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This guide is designed to make installing and using this
product as easy as possible. Information in this document has
been carefully checked for accuracy at the time of printing;
however, Cambridge Audio’s policy is one of continuous
improvement, therefore design and specications are
subject to change without prior notice.
This document contains proprietary information protected
by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this manual
may be reproduced by any mechanical, electronic or other
means, in any form, without prior written permission of the
manufacturer. All trademarks and registered trademarks are
the property of their respective owners.
Cambridge Audio and the Cambridge Audio logo are
trademarks of Cambridge Audio.
Other brands mentioned are trademarks of their respective
owners and are used for reference purposes only.
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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Cambridge Audio azur series phono pre-
amplier. Like all Cambridge Audio products these phono pre-ampliers
adhere to three core principles – stunning performance, ease of use and
incredible value.
The design of a high quality but cost-effective phono pre-amplifer presents
a major challenge. Providing rst-class performance on an unlimited
budget is one matter; achieving the same performance within tight price
limits is quite another, and requires all the expertise and experience that
Cambridge Audio brings to its product design process. We believe we have
succeeded in our aim of creating a rst-class affordable product.
The 551P features a moving magnet stage whilst the 651P offers both
moving magnet and moving coil stages. Both use low noise discrete
transistors for the all-important input stages instead of the more common
integrated circuits.
Both are designed to produce high gain and linearity, without requiring
massive amounts of negative feedback to achieve low distortion. Both
models also employ a single-ended ‘Class A’ gain stage with audiophile
passive RIAA equalisation.
High quality components are used throughout such as 1% metal lm
resistors and close tolerance polypropylene capacitors.
The 651P uses more exotic amplication circuitry to provide even lower
distortion and noise plus a second higher gain stage for MC cartridges. In
addition, the 651P employs multi-parallel capacitors to achieve exceptional
RIAA accuracy of only 0.3dB up to 50kHz and features a defeatable
subsonic lter.
551P/651Pazur
Both units can be switched off from the front panel and feature a very high
efciency external transformer that consumes less than 0.5W when the
main unit is switched off.
Thank you for taking the time to read this manual; we do recommend you
keep it for future reference.
Matthew Bramble
Cambridge Audio Technical Director
and the 551P/651P design team
ENGLISH
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Important safety instructions
For your own safety please read the following important safety instructions
carefully before attempting to connect this unit to the mains power supply.
They will also enable you to get the best performance from and prolong the
life of the unit:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not t into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly
at plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from
the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.
12. Use with only the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
specied by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as the powersupply cord or plug having been damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed
to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
WARNING
– To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain
or moisture.
The unit must be installed in a manner that makes disconnection of the
mains plug from the mains socket outlet (or appliance connector from the
rear of the unit) possible. Where the mains plug is used as the disconnect
device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable. Only use the
mains cord supplied with this unit.
Please ensure there is ample ventilation (at least 10cm clearance all
round). Do not put any objects on top of this unit. Do not situate it on a rug
or other soft surface and do not obstruct any air inlets or outlet grilles. Do
not cover the ventilation grilles with items such as newspapers, tablecloths,
curtains, etc.
This unit must not be used near water or exposed to dripping or splashing
water or other liquids. No objects lled with liquid, such as vases, shall be
placed on the unit.
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551P/651Pazur
C-Tick mark
This product meets the Australian Communications Authority’s
Radio communications and EMC requirements.
ENGLISH
The lightning ash with the arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle
is intended to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated ‘dangerous
voltage’ within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufcient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions
in the service literature relevant to this appliance.
WEEE symbol
The crossed-out wheeled bin is the European Union symbol
for indicating separate collection for electrical and electronic
equipment. This product contains electrical and electronic
equipment which should be reused, recycled or recovered and
should not be disposed of with unsorted regular waste. Please
return the unit or contact the authorised dealer from whom you purchased
this product for more information.
CE mark
This product complies with European Low Voltage (2006/95/
EC), Electromagnetic Compatibility (2004/108/EC) and
Environmentally-friendly design of Energy-related Products (2009/125/EC)
Directives when used and installed according to this instruction manual.
For continued compliance only Cambridge Audio accessories should be
used with this product and servicing must be referred to qualied service
personnel.
Gost-R Mark
This product meets Russian electronic safety approvals.
FCC regulations
NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY RADIO OR
TV INTERFERENCE CAUSED BY UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS TO THIS
EQUIPMENT. SUCH MODIFICATIONS COULD VOID THE USER AUTHORITY
TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
- Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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Ventilation
IMPORTANT – The unit will become hot when in use. Do not stack multiple
units on top of each other. Do not place in an enclosed area such as a
bookcase or in a cabinet without sufcient ventilation.
Ensure that small objects do not fall through any ventilation grille. If this
happens, switch off immediately, disconnect from the mains supply and
contact your dealer for advice.
Positioning
Choose the installation location carefully. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight
or close to a source of heat. No naked ame sources, such as lighted
candles, should be placed on the unit. Also avoid locations subject to
vibration and excessive dust, cold or moisture. The unit can be used in a
moderate climate.
This unit must be installed on a sturdy, level surface. Do not place in a
sealed area such as a bookcase or in a cabinet. Do not place the unit on
an unstable surface or shelf. The unit may fall, causing serious injury to a
child or adult as well as serious damage to the product. Do not place other
equipment on top of the unit.
Due to stray magnetic elds, turntables or CRT TVs should not be located
nearby due to possible interference.
Electronic audio components have a running in period of around a week (if
used several hours per day). This will allow the new components to settle
down and the sonic properties will improve over this time.
Power sources
The unit should be operated only from the type of power source indicated
on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power-supply to your
home, consult your product dealer or local power company.
To turn the unit off, switch off at the front panel. If you do not intend to use
this unit for a long period of time, unplug it from the mains socket.
Overloading
Do not overload wall outlets or extension cords as this can result in a risk
of re or electric shock. Overloaded AC outlets, extension cords, frayed
power cords, damaged or cracked wire insulation and broken plugs are
dangerous. They may result in a shock or re hazard.
Be sure to insert each power cord securely. To prevent hum and noise, do
not bundle the interconnect leads with the power cord or speaker leads.
Cleaning
To clean the unit, wipe its case with a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use any
cleaning uids containing alcohol, ammonia or abrasives. Do not spray an
aerosol at or near the unit.
Battery disposal
Batteries may contain substances harmful to the environment. Please
dispose of any discharged batteries with due consideration and in
accordance with local environmental/electronic recycling guidelines.
Loudspeakers
Before making any connections to loudspeakers, make sure all power is
turned off and only use suitable interconnects.
Servicing
These units are not user serviceable. Never attempt to repair, disassemble
or reconstruct the unit if there seems to be a problem. A serious electric
shock could result if this precautionary measure is ignored. In the event of
a problem or failure, please contact your dealer.
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Limited warranty
Cambridge Audio warrants this product to be free from defects in materials
and workmanship (subject to the terms set forth below). Cambridge Audio
will repair or replace (at Cambridge Audio’s option) this product or any
defective parts in this product. Warranty periods may vary from country to
country. If in doubt consult your dealer and ensure that you retain proof of
purchase.
To obtain warranty service, please contact the Cambridge Audio authorised
dealer from which you purchased this product. If your dealer is not
equipped to perform the repair of your Cambridge Audio product, it can be
returned by your dealer to Cambridge Audio or an authorised Cambridge
Audio service agent. You will need to ship this product in either its original
packaging or packaging affording an equal degree of protection.
Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale or receipted invoice, which is
evidence that this product is within the warranty period, must be presented
to obtain warranty service.
This Warranty is invalid if (a) the factory-applied serial number has been
altered or removed from this product or (b) this product was not purchased
from a Cambridge Audio authorised dealer. You may call Cambridge Audio
or your local country Cambridge Audio distributor to conrm that you have
an unaltered serial number and/or you made a purchase from a Cambridge
Audio authorised dealer.
This Warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of
God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, commercial use, or modication
of, or to any part of, the product. This Warranty does not cover damage
due to improper operation, maintenance or installation, or attempted
repair by anyone other than Cambridge Audio or a Cambridge Audio dealer,
or authorised service agent which is authorised to do Cambridge Audio
warranty work. Any unauthorised repairs will void this Warranty. This
Warranty does not cover products sold AS IS or WITH ALL FAULTS.
551P/651Pazur
REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENTS AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY
ARE THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER. CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY IN
THIS PRODUCT. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY LAW, THIS
WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS AND
IMPLIED WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PRACTICAL
PURPOSE.
Some countries and US states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages or implied warranties so the above
exclusions may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specic legal
rights, and you may have other statutory rights, which vary from state to
state or country to country.
For any service, in or out of warranty, please contact your dealer.
ENGLISH
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651P
MM/MC Phono Pre-Amplifier
On / Off
551P
MM Phono Pre-Amplifier
Rear panel controls
Designed and engineered in London, England
azur 551P
MM Phono Pre-Amplifier
www.cambridge-audio.com
RL
Turntable
Ground
RL
MM
Phono Input
236
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference; 2) This device must accept
any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
RL
RL
Output
551P651P
12V
0.5 A
Use supplied
PSU only!
7
Designed and engineered in London, England
RL
RL
MC
www.cambridge-audio.com
1
azur 651P
MM/MC Phono Pre-Amplifier
RL
RL
MM
Turntable
Ground
MC MM
Cartridge Type
45
OffOn
Subsonic Filter
236
RL
RL
Output
12V
0.5 A
Use supplied
PSU only!
7
1
MC input sockets (651P only)
If your turntable uses a moving coil cartridge, connect outputs here
(0.5-1mV, with 100 ohm, 220pF loading).
2
MM input sockets
If your turntable uses a moving magnet cartridge, connect outputs here
(3-5mV, with 47k ohm, 220pF loading).
3
Turntable ground
If your turntable has a separate grounding lead then connect here. This
provides shielding to the arm and the sensitive circuitry in the turntable.
4
Cartridge Type selector switch (651P only)
Match this switch to the cartridge type that your tunrtable uses. MM for a
moving magnet cartridge or MC for a moving coil cartridge.
5
Subsonic Filter (651P only)
The subsonic lter cuts out very low frequency ‘rumble’, caused by vinyl
imperfections, which can affect your system’s performance.
8
6
Output sockets
Use phono cables to connect to any line level input on your amplier, such
as Aux.
NB. Do not connect to a phono level input.
7
PSU socket
Once you have completed all connections to the amplier and turntable,
plug the PSU power cable into an appropriate mains socket and switch the
unit on via its front panel On/Off button. The blue LED on the front panel
will indicate that the power is on.
Please note the 651P has an output relay, which after power on takes 15
seconds to come out of mute.