Cambridge Audio has announced the introduction of a new flagship network music player – the Azur 851N – expanding the range of hi-fi separates in the Azur 851 Series to six products.

Capable of playing all popular formats up to 24-bit/192kHz studio master quality files, the 851N then intelligently upsamples all incoming audio to 24-bit/384kHz.

Connected either wired or wirelessly via UPnP over a home network, the 851N will find and stream music stored on computers, laptops and NAS drives. Additionally three USB inputs allow direct playback from USB HDDs and memory sticks. There are two TOSLINK optical inputs, two S/PDIF coaxials, an AES/EBU input and asynchronous USB audio.

Asynchronous USB audio allows playback of up to 24-bit/192kHz audio files direct from a connected computer or laptop, with the 851N effectively acting as a high-quality external sound card.

The 851N also features Apple Airplay and support for an optional BT100 aptX Bluetooth .

RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs, as well as a digital AES/EBU, TOSLINK and coaxial outputs, allow connection to a wide range of hi-fi components, and the RS232 port enables integration into custom installations.

Capable of handling all popular codecs including WMA, MP3, AAC HE AAC, AAC+ and Ogg Vorbis and lossless 24-bit/192kHz FLAC, ALAC, WAV and AIFF files, the 851N can play virtually any file from your digital music library. There is also in-built support for leading streaming services.

The 851N runs twin Analog Devices AD1955 DACs in ‘dual differential’ mode where left and right stereo channels are processed separately for “maximum fidelity, accuracy and stereo separation”. The internal digital preamp is driven by a custom coded 32-bit Blackfin DSP which keeps the audio signal in the digital domain for as long as possible and enables it to be used as a pre amp. The 851N does not use bit reduction for volume control and volume is instead controlled by the Blackfin DSP.

There’s a 4.3” TFT colour display onboard or users can use the completely redesigned Cambridge Connect Apps for both Apple and Android devices.

The all new Azur 851N flagship network music player will debut at CES in Las Vegas, at the Venetian hotel, floor 30 – suite 216.

RRP £1,200 / $1,800. The Azur 851N will go on-sale from the end of Q1 of 2015.