Cambridge Audio azur 851N User manual

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Azur 851N Network Player
Manual Generated: 02/11/2023 - 12:59

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Table of Contents
Azur 851N Network Player 3 .......................................................................................................................................................................................
Introduction 4 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................
What's included with the 851N? 5 ..............................................................................................................................................................................
Front Panel 6 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Rear Panel Connections 8 ............................................................................................................................................................................................
Remote Control 10 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................
Getting Connected 12 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................
Connecting to WiFi 16 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................
StreamMagic app 18 .....................................................................................................................................................................................................
Built-in Streaming Services 19 ...................................................................................................................................................................................
AirPlay 2 20 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Internet Radio 21 ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................
USB Audio 22 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................
USB Media 27 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Streaming Your Local Digital Music Collection 28 ...................................................................................................................................................
Settings 29 .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Technical Specification 31 ...........................................................................................................................................................................................
Source Quality Matrix 32 .............................................................................................................................................................................................
Troubleshooting 33 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Azur 851N Network Player
Last updated: August 3, 2022 04:44. Revision #10035
Users Manual

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Introduction
Last updated: August 9, 2022 02:50. Revision #10054
This guide is designed to make installing and using this product as easy as possible. Information in this document has been carefully checked for
accuracy at the time of publishing; however, Cambridge Audio’s policy is one of continuous improvement, therefore design and specifications are
subject to change without prior notice.
This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced by any
mechanical, electronic or other means, in any form, without prior written permission of the manufacturer. All trademarks and registered trademarks
are the property of their respective owners.
StreamMagic is a trademark of Audio Partnership Plc and is registered in the European Community and other countries.
This product contains software licensed under version 2 of the GNU Public License and version 2.1 of the GNU Lesser Public License. The source
code for this software is available from: http://gpl.stream-magic.com/
This product includes technology owned by Microsoft Corporation and under a licence from Microsoft Licensing GP. Use or distribution of such
technology outside of this product is prohibited without a license from Microsoft Corporation and/or Microsoft Licensing, GP as applicable.
The Spotify software is subject to third party licenses found here: www.spotify.com/connect/third-party-licenses.
This product support AirPlay 2 and requires iOS 11.4 or later.
Apple and AirPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Use of the Works with Apple badge means that an accessory has been designed to work specifically with the technology identified in the badge and
has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.
Android, Google Play and the Chromecast built-in logo are trademarks of Google Inc.
TIDAL and TIDAL logo are registered trademark of Aspiro AB in the European Union and other countries.
© Copyright Cambridge Audio Ltd 2022
For upcoming news on future products, software updates and exclusive offers, make sure you register your product
at http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/register

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What's included with the 851N?
Last updated: August 9, 2022 02:50. Revision #10062
1) 851N Network Player
2) Safety Guide
3) Quick Start Guide
4) 3 x AAA Batteries
5) Remote Control
6) Control Bus Cable
7) Wi-Fi Dongle
8) Power Cable

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Front Panel
Last updated: November 16, 2022 02:56. Revision #10052
1. USB
For use with USB storage devices. 1A maximum current consumption.
2. Standby/On
Switches the unit between Standby Mode (indicated by dim power LED) and On (indicated by bright power LED). Standby Mode is a low power mode
(0.5 Watts) – This can only be achieved when using Eco mode. The unit should be left in Standby Mode when not in use.
3. Info
During playback, pressing this button will cycle through ‘Now Playing’ screens. Press and hold to display the product info.
4. Home
Press to navigate to Home menu.
5. Filter
Press to toggle through three alternative digital filter characteristics: Linear Phase, Minimum Phase or Steep.
Alternative digital filters can offer subtly different sound quality characteristics. The currently selected filter is displayed by the indicators just above
the button.
Phase
Press and hold the Filter/Phase select button for approximately two seconds to select normal or inverted phase output. When the LED lights up, the
phase is inverted by the 851N.
Detailed information on the 851N Filter Settings can be found here.
Note: If you suspect that your source material or amplifier, etc., is inverting the phase of the musical signal, you can use this function to re-invert
the audio and regain absolute positive phase
6. Infrared Sensor
IR sensor that receives IR commands from the remote control.
7. (More)
When playing from UPnP sources, this button displays queued tracks and options.
8. Display
9. Play/Pause
Play or Pause current track.

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10. Stop/Delete
Press during playback to stop or delete items in various menus.
11. Skip
Skip to next track during playback.
12. Navigation/Select (Rotary Dial)
Rotate to scroll and navigate around the menus. Press to accept the item/function shown on the display.
13. Return
Press to return to the previous menu.

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Rear Panel Connections
Last updated: August 9, 2022 02:50. Revision #10066
1. Power On/Off
Switches the 851N on and off.
2. Mains Voltage Selector Switch (CU Version)
Switches the mains voltage between 100V and 115V.
Note: For use by Cambridge Audio service personnel only.
3. AC Power Socket
Once you have completed all connections to the amplifier, plug the AC power cable into an appropriate mains socket then switch on.
4. USB Sockets
Pre-fitted Wi-Fi dongle and connection for USB HD/flash disk or optional BT100 Bluetooth audio receiver.
The USB ports are not intended for connection to Apple mobile devices, no functionality, charging or otherwise, is supported.
The Wi-Fi dongle is pre-fitted. Your unit will default to an Ethernet connection if one is made, however it is advised to remove the Wi-Fi dongle if
using an Ethernet connection.
If you are using this 851N with Wi-Fi please make sure your unit is positioned within range of your wireless router.
Important Note: Do not connect/disconnect the Wi-Fi dongle when the unit is on.
5. Ethernet
Use to connect the 851N directly to a router.
6. Digital Inputs (D1, D2, D3 and D4)
TOSLINK Optical and S/P DIF coaxial digital inputs.
Coaxial – Use a high quality 75 ohm digital RCA Phono interconnect cable (This is different from an analogue audio phono interconnect). This input
is suitable for 16-24 bit content up to 192kHz.
TOSLINK Optical – Use a high quality TOSLINK fibre optic interconnect cable designed specifically for audio use. This input is suitable for 16-24 bit
content up to 96kHz (TOSLINK is not recommended at 192kHz sampling rates).
Note: To obtain the best results from your system we recommend using only high-quality Cambridge Audio interconnects. This will ensure that you
hear your system as we designed it. Please ask your dealer for details.
7. Digital Outputs
TOSLINK Optical and S/P DIF coaxial digital outputs.

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8. USB Audio In
A USB B type socket to enable the playback of audio from a computer running either Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac OS X operating systems.
Some builds of Linux may also be supported but due to the open-source nature of the Linux operating system cannot be guaranteed.
Notes:
Always use a high-quality USB connection cable certified as USB Hi-Speed. USB cable connections longer than 3m may result in inconsistent
audio performance.
Always turn the volume to minimum, switch to another input or turn the 851N off before plugging/unplugging cables to the USB input or
whilst booting up/shutting down your PC/Mac.
The use of USB hubs is not recommended for this input.
9. RS232C Interface
The RS232C interface enables external serial control of the 851N in custom installation applications, as well as for use by Cambridge Audio service
personnel for software updates.
10. IR In
Allows modulated IR commands from an IR repeater or custom install systems to be received by the amplifier.
Commands received by the IR In socket are not looped out of the Control Bus.
Note: The IR input doesn’t provide any power, so any device connected to this input will need to have its own power source.
11. Control Bus
RCA sockets used to send and receive power and volume commands from other connected 851 Series products. For more information on the
Control Bus, see Control Bus section.
12. AES/EBU Balanced
In – For sources with a balanced (AES/EBU) digital output. This input is suitable for 16-24 bit content up to 192kHz.
Out – For external devices incorporating a fixed (AES/EBU) digital input.
13. Line Output
Line Output (fixed or variable) used to provide a signal to an amplifier or a recording device.
14. Balanced Audio Output
For use with balanced XLR connections. The balanced connection is the higher quality option and can reject noise and interference in the cable
when used with other equipment that supports this function.
Note: XLR connectors should be wired as follows: Pin 1: Ground, Pin 2: Hot (in-phase) and Pin 3: Cold (phase-inverted).

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Remote Control
Last updated: November 16, 2022 04:15. Revision #10040
The 851N remote control handset duplicates some of the front panel control functions and is also able to control other Azur 851 series products. The
supplied AAA batteries must be fitted before the remote control can be used. The handset buttons function as described below:
1. Standby/On
Switches the 851N between On and Standby mode.
2. Brightness
Alters the brightness of the 851N display. There are two brightness levels and an option to switch off the backlight.
Note: When the 851N display lights are selected to be off, selecting any of the functions will briefly switch on the lights to show the change.
3. Presets
Recalls stored 1 – 4 presets. Holding a button will save current station as preset.
4. Mute
Press to mute or unmute output.
5. Enter/Mode
Enter or select.
6. Volume
Volume level adjust.
7. Home Menu
Returns front panel display to Home menu option.
8. Return
Return or back.
9. Skip
Skips between previous and next tracks.
10. Backlight Button
Illuminates the buttons.
11. Info
Toggles between display information.

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12. Navigation
To navigate between menus.
13. Stop/Delete
Stop current track or delete from queue.
14. Play/Pause
Play or Pause current track.
15. Queue
View media playback queue.
16. (More)
When playing Internet Radio, the More button displays related options to the currently selected station, such as alternative stream types, content
types or similar stations. When playing from UPnP sources, this button displays queued tracks and options.
17. Digital Inputs
Shortcut to D1 Digital Input.
18. Random
Play random track within queue.
19. Repeat
Repeat all tracks in queue.
20. Filter
Press to toggle through the three digital filter options.

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Getting Connected
Last updated: August 9, 2022 02:50. Revision #10038
Basic Analogue Connections
Important Note: Switch the power off before making any connections.
There are two analogue connection options for the 851N.
1. Line Output Connection (RCA)
2. Balanced Audio Connection (XLR)
Please note: If using XLR cables, repeatedly press the Source 1 or Source 2 button (depending on which ports you are using) to toggle between
'Balanced' and 'Unbalanced'.

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Basic Digital Connections
There are two digital connection options for the 851N.
1. Digital Coaxial Output – Digital Coaxial connections are commonly used with CD players and amplifiers and is recommended for use as it has
higher bandwidth.
2. TOSLINK Optical Output – Whilst having lower bandwidth, TOSLINK Optical connections are commonly found on televisions, DVD players and
A/V units.
Control Bus
The Control Bus lets you control your other Azur 851 series units. See the following diagrams when connecting the 851N using the provided Control

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Bus cable.
Another benefit of the Control Bus is the use of the StreamMagic app. You can use the StreamMagic app to control other Azur 851 series units via
the 851N.
851N with 851A (via StreamMagic app)
When using the app to turn the 851N on/off, this will also turn the 851A on/off. The app can also be used to control the volume of the 851A. Connect
the 851N Control Bus Out to 851A Control Bus In.
851A with 851N
Note: Without using the StreamMagic app to control the 851A.
When turning the 851A on/off, this will also turn the 851N on/off. Connect the 851A Control Bus Out to 851N Control Bus In.

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851A with 851N and 851C
When turning the 851N on/off, this will turn the 851A and 851C on/off.
With all three 851 devices, connect the 851N Control Bus out to 851A Control Bus in. Then connect the 851A Control Bus out to 851C Control Bus
in.
Note: Do NOT loop back from the 851C Control Bus out to the 851N Control Bus in.
Control Bus will also need to be enabled and set to Amplifier within the 851N device settings in the StreamMagic app once the app has been
connected to the 851N.
Note: If a device with APD enabled automatically switches off after the selected period of inactivity, this will also switch off the other connected
devices.

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Connecting to WiFi
Last updated: November 17, 2022 02:46. Revision #10068
Important Note: It is vitally important that your 851N remains connected to your network as often as possible. This will ensure that the unit is
regularly updated to meet essential security protocols, third party compatibility and the latest software requirements.
Failure to maintain your device with regular firmware updates as provided by Cambridge Audio will void the product warranty and is likely to cause
major issues to the unit in time. Please ensure that your unit is updated to the most current firmware version. Information on the latest firmware
version for the 851N can be found here.
Note: The 851N is not compatible with captive portal networks. The 851N works only on 2.4GHz WiFi. Where possible, avoid the use of powerline
adapters, Wi-Fi signal boosters/extenders as these can disrupt the reliability of the network connection.
Connecting to a Wired Network
1. Ensuring the unit is powered down, connect a network cable (Category 5/5E straight-through Ethernet cable) between the 851N and your router.
2. Your 851N will now automatically connect to the network.
Connecting to a Wireless Network
Important note: Do not plug/unplug the wireless dongle when the unit is on.
1. Ensure that your 851N is in range of your wireless router, and then power on your unit.
2. On an iOS device go to Wi-Fi settings and under ‘SETUP NEW AIRPLAY SPEAKER’ select '851N'. Alternatively (or if using Android), when prompted
on the front panel display connect the 851N to the Wi-Fi network of your choice. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list and then enter your
password.
3. Once connected, to complete unit setup download and install the StreamMagic app either from the Apple App store or Google Play store.
Note: Wi-Fi network passwords are case sensitive.

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Character entry
This is typically for:
Entering Wi-Fi network password.
Searching for radio stations and content on UPnP servers.
Customising the 851N name and digital input names.
To enter text:
1. Use the front panel rotary encoder to scroll through each symbol.
2. Using the IR remote control, you can navigate horizontally and vertically.
3. Press Enter on the front panel or remote control to select the highlighted character.
Deletes the last character selected. This is the equivalent to the button on the front panel or IR remote control.
Cancels the text entry process.
Submits the entered text.

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StreamMagic app
Last updated: August 9, 2022 02:51. Revision #10037
The 851N allows you to stream music from many different sources both on your home network and from the internet.
To set up your player, please first download the StreamMagic app from the Apple app store or Google Play store.
Note: The StreamMagic app is only available for iOS and Android mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. It is not available on PC or Mac.
Once your player is connected to your home network you'll have full control of your sources, including internet radio, streaming services, network
and USB drives and more via the StreamMagic app.
For more information on our StreamMagic app, please visit: https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/streammagic

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Built-in Streaming Services
Last updated: August 9, 2022 02:51. Revision #10036
The 851N has the following built-in streaming services:
Spotify Connect
TIDAL
Qobuz
Note: It is essential that the device you are streaming from (smartphone, tablet, computer, etc.) is on the same Wi-Fi network as the network
player to ensure that the units can communicate with each other.
Spotify Connect
1. Open the Spotify app and choose the playlist, album, song, etc. that you wish to stream to player.
2. Select the devices icon within Spotify and select your Cambridge Audio network player from the list of ‘Listening On’ devices.
3. Spotify Connect should now be streaming your chosen content to the player.
TIDAL (Connect)
1. Open the TIDAL app and choose the playlist, album, song, etc. that you wish to stream to player.
2. Select the Sound Output devices icon within TIDAL and select your Cambridge Audio network player from the list.
3. TIDAL Connect should now be streaming your chosen content to the player.
TIDAL (via StreamMagic)
1. Open the StreamMagic app and navigate to the Library tab, and then select TIDAL.
Note: Please ensure that you sign into your TIDAL account when prompted to do so. This will only be required on the first instance of use to link the
account to the StreamMagic app.
2. Choose the playlist, album, song, etc. that you wish to stream to player.
3. TIDAL should now be streaming your chosen content to the player.
Qobuz (via StreamMagic)
1. Open the StreamMagic app and navigate to the Library tab, and then select Qobuz.
Note: Please ensure that you sign into your Qobuz account when prompted to do so. This will only be required on the first instance of use to link the
account to the StreamMagic app.
2. Choose the playlist, album, song, etc. that you wish to stream to player.
3. Qobuz should now be streaming your chosen content to the player.

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AirPlay 2
Last updated: August 9, 2022 02:51. Revision #10055
AirPlay 2 from iPhone or iPad
1. Ensure your player is connected to your network.
2. Open the app that you want to AirPlay 2 from.
3. Select or .
4. Select your player as your AirPlay 2 device.
Note: This product supports AirPlay 2 and requires your mobile device to be running iOS 11.4 or later.
Apple and AirPlay 2 are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Use of the Works with Apple badge means that an accessory has been designed to work specifically with the technology identified in the badge and
has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.