Cambridge Audio BR player

[howiebrou]

Saw the Cambridge Audio player in the shops the other day. It is, as far as I know basically based on the Oppo BDP 83 but put in a slightly more rigid chassis and presumably has some minor tweaking.

But get this, the price was basically about USD$600. If I add in the shipping for an Oppo from the US the two will basically be the same price but I will get dealer service for the Cambridge but not the Oppo which is not sold over here.

Let's assume the quality of the Cambridge equals the Oppo. Should there be any reason not to buythe Cambridge instead??

Azur 650BD Blu-ray Universal Player



Azur 650BD Blu-ray Universal Player
Disc playback BD, DVD, CD, DVD-A, SACD, HDCD

BD profile Profile 2.0 BD Live and Bonus View

Full media list BD-Rom, BD-R, BD-Re
DVD-Rom, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD+RW
CDDA, CD-Rom, CD-R, CD-RW

Architecture Mediatek MTK8520/MTK8575

DACs Crystal CS4345/CS4361 24 bit/192kHz

Video frame rates 24Hz50Hz60Hz

Video decoding MPEG2, MPEG2 HD, MPEG4, MPEG4 AVC, VC-1, XviD,
WMV, WMV HD, VCD, AVCHD, MPEG ISO
JPEG, JPEG HD

Audio decoding DTS HD Master Audio, DTS HD High Resolution, DTS
Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital
LPCM, WMA, WMA Pro, MP3

Internal memory 1Gb (available storage varies due to system usage)

External storage 2 x USB 2.0

HDMI output HDMI 1.3c

Analogue video outputs Component, S-Video, Composite

Digital audio outputs HDMI, SPDIF coaxial and Toslink Optical

Analogue audio outputs 7.1 multichannel analogue

Ethernet 100BASE-T

IR emitter in 3.5mm mini jack, isolated modulated

THD: <0.008% THD @ 1kHz

S/N >100dB

PSU Universal switch-mode 100 – 240V AC, IEC inlet

Standby Power Consumption: <1W

Dimensions (H x W x D): 85 x 430 x 312mm (3.3 x 16.9 x 12.3’’) with feet

Weight (unboxed): 4.1kg (9.04lbs)

[1KW]

Everyone seems to like the Oppo Blu Ray player so if the cost is the same I don't see how you could go wrong. The SE version of the Oppo is supposed to have a better DAC and power supply and from what I have read is the one to buy unless you are going to use the HDMI output from the Oppo and let your Pre amp/Processor due the digiatal to analog audio processing; in that case get the base model.

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by 1KW

Everyone seems to like the Oppo Blu Ray player so if the cost is the same I don't see how you could go wrong. The SE version of the Oppo is supposed to have a better DAC and power supply and from what I have read is the one to buy unless you are going to use the HDMI output from the Oppo and let your Pre amp/Processor due the digiatal to analog audio processing; in that case get the base model.

I would jump on the Oppo if there was a dealer here and I could get it with a warranty. Unfortunately I can't hence my consideration of the Cambridge as a possible alternative

[JemHadar]

It's not an OPPO inside...they do use the same OS interface software...but that is the only tech shared.

It does get very good reviews though...its on my list too

[Still-One]

Sure looks better than the Oppo.

[JohnThomas]

Originally Posted by howiebrou

I would jump on the Oppo if there was a dealer here and I could get it with a warranty. Unfortunately I can't hence my consideration of the Cambridge as a possible alternative

Howie, I heard and saw the cambridge 650 BR the other day playing the movie 9 thru Arcam AVR 600 the picture and sound quality was very and I mean very impressive. If your just using the hdmi you won't miss the oppus and have a warranty.

John

[MC352]

I have seen and heard a number of Cambridge products over the past year and I have been favorably impressed.

I think this looks like a good deal.

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by JohnThomas

Howie, I heard and saw the cambridge 650 BR the other day playing the movie 9 thru Arcam AVR 600 the picture and sound quality was very and I mean very impressive. If your just using the hdmi you won't miss the oppus and have a warranty.

John

Thanks John. This is a big help.

howie

[JohnThomas]

Originally Posted by howiebrou

Thanks John. This is a big help.

howie

I just order one this morning. It will be here next week.

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by JohnThomas

I just order one this morning. It will be here next week.

Now you need to go and borrow an Oppo and do a shoot out!