Cambridge Audio is introducing a new entry-level multichannel receiver in its Azur range. The £270 Azur 340R sits below the £350 Azur 540R V3 we tested in the November issue of What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision.
The company says that its research proved that many users wanted a high-performance 5.1 receiver rather than a more complex 6.1/7.1 model with extra channels they didn't need.
The Azur 340R delivers 50w at 8ohms across all channels, and has 'two in, one out' video switching so that, for example, an HDMI-equipped DVD player and Sky HD set-top box can be connected to the receiver, then just one HDMI cable needs to be connected to the screen.
Cambridge Audio says the unit has been designed for excellent multichannel surround sound performance without compromising stereo music reproduction. To this end, five discrete, audiophile-grade amplifiers are kept as separate as possible from the processing and input stages.
Other technical highlights include:
- Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1 and Dolby Pro-Logic II decoding
- FM/AM tuner with RDS and 30 presets
- Crystal CS42518 multi-DAC
- Advanced bass management
- RS232 control for custom install use and software updating
- The Azur 340R is available now in silver or black.
