By Quenby
on 2nd Apr 2007
Quenby's Ratings| Time Amplifier Owned | 1 - 6 Months |
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| Sound Quality | 8/10  |
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| Features | 8/10 |
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| Value for money | 7/10 |
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| Overall value | 8/10 |
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 Quenby's recommendation |
Good Points
Very sleek looks, slimline and packs a nice, rounded, smooth punch. I have it hooked up to Monitor Audio floor standers which are great, but I feel that both speakers and amp are not performing their best in my crowded bedroom. Lots of functionality, loads of inputs, and I love the front loading iPod jack which overrides the inputs if used. Apparently the remote will also work an (official) iPod cradle, so you can skip around the tracks. Does not overheat, and generally cruises through operation without being needy or attention grabbing. By no means a humble sound, but just a low profile unit without pretentions. Oh yes, the motorized volume knob turns even when you adjust volume from the remote control. Wicked.
Bad Points
Volume knob nice and big, but plasticky. Not such a bad thing, it's really OK. I love the remote, but sadly the "OFF" button must action other components such as a Cambridge Audio CD player or radio, because it will not turn off the amp. You have to get out of bed and turn it off manually, unless you want to sleep through two super bright blue LEDs. (Very pretty though). I've also noticed that the amp *cracks* when you leave it on with no sound coming through it. Cracks come about every 10 mins or so and are considerable. But at least they remind you to turn the damn thing off.
General Comments
I like the Cambridge Audio azur 340A SE a lot. I paid £200 for it new. If I had paid £150, I would have given it a higher rating. Still, I love it and would definitely recommend it. A very attractive piece in silver, which is the colour I bought. It seems that if you decide to go with all Cambridge Audio components, you can control everything with the one remote.
