340A/340A SE Integrated amplifier
Azur integrated amplifier 3
The 340A has full protection against misuse and possible faults. The
overload and short-circuit protection systems continuously monitor the
voltage, current and temperature of the output devices, allowing the
protection to act positively in case of need, without triggering spuriously.
About the 340A SE
The 340A Special Edition incorporates all the features of the 340A but
also has larger PSU reservoir capacitors for slightly more power coupled
to enhanced bass response and greater dynamics.
In addition the 340A SE has a convenient dedicated front mounted
auxiliary MP3/iPodTM input for gaining the best possible sound quality
from portable music players. This input is automatically selected when
something is plugged into it.
Your amplifier can only be as good as the system it is connected to.
Please do not compromise on your source equipment, speakers or
cabling. Naturally we particularly recommend models from the
Cambridge Audio Azur range, which have been designed to the same
exacting standards as our amplifiers. Your dealer can also supply
excellent quality Cambridge Audio interconnects to ensure your system
realises its full potential.
Thanks for taking the time to read this manual, we do recommend you
keep it for future reference.
Matthew Bramble
Technical Director
Thank you for purchasing this Cambridge Audio Azur 340A or 340A SE
integrated amplifier.
About the 340A
The design of a high quality but cost-effective audio amplifier presents
a major challenge. Providing first-class performance on an unlimited
budget is one matter; achieving the same performance within tight price
limits is quite another, and requires the expertise and experience that
Cambridge Audio brings to its product design process. We believe we
have succeeded in our aim of creating a first-class affordable amplifier.
For instance, separate very high quality Integrated Circuit Amplifiers
modules are used for each channel for freedom from crosstalk and best
possible stereo imaging.
The power supply is also a vital part of a power amplifier. A toroidal
transformer, selected for low external magnetic field, is used in
conjunction with generously specified reservoir capacitors and optimally
placed decoupling components.
Close attention has been paid to the performance and quality of the
passive components used, both in the signal paths and for decoupling
purposes.
The 340A incorporates tone controls that give subtle control of the
frequency response, allowing the correction of imperfect source
material, and compensation for loudspeaker inadequacies or problems
with room acoustics. These tone controls can be switched completely
out of the audio path by use of the DIRECT switch, to give the shortest
possible audio path.
INTRODUCTION
