CAMBRIDGE AUDIO AZUR 851 N

Pre owned. In good condition. Shows some signs of wear as shown in the photos. Includes remote control, manual, and Wi-Fi dongle, but does not include original packaging.

The Cambridge Audio Azur 851N is a high-end network player designed to deliver an exceptional digital listening experience. Based on the award-winning StreamMagic platform, it combines refined engineering, versatility, and audiophile-level sound performance. Every detail is engineered to ensure pure and precise musical reproduction, enhancing every genre and source.

All incoming digital signals are processed through the sophisticated second-generation Adaptive Time Filtering system (ATF2), which upscales all audio to 24-bit/384 kHz. This process virtually eliminates jitter, a common digital audio distortion, delivering smooth, natural, and highly detailed sound. After this processing, two high-end digital-to-analog converters operate in a differential configuration, one for each channel, producing a stereo image of extraordinary depth and realism, with precise instrument separation and immersive spatiality.

The 851N stands out for its broad compatibility and operational flexibility. It supports native playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz and accepts popular file formats such as WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD64, MP3, and many others, allowing seamless access to your music library without conversion or limitations. Connections include optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, and asynchronous USB inputs, compatible with TVs, computers, smartphones, and other modern sources. Integrated network connectivity allows Wi-Fi streaming from NAS and UPnP servers, as well as support for Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay, and Internet radio. Optional Bluetooth connectivity (via the BT100 adapter, not included) can also be added.

With its high-precision digital volume control, the 851N can also function as a preamplifier, connecting directly to a power amplifier such as the Cambridge 851W. By keeping the signal in the digital domain until the final stage, it minimizes analog loss and interference, ensuring clean, dynamic sound even at low volumes.

The device’s design reflects its engineering quality: the robust satin-finished aluminum chassis houses a 4-inch full-color display, clearly showing album art, track information, and system settings. The interface can also be controlled via the Cambridge Connect app for iOS and Android, allowing intuitive navigation through sources and playback control. The rear panel offers multiple connection options, with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs, as well as optical and coaxial digital outputs.

The Cambridge Audio Azur 851N embodies the brand’s philosophy: combining technological innovation, precise engineering, and a passion for music. It is a network player capable of turning any listening session into an engaging experience, revealing the full richness and subtlety of high-resolution sound.

Technical specifications:

• D/A Converter: 24-bit AD1955 DAC from Twin Analog Devices
• Digital filter: Second-generation ATF2 upsampling to 24-bit/384 kHz; Linear, Minimum, or Steep phase modes
• Analog filter: 2-pole Bessel differential with DC servo (for XLR and RCA outputs)
• Digital audio outputs: 1 x AES/EBU; 2 x S/PDIF coaxial; 2 x TOSLINK optical
• USB audio input: Type B USB compliant with USB Audio 1.0 or 2.0 profile (user-selectable)
• Analog audio outputs: Balanced XLR; unbalanced RCA
• Compatibility: UPnP PCM 16-24 bit, 11.025-192 kHz; local USB PCM 16-24 bit, 11.025-192 kHz; USB Audio 1.0 PCM 16-24 bit, 44.1-96 kHz; USB Audio 2.0 PCM 16-24 bit, 44.1-192 kHz or DSD (x64); TOSLINK 16-24 bit, 32-192 kHz; S/PDIF PCM 16-24 bit, 32-192 kHz; AES3/EBU Bluetooth receiver PCM 16-24 bit, 32-192 kHz; BT100 A2DP + aptX; Internet radio 16-24 bit, 11.025-192 kHz
• Supported audio formats: ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD (x64), WMA, MP3, MPEG-4, AAC, AAC-HE, AAC+, OGG Vorbis
• Standby power consumption: <0.5 W
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 x 115 x 360 mm
• Weight: 8.1 kg