AZUR 551 R V 2

AV RECEIVER

TOP-TIPS

The complete AV hub

AV receivers deliver features and effects processing, but amplification and sound quality is often an afterthought. This is because manufacturers prefer to concentrate on cramming the latest ‘flavour of the month’ feature into the product.

The Azur 551R V2 is the perfect solution for a powerful surround sound home cinema experience together with a stunning audio performance, without compromise. At Cambridge

Audio we always ensure our receivers deliver the same audio performance levels as our award winning stereo amplifiers. So, the 551R V2 will give you great room-shaking movie effects, but unlike many other receivers on the market it will also deliver incredibly high-quality musical reproduction.

We only use pure audiophile components, including the high performance toroidal transformer which is why the 551R V2 is one of the most powerful AV receivers in its class.

The versatile 551R V2 caters for a wide range of set ups and systems, with six HDMI inputs for Blu-ray, gaming, or satellite TV while the six RCA connections will produce the very best audio from traditional hi-fi equipment.

It’s easy to set up, while the intuitive remote control and front panel, which includes a line input, ensures anyone can enjoy it.

Impressively all this power fits in an elegant box that’s just

110mm (4.3’’) high, so even the smallest AV units and shelves will comfortably accommodate it.

The inside story

Superb power

For surround sound, the 551R V2 accommodates up to a 7.1 system and outputs 110 Watts of power per channel delivering superb power, punch and dynamics and an outstanding audiophile-grade music experience.

Class-leading connectivity

The 551R V2 features six HDMI inputs with support for 4K video,

3D TV and deep colour pass through, six RCA phono inputs, four digital coaxial and optical plus a convenient, front-mounted

3.5mm input.

Full metal jacket

Electronics (and therefore sound quality) are particularly susceptible to vibration, that’s why we’ve used a low resonance, acoustically damped metal chassis to eliminate as much vibration as possible, ensuring that the most sound quality is extracted from each source.

Super cooled

All this power, refinement and versatility comes in a sleek and elegant box that’s just 110mm (4.3”) high, so it can fit into the

Power under the hood – the whisper quiet X-Tract cooling system smallest of spaces in shelving and racks, whilst our advanced

X-Tract™ cooling system ensures it can operate in a small space without overheating.

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An amazing home cinema receiver designed to deliver superb audio for music and movies alike

FM/AM radio

4 x digital inputs

(coaxial and optical)

Toroidal vs EI transformers

We strive for audio perfection which is why the 551R V2 features a powerful toroidal transformer. Cambridge Audio was one of the first manufacturers to use toroidal transformers in the 1970s, and we continue to use them today. Some of the benefits of a toroidal transformer, over the cheaper, inferior EI transformers used by most other manufacturers are:

High quality power output to the amplification circuits, with no clipping of the waveform signal, to provide a consistent signal

No transformer noise, buzz or hum

Sensational bass performance

High power output, to allow large and demanding speakers to be driven at high volumes

Large power reserves, to allow the transformer to deliver high peaks of volume when required

Fully shielded against internal and external electrical interference, to maintain quality of power and signal

A typical cheaper El transformer:

Weak inconsistent signal

No shielding

Noisy

Won’t drive powerful and demanding speakers

RS-232 for use with custom installation projects

5 x RCA phono inputs

There’s an additional RCA connection on the front panel too.

7.1 pre-amp output

Vital Statistics

Power output: 110 watts rms per channel, 6 ohms (two channels driven)

90 watts rms per channel, 8 ohms (two channels driven)

60 watts rms per channel, 8 ohms (all 7 channels driven)

Inputs:

Outputs:

6 x HDMI, 6 x RCA, 7.1 Multichannel, 4 coaxial, 4 optical,

FM/AM Tuner

2 HDMI, 7 amplified speaker outputs, 7.1 preamp output, headphone output

Dimensions 110 x 430 x 340mm (4.3 x 16.9 x 13.3’’)

(H x W x D):

Weight: 10kg (22lbs)

Did You Know?

You can enable the 551R V2’s Dolby Dynamic range control

(Dolby DRC) to control the dynamic range of movie soundtracks by compressing the audio to limit the difference in levels between loud and quiet passages in the movie – very handy for late-night viewing.

www.cambridgeaudio.com

AZUR 551 R V 2

AV RECEIVER

An amazing home cinema receiver designed to deliver superb audio for music and movies alike

6 x HDMI inputs

(5 rear, 1 on front panel)

2 x HDMI output with ARC

(Audio Return Channel) allows audio signal from TV to be sent to amplifier - rather than having to use a separate audio output on a TV

Application guide for

551R audio hub

Home cinema:

Supporting surround sound speaker configurations up to 7.1, the 551R

V2 outputs 110 Watts of power per channel, delivering superb power, punch and dynamics and brings movies to life in true hi-fi quality.

Hi-fi stereo

The 551R V2 has been specifically designed to ensure it’s more than an AV receiver, delivering an exceptional stereo performance with a powerful 110 Watts per channel. You can connect a wide range of source equipment and enjoy high performance stereo audio.

Furthermore, the front mounted MP3 connection allows anyone to quickly and easily connect an iPod or laptop to the 551R V2.

Did You Know?

7.1 Direct-in Speaker connections

(up to 7.1)

The 551R V2 has a HDMI Preview feature. This allows you to display a thumbnail picture of all connected HDMI sources, and quickly and easily select the desired input.

Good things come in small packages!

At only 110mm (4.3’’) high the 551R V2 fits on almost all shelves and racks and is one of the most powerful AV Receivers in its class.

Designer’s note

“We’ve taken our award-winning hi-fi knowhow and designed a powerful AV receiver that will also produce a truly exceptional stereo performance.”

Chris – Electronics Manager

Simple setup

You can easily set the 551R V2 up by yourself using the Cambridge

Audio Mic Controlled (CAMCAS) auto speaker setup. For quick and simple installation in any room this system uses the supplied microphone to perform multiple measurements of the listening environment and automatically sets the receiver up for optimum use dependent on your room’s acoustics.

Twin video outputs

The 551R V2 features two HDMI outputs. These can be used to run two displays at the same time; ideal if you have a screen in a second room, or want to use a projector for movies, but a TV screen for day to day use.

Support for the latest formats

With the very latest technologies – including the Cirrus Logic dual

32-bit DSP for compatibility with all the latest CODECs and formats, including 4K and 3D video, the 551R V2 will handle future formats for years to come.

www.cambridgeaudio.com

AZUR 551 R V 2

AV RECEIVER

Top reasons to buy an Azur 551R V2

The 551R V2 delivers exceptional quality audio... here are 10 reasons to choose the Cambridge

Audio 551R V2 over other systems

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The hub of music and video: No need to buy two devices for sensational surround sound and great music. Combine the quality and power of a true stereo amplifier, with the connectivity and functionality of an AVR. Furthermore, the 551R V2’s intuitive remote control and front panel ensure everyone can enjoy it.

Premium components: To deliver the best possible surround and stereo sound together with versatile connectivity and unrivalled ease of use, we’ve selected our favourite components. From powerful toroidal transformers, to the Cirrus Logic audio DACs

(digital to analogue converters) the 551R was built without compromise.

Great things come in small packages! Despite being one of the most powerful AV Receivers in its class, the 551R V2 is housed in a compact casework. Thanks to our advanced cooling technology it’s just 110mm (4.3’’) high, so will fit most shelves and racks.

Future-proof design: Future-proof design: With the very latest technologies – including the Cirrus Logic dual 32-bit DSP for compatibility with all the latest

CODECs and formats, including 4K and 3D video – you can buy the 551R V2 knowing it will handle future formats for years to come.

Great connectivity: With a combined total of 17 different analogue and digital inputs, it’s almost impossible to run out. You can connect all your AV equipment including Blu-ray, satellite TV, games consoles, MP3 players, CD players, turntables and more, plus there’s a built in AM/FM tuner too.

Quick set-up: AV receivers can involve arduous set-up and configuration processes, but the 551R V2 is quick and simple thanks to the Cambridge Audio

Microphone Controlled Auto Set-up (CAMCAS).

The supplied microphone measures the listening environment and automatically sets the speaker levels and distances for your room.

All of the power, all of the time! The 551R V2 is designed to divert all available power to as many, or as few speakers that are connected to it. For example, if you want extra performance from a high-quality pair of front speakers in a surround sound set-up, then with a 5.1 configuration you can use the surround rears to bi-amp the front left and right for that extra punch and control.

8 Twin video outputs: The 551R V2 features two

HDMI outputs. These can be used to run two displays at the same time; ideal if you have a screen in a second room, or want to use a projector for movies, but a TV screen for day to day use.

9 Full crossover adjustment and bass

management: The 551R V2 incorporates advanced

Bass Management features, allowing you to channel low frequencies to your front speakers, subwoofer, or both, as well as providing individually selectable bass boost for different surround modes.

10 Full Metal Jacket: all the above points would mean nothing, if the 551R V2 was not built to last! This is an AV receiver that is designed to keep on performing. From the all-metal casework and ultra rigid chassis, to the high-quality, high-power toroidal transformer, every component in the 551R V2 is designed to give many years of listening pleasure.

Top tip

The 551R V2 has a multi-channel analogue (7.1 Direct) audio input. This is ideal for connecting a high quality universal player such as the 752BD, and allows a direct, unprocessed signal path to the 551R V2’s amplifier section.

Cambridge Audio’s policy of continuous improvement means design and specification may change without notice. All rights reserved © 2013 Cambridge Audio. 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. iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S and other countries. Other product and company names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used for reference purposes only.

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