You can stream virtually any file to the 851N and its internal engine will then bring it to life. Firstly, all tracks are put through Cambridge Audio’s 2nd generation Adaptive Time Filtering that upsamples everything to 24bit/384kHz hi-res quality, no matter the original source. As a result, jitter is almost completely absent, and the music sounds amazing.
The upsampled data then passes through Twin Analog Devices DACs (very high-end digital to analogue converters) which are implemented in a dual differential configuration meaning each channel has its own DAC. The result is lifelike stereo imaging where instruments can be heard in specific parts of your room with uncanny accuracy.
All of these audiophile internals are powered by a large toroidal transformer and wrapped in rigid metal casework for the best delivery of a high quality and consistent signal with low noise and buzz levels.
Not just a great network player the 851N is also an outstanding digital pre-amp that can be connected directly to dedicated power amplifiers as well traditional integrated amps. Keeping the signal digital to the last moment makes it less susceptible to analogue deterioration, while a 32-bit SHARC DSP controls the volume output; by keeping the entire signal digital the best possible sound is achieved, even at very low volume levels.
Its wireless options include NAS Drive / UPnP compatibility, internet radio, Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify Connect, and Apple Airplay. Add an optional BT100 Bluetooth dongle and any Bluetooth device can be connected also.
Digital source components such as TVs, smartphones, PCs or MACs can connect via optical, co-axial, AES/EBU and asynchronous USB Audio digital inputs. Music files in all the popular formats are supported, from MP3, through to FLAC/Apple Lossless, DSD64 and WAV 16-24 bit master files.
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