Cambridge Audio Components at Totally Wired
Cambridge Audio components make a great start for anyone interested in better sound on a tight budget.
They are a fantastic alternative to the big mass market brands because they genuinely try to make better sounding models and forget about feature overload and grossly overstated claims. Their no–frills approach reaps dividends in both ease of use and reliability. Smart manufacturing choices keep the prices low and the sound quality above just about any comparably priced product. In fact when it comes to building up matched component systems, they are almost impossible to beat.
Reviewers all of the planet can scarcely hold themselves back when it comes to telling us how highly they rate Cambridge Audio in the value-for-money stakes. Just do quick Google search to find out
What's new from Cambridge Audio
Step on to the Red Carpet.
Let us introduce you to our new screen sensation - the multi-talented Cambridge Audio Azur 751 Blu-ray player.
This may well be the last silver disc player you ever consider buying - there is that much that it can do to a very high standard and it incorporates an almost bewildering array of upgradable paths for both audio and video media of every description and standard.
The earlier Cambridge Blu-ray player - the well proven Azur 650 BD - was highly capable. But the 751 works on another level again. No doubt reviews will follow, but it's immediately obvious that with any movie disc - DVD or Blu-ray - you'll enjoy the best cinema can offer. Vivid picture, crystal clear sound. Learn more here.
The Ultimate Ipod - and iPad - Dock. NZ$499
Cambridge Audio have absolutely nailed it with their new iPod dock. This is a true digital dock - the iD100 bypasses the iPods low performance internal DAC and retrieves raw digital data from the iPod over the USB bus connection on the base. This data is then sent through a master clock circuit. This dramatically reduces the jitter normally associated with USB audio streams and provides an audiophile quality digital output from any iPod or iPad.
When combined with a suitable DAC (the Cambridge DACmagic, Firestone Spitfire or NuForce HDP being obvious contenders) the performance of any iPod is lifted to a level of seriously good CD player. Having had plenty of time with the Wadia 170, we can safely say the Cambridge is better again.
The physical build quality really warrants comment - the solid aluminium extrusion that forms the top of the iD100 could be carved off a Plinius amplifier - there is nothing plasticky about the Cambridge product. Even the remote control betters those found with many $3000 components.Cambridge Audio appears to be first with a dock that deals both elegantly and practically with both iPad and all iPod models. To do this, to redefine iPod performance and to complete the mission at a price far lower than any competition is a remarkable feat. Just take a look at the back panel.
1. Power connector (power supply included)
2. Component, S-Video, Composite connections for sensational video performance
3. Professional AES/EBU Balanced XLR output
4. Optical digital output
5. Gold plated Co-axial S/P DIF digital output for purest signal transfer
and the USB socket is for easy syncing.
Available now from Totally Wired
A better breed of Blu Ray
The new Cambridge Audio BluRay & DVD player is just in. This lightning-fast, easy to use player from legendary audio specialist Cambridge Audio will make High Definition video a reality for you. Offering higher performance than the mass market, yet remaining affordable, the new Cambridge shows movies and plays music with all the excitement and quality that we've come to expect.
At just under NZ$1300 it would be easy to argue that the Azur 651BD is the only disc player you need - as always with Cambridge the audio performance is tricked up so that you'll be more than happy with CD replay and we have to say that from an analogue standpoint there is a lot going for 2 channel replay of movie sound tracks too. And then of course the moment you feed in a new Blu Ray disc the whole rationale behind HD and 1080P immediately becomes clear. Very, very clear. It is lightening fast in reading discs. Now can accept and pass through 3D content. Find out a bit more here
650R Audio Video Receiver
Hot on the heels of the Blu Ray player Cambridge have also bought their big home theatre receiver right up to date to make the most of the new HDMI and video standards - the 650R. This is easily their best effort yet and will take a bite out of the big name brand receivers which inevitably fall short of the hype that surrounds their obsession with needless features and specs. There isn't anything much the Cambridge can't do on a practical level but when it comes to sound and picture quality, that's what defines it. $2395.
Azur 650 and 550 series
Progress is both inevitable and desirable. Not being a company to rest on their laurels, Cambridge Audio have just released their new mid level amplifier, CD and tuner models, replacing the highly reviewed 640 series. While the model number changes are subtle, the improvements made are far more substantial. It is immediately obvious that these are much better built and finished products than the model they replace. Previously we've felt that although Cambridge offered fantastic 'bang for the buck' there were some loose ends and when compared with Rotel it felt a little less sophisticated. Now that gap with the Rotel O6 series has been completely closed and Cambridge are able to offer more choices, power and flexibility.
The two amplifier models (550A at $795 and 650A at $995) deliver 60 and 75 watts respectively from completely redesigned output stages. They also feature upgraded and highly sophisticated protection circuitry which makes them ideal for situations where hard running is likely. The difference between the two models is more than just in the power rating - the 650A features an enhanced preamps stage which pays dividends in terms of overall sound quality.
The matching CD players have been similarly improved.
The new tuner deserves special attention. The 650T is just on $700 but stands alone as value for money component. Like all Cambridge Audio products it comes in both black and silver finishes which makes it suitable for many systems (not just Cambridge) but it also features a clock and wake-up alarm which can switch on (and off) the amplifiers.
Cambridge Audio is the perfect solution when unexpectedly having to replace older components – you can be frugal but still know you are getting a quality product that is going to be better than any ailing CD player or amplifier from the 80s or 90s. If you are looking to get the kids into a better class of system than the ghetto blasters and ipod systems that line the shelves of the Hardly Normals and other chain stores then Cambridge Audio is the perfect start for a lifetime of musical enjoyment.
They also have some excellent niche components – the new DacMagic is a high value Digital to analogue converter that features USA, Coax AND optical inputs, not to mention balanced outputs how cool is that for an under $1000 component? Matched with the new iD100 it forms the ultimate iPod replay system. The 640P phono stage deserves particular mention for analogue enthusiasts, being a serious proposition for both MC and MM cartridges.
Did you know you can get all Cambridge components in a choice of Black or Silver finishes – just the ticket when matching with pieces in an existing system. And that the warranty period has recently been extended to two years? As you can see, Cambridge Audio are doing everything possible to make sure they cover all the bases for you.
Cambridge Audio are at their best at the really sharp end of the fiscal scale. The 350 models – CD player and Amplifier have no real competition when it comes to sound on a tight budget. Without forgoing the 21st century essentials of remote control or a decent number of inputs. The latest 350 amplifier defines the entry level for real stereo amplification.
And then come the models that seem to get the lions share of the good press, the new Azur 650 series. There is nothing too surprising in this. If you give an audio designer a bit more budget, they can do a lot since all the fixed costs like the packaging are the same for any model, and with Cambridge it all goes into better sound.
And would you like a Dolphin with that?
We may not be the only people to sell Cambridge Audio in New Zealand, but we are the only ones who’ll give a worthwhile donation to the World Wide Fund for Nature’s Hectors Dolphin program when you buy your Cambridge from us. And you’ll get a little WWF gift.
The best selling models are...
350A Integrated amplifier with remote 550A Integrated amplifier 651BD Blu Ray player 640P Phono stage iD100 iPod–iPad Dock 2 year warranty Do Cambridge Audio have it all their own way? Almost, but not quite. If you want an integrated amp with a built in phono stage, the new Rotel RA04SE and RA05SE are our alternative option - we'll let you work out which you think is best for you.
And above a grand, the competition gets much tougher with Rotel’s new 15 series upping the performance ante, Quad’s 99 series giving you a taste of a 70 year heritage and the new Audio Analogue models from Italy being something you'd naturally team with you Sonus fabers.. That said, Cambridge Audio are what it's all about when it comes straight value for money and performance that you aspire to but simply may not be able to otherwise afford - something every aspiring audiophile should be happy with. Drop us an e mail if you'd like a full catalogue sent to you or call into the shop to hear find out for yourself.
The Terrace Houses
NZ Toll Free
0800 909 101
350C CD player
550C CD player
650T Tuner
751BD Blu Ray player
650R AV receiver
DacMagic
217 Stuart Street
Dunedin 9016
New Zealand
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(+64) 03 4790 444
(+64) 021 963 321
info@totallywired.co.nz
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