Cambridge Audio Azur 340C Review
Cambridge Audio Azur 340C Review
Price £150 Rating 9.5/10
The Cambridge Audio Azur 340C feels and appears to be more expensive than it is, being built to a very high standard. Previous versions of the Azur have proved stubbornly difficult to surpass, and the 340C is definitely no exception. The Cambridge Azur range offers exceptional value for money with a build quality that belies its modest price tag. The chunky front panel is complemented by a quality remote, and the drawer mechanism slides silky-smooth in operation. From first appearances you could easily be fooled into thinking that this is a player costing many times the price tag.
The 340C is extremely captivating player that’s capable of exceptional detail whilst keeping the right side of strident. It handles complicated rhythm with confidence maintaining excellent tempo. There is however a shortage of fine detail and it can have a somewhat forward presentation at times. Reproduction of music is done with passion; it’s not there just to make up the numbers. The excitement of dynamics is definitely the strong point of the Cambridge alongside an absorbing presentation.
For the majority nevertheless the Cambridge acquits itself admirably with articulate communicative vocals and confident handling of complex tempo. The Cambridge Audio Azur 340C proves itself a competent addition to the discerning line of Cambridge Audio CD players.
Specifications
Integrated Yes
Coaxial digital out 1
Optical digital out 1
XLR out 0
RCA out 1
CD Text No
Memory Yes
Display off No
Finishes 2
Dimensions (hwd, cm) 7x42x30
QED X-TC
QED X-TC
Price £4 per metre
Rating 9.4/10
Firmly established in the Hi Fi accessory market, QED are well known for producing excellent value for money and the X-TC is no exception. With an even tonal balance the QED produces detail that belies its budget price. Sitting at the bottom end of the budget range at only £4 per metre, the X-TC is extremely competitive yet exceptionally nimble performer. Complex intricacies are handled with ease whilst producing an even tonal balance. Lower frequencies are restrained however which brings the mid and top end slightly to the fore. Despite shortcomings however the QED must be worthy of commendation due to it being a very competent in all other areas.
Specifications
Biwire No
Directional Yes
Flat No
Termination cost n/a
QED Silver Anniversary XT
QED Silver Anniversary XT
Price £5 per metre
Rating 9.5/10
After enjoying many years being highly recommended the QED Silver Anniversary XT is seeing some stiff competition in the guise of Chord Carnival Silver Screen. With excellent transparency the QED presents an impressive soundstage full of detail. It can be a bit thin at times, a tad lean. With this being its only drawback the QED remains excellent value especially of partnered with equipment that is warm sounding. Still worthy of recommendation, the QED now must be looking over its shoulder, competition now is warming up.
Specifications
Biwire Yes
Diameter (mm) 3.3
Directional No
Flat No
Termination cost £96
Audioquest Rocket 33
Audioquest Rocket 33
Price £11 per metre
Rating 6.5/10
The Rocket 33 is well made and really looks the part, but suffers from a forward, in your face type of sound. What’s needed is more finesse in the delivery, and the brightness in the treble needs sorting out. It has plenty of enthusiasm and the bass is well presented, but needs careful system matching to perform at its best.
Specifications
Biwire Yes
Directional Yes
Flat No
Termination cost n/a
Russ Andrews Kimber 4PR
Russ Andrews Kimber 4PR
Price £7 per metre
Rating 8.7/10
Using braided design the Kimbre 4PR exhibits a commanding delivery. It lacks subtlety somewhat but is still capable of good results. The soundstage is well presented and convincing, Kinber being a well balanced cable. The detail that’s revealed is very satisfying to the ear. A pleasing cable that has few vices and is worth serious consideration.
Specifications
Biwire No
Directional Yes
Flat No
Geometry Braid
Termination cost n/a
