Here are my findings. Disclaimer: This is a very subjective review.
Cambridge Audio Azur 550ALet me start with the build and heft of the 550A. Dimension wise, it will take more space than the NAD. Lifting this amp would give you a good work out. It's really heavy and build quality wise, I like the materials used on the face because it's using an aluminum trim unlike in NAD where the face is kinda like plastic. Features-wise, the CAP5 is nice and helpful. These actually alerted me when my Onkyo AVR were still plugged into my T6. Plus this amp has an option to go Speaker A & B.
How does it sound?
I find the CA550A a bit laid back compared to the C326BEE. The first time I listened to these amps were in 5th Avenue paired with an MS Mezzo 2. They were very forward, agressive and dynamic. But this time around, paired with my T6, it was a bit relaxed. What remained imposing was it's midrange voice. It creates an image where it seems the background instruments are separated from the singer. Was this because the 550A isn't powering my T6 enough juice? Or that forward sound I listened to from 5th Ave. was basically a trait of the Mezzo?
I tried my other set of speakers, a Mission M31i. These speakers of mine were notoriously known not to produce smooth highs using my Onkyo AVR. But I actually liked the Mission sound mainly because it produces a really warm sound which tickles my ears just fine. Now powered by the 550a, I'm surprised that those dome tweets has some capability. I listened to some familiar tunes, the sound definitely had strength which is very evident on the vocals but comparing these to my T6, it lacks the details of the latter. Can't blame my cheap-ass Mission M31i.
