Nice amp with the exception of the volume control. When reducing the volume manually, the volume increases on its own. It has been repaired twice with the "updated" parts which included volume control and resistors. The problem has reappeared again. A bit aggravating . Fortunately it is not an issue when using the remote. Build quality could be better for both amp and remotes. Overall not a bad amp for the money.

Best bang-for-buck integrated amplifier My ears tend to be very sensitive to harsh sounds, so smooth, clear, and warm is .... Without getting into too much detail,. I love the sound. dynamic sound ., tight..and was amazed at its neutrality,at 120W per channel

It was with great expectancy that I could unpack this Cambridge 840C - luckily I could borrow it from the shop and hand it in when it didn't meet my expectancies. I was looking for a good match for my Focal JMLab 918 Profile loudspeakers - the sound of my old Aura Evolution was too thin so I needed more juice to the sound.
All in all my listening experience was not so positive. The Cambridge is very analytical, yes, but also harsh sounding and it had a tendency to get the bass booming (although I removed my speakers away from the wall). Pop and Jazz cd's were acceptable, though ithe bass was too prominent to be comfortable, but some classical music didn't stand the test, especially when a full bodied orchestral sound was needed (Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique with Dutoit on Decca for example) or operatic voices, especially female, didn't sparkle, they only irritated (e.g. Joyce DiDonato's Handel arias). Older recordings sounded dull.
I'm aware that itt is always difficult to match different audio components, but the line up with my Marantz CDII63 and my JMLab Profile 918 loudspeakers was not a happy one. The Cambridge is way too analytical and unforgiven - the warmth of the music is drowned in too much blaring pyrotechnics in the high and too prominent a bass. There was also a lack of presence and warmth in the midrange.
All in all no real success, though it might turn out to be a winner with other gear.

I'll start off with the main reason for this review: problem with the volume control. I am writing this because I have read on several forums that people have had varying issues with the volume on version 1, from losing one channel to not being able to turn it down to having it ramp up on it's own. This pertains to the dial only, and the remote operates as intended.
Well I purchased the version 2 being of the belief that the problem was addressed in the second version. My amp has a problem that I noticed the other day- when increasing volume manually from -32db to -31db there is a loud static-like sound in the left speaker and the volume jumps DRAMATICALLY in that speaker. Made ME jump when it happened. It happens more often than not and is repeatable at the same spot.
Although I'm disappointed with this issue, I don't want to throw the amp under the bus with a one-star rating. It's well-built, smooth-sounding (to the point that I wouldn't pair it with laid-back speakers, unless that's your cup of tea), powerful and has most of the options people look for in a mid-fi integrated. Really no excuse, Cambridge, for the continuing volume issues.

the cambridge audio azur 840a is a fantastic amp,
say no more.
god bless you all.

It is a high end sound with a budget price. I was not expecting nothing more than my Mark Levinson pre 22 and power 33H, but for me, Cambridge Audio 840A is at same level. Beautiful, clean, well defined and warm highs, open middles, and controlled bass. Balanced and transparent sound. You don't hear any electronic device behind music.
Congratulations to Cambridge Audio. The innovation of the Class XD works perfectly.
I am in love with Azur 840A.

Cambridge Audio's 840a is a terrific value, offering near-high-end sound at a very competitive price. The amp delivers a transparent, open sound with ample power to manage difficult loads. The 840 "disappears," conveying the sound of the source without adding any coloration. Stereo image is impressive, with details in complex orchestral works resolved cleanly with instruments in their proper place. The low end is solid with no bloating. High frequencies are lifelike but not strident. Piccolo, triangle, and cymbals are conveyed realistically. The amp also does a good job with male and female voices.

The amp seems well built with separate toroidal transformers for the preamp and power amp sections, sizeable capacitors, and a heavy chassis. Overall weight is 33 lbs. The ability to customize the protection checks, balance the inputs, change the volume display, and name the inputs makes the amp fun to use. The remote control is great, allowing minute volume adjustments using relays rather than a motorized control.

How does it sound? It can't be described as bright, mellow, laid back, or forward - it just sounds natural.