You can either set the player to downmix the audio to stereo and output it over conventional digital output, or downmix and output via stereo analogue.
I've just bought mine and, although I haven't set it up yet (I'm waiting for all my other components to arrive), I'm disappointed to discover that SACD can only be sent out in digital format through the HDMI and not the optical or coaxial outputs.
I'm buying a Naim Uniti, and was hoping to take advantage of its onboard DACs to do the processing into 2-channel stereo. Anybody have advice on this?
I'm thinking of getting one of these to replace my (now quite noisy) PS3 for blu-ray and playback of WAV files from USB drive as well as finally putting my NAD C521 cd player into retirement. I'd be interested to know how it would handle playback of WAV files from a 500MB USB drive and how it would compare in terms of CD playback with the NAD. Looking forward seeing one in the metal.
I have been attempting to write a review of the BD650 Uni Player on the "Review" part, but the "system" keeps going around in circles and won't allow me to.
Anyway - A first impression as an ageing user of SACD/DVD Audio.
Initially disappointed as the mains lead supplied was an American version...apparently this isn't normal and just an error in the packing department...Doh!
Reassuringly heavy and a nice, but unimaginative finish, with a barely readable display, in common with most other players (Read "Old Git that needs new specs")
Easy to set up using the analogue connectors to my old Yamaha A2 Amp.
Generally the sound is tighter than both my previous players (Sony S350 Blu ray and Pioneer DVD565A for SACD/DVD Audio)so pleased but not blown away, but I have to keep reminding myself this only cost �400
I haven't tweaked anything on the picture yet, but overall I find it very slightly grainy compared to the Sony Blu ray and certainly not better, but I've only watched about 5 films so far and it may improve with tweakage.
The remote is a joke (Must Remember �400) but the player loads fast and does what it's supposed to do.
Personally I generally prefer SACD to DVD Audio but have to admit that even the more complex Zappa stuff sounded fine on DVD Audio so no complaints.
The only annoying part is that I now have to buy a seperate backlit remote control to replace the joke supplied, as I wouldn't have minded paying another �30 or so for a proper one in the first place.
Overall I would say if you are lazy like me and like simplicity, don't be frightened, just get one....Did I mention - it's only �400
Ali3n, great thoughst in partnering with an stereo Amp.
I'm interested in how it will partner with the CA Topaz SR10. if the partnering will be great then you can make a great looking system with only 2 components.
I have been living with the 650BD for about 3 months now, and thought that I would provide some feedback...
Some background - I bought this to replace a Marantz CD5400 and for an improvement over blu-ray playback that the PS3 provides. Also have one of the first couple of PS3 models so used it for SACD playback as well.
Current set-up: Denon AVR1910, B&W 685 theatre package, CA 650BD, PS3, LG 42LH50, QED HDMI-P's, QED Revelation speaker cables.
Overall I'm incredibly happy with the picture quality and it is definitely better than using my PS3, initially not having the 24 fps setting on did produce some notable judder but that has improved (still slightly noticeable, so perhaps I'm just getting used to it).
The quality of audio playback is the part I'm most happy with - in terms of SACD playback, I find the overall delivery a major step-up over the PS3. Unfortunately I can't compare this to a dedicated SACD/CD player. CD playback I would say is on par with the Marantz CD5400 - although the bass definitely has more meat to it.
As mentioned in another review, the remote is joke so I use a harmony one to control it all.
Overall, a player like the Sony S570 or Panasonic DMP-BD85 do provide a slightly better picture but to me they both lose out when comparing audio capabilities. Essentially the 650BD has provided what I wanted - replace an aging CD player, solid audio delivery and improved video playback over the PS3.
Current setup: CA Azur 650BD universal player, NAD-T775 AV amp,JVC DLA-HD750 projector, Q Acoustic 2000 series 7.1 speaker setup.
I bought the 650BD based on What Hifi award and review, specially to improve sound quality of the PS3 not making onboard decode of the new surround formats (my NAD doe not have the HD moduls).
I am using Supra Dual interconnects for 7.1 analogue connections.
First of all both picture and sound quality improved substantially within one week.
Picture quality is quite good but not a major improvement compared with PS3.
Sound quality is a real wonder! In some scenes of Avatar I was a bit afraid that my hous will be ruined. The sorround sound using the new formats is breathtakingly good. In Master and Commander I felt myself to be seesick and the sounds of the English French battle on the see is so real that I had to check the walls of my home movie room.
In an audiophile setup this 650BD player shines like a star.
Chris Botti's Boston concert is a joy to watch and to listen to. The sound of the violin the chello and the trunpet is absolutely real and the human voices are wonderfull too.
On SACD playback I tried the Tiptons' sax-quartet sounded so naturally that I felt the musicians are playing in my room.
On DVD-A I tried the Queen's Night at the Opera. The music was a real joy from start to the end.
Overall my opinion is that Cambridge Audio produced a masterpice here.
The sound quality with the new surround formats can be easily compared the excitement felt in the cinemas with cristal clear dialogues and wonderfull dynamics (if only the Hungarian version would be DTS-HD Master Audio or Dolby True HD)
Music is sounding also excellent in all terms.
I am looking forward to use my CA Azur 650BD for a long time with joy.
I bought Wireworld Chroma 6 HDMI cable and Merlin Tarantula Mk6 mains cable for my Cambridge Audio 650 BD player and the picture quality improved immediately a lot. A was not impressed earlier watching Avatar, but now the picture is almost perfect and the surround sound is something you must hear.
Once again thank you for What HIFI's recommendations which led to a very enjoyable system, more importantly a cinemalike movie experience.
Comments
psychoschnauzer,
You can either set the player to downmix the audio to stereo and output it over conventional digital output, or downmix and output via stereo analogue.
I've just bought mine and, although I haven't set it up yet (I'm waiting for all my other components to arrive), I'm disappointed to discover that SACD can only be sent out in digital format through the HDMI and not the optical or coaxial outputs.
I'm buying a Naim Uniti, and was hoping to take advantage of its onboard DACs to do the processing into 2-channel stereo. Anybody have advice on this?
AL13N
See our blog for more extensive comments on how the 650BD performs with music:
http://community.whathifi.com/blogs/home-cinema/archive/2010/03/21/cambridge-audio-azur-650bd-multichannel-music-and-multiregion-modification.aspx
So it's back to the Sony BDP-S760 for me then.
I'm thinking of getting one of these to replace my (now quite noisy) PS3 for blu-ray and playback of WAV files from USB drive as well as finally putting my NAD C521 cd player into retirement. I'd be interested to know how it would handle playback of WAV files from a 500MB USB drive and how it would compare in terms of CD playback with the NAD. Looking forward seeing one in the metal.
I have been attempting to write a review of the BD650 Uni Player on the "Review" part, but the "system" keeps going around in circles and won't allow me to.
Anyway - A first impression as an ageing user of SACD/DVD Audio.
Initially disappointed as the mains lead supplied was an American version...apparently this isn't normal and just an error in the packing department...Doh!
Reassuringly heavy and a nice, but unimaginative finish, with a barely readable display, in common with most other players (Read "Old Git that needs new specs")
Easy to set up using the analogue connectors to my old Yamaha A2 Amp.
Generally the sound is tighter than both my previous players (Sony S350 Blu ray and Pioneer DVD565A for SACD/DVD Audio)so pleased but not blown away, but I have to keep reminding myself this only cost �400
I haven't tweaked anything on the picture yet, but overall I find it very slightly grainy compared to the Sony Blu ray and certainly not better, but I've only watched about 5 films so far and it may improve with tweakage.
The remote is a joke (Must Remember �400) but the player loads fast and does what it's supposed to do.
Personally I generally prefer SACD to DVD Audio but have to admit that even the more complex Zappa stuff sounded fine on DVD Audio so no complaints.
The only annoying part is that I now have to buy a seperate backlit remote control to replace the joke supplied, as I wouldn't have minded paying another �30 or so for a proper one in the first place.
Overall I would say if you are lazy like me and like simplicity, don't be frightened, just get one....Did I mention - it's only �400
Interesting review. I'm very tempted by the all-in-one simplicity.
How does the CD playback of the 650BD compare against the 650C? Would the 650BD partner well with the 650A?
Thanks for the link.
The positive comments on the onboard decoder and the multiregion mod means I'll definitely be auditioning this at RS.
Thanks for the review thekwaze.
Ali3n, great thoughst in partnering with an stereo Amp.
I'm interested in how it will partner with the CA Topaz SR10. if the partnering will be great then you can make a great looking system with only 2 components.
Andy, please share your thoughts on this one.
thnx DaliNova
I have been living with the 650BD for about 3 months now, and thought that I would provide some feedback...
Some background - I bought this to replace a Marantz CD5400 and for an improvement over blu-ray playback that the PS3 provides. Also have one of the first couple of PS3 models so used it for SACD playback as well.
Current set-up: Denon AVR1910, B&W 685 theatre package, CA 650BD, PS3, LG 42LH50, QED HDMI-P's, QED Revelation speaker cables.
Overall I'm incredibly happy with the picture quality and it is definitely better than using my PS3, initially not having the 24 fps setting on did produce some notable judder but that has improved (still slightly noticeable, so perhaps I'm just getting used to it).
The quality of audio playback is the part I'm most happy with - in terms of SACD playback, I find the overall delivery a major step-up over the PS3. Unfortunately I can't compare this to a dedicated SACD/CD player. CD playback I would say is on par with the Marantz CD5400 - although the bass definitely has more meat to it.
As mentioned in another review, the remote is joke so I use a harmony one to control it all.
Overall, a player like the Sony S570 or Panasonic DMP-BD85 do provide a slightly better picture but to me they both lose out when comparing audio capabilities. Essentially the 650BD has provided what I wanted - replace an aging CD player, solid audio delivery and improved video playback over the PS3.
"Not quite the best Blu-ray pictures £400 can buy"
What are the best Blu-ray pictures £400 can buy, then?
You rated the Pioneer BDP-LX52 5 stars when it was £550, but now it is less than £300. Do you think it performs better than the 650BD, picture-wise?
Thanks
I bought the Azur 650BD one week ago.
My first impressions are as follows:
Current setup: CA Azur 650BD universal player, NAD-T775 AV amp,JVC DLA-HD750 projector, Q Acoustic 2000 series 7.1 speaker setup.
I bought the 650BD based on What Hifi award and review, specially to improve sound quality of the PS3 not making onboard decode of the new surround formats (my NAD doe not have the HD moduls).
I am using Supra Dual interconnects for 7.1 analogue connections.
First of all both picture and sound quality improved substantially within one week.
Picture quality is quite good but not a major improvement compared with PS3.
Sound quality is a real wonder! In some scenes of Avatar I was a bit afraid that my hous will be ruined. The sorround sound using the new formats is breathtakingly good. In Master and Commander I felt myself to be seesick and the sounds of the English French battle on the see is so real that I had to check the walls of my home movie room.
In an audiophile setup this 650BD player shines like a star.
Chris Botti's Boston concert is a joy to watch and to listen to. The sound of the violin the chello and the trunpet is absolutely real and the human voices are wonderfull too.
On SACD playback I tried the Tiptons' sax-quartet sounded so naturally that I felt the musicians are playing in my room.
On DVD-A I tried the Queen's Night at the Opera. The music was a real joy from start to the end.
Overall my opinion is that Cambridge Audio produced a masterpice here.
The sound quality with the new surround formats can be easily compared the excitement felt in the cinemas with cristal clear dialogues and wonderfull dynamics (if only the Hungarian version would be DTS-HD Master Audio or Dolby True HD)
Music is sounding also excellent in all terms.
I am looking forward to use my CA Azur 650BD for a long time with joy.
One more remark:
I bought Wireworld Chroma 6 HDMI cable and Merlin Tarantula Mk6 mains cable for my Cambridge Audio 650 BD player and the picture quality improved immediately a lot. A was not impressed earlier watching Avatar, but now the picture is almost perfect and the surround sound is something you must hear.
Once again thank you for What HIFI's recommendations which led to a very enjoyable system, more importantly a cinemalike movie experience.