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
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$1200 it would be easy to argue that the Azur 650BD 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. As a DVD player, the BD650 neatly trumps their own value for money offering the Azure 540D which is no mean feet. 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. 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. $2495.
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 $895 and 650A at $1195) 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 (550C and 650C at identical prices) have been similarly improved.
The new tuner deserves special attention. The 550T is just on $600 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.
New iPod dock
Ipod compatibility is high on the list of requirements for any new system. We love the iPod and our hi-fi systems do too! Let’s face it, nothing beats the convenience of having all your favourite tunes at your fingertips. Enter the iD50 at just NZ$300, an iPod dock on a mission to actually improve the sound of your digital music thanks to Cambridge Audio’s noise cancelling technology. There’s no better way to make the most of your iPod once you’re home and you’ll be amazed to hear just how much you’ve been missing out on. Cambridge Audio's Navigator remotes are also able to control basic iPod functions so you can choose your favorite track from the comfort of your sofa. Choose either silver of gloss black finish.
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 Wadia iTransport 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. The 540D DVD player which is a complete multi-format machine with 24 bit, 192kHz six channel crystal DAC, capable of delivering both crystal clear picture and sound.
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 perios 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 340 models – CD player, Amplifier, Tuner and home theatre receiver amp 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 340Ase 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 as 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 cute and furry little dolphin to sit on top of your Cambridge to remind you that you have helped a good cause. We promise it will make the system sound even better.
The best selling models are...
340SE Integrated amplifier with remote 550A Integrated amplifier 540D DVD player 640P Phono stage 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 Rotel RA04 and RA05 are our alternative option - we'll let you work out which you think is best for you. If looking for a full system the Arcam Solo range manages to pull everything together in a sleak, comprehensively featured package that works at the level of the 640 series components. The Pro–ject USB Phono Box is the same price as the Cambridge and while it gives away a smidgen of resolution, it does allow you to record your vinyl onto disc or iTunes. 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 . Not to mention our own NZ made specialists – Perreaux. 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
340C CD player
550C CD player
550T Tuner
540R V.3 AV reciever
DacMagic
217 Stuart Street
Dunedin 9016
New Zealand
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(+64) 021 963 321
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