This solution works quite well, but it does not match the quality of capacitors such as Nichicon MUSE ES, which do not cost much at all. In order to improve the sound quality, the manufacturer decided to shunt the electrolytic capacitors with 0.1uF foil capacitors. They are characterized by quite dark, warm and not very open sound. Unfortunately, Fujicon capacitors do not have the best quality of sound. In my copy of the amplifier, the manufacturer used Fujicon capacitors. The third and last place where the signal passes through the electrolytic capacitors is the volume section containing the volume potentiometer. The “DIRECT” capacitors were shunt by foil capacitors, but the capacitors from the equalizer were not and this caused an audible change. Now I know that this was caused by the passage of a signal through another pair of capacitors and an additional pair of operational amplifiers. I have always wondered why, when switching the DIRECT / CORRECTOR, despite resetting the equalizer, I hear a change in the sound. Interestingly, with the DIRECT setting, the signal passes through another pair of capacitors than with the attached equalizer. The second pair of capacitors is located at the DIRECT / CORRECTOR switch. The first pair of capacitors is located just behind the RCA input sockets. Removal of capacitors from the signal path in the preamplifierīefore the audio signal reaches the module of the amplifier itself, it must pass through three pairs of electrolytic bipolar capacitors, that are in its path. The interior has been divided into three main printed circuit board, which in addition can be easily separated from each other, so you do not have to disassemble the entire structure every time. The construction in terms of service has been very friendly designed. I must admit that maintaining the character of the amplifier was not easy, and all the details and problems that I came across I described below.ĪZUR 651A is an integral construction and inside it, in addition to the module of the power amplifier itself, there is also a preamplifier module, responsible for receiving the input signal, its possible correction and volume control. I believe that the modifications I made have kept the character of the amplifier and at the same time improved all its aspects. That is why you should be vigilant and cautious, so that there is no situation, where we have to accept the change that involves a significant compromise. In most cases, blind replacement of components, for a better class, brings a positive effect, but with some modifications you can radically change the sound and character of the amplifier, not always in advantage.
BI POLAR CAPS IN SIGNAL PATH PROFESSIONAL
The construction of the device, despite some drawbacks, is not bad and my work showed, that one can significantly improve its sound at a low cost.ĭuring my adventure with the modification of this amplifier, I learned how difficult the tuning process can be and I understood how professional tuning differs from replacing components “blindly”. It can be considered that these are not very important aspects, but it is precisely these details that decide about those little flavors, that we will be able to hear or not. AZUR 651A includes several unconventional solutions, competitive products in this price class already have, for example, inputs on relays or better thought-out power supply. The amplifier, with its sound and quality, matches and maintains the construction level for about 750 USD, however, the modifications I have made have shown that much more can be obtained from this construction. This situation also has its advantages, because Cambridge Audio devices are therefore very susceptible to modifications, and the obtained results are more than satisfactory. Like many Cambridge Audio products, this amplifier was built under the strict supervision of the accountant and the elements used for its construction are including in the budget class.
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