2
Contents Introduction
Introduction .............................................................................................. 2
Important safety instructions.................................................................. 3
Limited warranty ...................................................................................... 4
Rear panel connections........................................................................... 5
Connections ............................................................................................. 6
Front panel controls................................................................................. 8
Remote control......................................................................................... 9
Custom installation use........................................................................... 9
CAP5 protection system .......................................................................... 10
Technical specifications........................................................................... 11
Troubleshooting........................................................................................ 11
Thank you for purchasing this Cambridge Audio Azur 550A or 650A
amplifier. We are confident that you will enjoy many years of listening
pleasure from it.
Developed as part of our on-going research and development regime,
including extensive listening tests, we have incorporated many subtle
tweaks and improvements to our circuits, components and layouts in the
pursuit of our passion for sound quality. Specifically, these models use
new output transistors, a new high-quality Alps volume pot, new
polypropylene signal capacitors, gold-plated speaker outputs, custom-
made electrolytic capacitors in critical positions and several new circuit
tweaks.
These models are amongst the first to feature a new casework design
with a thicker braced front panel, more rigid wrap-over lid assembly and
dual-layer damped feet, all of which contribute to better resonance
control.
A new version of our proprietary CAP5 system has been developed to
allow a greater dynamic envelope to the protection scheme, offering a
more dynamic real-life performance. Also featured is an environmentally
friendly low power (<1W) standby circuit. This circuit completely powers
down the amplifier circuits in Standby mode yet is itself totally isolated
when the amplifier is on, thus having no effect on sound quality.
Both the 550A and 650A have fully buffered input circuits for low
crosstalk and improved stereo imaging, driving a completely discrete
bipolar transistor-based amplifier and all powered from a custom
audiophile-grade toroidal transformer. A new MP3/Portable Media Player
input has been fitted to the front panel for convenience, and the supplied
remote can control the amplifier, any of our matching CD players and
basic iPod functionality.
The 650A differs from the 550A by having separate transformer
secondaries for left and right channels, twin rectifiers and separate PSUs
for dual-mono operation of the left and right power amplifiers. An even
larger heatsink and transformer are also employed which allows for a
greater power output of 75wpc (compared to 60wpc for the 550A).
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.
Thank you for taking the time to read this manual; we recommend you
keep it for future reference.
Matthew Bramble
Cambridge Audio Technical Director
and the 550A/650A design team
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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.
© Copyright Cambridge Audio Ltd 2010
