Cambridge Audio has introduced the Azur 851N, a new flagship network music player, expanding the range of Hi-Fi separates in the award-winning Azur 851 Series to six products.
The 851N is designed for those who want to play their digital music with no compromise on sound quality, just as the original artist intended. Capable of playing all popular formats up to 24-bit/192kHz studio master quality files, the 851N intelligently up-samples all incoming audio to 24-bit/384kHz for the best quality possible.
The 851N shares the Azur philosophy of combining specially selected, audiophile grade components in an all-metal, ultra-rigid chassis. It includes a superb new 4.3” (11cm) color screen for displaying album artwork, and new Cambridge Connect Apps for Apple and Android also ensure that the 851N delivers an effortless and pleasurable user experience.
The 851N is well connected and has been designed to deliver ultimate performance whatever or wherever the digital audio source.
Connected either wired or wirelessly via UPnP over a home network, the 851N will effortlessly find and stream music stored on computers, laptops and NAS drives. Additionally three USB inputs allow direct playback from USB HDDs and memory sticks. Class-leading input connectivity includes two TOSLINK optical inputs, two S/PDIF coaxial inputs, an AES/EBU input and asynchronous USB audio.
Asynchronous USB audio allows playback of up to 24-bit/192kHz audio files direct from a connected computer or laptop, with the 851N effectively acting as a high-quality external sound card.
The 851N also features Apple Airplay and support for an optional BT100 aptX Bluetooth receiver for instant and effortless streaming from any smartphone or tablet to play back users’ favourite apps and services in stunning quality.
RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs, as well as a digital AES/EBU, TOSLINK and coaxial outputs, allow connection to a wide range of high-performance Hi-Fi components, and the RS-232 port enables integration into custom installations.
Capable of handling all popular codecs including WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+ and Ogg Vorbis and lossless 24-bit/192kHz FLAC, ALAC, WAV and AIFF files, the 851N can play virtually any file from a digital music library. There is also in-built support for leading streaming services including Spotify Connect, Pandora, Rhapsody, and BBC iPlayer Radio.
