Cambridge Audio unveils the Azur 650R 7.1 AVR with HDMI 1.3c reception and processing

Cambridge Audio unveils the Azur 650R 7.1 AVR with HDMI 1.3c reception and processing, suggested retail price $1799 (USD) / £ TBC / € TBC Available late 2009

The new 650R AV receiver featuring full HDMI 1.3c reception and processing decodes all the latest surround sound formats and its video capability is coupled with 7 x 100 Watt audiophile grade discrete amplifier stages.

Using a completely new Cirrus Logic / Crystal chipset with the latest twin core 32-bit DSPs, Cambridge Audio has enabled full support for Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution and the superb new Lossless Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats.

DTS speaker re-mapping allows the playback of DTS-HD High Resolution or Master Audio formats with encoded height information on standard 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 speaker setups.

A new video PCB with digital-domain video transcode means the 650R can also transcode analogue video inputs to HDMI for simplicity and flexibility, requiring just one cable to the TV screen.

The 650R is also the first to feature Cambridge Audio Mic Controlled Auto Set-up (CAMCAS) with a supplied microphone for extremely quick and easy installation. And completing the perfect picture, LipSync audio delay means the user can simply adjust for processing delays in the source or TV.

Cambridge Audio truly believes the new 650R to be its best sounding AV receiver to date. Key features:
• Full HDMI 1.3c reception with 3 fully assignable HDMI inputs for Blu-ray/DVD players, HD satellite receivers and games consoles
• Latest generation Cirrus CS49700 chipset features twin 32-bit DSP cores for compatibility with the latest CODECs including Dolby Digital Plus, DTS- HD High Resolution and the Lossless Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats
• Full support for analogue or digital legacy formats - LPCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS, DTS ES Matrix, DTS ES Discrete, DTS 96/24, Neo:6, ProLogic II, ProLogic IIx, in 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 variants
• DTS Speaker re-mapping allows the playback of DTS-HD High Resolution or Master Audio formats with encoded height information on standard 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 speaker setups
• Fully supports multi-channel PCM over HDMI for DVD-A/SACD and other external audio formats
• 24/192kHz capable DACs for all channels
• 24 bit A/D conversion for digitally processed analogue modes
• Pure Analogue Stereo Direct mode for audiophile playback of analogue stereo sources
• Full post-processing of 2.0, 5.1 or 6.1 material is also possible with PLIIx or DTS Neo:6 to turn these formats into full 7.1
• Analogue to digital video transcoding (composite, S-video and component video to HDMI)
• True power output of 7 x 100 Watts rms per channel, 8 ohms all channels driven
• Analogue stereo direct mode for audiophile stereo sources (pure analogue, no DSP) - 120W output
x 2
• Oversize low flux toroidal transformer
• Cambridge Audio Mic Controlled Auto Set-up (CAMCAS) with microphone supplied
• On-Screen Display (OSD) available on all video outputs
• Adjustable LipSync delay feature
• New optional bi-amping mode for front left/right with surround back left/right in 5.1 set-up
• FM/AM tuner with RDS
• X-Tract™ Forced/Convection Heat Tunnel for virtually silent performance
• Fully specified for custom install applications:
o Cambridge Audio Incognito Ready™ / A-BUS™ multi-room outputs o RS232 port, IR emitter In, Control Bus In/Out
• Navigator style Azur remote which also controls:
• Clear Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD)
• Completely new wrap-around casework with substantially thicker front panel and an ultra rigid, acoustically dampened chassis
• Available in silver or black finishes

A full range of digital and analogue inputs enables connection of a plethora of source equipment including the latest Blu-ray players such as Cambridge Audio's own 650BD. The 650R subsequently decodes inputs into stereo, stereo and sub or the latest digital surround formats including Dolby Digital Plus, DTS- HD High Resolution, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio in 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1. It's also capable of decoding analogue or digital stereo sources in Dolby Pro Logic® II or IIx and DTS Neo:6, again in 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 variants for a convincing and effective surround experience from a matrix encoded stereo source. Post­processing of 2.0, 5.1 or 6.1 digital material is also possible with PLIIx or DTS Neo:6 to turn these formats
into full 7.1.

The 650R carries a 5.1/ 6.1 /7.1 channel analogue input for connection of a DVD Audio or SACD player equipped with a 5.1 output and is also compatible with future external 6.1 or 7.1 audio formats. Multi-channel PCM over HDMI is supported for playback of lossless content. As well as the full complement of audio inputs, the 650R performs composite, S-video and component video input switching and transcoding to HDMI. The component video inputs and outputs are progressive scan and HDTV compatible and the unit features full On Screen Display on all video outputs.

X-Tract™ cooling.
Another crucial aspect of the 650R's audiophile pedigree is Cambridge Audio's proprietary Forced / Convection Heat Tunnel - X-Tract™. This custom design enables the company's flagship AV powerhouse to operate extremely quietly and at a low temperature. A careful balanced combination of forced cooling and natural convection effectively draws heat away from the 650R's substantial toroidal transformer and output stages.

Multi-room compatibility is featured for connection to Cambridge Audio's Incognito system or other custom install applications. Additionally, an RS232 port, IR Emitter In and Control Bus In/Out make it easy to fully integrate the 650R into more complex custom install systems.

A fresh new look
A completely redesigned wrap-around casework adds significant appeal and is augmented by a substantially thicker brushed aluminium front panel. This matches Cambridge Audio's new 650BD Blu-ray player and the recently introduced 650C CD player - it is not uncommon for Cambridge Audio AVR customers to prefer a dedicated CD player to make the most of their music collection. All this proprietary engineering is housed within a new low resonance, acoustically damped chassis featuring dual layer damped feet all of which contribute to better resonance control. A highly ergonomic navigator remote handset also offers full control of the 650R's wide range of features and functions and can be used to control iPods.
http://www.cambridge-audio.com/
Cambridge Audio is a brand of Audio Partnership Plc Registered Office: Gallery Court, Hankey Place, London SE1 4BB,
United Kingdom.
Registered in England No. 2953313
Note: This product has not been tested by HardwareDaily. If evaluation sample is received from the makers, a more detailed review will appear in due course.

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