A growing number of small, high-end Hi-Fi manufacturers are turning their attention to Blu-ray players; Cambridge Audio has now joined the team, with plans to release its Azur 650BD player. The omnivorous new player promises almost universal compatibility.

October 14, 2009 — British firm Cambridge Audio plans to introduce a player within 2009 that plays back all types of discs, including the DVD Audio and SACD formats that are so beloved by HiFi enthusiasts. Cambridge is following a path already well trodden by high-enders Denon and Marantz, whose players can play back all imaginable formats.

Jack of all trades: the Cambridge Audio Azur 650BD.

As is appropriate for modern players, the Azur 650BD will also support BD Live and provide one gigabyte of internal memory. Bitstream output of HD audio formats is also promised — a feature that’s now also pretty much essential for top-quality sound. If you like the way the Azur 650BD looks, you should also check out the company’s new “Azur 650R” AV receiver, also due for release this year. We’re still waiting for prices and exact release dates.