550C – taking CD performance to another league

The new 550C offers mind-bending performance from what at first appear to be a relatively 
modest design. Indeed simplicity and purity is the name of the game with the Cambridge Audio’s latest CD players which deliver excellent dynamics, clarity and superb timing from music of all genres. 

Arguably the most important development is the introduction of an entirely new in-house designed servo solution. 

Whereas many ‘comparable’ CD players utilise an inferior CD/DVD-ROM derived drive, the 550C takes full advantage of Cambridge Audio’s audio-only, CD transport which is coupled to our new highly sophisticated S3 Custom CD ServoTM. This third generation audiophile servo employs an all-new chipset and the latest double-sided surface-mount technology for ultra short signal paths with freedom from wire links. The net result gives the 550C extraordinary ability to retrieve maximum digital information whilst maintaining extremely low jitter; the digital noise that affects your listening pleasure. 

After extensive listening tests, Cambridge Audio’s engineers decided that it was possible to raise the performance of the trusted Wolfson WM8740 DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) to even greater levels and so this legendary 24bit/192kHz-capable DAC proudly features once again. But now, it’s been coupled to a new version of our proprietary Double Virtual Earth Balanced filter topology with Bessel Coefficients resulting in even greater musicality. These Wolfson DACs also feature a selectable digital filter with two settings enabling you to tailor output to best match your taste. 

The 550C’s well-proven transport has been re-worked to facilitate even quieter operation and a new bracing mechanism (derived from the 740 Series) guarantees incredible rigidity. As with all Azur CD players, a high quality toroidal transformer ensures lower noise and less waveform distortion as well as incredibly quiet operation. 

Like any Cambridge Audio design, usability and aesthetics are of enormous importance. Both players are a breeze to use – either from the sturdy controls or of course the remote. The CD drawer now offers smoother, premium operation and this along with a striking new reverse black display adds even greater appeal. And for maximum user convenience, CD-text support is now featured. Of course, like all the cleverest technology, the benefits are far easier to experience than they are to explain but within moments of hearing them, you’ll be aware of these players’ rich, smooth and truly accurate musical delivery. 

With so much shoehorned inside, it’s astonishing how the new Azur 550C looks so elegant. In addition to a raft of sonic and environmental benefits, the new Azur range has a completely fresh contoured look with razor sharp displays and velvety smooth controls. A substantial brushed aluminium front panel, a seamless wrap-over lid assembly and dual-layer damped feet all adhere to Cambridge Audio’s rock-solid design standards and also help improve performance through superb resonance control. 

Azur 550C CD player features