The Cambridge Audio Azur 851C and NAD M50.2 are two of the most popular SACD players on the market. Both players offer excellent sound quality, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.
The Cambridge Audio Azur 851C is a more traditional SACD player. It has a sleek, black design and a built-in DAC. The player supports a wide range of audio formats, including SACD, DVD-Audio, CD, and hi-res audio files. The Azur 851C also has a number of features that make it a good choice for audiophiles, such as a balanced output and a high-quality headphone amplifier.
The NAD M50.2 is a more modern SACD player. It has a minimalist, silver design and no built-in DAC. The player supports a narrower range of audio formats, but it can be used with any external DAC. The M50.2 also has a number of features that make it a good choice for home theater enthusiasts, such as HDMI output and DTS:X and Dolby Atmos compatibility.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Cambridge Audio Azur 851C | NAD M50.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,499 | $1,799 |
| Design | Traditional, black | Minimalist, silver |
| Built-in DAC | Yes | No |
| Supported Audio Formats | SACD, DVD-Audio, CD, hi-res audio files | SACD, CD, hi-res audio files |
| Features | Balanced output, high-quality headphone amplifier | HDMI output, DTS:X and Dolby Atmos compatibility |
Conclusion
The Cambridge Audio Azur 851C and NAD M50.2 are both excellent SACD players. The Cambridge is a good choice for audiophiles who want a traditional player with a built-in DAC. The NAD is a good choice for home theater enthusiasts who want a modern player with HDMI output and DTS:X and Dolby Atmos compatibility.
Which one is right for you?
The best way to decide which SACD player is right for you is to try both and see which one you prefer. If you have the opportunity, go to a local audio store and listen to a few different SACD players with the same speakers and amplifier. This will give you a good idea of the differences between the two players and help you decide which one is right for you.
Here are some additional tips for choosing a SACD player:
- Consider the type of music you listen to. If you listen to a lot of high-resolution audio, then you will need a SACD player that can support those formats.
- Consider the quality of your speakers. If you have high-quality speakers, then you will need a SACD player that can match their performance.
- Consider your budget. SACD players can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
With a little research, you can find the perfect SACD player for your needs and budget.
Additional Information
In addition to the features listed in the comparison table, both the Cambridge Audio Azur 851C and NAD M50.2 offer a number of other features that may be of interest to audiophiles. These features include:
- High-quality DACs: Both players feature high-quality DACs that can provide a significant improvement in sound quality over a standard CD player.
- Balanced outputs: Both players offer balanced outputs, which can provide a more accurate soundstage and imaging.
- High-quality headphone amplifiers: Both players feature high-quality headphone amplifiers that can provide a great listening experience for headphone users.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which SACD player is right for you is to try both and see which one you prefer. If you have the opportunity, go to a local audio store and listen to a few different SACD players with the same speakers and amplifier. This will give you a good idea of the differences between the two players and help you decide which one is right for you.
