Chat
Contact us
Close contact box
Connect ID #
187 899 49
Connect ID #
187 899 49

Sorry, chat is currently unavailable

Don't wait on hold. We'll call you back when it's your turn to talk with the next available .
Please enter your name  
Please enter your phone number  
Please enter a message  

Calls may be recorded for training and quality control purposes.

We are located in Virginia USA.

Thank you. We will be calling you .
We're sorry. We have encountered a problem.

Cambridge Audio Azur 851N Stereo digital preamplifier/network player, optional Bluetooth® (Black)

Item # 779851NB

Every Cambridge Audio component we've heard has impressed us, and that goes double for their elegant Azur series.

Every Cambridge Audio component we've heard has impressed us, and that goes double for their elegant Azur series.

Item # 779851NB

Shop all Cambridge Audio Stereo Preamps

About the Cambridge Audio Azur 851N

Steve Kindig

Let your digital music take flight

Every Cambridge Audio component we've heard has impressed us, and that goes double for their high-performance Azur series. The versatile 851N gives today's audiophiles easy access to their favourite digital music sources. It handles the most popular digital file formats and gives them all a sonic upgrade, from lossy sources like MP3s and Spotify®, to your CD collection, to high-res music files downloaded from HDtracks. Add an optional BT-100 Bluetooth® dongle, and stream music from any compatible smartphone or tablet.

Let your digital music take flight

Every Cambridge Audio component we've heard has impressed us, and that goes double for their high-performance Azur series. The versatile 851N gives today's audiophiles easy access to their favourite digital music sources. It handles the most popular digital file formats and gives them all a sonic upgrade, from lossy sources like MP3s and Spotify®, to your CD collection, to high-res music files downloaded from HDtracks. Add an optional BT-100 Bluetooth® dongle, and stream music from any compatible smartphone or tablet.

Think of the 851N as three components in one. First, it's a digital preamp with an assortment of connections for handling your digital gear. Plus, it's a network player ready to stream your favourite audio sources using either a wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi® connection. And, of course, it's a high-performance DAC with state-of-the-art audio processing to improve the listening experience for all digital formats. While CD-quality or better sources will sound startlingly real, it's a real eye-opener to hear how good a 320kbps Spotify® stream can sound (premium subscription required).

Advanced upsampling and DACs for clean, clear sound from every source

Cambridge's sophisticated Adapted Time Filter 2 technology upsamples all incoming digital audio to a 24-bit/384kHz signal to resolve extremely fine detail. That happens for all incoming audio data — whether it's from an Internet radio stream, a lossless FLAC file on a USB flash drive, or a connected component like a CD transport. This system performs interpolation and data buffering, and re-clocks the audio signal to almost completely eliminate "jitter" — timing errors in the music signal that can add harshness, compromise clarity and cause instruments and voices to sound less distinct. The upsampled audio signal is then fed through twin Analog Devices 24-bit DACs, for clean, detailed, noise-free sound and outstanding stereo imaging with every source.

The 851N also includes some cool adjustments that will appeal to hands-on audiophiles. A choice of digital filter settings lets you tweak and fine-tune the DAC's sound to match your system and room. A phase inversion switch lets you correct for out-of-phase recordings or amplifiers that invert phase. And an incoming sample rate indicator verifies the original source quality. Underlying all this sophisticated circuitry is a fully shielded toroidal transformer anchored to an acoustically damped, all-metal chassis for gobs of steady, quiet current and a vanishingly low noise floor.

All the right connections for your digital audio gear

Cambridge Audio Azur 851 N back panel

The Azur 851N offers an assortment of inputs for all your digital sound sources, plus built-in Wi-Fi for music streaming and downloads. Connect to your amplifier using the RCA or balanced XLR audio outputs.

The 851N offers plenty of connections, so you can use its outstanding audio processing and D-to-A conversion to enjoy incredible sound from all your digital audio sources. You get two digital inputs with your choice of optical or coaxial connections. Coaxial connections work with many CD/DVD players, and they're ideal for a Sonos® Connect player. The optical inputs are there for your HDTV, Apple TV®, or game console. Along with these common inputs there's a balanced digital XLR input that provides an ultra-low-noise connection when used with a compatible high-end CD transport. 

Cambridge's free control app

A free app lets you use your tablet or smartphone to select digital music files or switch audio inputs.

Use your Apple® or Android™ device as the controller

While the 851N includes a backlit remote control, and features a large, easy-to-grab control knob on the front for navigating through your music options, you'll have more fun if you get your smartphone or tablet into the act. Cambridge offers a free control app for your favourite Apple or Android device, which integrates all your music choices into a single simple interface. From the music stored on your home network devices, to thousands of Internet radio stations, to streaming services like Spotify®, this app puts everything at your fingertips.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • stereo preamp/network player with built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC)
  • digital inputs let you connect sources like a computer, disc player, media streamer, or TV and enjoy superior sound
  • connects to your home network via wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi® for music streaming and downloads
  • supports Spotify® Connect and Apple AirPlay®
  • plays PCM digital audio sources up to 24-bit/192kHz
  • twin Analog Devices AD1955 24-bit digital-to-analog converters in dual differential mode for precise stereo imaging
  • Anagram Technologies Adapted Time Filtering 2 (ATF2) 24-bit/384kHz audio up-sampling with jitter reduction for resolving fine detail
  • asynchronous USB technology for reduced timing jitter and better sound
  • large toroidal power transformer for clean, stable power
  • all-metal chassis with brushed aluminum front panel to minimize vibration-induced distortion
  • color LCD displays track/artist info and album art
  • illuminated remote control
  • free downloadable apps for iOS® and Android™ let you use a compatible smartphone or tablet as a remote control
Connections:
  • stereo balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA preamp outputs for connecting an amplifier
  • digital inputs:
    • Toslink optical (2 in, 1 out) — supports files up to 24-bit/192kHz
    • coaxial (2 in, 1 out) — supports files up to 24-bit/192kHz
    • balanced AES/EBU digital XLR (1 in, 1 out) — supports files up to 24-bit/192kHz
    • USB Type B for connecting a Mac® or Windows® computer — supports files up to 24-bit/192kHz
    • 3 USB Type A for connecting a thumb drive, the supplied Wi-Fi antenna, or the optional BT-100 Bluetooth receiver (1 front, 2 rear) — supports files up to 24-bit/192kHz
    • Ethernet port for wired connection to a home network
    • Bluetooth ready — accepts optional BT-100 Bluetooth dongle for wireless audio streaming from a mobile phone, tablet, or computer
  • If connecting to a TV, please make sure you can select "PCM" output in its audio menu — this DAC cannot decode multichannel Dolby® Digital signals
Specifications:
  • total harmonic distortion: less than 0.0006% @ 1000 Hz
  • signal-to-noise ratio: 110 dB
  • 17"W x 4-1/2"H x 14-3/4"D
  • weight: 17.9 lbs.
    • Crutchfield's in-house depth measurements are made with all relevant cables in place
  • warranty: 3 years
  • MFR # C10545

What's in the box:

  • Network audio player
  • 69" AC power cord
  • USB-WiFi dongle w/ WLAN antenna
  • Remote control (RC-8/SM)
  • 3 "AAA" batteries
  • 38" Mono-RCA cable
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Spotify brochure
  • "Thank You" card

Customer reviews for Cambridge Audio Azur 851N

Loading reviews...

Average review:

4.5 out of 5 stars
50 reviews

Filter by rating

Customer photos

Customer provided image, click to load a larger version.
Customer provided image, click to load a larger version.

Sort reviews

Sort by:
Items per page:
View page:

Verified customer (What's this?)
Verified employee review (What's this?)

Reviewed on Samsung.com

This review was collected as part of a promotion

Pros:

Cons:

Crutchfield response
Customer provided image, click to load a larger version.
<< >>

More details on the Cambridge Audio Azur 851N

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Inputs
RCA Inputs 0
XLR Inputs 0
3.5mm Inputs 0
Phono Inputs 0
Phono Input Type N/A
Optical Digital Inputs 2
Coaxial Digital Inputs 2
Digital XLR Inputs 0
USB Type A 3
USB Type B 1
Ethernet Port Yes
Outputs
RCA Outputs 2
XLR Outputs 2
Optical Digital Outputs 1
Coaxial Digital Outputs 1
Digital XLR Outputs 1
Subwoofer Outputs 0
Discrete Sub Outs N/A
Headphone Output No
Audio Features & Specs
Home Theater Bypass No
Frequency Response Not given
S/N Ratio (Phono) 0
S/N Ratio (Line) 110
THD 0.0006
DAC Bit Depth 24-bit
DAC Sample Rate 192 kHZ
High-res Audio Playback
From Network Yes
From USB Thumb Drive (USB-A) Yes
From Computer (USB-B) Yes
Wireless Features
Bluetooth Optional
Bluetooth Formats Supported N/A
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Frequency Bands 2.4 GHz
Streaming Compatibility
Apple AirPlay Yes
DTS Play-Fi No
Chromecast built-in No
Roon No
HEOS No
MusicCast No
BluOS No
Music Services
Amazon Music No
Apple Music No
Pandora No
Qobuz Yes
SiriusXM No
Spotify Connect
Tidal Connect
TuneIn No
YouTube Music No
Control
Apple Control App Yes
Android Control App Yes
Amazon Alexa No
Google Assistant No
12 Volt Trigger No
IR Control In
RS-232 Yes
Other Specs
Width (Inches) 16.9375
Height (Inches) 4.5625
Depth (Inches) 16.0625
Parts Warranty 3 Years
Labor Warranty 3 Years

Product Research

Variety of Sources
Audio Section
Remote Control

Variety of Sources

Wired or Wireless Network Connectivity: The Cambridge Audio azur 851N network audio player offers a wired (Ethernet) or wireless (WiFi dongle) connection to your home network for access to Internet Radio, select online music services, AirPlay, and music libraries stored on your computer.

  • Ethernet (LAN) Jack: The azur 851N network music player is fitted with an Ethernet (R-J45) port to connect directly to your home's network hub. Only connect the LAN port of the player to an Ethernet port that supports 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX.
  • WiFi Dongle/Antenna: The 851N network audio player includes a USB-WiFi dongle/WLAN aerial antenna which plugs into the player's rear-panel USB port. This USB-WiFi dongle/antenna wirelessly connects the player to your home network. The 851N supports 802.11 b/g/n (in 2.4GHz only) with WEP, WPA, WPA2 encryption. The unit has a wireless range of 30-98'.
Note: It is not recommended to use a WiFi connection for music files above 16 bits, 44.1/48kHz (if lossless/uncompressed).

Online Music Services: The Cambridge Audio 851N lets you access Internet Radio, Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz. Access to Internet Radio and Qobuz require the free StreamMagic App (for Apple iOS 11.0+ and Android OS 5.0+).

  • Internet Radio: The Cambridge Audio 851N gives you access to over 20,000 internet radio stations from around the world; all sorted by Location, Language, and Genre.
  • Spotify Connect: The integration of Spotify Connect will enable Spotify Premium users to instantly select and wirelessly stream music to the 851N from within the Spotify app (for Apple iOS and Android OS). Spotify is a digital music service that gives you on-demand access to one of the largest music libraries in the world (over 15 million tracks and counting). Spotify makes it easier than ever to discover, manage, and share music with your friends. You can browse music by artist, album, track, or most popular; and create your own music library with customized playlists.
  • TIDAL Connect: The integration of Tidal Connect will enable Tidal users to instantly select and wirelessly stream music to the 851N from within the Tidal app (for Apple iOS and Android OS). TIDAL is a global streaming service that offers over 30 million songs in high-fidelity CD sound quality. TIDAL has two pricing tiers; either $9.99 or $19.99 a month. Both pricing levels allow you to access TIDAL's entire music library. The $19.99 tier has the added benefit of high-fidelity sound at CD-level quality.
  • Qobuz: Qobuz offers the biggest catalog of Hi-Fi and Hi-Res albums in the world, both for new releases and specialized genres. For hundreds of thousands of albums, Qobuz includes all the information you need to recreate the appeal of a real CD - the names of musicians, producers, lyrics (everything you need to know to appreciate your favorite albums). Qobuz offers MP3, CD, and Hi-Res quality subscriptions.

AirPlay Compatible: The Cambridge Audio 851N network audio player is compatible with Apple's AirPlay technology. With AirPlay, the 851N can connect wirelessly to any AirPlay-enabled Apple device. This allows you to stream music wirelessly from your iPod touch, iPhone, iPad, or your computer's (Mac or PC) iTunes library; via your WiFi network.

  • iTunes Streaming: The 851N network audio player is able to stream audio from your computer's iTunes account via AirPlay technology. When connected to the same network as a computer running iTunes, the 851N can appear as an output option in the pop-up menu at the bottom of the iTunes window. You can then browse your iTunes collection on your computer & stream music to the Cambridge Audio network audio player. You will need a Mac or Windows-based PC running iTunes (10.2.2 or later) connected to the same network as the 851N.
  • Apple Device Streaming: AirPlay also lets you wirelessly stream music and music apps stored on your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad to the Cambridge Audio 851N. You will need an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad (running iOS 4.3.3 or later) connected to the same network as the 851N.
  • Apple Remote App: Using the Apple Remote App (free download from iTunes) on your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad and your wireless home network, you don't even need to be in the same room as the components or your computer to play, pause, skip, and stop the songs in your iTunes music library. You will even see the iTunes music information, including your track titles & artist info on your Apple device. You will need an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad (running iOS 7.0 or later) connected to the same wireless network as the 851N.

UPnP Compatible: The Cambridge Audio 851N network audio player is a UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) AV Client. Being a UPnP Client means the it can connect to UPnP AV servers on a network and browse and playback their music content. A connection to the internet is not strictly needed for this. The azur 851N just needs to be able to connect to the server to access its content. Most operating systems and/or music playback software now feature UPnP server facilities built-in. This allow you to share the music on the computer's hard-drive with Clients, such as the 851N. Your music library can include digital music located anywhere on your home network such as shared folders on your own computer (Windows or Mac), shared folders on another computer on your network, or music stored on a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) device on your network. Using UPnP, the 851N network player can connect to these devices and play back, or 'stream' non-DRM music files via the network to your home entertainment system. UPnP connection supports up to 24-bit/192kHz and Gapless playback.

Note: Not all servers support serving of all audio formats. Always make sure the server you choose also supports your formats of choice. For example, Windows Media Server does not currently serve FLAC format.

USB Ports: The Cambridge Audio 851N network audio player is fitted with three USB type-A ports (1 front/2 rear) to connect a USB flash  memory device or portable USB hard drive, and a rear-panel USB type-B port to connect your Windows or Mac computer.

  • Triple USB (Type-A) Ports: The Cambridge Audio 851N features three USB (type-A) inputs for music playback from a USB flash memory device or portable hard drive (up to 24-bit/192kHz). One USB port is on the front-panel, while the other two are on the rear-panel. Your USB device must be formatted in FAT32 or NTFS format with non-DRM music files. The 851N cannot supply greater than 500mA from the USB socket, itself. Good practice is to create folders for Artists within which you should have sub folders for each Album which then contain the tracks for that Album. Libraries with thousands of tracks in one folder will progressively slow down the unit's media browsing.
  • Asynchronous USB (Type-B) Input:  A rear-panel asynchronous USB (type-B) port enables the azur 851N to be connected to your Windows PC or Mac computer for playback of music files up to 24-bit/192kHz. The 851N will act as a very high-quality DAC/sound-card with very low jitter for your computer, offering genuine Hi-Fi-quality playback from your stored music and Internet radio. The 851N is both USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) and USB 1.1 (Full-speed) USB port compatible. It will also work with the new USB 3.0 ports where the PC will simply treat the 851N as if it were a USB 2.0 or 1.1 device.
    • PC Compatible: With the azur 851N switched to USB Audio 1.0 (this is the default setting), the 851N will work with the native Windows XP, Vista or 7 Audio 1.0 driver (no need to load any new driver) and accept audio up to 24-bit/96kHz. With the azur 851N switched to USB Audio 2.0, the 851N needs the Cambridge Audio USB Audio 2.0 Driver to be loaded and can then accept up to 24-bit/192kHz (and support ASIO and WASAPI Exclusive, if required).
    • Mac Compatible: No extra drivers are required to connect your Mac computer. With the azur 851N switched to USB Audio 1.1,  the 851N will work with the native Mac OS-X 10.5 (Leopard) or above Audio 1.0 driver and accept audio up to 24/96kHz. With the azur 851N switched to USB Audio 2.0, the 851N works with the native Mac OS-X 10.5 (Leopard) or above Audio 2.0 driver and can accept audio up to 24/192kHz.
Note: Click here to download the Cambridge Audio USE Audio 2.0 Driver.

Supported Audio Formats: Cambridge Audio's 851N network audio player supports many of the most popular formats via Network, UPnP, and USB connection. Supported codecs include MP3 (16-320kbps), WMA (32-320kbps), AAC (16-320kbps), WAV (16/24-bit; 32-192kHz), FLAC (16/24-bit; 32-192kHz), ALAC (16/24-bit: 32-192kHz), AIFF (16/24-bit; 32-192kHz), and Ogg Vorbis (32-320kbps). The 851N will only support DSD x64 (AKA DSD64 or 64FS) via DoP (DSD over PCM). However this is only possible via USB connection to a computer, using Class 2 USB Audio mode.

Note: The azur 851N does not support WMA pro, WMA lossless, RAW, AU, or other music file types not mentioned.

Digital Inputs: The Cambridge Audio 851N's two optical (toslink) digital inputs and two coaxial (RCA) digital inputs allow it to act as a high quality upsampling Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) to improve the sound from other devices, such as set top boxes, games consoles, or disc players. The optical and coaxial digital connections support up to 24-bit/192kHz, 2ch PCM audio.

Optional Bluetooth Adapter: Simply plug in the Cambridge Audio BT100 Bluetooth Audio Receiver (779BT100, sold separately) into the network audio player's rear-panel USB (type-A) port for wireless music streaming from many of today's most popular Bluetooth supporting devices; such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows Phone/PC, Mac computer/laptop, and more. The BT100 even supports the high-quality Bluetooth aptX CODEC, so you can stream audiophile quality music from your Bluetooth-enabled Android (OS 4.0+) device to the Cambridge Azur 851N.

Audio Section

Audiophile Performance: The Cambridge Audio azur 851N network audio player provides audiophile performance for outstanding reproduction of your streaming music files. The 851N incorporates twin Analog Devices (AD1955) 24-Bit DACs with bit-perfect signal path and jitter suppression, as well as Cambridge's advanced ATF2 upsampling technology and Dual Differential Earth Balanced Filter Topology for all sources.

  • Twin Analog Devices (AD1955) 24-Bit DACs: The azur 851N uses twin premium Analog Devices DACs in "dual differential" mode for excellent stereo imaging. Each stereo channel processes information separately for greater accuracy and imaging. Since each channel has its own DAC to process information, completely separate and symmetrical analog filter circuitry can be implemented. This implementation allows both the left- and right-channel circuitry to operate identically, ensuring the 851N delivers fantastic sound-staging and stereo-imaging properties.
  • ATF2 Upsampling Technology: The 851N utilizes an asynchronous up-sampling process called "Adaptive Time Filtering 2nd Generation" that intelligently interpolates (converts) incoming audio data from 16-24 bits (at any standard sampling frequency between 32-96kHz) to 24-bit/384kHz for dramatically improved musical reproduction. ATF2 will enhance the audio clarity, richness, and dynamic range of your compressed music.
  • Dual Differential Virtual Earth Balanced Filter Topology: The 851N uses Cambridge Audio's proprietary Dual Differential Virtual Earth Balanced filter topology, configured as a low-order two-pole liner-phase Bessel filter, in order to take advantage of the achieved high-sampling rate. As a result your music will have extreme linearity with greater dynamic range.
  • Bit-Perfect Signal Path w/ Jitter Suppression: Music stored on computers and other hard drives inherently suffers from jitter, so the 851Nimplements a host of enhancements such as bit-perfect signal path and jitter suppression to vastly improve the quality of digital music playback. Total correlated jitter is less than 200ps.

All-Metal Chassis & Toroidal Transformer: The 851N network audio player has an all-metal construction to ensure all components are completely isolated for the very best possible performance. The 851N also uses a large toroidal transformer to deliver perfect, low distortion power for all your music.

Digital Pre-Amplifier: By using a digital pre-amplifier, the audio signal remains in the digital domain for much longer, compared to a traditional analog integrated or pre-amplifier. Because the audio signal remains digital, and is only converted to analog at the very last minute, it is far less susceptible to analog signal deterioration. This means that the sound you hear is as close as possible to the original recording.

DSP Controlled Volume: The 851N's digital pre-amplifier uses a powerful 32-bit Blackfin DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Most digital preamplifiers use "bit reduction" to adjust the level of the volume output, however this results in much lower sound quality because digital information is being cut out of the original audio signal. Instead, the 851N's digital pre-amplifier uses the Blackfin DSP to control the level of the volume output, meaning that the entire digital signal remains fully intact for the best possible sound.

Balanced & Unbalanced Outputs: The Cambridge Audio 851N features both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) audio outputs to connect to a wide variety of home stereo receivers and amplifiers. The 851N features true balanced XLR analog audio outputs to connect high-end home receivers and amplifiers. XLR is a higher-quality output that can reject noise and interference with equipment with balanced inputs. The 851N also features an unbalanced stereo analog RCA audio output for connecting your stereo receiver or amplifier. The unbalanced and balanced outputs are simultaneously active.

Digital Outputs: The 851N features three rear-panel digital outputs; there is an optical (toslink) digital output, coaxial (RCA) digital output, and XLR (AES/EBU) digital output. These digital outputs allow pass-through of the selected digital source (no up-sampling performed). These outputs loop or pass-through unprocessed digital audio from the selected digital input. All three digital outputs are always active and can be used to connect and run equipment at the same time.

Ground/Lift Switch: When Grounded, the 851N is connected to the earth connection of the PC directly. When Lifted the ground connection is made via a network designed to break any hum loops that may be caused by the source equipment. The Grounded setting is recommended, unless audible hum is experienced.

Remote Control

IR Remote: The Cambridge Audio 851N includes a slim-line IR remote control for wireless operation of the network audio player. The IR remote also operates other Cambridge Audio devices, like Azur series integrated amps and AV receivers.

StreamMagic App: The free StreamMagic App (for Apple iOS 11.0+ and Android OS 5.0+) gives you full control of the 851N network audio player; including power on/off, source selection, and volume up/down. The StreamMagic App also gives you access and control over UPnP servers and NAS drives connected to the same WiFi network, Internet Radio from across the world, select online music services, USB media device plugged into the player, music stored on your Apple iOS or Android device, and Bluetooth audio (requires BT100 adapter). The free app also features a high-resolution display for album art and track information

Front-Panel LCD: The network audio player's front-panel color LCD displays album art and song/artist information. You can adjust the front-panel LCD's brightness level.

Remote Connections: The Cambridge Audio 851N is fitted with the following custom remote connections.

  • RS232C Port: The RS-232C port is to be used in conjunction with an external controller to control the operation of the unit by using an external device.
  • IR Emitter In (3.5mm): 3.5mm minijack input that enables modulated IR commands from multiroom or IR repeater systems to be received by the 851N.
  • Control Bus In/Out (RCA): The Control Bus RCA input enables un-modulated commands from multiroom systems or other components to be received by the 851N.  The Control Bus RCA output provides control bus output commands for further downstream units. This can be useful if using the iPhone app to control the volume on a Cambridge Audio amplifier.

Firmware/Software Updates: The Cambridge Audio azur 851N will offer firmware/software updates through its wired (Ethernet) or wireless (WiFi) connection.

Loading accessories...

Customer Q&A

19 questions already asked

Q
Does t have Amazon music service built in?
umut  Apr 22, 2022
2 answers
A
No it does not have Amazon Music direct but you can stream from the Amazon App through Airplay or Chromecast. Cambridge support site explain why there is no direct Amazon built it. Airplay works just fine for Amazon to Azur. I hope this helps you.
olujide  Apr 28, 2022
A
Amazon music is not included., I prefer using Tidal or streaming from my server.
derek  Apr 25, 2022
Q
how do you connect a sub(s)?
abcde  Apr 12, 2022
2 answers
A
I dont have any sub connected
johnson  Apr 12, 2022
A
I believe it has a standard rca output . Use that . But use the subs crossover control
lance  Apr 12, 2022
Q
Does it transmit Bluetooth to headphones at Aptex HD quality?
william  May 12, 2021
1 answer
A
No, it will not transmit Bluetooth to headphones on its own. Not sure about whether the add-on Cambridge Bluetooth module will transmit or not.
christian  Feb 23, 2022
Q
Can i feed the cambridge audio DAC-less cd player into this before going into my receiver, to utilize this unit's DAC?
beau  Apr 10, 2021
7 answers
A
The way I understand it is yes, every input goes through the dac.
michael  May 07, 2021
A
Yes you can
meghan  May 07, 2021
A
Yes
richard  May 06, 2021
A
Absolutely. That's a perfect option. It's what I do and I get fabulous results.
william  May 06, 2021
A
While I am not an expert, I wired my DAC-less Onkyo CD player to the Cambridge through an optical jack. The sound is much better being routed this way. Cambridge suggests this method for improved sound and I agree!
joe  May 06, 2021
A
Yes, absolutely you can. I also use a CD transport with the Azure 851N.
christian  May 06, 2021
A
Absolutely! :-) I feed my CD player as well as a digital signal from my computer into the Azur to utilize the DAC. Enjoy!
chad  May 06, 2021
Q
An Ipad with Tidal can play in 24/192 on the 851N? It is IOS a limitation?
luis  Jan 30, 2021
2 answers
A
Some Tidal "Master Tracks" are available in 24/192, the normal tracks are available in lower resolutions. From an iPad, you have at least two playback options. First, would be airplay. The playback resolution will be limited by what Airplay can handle (which probably depends on version, etc) The season option would be to use the Cambridge Audio Streammagic app. Through that you control the 851N Tidal playback, but the 851N is doing the streaming directly, not "broadcast" from your device. Cambridge Audio just released a beta Firmware update enabling Tidal Connect. The full Firmware update should be coming in a couple of months after the beta feedback & any bug chasing. Hope that helps.
christian  Jan 31, 2021
A
Simple answer should be yes. When I first bought the streamer I was playing hi res music from Qobuz on the IPad however you cannot cast (Chromcast) to the 851 you can use airplay but you will not be playing hi res. What I did was use an interconnect cable 3.5 mm to dual RCA. The single 3.5 mm plugs into the IPad and the two RCA plug into the 851. Since then I just connect the 851 via an Ethernet cable to my the router I use to access the Internet. Then I control the 851 using the Cambridge Audio StreamMagic app on my IPad or IPhone. Hope this helps.
john h  Jan 30, 2021
Q
Could I connect iPhone or iPad via Bluettoth with AZUR 851N ? Could I connect iMac computer via Wifi with AZUR 851N ?
jaime  Aug 10, 2020
6 answers
A
I play my music through the iPad and MacBook with the Azur all the time. I use Roon, for the MacBook and AirPlay for Qobuz & Pandora.
frank  Aug 14, 2020
A
I have used both an iPhone and iPad with my 851N with no problems. I would assume an iMac that has Air Play on it would work just fine...
timothy  Aug 13, 2020
A
Hello Jaime, Yes you can if you have the BT100 Bluetooth reviver which you can get from Crutchfield. You can also connect with Airplay I connect my IPhone and IMac either way to the 851N it's a good unit.
valentin  Aug 12, 2020
A
Absolutely can connect Apple or android. The 851N also has Spotify integrated as an input.
bret  Aug 12, 2020
A
The 851N recognizes all Apple devices via Airplay provided you are on the same network. For Bluetooth you need the optional single.
william  Aug 12, 2020
A
I connect my iPhone with an app using WiFi they both must be on the same network to use, I also use Tidal from my phone or from the 851 and control it with my phone, I have not tried my iPad yet but think it would work as well And I have connected my MacBook Pro via usb but have not tried wi Fi
tim  Aug 12, 2020
Q
I looked at the online manual which says: Use a wired connection for seamless playback of high resolution 24-bit/176kHz and 24-bit/192kHz files.Does this mean it cannot play these files over wi-fi or that it is recommended to use a wired connection?
john h  Jan 18, 2020
2 answers
A
The manual for the Azur 851N is available for download at Cambridge Audio's web site. It contains the following note on page 9: It is not recommended to use Wi-Fi connections for content above 24bits, 96kHz if lossless/uncompressed. Also from page 9 of the manual: Before you can use your 851N for Radio/Streaming you must have the following:  A broadband internet connection (such as ADSL) to a suitable internet service provider (ISP).  A network connection either wirelessly via 802.11b/g or n Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet connection (10 or 100 M bits/sec via an RJ45 connection). Note: For playback of high sample rate files (24-bits/176.4kHz & 24-bits/192kHz) streamed from your home network, we recommend using an Ethernet connection to avoid unwanted disruption as the high data rate of these files is beyond most Wi-Fi networks capability. In many cases the broadband modem, router and wireless access point will be a single combined unit supplied by your Internet Service Provider or bought from a computer store. If your wireless network is configured to use Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) or Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) data encryption then you will need to know your WEP or WPA key so you can get the 851N to communicate with the network. Hope this answers your question.
douglas c  Aug 12, 2020
A
This is a recommendation. You can use wifi to play high resolution files.
douglas c  Apr 19, 2020
Q
Does CA release firmware updates that provide support for additional streaming services? I'm using Amazon Unlimited HD. Does this device support that streaming service?
mark  Dec 01, 2019
6 answers
A
CA does release firmware updates. When you first power it up and connect it to your internet, it will update itself. I've only owned this for a few weeks so I don't know how often the firmware is updated. It's only happened that first time (for me). Crutchfield does allow returns for up to 60 days (I think), which is why I purchased the Azur 851N -- I was unsure if it would be able to index my entire CD collection on a large thumb drive (128G). It could, and I am very happy with the product. I am also able to stream every radio station that I listen to through the device. I realize that this doesn't answer your question--and you'll probably have to contact Crutchfield to get your question answered, but I thought more info couldn't hurt in your decision. Cheers.
gregory  Dec 24, 2019
A
So far NO, currently the only service that can be done directly through the 851N is Tidal. If you wanted to hook your computer up to it through the USB input it would work that way. I use mine for internet radio and use it as a music server putting digital music on a flash drive for the MP3 downloads that came with the purchase of my vinyl or ripped from CDs. With the upsampling DAC the MP3s are almost CD quality, still go to vinyl for serious listening.
richard  Dec 23, 2019
A
Cambridge Audio has provided approximately 6 firmware updates since I purchased my unit in March 2017. Two of these updates were major in that they added support for Tidal and most recently (within the past 2 weeks) they added Qobuz and a new and much-improved smartphone app to control the unit. Initially they only provided support for Spotify. So, yes they do support this product. I should also mention that Crutchfield has replaced my 851n 3 times since my purchase due to various failures. Crutchfield's return policy is excellent, but I am concerned as my 3-year warranty will run out in 4 months. On the other hand, Crutchfield was out of stock when I called to replace the last one and when the latest unit arrived it included a different wifi dongle, so it appears they may have made some improvements that would improve its longevity.
douglas c  Dec 23, 2019
A
Not to my knowledge. The only upgrades I received were specific to the device's performance. However, If you have an I phone you can use airplay to stream amazon music.
clarence  Dec 23, 2019
A
It supports Tidal and it works well. Uncertain of Amazon
james  Dec 23, 2019
A
I use Tidal which was part of an update but unsure about Amazon
james  Dec 23, 2019
Q
What kind of DAC is in this? Wolfson or Saber? Or neither?
christopher  Oct 26, 2019
5 answers
A
I would call Cambridge directly at their Chicago office for answers to technical questions like that. I can tell you that to my discerning ears, the machine sounds incredible! What it does for low & medium quality MP3's is nothing short of amazing. But add a subscription to Tidal's High Res music files and you will be in sonic heaven. All with the convenience of not having to load/unload discs.
john t  Nov 08, 2019
A
saber
richard  Nov 08, 2019
A
Hi Christopher, thanks for your question! The Cambridge Audio Azur 851N has 2 Analog Devices DACs built in! Analog Devices has one of the industries largest portfolios, and deliver strong performance, with extremely accurate and reliable conversion. Along with the Analog Devices DACs, this unit also has upsampling technology that will help to create an even more natural, detailed, spacious and well rounded sound quality. Feel free to get in touch with one of our Advisors! They will be happy to discuss this in further detail with you! You can chat with us online or by phone at 1-800-324-9695.
jessica  Nov 07, 2019 (Staff)
A
The DACs are twin Analog Devices AD1955. There is also some custom-designed upsampling technology. The result is exceptionally clear and natural sound. Even compressed streaming services sound quite good.
robert  Nov 07, 2019
A
Read the description fully. If the Crutchfield description does not answer your question, refer to the Cambridge Audio website. If I were to answer your question it would be tantamount to asking a stranger for the time whilst holding a mobile phone. If you're too lazy to do your own simple research you're not the type of individual that would benefit from owning this particular piece of equipment. It's likely too sophisticated for you.
dustin s  Nov 07, 2019
Q
What receiver would best pair with this device? Would a receiver with its own DAC make any difference positive or negative?
gregory  Feb 22, 2019
8 answers
A
A receiver with DAC would be redundant and might reduce quality if it's DAC is inferior. Pair with a good analog receiver. CA and Rega are good choices.
don  Feb 23, 2019
A
I use the 851A integrated amp's preamp outputs. The sound quality is exceptional, and I don't think the cost of an external DAC could be justified.
robert  Feb 22, 2019
A
I paired mine with a Beringer Ultra Curve Pro DSP and a B&K Power Amp.
bernard  Feb 22, 2019
A
Hi Gregory. I couldn't tell you which receiver specifically would pair well with the 851N. I would think a Cambridge receiver would be a great pairing, however. It would have to be a very advanced DAC to be able to add anything to your system beyond what the 851N DAC offers. The only time I have used another DAC in my system is when I play native DSD 256 files. The improvement over the DSD 64 that the 851N plays is so slight that I find myself using the 851N almost exclusively. If it were me, I would concentrate on the amplification and tuner section of the receiver, and leave the DAC duties to the 851N. Just my opinion, but good luck to you.
neil  Feb 22, 2019
A
What I was told when I purchased the 851N was that if I wanted to use it in conjunction with my old Marantz receiver, I should put the receiver into "pure direct" mode so that it would not use its own (inferior) DAC. If you don't do that, then the receiver will muddy things up.
charles wesley  Feb 22, 2019
A
If you have a recent receiver or considering buying a new receiver you should consider if you really need this streamer. To my knowledge all receivers have DACs. My Marantz receiver DAC seemed to be just as good as this unit's DAC. What's more the Marantz receiver has a very capable streamer built in as many receivers do. I rely on the audyssey room correction from my receiver because of my room acoustics. With Audyssey the receivers DAC is mandatoryfor the digital processing. You can use the DAC in the Cambridge in pure direct mode but you loose Audyssey. So the small improvement in sound quality I got from this streamer was not worth losing room correction. I returned the Cambridge. If you want to try the Cambridge have you thought about buying a power amp instead of a receiver(if you don't have other sources). You can use the Cambridge as a preamp and skip the receiver altogether. I wanted to do this since I have a separate power amp but I really needed the room correction. BTW I think Marantz has the best sounding receivers for the money. You have to spend a lot to beat the Marantz sound.
patrick  Feb 22, 2019
A
The 851N has its own dac. Another dac woldnt be necessary. I have my 851N connected directly to my amp. I'm not sure how you would hook it up to a receiver unless it's a preamp or integrated amp. In any case I would use the 815N dac and run the audio out to my next device whether it's a pre amp, amp or integrated amp. The dac in the 815N is a good one. Hope this helps.
robert  Feb 22, 2019
A
I can't really say much about a receiver since I use it in a system with separate preamp, amp and tuner. In terms of DAC in a receiver and the 851N the difference, if any, would depend on the quality of the receiver's DACs. Offhand my guess is what you get with a receiver simply won't measure up to this device. It does an incredibly good job of enhancing digital sources to sound significantly better. You can also run other digital inputs, i.e. a tuner, receiver, etc. through the 851N.
george  Feb 22, 2019
Q
will this play music files stored on a usb external hard drive?
clyde  Mar 27, 2018
4 answers
A
Yes absolutely.
robert  Feb 22, 2019
A
Yes. But had some noise with some spinning hard drives.
james  Mar 28, 2018
A
Yes it will.
vinit  Mar 27, 2018
A
Absolutely. You can also make a playlist on a hard drive and it will play the playlist.
robert  Mar 27, 2018
Q
Will this work to play music from my phone without requiring Bluetooth? If the phone and 851N are both on the same wireless network it should just work right? Also I have a question on how to fit this into my current set up. Right now I have a Media player (Mac mini) --> HDMI --> Marantz av7703 Pre --> XLR --> Emotiva XPA Amp --> Speakers I want to clean up this sound as much as possible so What I envision is: Source (Mac/Wireless tablet/Phone) --> USB/Wireless --> 851N --> Cable???? --> Marantz?? --> XLRs --> Emotiva --> Speakers Would anyone be able to tell me if I need to run an optical cable between the CA 851N to the Marantz and then if so how to keep the marantz from interfering with the sound? I have heard of "Pass Through" on a Pre-Amp but am unsure if this is what I need to sort out. Thanks everyone.
rjg416  Oct 20, 2017
3 answers
A
If you run an optical cable from the 851N to your Marantz you will not be taking advantage of the 8581N's DAC. You probably would be better off buying the Cambridge Audio CXN as it is cheaper and essentially is the same network player functionality.
douglas c  Dec 23, 2019
A
Yes, that will work. I've done it a couple of times.
robert  Feb 22, 2019
A
not sure why you don't want to use ble tooth. If you have been able to connect your Apple device via usb, you should be able to set parameters to route audio to your network. Apple share is also a possible avenue. You can share music with several devices. That may be an alternative.
robert  Oct 21, 2017
Q
Does this work with Tidal Hi Res?
sprogk  Sep 06, 2017
3 answers
A
You could output Tiidal from a PC or MAC or phone into the 851N. Cambridge has a downloadable utility to help PC's output better audio (ASIO) which is standard on MAC. Phone will play over Bluetooth if you order the Optional Bluetooth. Tidal is not a built in feature the way Spotify is built in. Also, for Spotify you need to be a premium member.
lee  Sep 07, 2017
A
Tidal is not even mentioned in any of the user manuals. I don't have a Tidal subscription so I can't even test it. I tried looking for an answer in the Cambridge Audio website to no avail. Maybe you can ask Cambridge Audio support directly?
antonio  Sep 07, 2017
A
No! Just spotify
dan  Sep 06, 2017
Q
How can the unit be controlled remotely?
angel  Aug 19, 2016
2 answers
A
I like using the android AP to select music. I might use the remote control for audio volume after that. However the app works fine for volume control too.
robert  Feb 22, 2019
A
The Cambridge Audio 851N includes a slim-line IR remote control for wireless operation of the network audio player. The free Cambridge Connect App for Apple iOS (7.1+) and Android (OS 4.0+) also gives you full control of the 851N network audio player; including power on/off, source selection, and volume up/down from your Apple or Android device. I hope that helps! My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=159
david  Aug 23, 2016 (Staff)
Q
Bass and treble controls?
vic  Jul 23, 2016
5 answers
A
No
robert  Feb 22, 2019
A
No it doesn't. In the digital pre-amp mode, you can only adjust volume and balance. It does have audio filters, but I've never used them since I don't use the 851N as a pre-amp
mark  Jul 23, 2016
A
There are none. Only volume controls and only if you are using it as a digital preamplifier. If you are using it as a streamer, volume, bass and treble are controlled by your amplifier. I have no regrets purchasing this component!
antonio  Jul 23, 2016
A
Hi Victor You must the use your amp controls to modify the sound output However some players on your computer or ipad devices may also allow to modify the sound input to your 851N
alex  Jul 23, 2016
A
There are no bass and treble controls. Those are on the power amp.
michael  Jul 23, 2016
Q
can you store music files on cambridge azur851n?
buddy  Sep 28, 2015
4 answers
A
No. You will need another device. I use a USB hard drive and also have a NAS. Both work well. Thumbnails displays work better with NAS.
robert  Feb 22, 2019
A
HI, no you can't. But you can easily hook it up to an outside recorder, and it works well. It's a beautiful unit. There's probably 50-60,000 radio stations from all over the world in any genre you can imagine and even a few you probably can't. The sound is excellent. However, its all live and you can't listen to things that may still be available after it has been aired. There are occasional podcasts you can listen to but it may not be on the programs you want. The stations are fixed and fine-tuned. If you're into quality it is a very good unit and I definitely would recommend it. hjh
henrik  Sep 29, 2015
A
No, this is strictly a streaming device. Files may be stored on your computer or NAS or you can use a streaming service such as Spotify
aneet  Sep 29, 2015
A
No.
gerold a  Sep 29, 2015
Q
Is there a subwoofer out?
michael  Jul 06, 2015
2 answers
A
No dedicated subwoofer out. It does have two pairs of outputs though. One pair is single ended (RCA), the other balanced (XLR). Both are simultaneously active. You can have one go to your pre or amp, the other to your sub. If neither your amp or sub have XLR connections, you can use adapter cables or even a splitter for the RCA outputs. While this gives you an output to subs, the signal will be full range, ie, no bass management. But most subs let you control low pass, gain, at its own amp.
peter  Dec 11, 2015
A
I forwarded your question to an Advisor and they responded with the following: There isn't a subwoofer output on this preamplifier. If you would like to discuss further you can contact an Advisor directly by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.
kristina  Jul 09, 2015 (Staff)
SHOW MORESHOW LESS

Loading articles...

Compare the sound