Contents, Introduction | Cambridge Audio Azur 840E guide

Contents
Important safety instructions	.....................................................................2
Limited warranty	3
Contents	4
Introduction	4
Rear panel connections	5
Front panel controls	6
Remote control	7
iPod compatibility	7
Input connections	8
Power syncing	8
Output connections	9
Mono Bridged connections	10
Operating instructions	11
Pre-Amplifier setup	11
Multi-Room connections	14
Custom installation use	15
Technical Specifications	15
Troubleshooting	15

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This guide is designed to make installing and using this product as easy as possible. Information in this document has been carefully checked for accuracy at the time of printing; however, Cambridge Audio's policy is one of continuous improvement, therefore design and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced by any mechanical, electronic or other means, in any form, without prior written permission of the manufacturer. All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Class XD Technology International Patent Pending Cambridge Audio Ltd.

A-BUS and A-BUS Ready are registered trademarks of LeisureTech Electronics Pty Ltd Australia. This product may be covered by one of more of the following patents: US 7,181,023, 6,389,139, EP 1004222, AU 739808, NZ 502982, Mexico Z41196, Canada CA2301062.

iPod and Apple are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this Azur 840E Pre-Amplifier. We hope that you will enjoy many years of listening pleasure from it.

Cambridge Audio has taken the Azur 840 series to its peak with the introduction of two new models – the 840E Pre-Amplifier and 840W Power Amplifier. The 840E is a high-end pre-amplifier which uses Cambridge Audio’s new proprietary TerraPin™ modules for unprecedented audio fidelity, forming the perfect partner for the accompanying 840W power amplifier.

Other features include the use of precision resistor ladders switched by gold plated relay contacts for the volume and balance controls rather than the more common solid-state or volume potentiometer schemes. Volume is controllable in 1 dB steps over most of the range, giving very fine control, an accurate logarithmic law and superbly accurate channel balance. Input switching is also by high quality gold contact relays.

Inputs 1 and 2 feature balanced inputs using XLRs giving optimal performance with equipment such as the matching 840C Upsampling CD player which feature balanced outputs.

The casework combines massive structural rigidity with careful damping and control of acoustic resonance. An Azur Navigator remote control is also provided, giving full remote control in an attractive and easy to use handset.

We have also included support for multi-room use. By plugging in one or two external Cambridge Audio Incognito keypads and a power supply unit, this unit can become the hub of a simple multi-room system. In addition, Control Bus Input/Output, IR Emitter Input, Trigger In/Out and RS232 control are featured making it easy to integrate the 840E into a Custom Installation system if desired.

Your pre-amplifier can only be as good as the system it is connected to. Please do not compromise on your source equipment, power amplifier or cabling. Naturally we particularly recommend models from the Cambridge Audio Azur range, in particular the matching 840W Class XD™ Power Amplifier. These have been designed to the same exacting standards as this pre-amplifier. Your dealer can also supply excellent quality Cambridge Audio interconnects to ensure your system realises its full potential.

Thank you for taking the time to read this manual; we do recommend you keep it for future reference.

Matthew Bramble,

Cambridge Audio Technical Director and the 840E/840W design team

Azur 840E specifications

The Cambridge Audio Azur 840E is a high-performance preamplifier that embodies the brand's commitment to delivering exceptional sound quality and innovative design. Known for its rich heritage in audio engineering, Cambridge Audio has built the 840E to cater to discerning audiophiles who seek a refined listening experience.

One of the standout features of the Azur 840E is its dual mono design. This architecture allows the audio signal to remain as pure as possible by using separate circuits for the left and right channels. This isolation minimizes crosstalk and enhances the overall clarity, ensuring a more immersive audio experience. The preamp's selection of high-quality components further contributes to its superior sound performance, allowing it to accurately reproduce music with depth and detail.

Integrating advanced technologies, the 840E includes Cambridge's proprietary 'ALPS Blue Velvet' volume control. This high-end potentiometer offers smooth and precise volume adjustments, eliminating channel imbalance and enhancing the precision of your sound. The preamp also features custom-designed capacitors and resistors, ensuring that only the best components are used to optimize sound quality.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the Azur 840E is its extensive connectivity options. It offers a comprehensive selection of inputs and outputs, including balanced XLR outputs, unbalanced RCA outputs, and a range of inputs for connecting various audio sources. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for audio enthusiasts who want to integrate the preamp into a more complex audio setup.

Moreover, the 840E also features a sophisticated remote control system, providing users convenience without compromising on performance. The intuitive layout allows for easy access to key functions, making it simple to tailor your listening experience.

In terms of build quality, the Cambridge Audio Azur 840E is designed with a robust metal chassis that reduces resonance and interference, further improving sound fidelity. Its sleek, modern aesthetics make it an attractive addition to any audio system.

In summary, the Cambridge Audio Azur 840E is a premium preamplifier that combines high-end audio performance with striking design and advanced features. Its dual mono architecture, superior volume control, extensive connectivity, and high-quality components make it a standout choice for audiophiles looking to elevate their audio experience.

Cambridge Audio Azur 840E user manual Contents, Introduction

Models: Azur 840E

Contents

Introduction

Azur 840E specifications