Cambridge Audio 650BD & 650R update

[Clare Newsome]

Just FYI, for those of you awaiting CA's first, universal Blu-ray player and matching receiver, that the Azur HD duo are on track to hit Richer Sounds stores in the UK next month; the 650BD Blu-ray player should be in shops from mid-month, followed by the 7.1 650R receiver.

Had a hands-on look at the pair today; look v.promising, with some excellent on-screen graphics as well as a hearty spec.

We will be the first to review both the 650BD player and 650R receiver - hopefully you should be able to read our reviews on the products around the same time (or shortly after) they become available to buy.

 

[Torres09]

Hi Clare any rough price guides? Thanks

 

[Clare Newsome]

Pricing still not set- CA wants to see where UK competitors are priced at the time of launch; a month is a long time in CE pricing!

 

[Anonymous]

Clare, Could you ask Cambridge to comment on the following?

Cirrus recommend that the main DAC is not recommended for new designs.

Does this mean the DACs are no the latest as Cambridge claims? Thanks Peter

http://www.cirrus.com/en/products/pro/detail/P147.html

 

[Anonymous]

Looks like we are still waiting on the 650r =(

 

[Andrew Everard]

Meantime I also have a 650BD in heavy use for a forthcoming Gramophone review. Blog post to follow in a week or two's time covering its audio performance with CD and SA-CD, and how well a certain multiregion Blu-ray hack kit works.

 

[the record spot]

The 650BD's an interesting player; after the Oppo 980, it's the only other player under about £800 that'll play the main formats - CD, SACD, DVD-A and HDCD. Be interested to hear how this one looks and sounds. Nice clean design though.

 

[bigboss]

The Sony S370 is a lot cheaper capable of playing SACD. Not sure about DVD-A though.

http://www.sony.co.uk/product/blu-ray-disc-player/bdp-s370

 

[Andrew Everard]

No, the Sony doesn't play DVD-A, and neither does it have multichannel analogue output.

 

[Anonymous]

Both r in the Sates for several weeks now. 650R going for US$1599....

 

[Anonymous]

Looking forward to 650R - review!

 

[manicm]

Review is up, so I'm still gonna get a Sony 760 or Pioneer 320.

But for those looking for SACD it's very tempting indeed.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Cambridge Audio 650BD review here

and extended bloggage here

 

[bigblue235]

Thanks for the extended bloggage, very interesting indeed.

Any more news on the 650R?

 

[Anonymous]

How would the 650BD compare with the pioneer LX52 purely for Blu Ray sound and picture quality? Has anyone seen both to offer a comparison? Both are now £400. I was also curious how those 2 players would do against the Denon 2500BT, although that is still slightly more expensive at £500. I reckon I will be going for one of those 3 when I finally choose a new TV!

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Richer sounds have a said "expected April" in their catelogue with a price of £999.95 for the 650R.

 

[Anonymous]

Clare Newsome:

Just FYI, for those of you awaiting CA's first, universal Blu-ray player and matching receiver, that the Azur HD duo are on track to hit Richer Sounds stores in the UK next month; the 650BD Blu-ray player should be in shops from mid-month, followed by the 7.1 650R receiver.

Had a hands-on look at the pair today; look v.promising, with some excellent on-screen graphics as well as a hearty spec.

We will be the first to review both the 650BD player and 650R receiver - hopefully you should be able to read our reviews on the products around the same time (or shortly after) they become available to buy.

Hi Clare,

Any news about the 650r review ?

thank you

 

[Anonymous]

I spoke to a CA retailer here in New Zealand about these two items a couple of weeks ago. He confirmed local pricing (with very little room for negotiation when first released) will be:
- 650BD: NZD$1200 (about GBP£550, EUR?624, USD$844 on today's exchange rate)
- 650R: NZD$2500 (about GBP£1145, EUR?1299, USD$1759).

That said, I would expect your northern hemisphere prices to be quite a bit lower than what I've indicated because in New Zealand any half decent kit sells well above a direct converted UK price - e.g. the Sony UK web site lists the KDL-52EX703 television at GBP£1699, which converts to NZD$3440, but the NZ RRP is $4999.

That, my limited budget, and the fact the CA retailer has no idea of availability yet, is why I bought the STR-DA3500ES and BDP-S370 on the weekend. A bit of haggling got me both for NZD$2380 (about GBP£1091). While that's probably still GBP£200+ more than you'd pay in the UK, here that was a good deal!

 

[Simon Lucas]

The 650R gets a First Test in the June issue (on sale May 5th(ish)).

 

[Andy Clough]

Actually May 7th, Simon, but near enough!

 

[Clare Newsome]

No, he's right, it's in shops by May 5th; with subscribers from 29th April.

 

[Andy Clough]

Oops, sorry Simon, I stand corrected! Was misinformed...

 

[Simon Lucas]

Clare Newsome:No, he's right

I knew this day would come eventually

 

[Anonymous]

After such a long wait for this receiver, what a disappointing review......

Oh well I have to rethink my whole idea about a matching 650BD and 650R...

Any ideas anyone?

 

[Anonymous]

Simon, In your video review of the 650BD you mention that for Blu-Ray sound and picture quality this player can be beaten for the same price. Which other player(s) would you be referring to if you don't mind me asking?