Cambridge Audio 751BD Pro Reviews

The 751BD shares the same solid and machined chassis as the 651BD, with the same dark charcoal colour scheme and brushed metal facia. The front buttons are also essentially the same as the 651BD but the addition of a button for selecting different filters hints at the audiophile potential within. The connections at the rear are also essentially the same as the 651BD with twin HDMI outputs, USB port, LAN socket, e-SATA port, RS232 interface, component video, digital audio and 7.1 analogue audio outputs. However, the 751BD also includes dedicated stereo analogue outputs although strangely, considering the 751BD's audiophile aspirations, these stereo outputs use RCA connectors rather than the superior XLR balanced outputs. Unfortunately the 751BD uses the same remote control as the 651BD and it remains as annoying as ever, with buttons that are too small and not intuitively positioned and no back light. Unlike the cheaper model, the 751BD does come with a WiFi dongle, which makes connecting the player to your wireless network easy.

All things considered, Cambridge Audio has done a top-notch job with the 751BD. It’s a fantastic Blu-ray player, boasting sublime, rigid build quality that lays the groundwork for a sensational picture and sound performance. There’s also a generous amount of eye-catching features on board – Wi-Fi, media streaming, 3D support and universal format support. The fact it’s also easy to use is merely the icing on the cake. Sure it’s expensive, but with such amazing build quality and performance it really is worth the investment.

Overall, the 751BD should be lauded as a brilliant disc-spinner. With its sturdy build and broad playback options, it's a relevant, powerful performer. While it may lack the net-connected niceties of mass-market machines, it stomps all over them when it comes to sonic finesse. Everyone in the Shire will soon want one.

We're sure this player is going to find an audience. While it does share some technology with players less than half its MSRP, there do seem to be plenty of upgrades (mostly on the audio, chassis, and power supply side) from the competition. The price may seem a little high for some but, since their target clients are unlikely to buy from an online-only manufacturer, that probably won't matter - and dealers will find this product a great solution to match other offerings from Cambridge. Compared to some of the "high end" universal Blu-ray players that have hit the market, the Cambridge Audio 751BD is a solid offering.

Cambridge has taken what the company achieved with the 650BD and evolved this into a new machine packed with ability. For those looking to leap from a budget Blu-ray deck to the next level, the 751BD is a great option.