Description
Stage 2 upgrade for the well reviewed and well respected Cambridge Audio Azur 551P budget phono stage. The kit includes all the components you need and an instruction manual to transform your phono stage into a high-end contender. You or your appointed technician must carry out the upgrade to your existing phono stage. maudifi also offers an upgrade service for UK customers, available here.
Internal components are replaced with much higher quality ones transforming the soundstage, separation, detail, etc. available from your vinyl source to a whole different level. The sound quality gets close to that of an expensive high-end phono stage.
Customer review:
“The experience feels so much more alive and immersive without sounding fatiguing, or harsh.” See the full feedback here.
- Step-by-step instructions provided in electronic form (PDF).
- All components required for the upgrade provided.
- What changes:
- Output coupling capacitors upgraded to audio-grade bipolars (Nichicon)
- Output coupling bypass capacitors increased in value and quality (Wima)
- Low grade signal path film capacitors replaced with audio-grade polypropylenes
- Metallised polyester capacitor upgrades
- Rectifier diodes replaced with Ultrafast recovery types
- Noise snubbers added
- Voltage doubler capacitors upgraded with Low ESR types
- Reservoir capacitors upgraded (main PSU)
- Post regulator power supply capacitors replaced with high-grade types
- Input Stage power decoupling capacitors replaced with high-grade types
- Op-amps upgraded to higher performance types
- Equipment label
- Phono stage not included. This is an upgrade kit for your item.
Simon York –
I purchased the upgrade kit for my Cambridge Audio 551P phono preamplifier and was blown away by the attention to detail in the instructions. Whilst the installation was tricky (make sure you use decent flux and the recommended silver solder) the results were amazing. Once the system was run in for a few weeks I compared it to my Alva Duo and it surpasses it in every way. Each instrument is identifiable and lows, minds and highs are a delight. I run this through my BlueGlow modded Valve amp and I couldn’t be happier. I was especially pleased with the clarity at lower volumes. Scott is really onto something with this mod and is really helpful if you have questions. Highly recommended!
Ralph Daub (verified owner) –
I randomly found a Youtube video about this upgrade when I pulled my 551P out of storage, and decided to give it a try. Amazing sound upgrade! I’m not great at describing sound, I just know I love the new and improved sound from this pre-amp!
I didn’t have much experience soldering, but I’m decent with gadgets. Scott listed the items I would need and I felt confident. I watched a few Youtube videos on good soldering techniques, followed the detailed steps for the upgrade, and took the evening to do it all slowly and carefully. I couldn’t believe my ears when I played the first record!
Don’t think about it — just dive into this upgrade and enjoy the music!