Cambridge Audio Azur 550A

A well processed amp with unmistakable weakness. At first I was astounded by the impressive sound-work of this amp. Even with low volume the azur 550A managed to create a sound that felt like to be embedded in huge amounts of sonic wool. BUT: Turning the Volume to higher levels revealed the lack of "air" in the upper frequencies - something was missing. Where my old (blessed) amp, an A656 by Pioneer, played free and joyfully (for over 22 years) the azur 550A seemed to be overstrainded with detached airiness that can be expected from an amplifier in this price range.

As mentioned in the review of whathifi campridge audio missed to provide enough space in the upper range. Instead I faced a subtile cut that always made me feel uncomfortable with the sound - always expecting the final lift...

May good for mid-class speakers with the need to be pushed out of their "natural" boundaries but not the first choice for passionated listeners with selected equipment.

Sad but true: Could be THE amp in this price class, but missed to be balanced harmonically to the "equinox" of sound.

Lovely, 4 star is all that it needs, nothing more or less. Thanks team for excellent review.