6 modes for matrixencodedanalogueordigitalmaterial.

17 PictureAdjustment

PresstoselectvariouspictureadjustmentsforsourcesthathavetheScaler set to Process only (see ‘Source setup’ section in the manual). An adjustment bar will appear on the TV for the current item (Brightness, Contrastetc.)PressthePic.Adj.buttonagaintomovetothenextitem.

This button is also used to change the scaler output resolution. Press and holdthebuttonfor10secondsandthecurrentoutputresolutionwillappear on the 551Rs front panel display. Keep holding the button down and the 551R will change to the next available resolution and show it on the front paneldisplay.Seelatersection.

18 Mute/Info

Press to mute the sound from the main and pre-amp outputs of the 551R. Pressagaintocancelmute.

Note:Selectinganewsourcealwayscancelsmute.

Pressandholdtore-displaythecurrentdecodingmode.

19 AnalogueStereoDirect

Presstolistendirectlytotheanalogueinputsforthecurrentsourcedirectlywith noanaloguetodigitalconversionorDSPprocessingforhighestpossiblestereo soundquality.

20 Volume

Usetoincrease/decreasethelevelofthesoundfromtheoutputsofthe551R.

21 Infraredsensor

Receives IR commands from the supplied remote control. A clear, unobstructed line of sight between the remote control and the sensor is required.

22 Video3Input

Foroccasionalusewithcamcordersorgamesconsolesetc.

23 MP3Input

Thisinputcanbeusedwiththelineorheadphoneoutputsofportablemusic players.

551R specifications

The Cambridge Audio 551R is a versatile and sophisticated A/V receiver that stands out in its class, designed for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. Combining cutting-edge technology with elegant design, the 551R delivers a remarkable audio-visual experience.

At the heart of the 551R is its robust amplification system, which offers 100 watts per channel across seven channels. This provides ample power to drive a wide variety of speakers, ensuring dynamic sound across all listening levels. The receiver features a high-quality digital signal processing unit that enhances audio performance while accommodating the latest high-definition formats.

One of the standout features of the Cambridge Audio 551R is its extensive connectivity options. With multiple HDMI inputs, the 551R allows for seamless integration with various devices, such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. The HDMI inputs support 3D video and 4K pass-through, ensuring compatibility with modern home entertainment systems. Additionally, it includes multiple digital and analog inputs, allowing users to connect traditional audio sources.

The 551R employs a sophisticated user interface, complete with an intuitive on-screen display. This makes navigating through settings and configurations effortless, even for those who may not be tech-savvy. The receiver also comes with a remote control that offers convenient access to essential functions.

Cambridge Audio places high importance on sound quality, and the 551R is no exception. Its premium components, including a high-grade DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) and carefully selected capacitors, contribute to achieving an exceptionally clean and natural sound signature. The receiver also offers various sound modes and equalization settings, which allow users to tailor the audio output to their room’s acoustics and personal preferences.

Another key characteristic is the inclusion of advanced video processing technologies. The 551R can upscale standard video sources to near-HD quality, enhancing the overall viewing experience. This is especially beneficial for older content or lower-resolution media, allowing users to make the most of their display’s capabilities.

In summary, the Cambridge Audio 551R A/V receiver is a powerful and versatile product that brings together exceptional sound quality, extensive connectivity options, and user-friendly functionality. Whether for music appreciation or cinematic experiences, the 551R is designed to satisfy the most discerning audio and video aficionados, making it an excellent choice for any home entertainment setup.