[jerryat]

Hi All,

I'm about to invest some of the hard-earned on a new stack system and have (pretty well!) decided on the Azur 550 range from Cambridge Audio. But I want a DAB/FM tuner to match the 550A and 550C amp and CD player.

Richer Sounds tell me there isn't a 550T tuner but that the 650T is due to be released 'soon' and will match the 550 range i.e. brushed alloy fascia, size etc.

Google gives pictures of the 650T but it doesn't seem to be available yet. I don't want to buy the amp and CD player, then find tuner isn't going to be made.

Does anyone KNOW that the 650T is going to be released, and when? Richer Sounds' Customer Service don't know and I understand Richers own Cambridge!

Cheers Jerry

[Cable Monkey]

CA manufacture in batches, and new items need to go through the approval system before being authorised for sale in Europe. Then the samples get rolled out to the media for review. Finally the public get their hands on them. 840A owners had to wait several months for the matching 840C despite the mouth watering pictures of them together. Just be patient.

[jerryat]

Hi Cable Monkey,

Yes, I have absolutely no problem with waiting for the unit to be released - as long as it is eventually.

My post was made because despite conversations with Richer Sound's Plymouth store and their customer care outfit at 'head office', neither could/would assure me that the 650T WAS going to be issued. They even undertook to email Cambridge Audio directly to find the find info, but so far nothing has been forthcoming.

It was this uncertainty, from the sole suppliers after all(!) that worried me.

However since posting, I've managed to find various bits and bobs about the proposed unit on Google, which certainly points to a release date 'in October 2009', though knowing these things, it could well be a lot longer!

On that basis, I think I'm safe to go ahead and buy the 550amplifier and CD player, and buy the tuner when it finally appears.

Thanks for your reply.

Cheers

Jerry

[Ed Selley]

Originally Posted by jerryat

Does anyone KNOW that the 650T is going to be released, and when? Richer Sounds' Customer Service don't know and I understand Richers own Cambridge!

Cheers Jerry

I performed a full function test on a prototype a little while ago whilst freelancing. It exists and seems largely complete from an EU perspective. I believe the XM bit for the states might take longer.

[jerryat]

Originally Posted by Ed Selley

I performed a full function test on a prototype a little while ago whilst freelancing. It exists and seems largely complete from an EU perspective. I believe the XM bit for the states might take longer.

Hi Ed,

Many thanks for that!

Checking the American/Australian/German websites, it appears that they have far more info is available in the UK.

As I said earlier, I think I'm now convinced enough to go ahead and get the amp and CD player now, and get the tuner whenever it finally appears on the retail scene.

Thanks again

Jerry

[loweart]

Hi Jerry,

The Cambridge Audio 650T tuner was demo'd here in Australia back in May this year at various Hi Fi retailers and industry shows.

Since the local distributor, Synergy Audio announced a release/delivery date of mid to late October, 2009. Forward orders have been taken for the first batch due to land shortly.

For once, Australia isn't the last country to receive a new model, but in saying that, being one of the first countries to adopt the DAB+ standard has meant a bit of a wait for Hi Fi component type tuners that works with this standard.

Considering that our AC power requirements are very close to the UK standard, I think it won't be long before this model becomes available in the UK.

Also of note is Tangent's DAB+/FM/internet hi fi component tuner the Net 200.

Cheers,
Lok

P.S. yes, I have a black 650T on order