AudioAdvisor and Spearit Sound (both via Amazon) still have the Cambridge Audio Azur 340R 5.1 HDMI AV Receiver in Black or Silver for $499 with free shipping and handling. That’s $180 below MSRP and $100 below any other vendor. You can elect to purchase from either AudioAdvisor or Spearit Sound (it appears the default is AudioAdvisor). Cambridge Audio is generally well respected for the quality of its electronics (particularly its amplifiers). This is their entry-level 5.1 surround receiver. This model earned 4-stars (out of 5) from both What Hi Fi? and TechRadar. Both reviews note this receiver as being exceptionally “musical”.
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For those of you who have been trying to find the Cambridge Audio Azur 340A Integrated Amplifier, it appears to be in stock (in the black finish) at decibel audio for $289 with free shipping and handling (with coupon “free3day”). That’s the best price available by $60, and decibel is one of the few retailers which still has stock of this item (which is either being discontinued or is in short supply in the U.S.).  AudioAdvisor (via Amazon) has the Cambridge Audio 640R Home Theater Receiver – Silver  AudioAdvisor (via Amazon Marketplace) has the Cambridge Audio Azur 340A Integrated Amplifier – Black  AudioAdvisor.com (via Amazon marketplace) has the Cambridge 340A Integrated Amplifier (Silver) For those of you with $1,000 to drop on a new system, I’ve tried to put together something a little more exotic: Speakers: PSB Alpha B1 bookshelf speakers (in black), which are going for $279 with free shipping at AudioAdvisor.com (they are also offered in a wood-tone “Sienna“). These speakers been rated very highly by Stereophile and others. My favorite quote from the review: “Considering its price, the PSB Alpha B1 is quite extraordinary in its way. Even if not in the market for a cheap mini, audiophiles should buy them for their Bose-owning friends and family, to give those unfortunates more than a taste of what a true high-end loudspeaker is capable of.” They were a Stereophile “Budget Product of the Year” in 2007. Components: I’ve gone with a pairing of an integrated amplifer and dvd player from Cambridge Audio. The Cambridge Audio Azur 340A integrated amplifier (in silver) is available for $269 at AudioAdvisor.com and should drive the PSB Alpha B1′s without problem (couldn’t find the amp for less than $329 elsewhere). For aesthetic purposes, I’ve paired it with the Cambridge Audio DVD-89 player (also in silver) on sale (43% off) for $199 at AudioAdvisor.com. Cables: Audioquest Type 4 speaker cable (no frills version), is available in multiple lengths at AudioAdvisor.com. I’ve selected this 10 ft pair which is going for $119. For the interconnects to hook the cd player to the amp, try the Audioquest G-Snake, also available in multiple lengths. A 1 meter (3ft) pair is $39 at AudioAdvisor.com. Speaker Stands: Stands are highly recommended for bookshelf speakers — the goal is to place the tweeters at ear level (when seated). To stay within the budget, I’ve picked these Sanus Euro Speaker Stands (24″), which are $69.99 at AudioAdvisor.com. Heavier stands (which can be filled with sand or lead shot) would be preferable if you have a few more bucks to spend. Total Cost: $974.99. |
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or the 
for $899 with free shipping and handling. That’s a discount of $500 off MSRP, and one of the rare mark-downs on Cambridge Audio equipment. Cambridge Audio is a UK company (not to be confused with Cambridge Soundworks) which makes some of the best affordable hi fi gear available. It appears that this model is being phased out to make room for the newer 650R model. Reviews of the 640R have been excellent. Check out the praise it received in 
for $269 with free shipping and handling. That’s $80 better than the next lowest price. While not particularly high wattage, this amp is well regarded for its clarity. Cambridge Audio is a UK company which has staked out the low-price end of the hi fi market. 
for a low price of $269.00. That’s $20 better than the next lowest I could find online. I included this amp in my sub-$1000 proposed system.