We had some news from the Cambridge Audio Azur 640H already in March (see article here), then interviewed them at the What Hi-Fi Show in London (see interview here) but there’s now more to say about this splendid device.
Cambridge Audio has taken time to deliver, but the 640H is crammed with software and, unlike so (to) many, they don’t send anything on the market before full readiness. Good point! In addition, they probably wanted some Europe-wide launch.
As with all production of this serious house, the device looks good, clean, pure, no glitter in the dark, no golden buttons or show-off…
The Azur 640H is a Music Server. These devices, also called DMS -for Digital Management Systems- allow storing, organising, accessing and enjoying a music collection from one single device. Cambridge Audio has developed a proprietary software, dubbed “AudioFile” technology. It is a set of embedded software protocols that manage music storage, transport and playback in a hi-fi environment. It is flexibility is great: you can playback music stored in popular "jukebox" programs such as iTunes, Windows Media player (PC or Mac), thanks to so many connections, among which is a very handy front panel USB 2.0. It’s a two-way street –copy from MP3 to the 640H or from the 640H to MP3.
Closed and open: the 640H is partially deriving from the 640C (open)
Since the Azur 640H comes with a 160GB hard disc, which means that you can store up to… 3000 uncompressed and 30000 compressed music tracks, a capacity that should suit most of us, and indicates that Cambridge Audio, as a customary policy, has addressed this problematic very seriously. The 640H has re-writing capability so that you can publish your own selections of music, change names, etc.
In addition to be a music server, the 640H comes with Ethernet connection for 'Net connectivity. Great option, the Multi-room Wi-Fi is possible; one has to set up two or more 640H and no more cables; In addition, it increases the storage capacity of the system.
But what’s more, the 640H is an outstanding music performer, which is derived directly from the Azur 640C 24-bit/192 MHz up-sampling technology.
Internet radio is aboard, and the user will take advantage of the very efficient on-screen display.
In fact, only the Escient E2-40 DMS, although not reflecting exactly the same approach to Digital Management System can be compared with this hybrid, typically serious machine.
Priced around £600, you would have to go for much more expensive brands to find something similar or, in some case, coming close in terms of finish, quality and cleverness.
Specs (source: Cambridge Audio)
160Gb hard drive Wolfson WM8740 24/192kHz DAC Supports wireless connectivity (when used with wireless adaptors) Internet radio On-screen graphical user interface In-built CD-R/CD-RW burner Playback formats supported -Uncompressed PCM Windows Media Audio MP3 AAC (MP4) .wav .snd .mpa .mp2 .mp3 and many other common music files also supported Remote Control -Azur remote control with AudioFile hotkeys. Colours: Black, Silver Connections 1x Ethernet 3x USB V2.0/1.1 (2 on rear, 1 on front) 1x PS/2 keyboard 1x RS232 1x IR emitter in and out (modulated) 1x Control bus in and out (unmodulated) 1x Composite video 1x S-video 1x VGA 1x IEC mains inlet 1x SPDIF digital out 1x Optical digital out Weight: 7.5kg (16.5lbs) Dimensions (mm): H x W x D: 80 x 430 x 315mm (3 x 17 x 12.4")Visit Cambridge Audio website here
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