I purchased the Azur 840A V2 integrated amplifier as the first step in upgrading an aging two channel system. This is my first experience with Cambridge Audio, and I have to say that their Azur line makes a great impression right out of the box. Everything about this product indicates thoroughness and attention to detail. Even the packaging and the owner's manual are of excellent quality, no short-cuts evident. While it is too early to determine the long term reliability of this equipment, I am optimistic based on the quality of fit and finish, and of course the quality of the sound.

When connected to a 20 year old Denon CD player, the Cambridge made a definite improvement in the sound of my system. A few weeks later I bought the matching Azur 840C CD player and realized another incremental improvement in sound. The Azur 840A V2 and the 840C work well together, especially when using balanced interconnects.

Regarding the sonic performance, I immediately noticed improvements in clarity and inner detail, especially on large orchestral works. My classical recordings sound just fine, with more detail coming through than before. The sound stage created by the Cambridge is impressive, approaching what I have heard on more expensive audiophile gear. Its dynamics and transient response are excellent. At the risk of mixing my musical genres, I can say that this amplifier really rocks when playing jazz. Check it out with some recently remastered jazz CDs and you will be impressed; the imaging and sound stage rate between very good and excellent. Instruments sound natural, percussion is realistic and tightly controlled.

Every aspect of this unit seems to be carefully thought out and properly implemented. The set-up is easy to understand. The one peculiarity of this amplifier is the relay based volume control. It takes time to get used to the clicking of the relays when you are adjusting volume. If this type of control was used to improve channel separation and balance, then it is worth it. The volume control does ramp down when you switch off the amplifer, and ramp up again when switched on, something I found annoying. This ramping feature is easily defeatable so it is not really a problem.

As for negatives, I cannot think of any. Over many years I have heard some outstanding high end audio gear, stuff that is way over my budget. This amplifier will not produce the ultimate level of refinement and purity of tone, but it comes very close. To my ears, you will have to pay a lot more money in order to see a slight improvement in sound quality. I really wanted to give this amplifier four and a half stars for overall rating, just because it is unreasonable to expect ultimate performance at this price range. But half stars were not available. So I gave it five stars just because it comes so close to the best gear. This is an excellent amplifier. I can recommend it without reservation.