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I have a 1985 Harman Kardon pm665 vxi pushing 150 watts and it is heavy and kicks ass. But I really do want to try one of those new Chinese class D amps, but don’t know what to buy and it must have a pre out to hook up my Schitt Lokius.
I have the pre AXA35 which was called the Topaz AM10 amp along with the Topaz CD10 cd player. Most of the specs are very similar if not exactly the same between the new and old models. I also went with a Dacmagic 100 just to bump up the sound from the cd player. Yes, paired with my KEF Q150 bookshelf speakers it's a great sounding main room or basement system.
@@johnsmith-i5j7i Yea the LS 50 is a tough little speaker to drive, no question. British Audiophile paired the AXA 35 with a pair of Monitor Audio Siver 50 7G (I have both) and said the result sounded pretty poor. Needless to say I haven't tried it to see if I agree. I have my Silvers bi-amped with my Marantz Cinema 70 at 50 watts and that sounds fantastic. But I did power a pair of Q 550 Kefs with the Cambridge and I thought they sounded pretty darn good together. When it comes to speakers and amps, not everything is a good match, for sure.
@@johnsmith-i5j7i Probably with the NAD C316 BEE... a very good pure analog amplifier with noticeably more power than declared. My brother has it, and with older B&W speakers it's a great combination
Cambridge have always been a respected manufacturer of good audio equipment. Looks good, too. I really don't know if not having digital inputs detracts from the amp, but I know my bank of MA 500s sound amazing through my AV8801 and D300 separates system. I think the digital/integrated amps are more of a convenience in this day and age of 'affordable ' separates. Thank you as always for your time and efforts reviewing and sharing this with us all.
Cambridge Audio is the real deal. I've met the CA staff and trade shows before and they're nice, approachable, knowledgeable, and audio enthusiasts (a good thing considering the products they sell 😁). If I weren't set on multi-channel audio, I'd definitely consider CA products. As a simpleton, I really like the idea of the AX-35. I hope and expect it will sell well.
If it is then end of "analogue" amps, it's okay. I still use an old NAD C350 for my front mains. I don't want it to die, but there will come a time when my soldering skills can't resurrect it. It's okay. Cambridge wants us to buy really old ideas. That's okay too. They want to make money, that is great amp for them to do so in honest way. The main objective is to find something that sounds good, without nitpicking. I used to pixel peep with video quality (camera guy). I don't do that anymore. And it's nearly as foolish to pixel peep with audio!
Only 90dB? tsk tsk tsk... 🙂 Kidding ofcoz! For me, 90dB is enjoyable about one song, usually only when you need to purge a shitty day from your system. For any "long time listening" (one - two albums? I dunno, we all perceive time different) I like it best when main music energy hovers up to 75dB, a few bursts might reach 80dB, Classical music is different beast, usually so dramatically dynamic so it's fricken impossible to put a number on it.
A guy in my neighbourhood was throwing out a 1991 Kenwood amp the other week. It had a few dials missing but is in 100% working order. Gorgeous clean sound. Now using it for beefy Home Theatahh duties.
Kenwood were one of the few consistently reliable hifi manufacturers over the decades. I recently took an old 70's one out of storage. Tested on the bench and working like a charm. Gave it to a neighbour who was in need.
Bought this 2 years ago and have had no regrets at all. Paired with a Wiim Mini, Dali Spektor 2 Speakers and a iFi Zen One Signature DAC it sounds sublime. As Randy says it is a great choice for someone like me who wants a decent but affordable system. I can't see any reason I will need to upgrade in the near future.
@@MIsterB716I congratulate you on understanding audio. Room treatment is the key to get a good experience. I recommend looking into Acoustic fields, they give free consultation and DIY room treatment plans. One way to minimise the need for room treatment is to get highly directive panel speakers such as very affordable Magnepan LSR+:s. If you haven't experienced panel speakers before, go find a pair for a demo. Some people never look back after their first experience, me included.
Yawn, seriously. The za3 is half the price. You're turning into an everything is good reviewer. Rolling op amps, I learned from you, now, I'm ready for more knowledge, and it seems like you're going backward. I'm done with kindergarten. Let's go back to taking things apart and making them better.
My experience with this Amplifier . I have moved it on after reading that Cambridge Audio both through their online manual and through their Amazon sales hub, DO NOT recommend it be used with speakers other than those with an 8 ohm impedance. They say that doing so can result in damage to the unit and/or connected speakers. Online Manual (FAQ) Quote: "Can I use 4 or 6 Ohm speakers with the AXA35? The AXA35 is only rated to be used with 8 Ohm speakers and we would not recommend using it with 4 or 6 Ohm speakers. Using the AXA35 with 4 or 6 Ohm speakers could result in the amplifier overheating, which in the long run could damage the unit." Amazon Sales Hub | Customer Questions & Answers | Q & A Quote: "Customer Question: Does anyone have experience of using the axa35 with 6 ohm speakers (like the dali spektor 2s)? the manual says 8 ohms only. Cambridge Audio (Seller): Hi, as the AXA35 is only rated for 8 ohm speakers, we do not recommend using 6 ohm speakers. If you connect 6 ohm speakers to this amplifier, it could possibly damage either piece of equipment, and the amp may run quite hot."
I started watching your channel back in the thick of the pandemic when I began to feel an itch to get into hifi, and ended up getting this amp paired with a couple Emotiva B1+, Schiit Modi, and Pro-Ject T1 turntable. Haven’t had the money to upgrade or tinker much since then, but I haven’t needed to because I love this system. I’m an apartment dweller and have had no issues whatsoever with the amp being able to fill any space I’ve put it in. Glad to see it on the channel!
Come to think of it, I think the c19 got me into his videos too. Also got me back into putting together a neat system😊 I even blught an A07 mainly bc of him TBH lol
Atoll makes amps without DAC (You can get one as an option) the most surprising fact about this amp is you hadn't reviewed it yet. For around a thousand you can get the Cambridge CXA-81 if you want to fill a big room.
For me all digital volume amplifiers are garbage, I notice the digital sound, I prefer analog volume, Alps or Noble potenciometers, I am happy with my Audio Refinement complete integrated, all the digital preamps or integrated have a degraded micro dynamics and soundstage
@@boneseyyl1060 My preference has absolutely nothing to do with how many watts it's rated for. IMO, the NAD is superior in every way. Analog, class a/b, better remote, better signal to noise and much much better headroom. That's what the video is about. "The End of Analog Amps". I'm just pointing out that there are other choices out there. Better ones at that.
@@wallacestewart5305 Completely agree. There are always better choices. But a lot of them come down to preference. Nothing wrong with specs, I enjoy watching testing vids as well, to see how real world opinions match the numbers. But they really don't influence me much anymore, when it comes to buying. Knowing that something has good numbers isn't going to make me feel better if I don't like the sound. It all depends what you are looking for, that's the fun of it. Cheers!
The case feels plastic and cheap to me. The NAD 316 BEE is all-analog, rated about the same, costs $399 and is solid as a rock, not as warm as the CA but has better resolution.
You're one of the lucky ones. My father used to do warranty repairs on a hifi shop and cambridge audio was by far the most common warranty item to be repaired...
I'm one of the old aduphiles, like everyone I like good sound and I personally like paper speakers, aside from all that. Where is the music in all of this, enjoyment and not just throwing away and flaunting money? Have audiophiles forgotten what they started listening to music with and on? It seems the point is getting lost, I listen to enjoy and not to brag about how much my stereo system costs. I still enjoy the Dynaco from the 60s. and in the Marantz receiver from the year 73. And believe it or not, it really took me back to the past many times.
After my Nikko power amp died eons ago, I did not buy anything for many years, listening instead to an old NAD that also ultimately died. A few years ago, I went back to the only amp that brings a smile to my face every time, that being a CARVER Pro amp (mosfet topology). ('class-D' never came close to what I experience with the A/B mosfet topology [and I bought them used, of course, being 'old tech']).
lost me at 35W p/c at 8ohms... I like to occasionally "feel" my music. I totally understand that on averarge for most speakers in the home audio/consumer market that the power to reqired to feel is less than 20W for 99% of the time but there are moments that require bursts many times the average. The speaker becomes starved and simply dosent have enough enegry to reproduce as intended. Basically I used a lot of words to describe a lack of dynamic power. This will create fatigue inducing distortion that is simply unacceptable for my 50yr old ears. This is easily cured with a few beers but I lost the ability to tolerate hangovers a long time ago. And I thought aetting older was supossed to help those with the audiophile disorder... 🤦♀
I always aimed for at least 150W per channel. Presently have two (very) old CARVER amps, 1 one B&K (all mosfets in output [no class-D]). Audio to bluetooth 5 to miniDSP to amps. Tablet as source. NIRVANA.
I LOVE my Cambridge CXA60. I’ve had it for about 5 years or so. I use it with my TV and Schiit Modi Multibit. With that said, Randy- what are your thoughts on this against Schiit amps? Because I have genuinely thought about moving to a full Schiit pre amp/amp to replace my Cambridge amp. I don’t have to have power, it’s just for my small living room.
I have this amp in my office and love it. Paired it with the AXC35 CD player to start, then later added the DacMagic 200 connected to my PC for streaming. Using the KEF Q350s, and the REL TZero sub. The amp doesn't have a sub out, but with the REL it has high level inputs with the Speakon cables that connect directly to your speaker outputs. That little sub can boom if you want it to. Just recently added a Rega Planar 1 turntable and the Cambridge Solo phono preamp. Now I have a complete system in my office that I love - all British. I love the warm sound - gets plenty loud for my office. 👍
I am certain class-D was not invented in the land of chinesium. (Danish? American? I cannot recall). But I understand what you mean. I also prefer A/B...using mosfets. CARVER/B&K/BRYSTON.
Main amp is a 1970s Yamaha B2 that I had fully restored. I now know what they mean about the great sound of class A. I found a Nakamichi CA-5 preamp at Goodwill in excellent condition. My dac is a SMSL SU-1 and the combo is excellent!! I used small chip amps before and will never go back.
This. Many of these "small, cute, and plenty of features" Class D all in one amps skimp on their power supplies, which greatly limits their overall SQ. Of course, if you've never actually heard high quality discrete Class A or AB gear you'll have no frame of reference for what actually sounds superior. I'm finding that even cheap discrete Class AB amps like the Niles SI-275 (~$75 Ebay) outclasses many of the amps in even upper-mid tiered AVRs and integrated amps - and it's pretty obvious too.....
I debated between a cambrige receiver and an emotiva ta1. I went with the ta1 because it had a variable out put so i could use the the ta1 as a preamp. Ive always hate the nails on chalkboard screech of the ta1. I use it to listen to talk radio all day as i work from home. I have always been curious about the cambridge sound. I kick myself for getting the crap ta1
Randy, you have to review the NAD C316 BEE V2! I own the v1, and it is only 5 watts more per channel but it has serious capabilities. Sounds WAY more powerful. I think it would seriously compete with this Cambridge, maybe exceed it in some areas.
I have the AXA35 and love it too, including for those reasons mentioned by Randy. I wanted Class A/B but wanted my choice of DAC, phono preamp, etc. I use the WiiM mini into the Geshelli Labs J2 and a Sony bluray player as my CD "transport." Then, a Fluance RT-85N into an iFi Zen Phono preamp. That warmth Randy describes has always been my goal--a system that allows my music to help me unwind at the end of the day and experience that "emotional" response that made me such a nut about music in the first place. Glad you could review this amp, Randy, and spread the word.
Duh! Forgot to list my speakers. Sorry about that. Klipsch KG 5.5. Big but high sensitivity speakers. Drives them very easily. And they sound wonderful.
I feel like my trusty NAD 316bee is kinda cut from the same cloth, running a Wiim, and a Schitt modi with the SSCS5s makes for a great little streaming setup. I’m jealous of the nice full size remote though 😂 Cheers!
I like Cambridge audio, their sound signature is somewhat musical and pleasing. Sure, there are more accurate/cleaner amps (and dacs) from other manufacturers that give you a perfectly clean/sterile sound but that's not what I want, nor enjoy.
I have this Cambridge and I also have 2 Fosi za3 used as monoblocs upgraded with sparkos op amps I usually pair them with cambridge ax10 steamer a topping d70 octo and B&W 607 s3 or Monitor Audio silver 50 7g... I largely prefer the sound coming from the Cambridge.
with inverting text there comes an idea to my mind. put a mirrored text on the back that you can just put a small handhold mirror behind your amp and you can read the text through the mirror so you can plug in stuff without even doing ''awkwardly put your head behind the amp somehow yoga'' , i call that pose ''the stretching randy''
CAM definitely needs to work Cambridge through the usual lineup. Cambridge vs Emotiva, or vs schiit. Then with the usual speaker lineup as well. Surprised we haven't worked through Cambridge already, cx line ax line, and anything else in their lineup
Class A/B Rules.... Not a lot has changed... Old is good.. helps i have 2 excellent Service Techs within 40 miles... Rotel RB991 Power . Completley refurbed, Including the Black Gates . Paired with Spendor S8e...
I have a set with Cambridge Azur 351A, KEF IQ10 and a Dacmagic100 that I connect the notbook. What can I improve? A Wiim Pro Plus? KEF Q350 (or other)? Will it play a Q Acoustics Concept 30 or a Concept 300? What a doubt!
Rega Brio (2017) is another amp in this vein, all analogue and terrific sound from a British company! Definitely a price bracket up from the Cambridge though!
Only half a price bracket if you live in UK. Unfortunately Rega rely on the Western dealer network that inflate its price like mad, especially if you live in the US
having been a bass player, I found that the class D amplification for bass always seems to require about three times as much power as the old big heavy analog designs.. not totally sure why this is, but that kind of tells me that a Class AB Cambridge amp that's 25 W channel is probably as good as your garden variety 75 W per channel class D amp..😉
@@raymoore8435 yep Ray, that's the kind of thing I was talking about. I used 3x the power, or, iow, 5 dB power gain, just to be "nice," bc it seemed to me that it was always at least that.😉👨🏻
@@jamesschneider3828 I believe you James, kind of proves my point. I guess with that amp somebody who has those high sensitivity Klipsch speakers and likes bright sound is probably happy and has no idea what the shortcomings are of that amplifier. According to B&W, those 606s2's are not high sensitivity, but they are not super low either. They recommended 30 to 120w input power, which should (? maybe) give you decent volume. If you like the speakers, get a better amplifier, BUT, you need to determine whether it's the speakers sensitivity rating or the amp that's the problem, based on some things.. what SPL do you want to hear the stereo, and at what distance from the speakers? Also, your speaker setup within the listening room, combined with the room itself and your listening position also matter... then of course there's the compression that your speakers exhibit in the low frequencies at higher SPL's, and the bass you expect, and the bass that is actually available at you're listening location; all these things matter in your perception of volume. It could even just be the amp not delivering the current for you to get the bass punch at higher SPL's. Good luck with whatever you figure out.
BTW, WTF is a DAC? Otherwise, Cambridge Audio amps have been a go to since the 80’s. Otherwise, Decware for tube goodness and well worth the wait. So again, WTF is a DAC and why do I want one? Rhetorical question, I’ll never get one.
Great stuff! Btw, for $100 more you can move up to the AXR85 and gain a few more features and extra power to fill bigger rooms. I have the AXR100 and love it. Cheers
Nice review, the only thing that stop me for buying, is the final stage. I prefer mosfet transistors, while the power here is not huge, transistors were would be better. Thinking at the Rega IO, that is in the same price range. Anyway, thanks for the video. :)
Hey Randy, take a look at Yamaha and Rotel's new integrated amps, and receivers (esp. Yamaha) that's been launched for the past decade and are still being launched. All analog class A/B. :-D Cambridge has AXA25, 35 and 85 and I've never understood why they don't have a mid-tier "55" or "65" model ?
The new Onkyo integrated amps (A-9110 & A9150) are tough competition for this unit. The fact that even the 9110 has a sub out, which everyone is demanding, helps too.
@bpalpha Good alternatives, especially the A9110, but there's nothing new about both them. The Onkyo's are 6-7 year old models and the AXA35 is also 6 years old.
I had to return this amp, because of very noticable hiss noise, even at min volume (with Klipsch R-50M speakers). For me the hiss noise, and pretty bad in general 82db noise ratio, was critical, because I was using this amp as a desktop/PC amp, and sitting pretty close to the speakers. So just can't handle the hiss being present all the time.
Not letting go of mine anytime soon, it’s a Brit classic! I like the slim look, clean clutterless facia, colour and sounds great! My only side wish is that Cambridge would make either a 45-60 watt version, same look. With a little work inside 38 watts plus can be gained out of this amp. That venting cut is quite rare, it’s the same as the CXA series, usually the AXA has a slotted vent. There are only ever a few of that style visible at any time.
Awesome integrated, I have experience with the cxa851 also, fantastic unit! I'm thoroughly surprised, and disappointed, that CAM never mentioned the higher wattage sibling axr85? Cambridge also has some quality dacs worth a look.
I was looking at that amp before I got my Rotel A11 Tribute. I remember seeing the upside down text on a video and got a kick out of that. As a mechanic that just had to have neck surgery 🤣😂😭
I enjoy your work. Do you have thoughts for or against power conditioners/voltage regulators...etc??? Do you use them? P.S...I'm responsible for 100 of your 41M+ views.
Because people are fairly ignorant. Combine that with the fact that things are about 3X more expensive than they should be. Inflation and the devaluation of the Dollar as compared to prices in the late 1990's only accounts for a 2x price increase but it does not matter if it is guns, ammo, electronics most things are 3X more expensive. Wages have not kept pace with this in large part and since int he past 4 years food prices have radically increased and energy prices have radicaly increased few have the dispossible income for things like discrete analog class A or A/B amplifiers and the like. Most people are lucky to afford things like Fosi Audio and other like products. Anything that sounds better than a TV or cellphone is 10X better than most. 1st nations standard of living is crashing aall around them and you have multiple generations that have no clue how good music can sound on a hifi stereo setup! They say ignorance is bliss! LOL I had forgotten how good things could be until recently. I got my 1990's KLH speakers and my 1970's Bose Speakers out not to be confused with that garbage mass consumer lifestyle nonsense Bose went to. I got my old 1992 Carver Amp and Reciever I bought after I graduated high school out of the boxes in the attic and hooked them all back up. Simply AMAZING!!! About 3 years ago I got all of my Dad's old Kenwood, TEAC, Fisher, Pioneer gear from 1970's that I am slowly going through and putting back into service. I have a Yamaha reciever/amp that I bought for my wife for the basement. It has bluetooth and 100W RMS @ 8ohms and even after my Carver gear has been sitting in a box for 26 years unused it vastly outperformas the Yamaha in every single way outside of lacking bluetooth. 100W is not 100W. My Carver Reciever will pickup stations that are weaker and further away than the Yamaha and the sound that is output from it is just more dynamic, rich and full. The amplifer also will drive speakers much harder with more headroom and much more dynamicly with more seperation and depth to the sound and it sounds more natural. When Adel is singing at almost a wisper with and the amp is putting out 0.3 watts and strings are going in the background when things pick up or a kick dream hits and spikes to 20W everything can still be heard including the strings and they are very very much seperated still. That same track on the Yamaha seems lifeless and you can not hear the strings when things pick up. It sounds as if Adel the stringed instruments and the drummer all at the same point in space with no spatial relatioship or seperation. This is all with out any EQ or anything else in the signal path. When I turn on my Carver gear the transformers hum not through the speakers not leaky cap's no the gear itself hums because of all of the steel and copper in the stransformers. My Carver amp into stereo load is officaly rated 8/4/2 ohm loads and is bridgable and class A/B. The Yamaha is rated for 8ohm and does not mention 4ohm loads let alone 2ohm loads! The CD player is an Onkyo 7030 from about 6-7 years ago with the Wolfstrom DAC it is no slouch even if it is not the latest and greatest DAC. Class D has gotten pretty good but it simply can not compare to the older 1970's through early 1990's gear. Niether can the affordably class A/B gear from the big names. You have to get into $3200+ amps to get equal performance to a $250 1990's amp. I am not even saying that you need to get to the old school levels of sonic excellance but truly budget minded gear from the 1970's and 1990's if it is still working and in good shape really blows away a lot of modern gear until you get into some seriously expensive gear. The problem though is that a lot of that vintage gear needs a lot of work to function correctly and a lot of the parts are unobtaniu today. At some point you have to let go of the past unless yo have deep pockets and make the best of what is available and affordable today! Just the other day I saw that my cheap Carver amp from 1990's that I paid under $300 for new sells in good certified used shape for $799 today. That is absolutely stupid! If any of my 3 sons paid that I would smack them. Old fat guys should not drive up the price of gear for the young! P.S. I am going to get a WiiM Pro or Pro Plus to add additional functionality to my old gear! Thanks for all the work you do. I have purchased IEM's for my sons because of your recomendations! Their college peer's where impressed that their dad got them such solid gear!
If you look at Crutchfield, Yamaha, NAD, Denon, and Onkyo all make similar class AB integrated amps, although the Denon and NAD cost a bit more, and the Yamaha has an on-board DAC. The Yamaha AS301 is also $349 and sounds even better, IMO.
Hm....buy a secondhand Denon AVR-X3xxx or 4xxx for 200 Bugs and you have all what you need. I try different Class A/B amps, new and vintage and sorry to say...my modern AV (class D) sounds better. What you described, i tried with my Pioneer A30 and a DAC without succed. I can't find a DAC thats cheap enough to not waste money and plays better than my Denon. So i use my AVR for my stereo setup without Audyssey and all that stuf. I compare my setup with my Teufel Aureol headphone to find the perfect stereo sound setup. And in the end i use Onkyo speaker with my denon. Onkyo (the original onkyo) creates realy good speaker with perfect combinatoin for classic and modern music. And if i need more bass i activate my subwoofer (teufel T6). But back to your topic, i think the most difficulte thing is to find a DAC thats perfect fit to you amp.
Looks like they couldn't make their minds as half the rear text is upright and half is upside down. For me it's a dumb idea. With regard to amplifier itself, "what's not to like": 1. 0.15% THD at 80% of rated power is not a specification that I would be proud of. I'm assuming that if you really crank this thing up, even with relatively efficient speakers, it's going to start clipping because the power supply is inadequate. Probably really only good for 25 watts. 2. Menu based controls do not appeal to me. It's just adding more complicated electronics to the amp. Stick a couple of bass and treble pots on the front and be done with it. 3. Chip based amps can end up costing the owner $$$ in the long term because when they die, you have to replace the entire amp module and pray that you can get a replacement. If you think I'm kidding, type "1980's Marantz". I haven't heard this amp and it probably sounds okay but with it's advertised capabilities, I think I'd rather by used!
I just got an AXA35 and love the sound. Even when lower sensitivity speakers, no problem getting them to levels i wouldn't want to listen to for long periods. I will say I don't think there's lost details. I can still hear a lot of detail in my good recordings, just not with the same edge that some amps folks call "revealing" might have, but the detail is there. Randy - how do you compare the AXA35 to the Rotel A11 Tribute? That's another amp I've been very interested in (and Rotel in general). From your Rotel review, it seems to be more neutral, but I'm curious your thoughts on the 2.
Will these misconceptions ever end. Class D is analogue. Further, a great design will always surpass a good one. Look at Benchmark, making SMPS, no traditional supply will ever come close. Or Hypex/Purify making one of the lowest noise and distortion amp modules out there. If you like what you see and buy, this is obviously great, BUT we have to be able to do this informed.
In a word: Nope. As long as audio companies continue to push the markets to "small, inconspicuous, and cheap" - the market for better-designed discrete Class A, A/B, and tubed amps, preamps, and such will stay in play for the audio enthusiasts.....
It is hard to get 8ohm speakers above 90db. I can get 4 ohm and 2 ohm speakers above 90db all day any day with my Carver amp but with large 8 ohm floor standing speakers diffacult. Resistance is no joke when it comes to getting power from your amp and into the speaker! Not sure what loser company made 8 ohm the modern home audio standard but they should be punished severaly for this handicap!
What's a digital amp? Do they make 1's and 0's bigger? Oh wait - all amps are ANALOG, it's the sources that are digital... I know, it's just my priggish nature.
I like to keep my analog and digital components separate because the analog ones can easily last 20, 40, maybe even 60 years. The digital components are lucky to last ten. Why would you combine something long lasting with something almost disposable in one box?
Class D amplifiers are analogue. They have switching but that doesn't make it digital. The pulse width varies continuously depending on the analogue voltage on the input. It absolutely isn't a digital signal. This AXA35 is based on an integrated circuit similar to all the class D amps out there.
I'm an audio freak and I really wanted to see this. But having, as they are grouped in 2, on average one commercial every 60 seconds, I'm losing focus and it all goes down the drain. Additionally, the products that are presented are those you do not want to be found dead with.
I do love this amp, but dislike how it automatically switches to standby and 30 min of inactivity, and how it reverts to a preset volume on power up. I like to think of it as a new version of my vintage NAD 310.
This review seems contradictory to your previous advice, that those new to the audio hobby ought to go towards separates when possible, or a integrated amp they can grow with (via pre-amp output). Looks like a dead end.
I sent mine back - the phono stage is substandard - harsh treble, no treble clarity, sibilant on vocals not as good as the cheapest Behringer phono pre amp - only suggest if used with the most basic cartridge
I know they say there's good ones out there but I'll never go digital ampI'm old school and will always have an analog I have a Yamaha and a 73 Kenwood
@@sbwlearning1372 I would say don't put really big amps (say 250 Watts plus) as those tend to need to work a bit (so I've heard) before they sound their best. With my system I use amps from 5 watts to 75 watts and they all sound good with these speakers (Klipsch Heresy 4s). Especially playing at the affordable end it probably increases your options. Heck I've considered picking up 2 Schitt Rekkrs and running them as monoblocks at a whopping 4 watts a channel. lol
@@rhorto01 I've never had high efficiency speakers. I've got neat motive sx1 85db before that was Ruark acoustic templar IIs 87db. Either never sounded good with 120 watts per channel. ( Maybe Arcam lie about their power output😂) I've got 600wpc power amp now and it makes every speaker sing. I haven't heard every klipsch speaker but what I have heard I really disliked. I'm sold fully on power now and I'll never have to worry about whether my amp will drive a speaker or not. It must be great in reverse though . With that level of efficiency anything could drive your Heresey
@@sbwlearning1372 Yeah, I think it does come down to a personal taste thing. I think there is a pay off when harder to drive speakers get the umph they need, but, yeah, I'm more interested in being able to use my Decware amp with EL34 tubes (or KT66s if I feel like a change). And, yes, the Klipsch Heritage line has a flavor and a lot of people will not mesh with their upfront and forward nature. I think my dream system would include a pair of vintage Altec A7s, though limited space is an issue, thus the smaller footprint of the Heresies.
@@rhorto01 Yeah I love the valve sound . I have a valve phono stage and a valve preamp driving my power amp sounds lovely. I hear you on the speaker front ! Would love old school every with 10 inch woofers ( at least 😁)But like yourself I need a smaller footprint however the Neat's have 2 x 5 inch woofers and a bottom port so the bass is very powerful. Keep listening man 🎵🎸🎧
But it's not like the 3020 sound. Let's make that clear. Perhaps the BEE series were the last good classic amps from NAD. Cambridge has a brighter sound which Randy started to favor as of late. He used to go for a warmer sound in the past.
Any outboard upgraded phono preamp with RCA outputs can plug into any of this amp's line level inputs for better sound from a turntable . Even a cheap vacuum tube phono pre .
I recently put together my first hifi system and had this exact same thought! I ended up buying a very integrated amp, but really lament the fact that I would have had to spend a lot of money to get a simple, analog-only integrated or pre-amp. The only other option I found, aside from the Cambridge, was the Creek Evolution, but they're tough to get ahold of in the US. Thank you for sharing and shining a light on this problem!
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Another budget chip based amplifier that you have never reviewed is the Fosi HD-A1 which sells for $220.
Please give it a review.
I have a 1985 Harman Kardon pm665 vxi pushing 150 watts and it is heavy and kicks ass.
But I really do want to try one of those new Chinese class D amps, but don’t know what to buy and it must have a pre out to hook up my Schitt Lokius.
I had one of these. Just sell it because I cannot use the wiim mini USB connected to it because it makes a hummmm noise. Unfortunately 😔
@cheapaudioman. Any chance of a comparison to the NAD c316beev2
This little Cambridge, a WiiM Pro Plus and a pair of efficient speakers will make a solid little system.
I have the pre AXA35 which was called the Topaz AM10 amp along with the Topaz CD10 cd player. Most of the specs are very similar if not exactly the same between the new and old models. I also went with a Dacmagic 100 just to bump up the sound from the cd player. Yes, paired with my KEF Q150 bookshelf speakers it's a great sounding main room or basement system.
Read someone compared wiim amp and NAD 30W integrated with Kef LS50. The NAD drove them a lot better.
@@johnsmith-i5j7i Yea the LS 50 is a tough little speaker to drive, no question. British Audiophile paired the AXA 35 with a pair of Monitor Audio Siver 50 7G (I have both) and said the result sounded pretty poor. Needless to say I haven't tried it to see if I agree. I have my Silvers bi-amped with my Marantz Cinema 70 at 50 watts and that sounds fantastic. But I did power a pair of Q 550 Kefs with the Cambridge and I thought they sounded pretty darn good together. When it comes to speakers and amps, not everything is a good match, for sure.
And a Wii 😊
@@johnsmith-i5j7i Probably with the NAD C316 BEE... a very good pure analog amplifier with noticeably more power than declared. My brother has it, and with older B&W speakers it's a great combination
Cambridge have always been a respected manufacturer of good audio equipment. Looks good, too. I really don't know if not having digital inputs detracts from the amp, but I know my bank of MA 500s sound amazing through my AV8801 and D300 separates system. I think the digital/integrated amps are more of a convenience in this day and age of 'affordable ' separates. Thank you as always for your time and efforts reviewing and sharing this with us all.
Cambridge Audio is the real deal. I've met the CA staff and trade shows before and they're nice, approachable, knowledgeable, and audio enthusiasts (a good thing considering the products they sell 😁). If I weren't set on multi-channel audio, I'd definitely consider CA products. As a simpleton, I really like the idea of the AX-35. I hope and expect it will sell well.
If it is then end of "analogue" amps, it's okay. I still use an old NAD C350 for my front mains. I don't want it to die, but there will come a time when my soldering skills can't resurrect it. It's okay. Cambridge wants us to buy really old ideas. That's okay too. They want to make money, that is great amp for them to do so in honest way. The main objective is to find something that sounds good, without nitpicking. I used to pixel peep with video quality (camera guy). I don't do that anymore. And it's nearly as foolish to pixel peep with audio!
Couple that Cambridge to a nice per of q acoustic floor standards and you’re going to have something special
I just checked out a few dealer sites and all had lots of analogue choices so a little confused. Is the USA really different to get amplifiers?
Sounds like a dynamite amp. I love lower powered really good amps.
Only 90dB? tsk tsk tsk... 🙂 Kidding ofcoz! For me, 90dB is enjoyable about one song, usually only when you need to purge a shitty day from your system. For any "long time listening" (one - two albums? I dunno, we all perceive time different) I like it best when main music energy hovers up to 75dB, a few bursts might reach 80dB, Classical music is different beast, usually so dramatically dynamic so it's fricken impossible to put a number on it.
A guy in my neighbourhood was throwing out a 1991 Kenwood amp the other week. It had a few dials missing but is in 100% working order. Gorgeous clean sound. Now using it for beefy Home Theatahh duties.
Kenwood were one of the few consistently reliable hifi manufacturers over the decades. I recently took an old 70's one out of storage. Tested on the bench and working like a charm. Gave it to a neighbour who was in need.
@@peterlarkin762 Nice one. Mine is a KA-1030 and it's frankly built like a tank.
Kenwood used to be high end in those days. So you must have gotten a sweet treasure!
Do they still make home audio?
how do you lose some dials or knobs??? the dog ate them haa
Bought this 2 years ago and have had no regrets at all. Paired with a Wiim Mini, Dali Spektor 2 Speakers and a iFi Zen One Signature DAC it sounds sublime. As Randy says it is a great choice for someone like me who wants a decent but affordable system. I can't see any reason I will need to upgrade in the near future.
Nice.
Having found your end game system is truly sayisfying
I have a Cambridge AXR100 that I absolutely love.
I’ve got an AXR100, WiiM mini and LS50 Metas as my first hifi system. I absolutely love it so far. Room treatment and a subwoofer next.
So do I - it is awesome!
@@MIsterB716I congratulate you on understanding audio. Room treatment is the key to get a good experience. I recommend looking into Acoustic fields, they give free consultation and DIY room treatment plans. One way to minimise the need for room treatment is to get highly directive panel speakers such as very affordable Magnepan LSR+:s. If you haven't experienced panel speakers before, go find a pair for a demo. Some people never look back after their first experience, me included.
Bought mine a few years ago and paired it with Heresy IV for minimal setup for listening to records. Love it!
Yawn, seriously. The za3 is half the price. You're turning into an everything is good reviewer. Rolling op amps, I learned from you, now, I'm ready for more knowledge, and it seems like you're going backward. I'm done with kindergarten. Let's go back to taking things apart and making them better.
Seriously? One input and a subwoofer out? It's a nice little unit but I wouldn't call it an integrated amp.
My experience with this Amplifier .
I have moved it on after reading that Cambridge Audio both through their online manual and through their Amazon sales hub, DO NOT recommend it be used with speakers other than those with an 8 ohm impedance. They say that doing so can result in damage to the unit and/or connected speakers.
Online Manual (FAQ) Quote:
"Can I use 4 or 6 Ohm speakers with the AXA35?
The AXA35 is only rated to be used with 8 Ohm speakers and we would not recommend using it with 4 or 6 Ohm speakers.
Using the AXA35 with 4 or 6 Ohm speakers could result in the amplifier overheating, which in the long run could damage the unit."
Amazon Sales Hub | Customer Questions & Answers | Q & A Quote:
"Customer Question:
Does anyone have experience of using the axa35 with 6 ohm speakers (like the dali spektor 2s)? the manual says 8 ohms only.
Cambridge Audio (Seller):
Hi, as the AXA35 is only rated for 8 ohm speakers, we do not recommend using 6 ohm speakers. If you connect 6 ohm speakers to this amplifier, it could possibly damage either piece of equipment, and the amp may run quite hot."
I started watching your channel back in the thick of the pandemic when I began to feel an itch to get into hifi, and ended up getting this amp paired with a couple Emotiva B1+, Schiit Modi, and Pro-Ject T1 turntable.
Haven’t had the money to upgrade or tinker much since then, but I haven’t needed to because I love this system. I’m an apartment dweller and have had no issues whatsoever with the amp being able to fill any space I’ve put it in.
Glad to see it on the channel!
I can imagine that sounds pretty good. Some nice choices there, well done!
Come to think of it, I think the c19 got me into his videos too.
Also got me back into putting together a neat system😊
I even blught an A07 mainly bc of him TBH lol
Atoll makes amps without DAC (You can get one as an option) the most surprising fact about this amp is you hadn't reviewed it yet. For around a thousand you can get the Cambridge CXA-81 if you want to fill a big room.
Running the CXA81 with a pair of Martin Logan motion 60XT, kicks butt when the volume gets near 50%.😊
For me all digital volume amplifiers are garbage, I notice the digital sound, I prefer analog volume, Alps or Noble potenciometers, I am happy with my Audio Refinement complete integrated, all the digital preamps or integrated have a degraded micro dynamics and soundstage
It'd be really nice if you could review the new emotiva speakers. They look nice!
Will you be reviewing the new emotiva series?
I'll take the NAD C316BEE V2 at 40 watts/channel for the same price over the Cambridge AXA35 any day!
An extra 5 watts isn't going to make any kind of audible difference. Other than that they are pretty similar.
@@boneseyyl1060 My preference has absolutely nothing to do with how many watts it's rated for. IMO, the NAD is superior in every way. Analog, class a/b, better remote, better signal to noise and much much better headroom. That's what the video is about. "The End of Analog Amps". I'm just pointing out that there are other choices out there. Better ones at that.
@@wallacestewart5305 Completely agree. There are always better choices. But a lot of them come down to preference. Nothing wrong with specs, I enjoy watching testing vids as well, to see how real world opinions match the numbers. But they really don't influence me much anymore, when it comes to buying. Knowing that something has good numbers isn't going to make me feel better if I don't like the sound.
It all depends what you are looking for, that's the fun of it. Cheers!
I had the 35; the build quality is impeccable; nothing short of Hegel for example
Just talking outer build
The case feels plastic and cheap to me. The NAD 316 BEE is all-analog, rated about the same, costs $399 and is solid as a rock, not as warm as the CA but has better resolution.
😅
God why do I watch this stuff
😂😂😂
What you described is what I love about my Cambridge. Warm and cozy. Thank you my friend.
You're one of the lucky ones. My father used to do warranty repairs on a hifi shop and cambridge audio was by far the most common warranty item to be repaired...
Long as it's not class d. Class d only good for sub. Fight me.
shame it’s so low in wattage. there’s so much stuff that’s quite higher so i dont get that decision. lots of speakers are low sensitivity too :/ pass.
I'm one of the old aduphiles, like everyone I like good sound and I personally like paper speakers, aside from all that. Where is the music in all of this, enjoyment and not just throwing away and flaunting money? Have audiophiles forgotten what they started listening to music with and on? It seems the point is getting lost, I listen to enjoy and not to brag about how much my stereo system costs. I still enjoy the Dynaco from the 60s. and in the Marantz receiver from the year 73. And believe it or not, it really took me back to the past many times.
After my Nikko power amp died eons ago, I did not buy anything for many years, listening instead to an old NAD that also ultimately died.
A few years ago, I went back to the only amp that brings a smile to my face every time, that being a CARVER Pro amp (mosfet topology).
('class-D' never came close to what I experience with the A/B mosfet topology [and I bought them used, of course, being 'old tech']).
lost me at 35W p/c at 8ohms... I like to occasionally "feel" my music. I totally understand that on averarge for most speakers in the home audio/consumer market that the power to reqired to feel is less than 20W for 99% of the time but there are moments that require bursts many times the average. The speaker becomes starved and simply dosent have enough enegry to reproduce as intended. Basically I used a lot of words to describe a lack of dynamic power. This will create fatigue inducing distortion that is simply unacceptable for my 50yr old ears. This is easily cured with a few beers but I lost the ability to tolerate hangovers a long time ago. And I thought aetting older was supossed to help those with the audiophile disorder... 🤦♀
I always aimed for at least 150W per channel.
Presently have two (very) old CARVER amps, 1
one B&K (all mosfets in output [no class-D]). Audio to bluetooth 5 to miniDSP to amps. Tablet as source.
NIRVANA.
It took me several minutes to realize that he wasn't joking. This is a 35w per channel amp with .15%THD... Did cambridge sponser this?
I LOVE my Cambridge CXA60. I’ve had it for about 5 years or so. I use it with my TV and Schiit Modi Multibit.
With that said, Randy- what are your thoughts on this against Schiit amps? Because I have genuinely thought about moving to a full Schiit pre amp/amp to replace my Cambridge amp. I don’t have to have power, it’s just for my small living room.
I have this amp in my office and love it. Paired it with the AXC35 CD player to start, then later added the DacMagic 200 connected to my PC for streaming. Using the KEF Q350s, and the REL TZero sub. The amp doesn't have a sub out, but with the REL it has high level inputs with the Speakon cables that connect directly to your speaker outputs. That little sub can boom if you want it to. Just recently added a Rega Planar 1 turntable and the Cambridge Solo phono preamp. Now I have a complete system in my office that I love - all British. I love the warm sound - gets plenty loud for my office. 👍
I'm done with chi-fi class D, tried so many and they sound good..but..to my ears, vintage class AB sounds so much better
I am certain class-D was not invented in the land of chinesium. (Danish? American? I cannot recall). But I understand what you mean.
I also prefer A/B...using mosfets. CARVER/B&K/BRYSTON.
Main amp is a 1970s Yamaha B2 that I had fully restored. I now know what they mean about the great sound of class A. I found a Nakamichi CA-5 preamp at Goodwill in excellent condition. My dac is a SMSL SU-1 and the combo is excellent!! I used small chip amps before and will never go back.
This. Many of these "small, cute, and plenty of features" Class D all in one amps skimp on their power supplies, which greatly limits their overall SQ. Of course, if you've never actually heard high quality discrete Class A or AB gear you'll have no frame of reference for what actually sounds superior. I'm finding that even cheap discrete Class AB amps like the Niles SI-275 (~$75 Ebay) outclasses many of the amps in even upper-mid tiered AVRs and integrated amps - and it's pretty obvious too.....
Fun vid Randy! Are you going to review the new Emotiva XB2 bookshelf speakers? I'm anxious to hear the skinny on these since I missed out on the B2+
I debated between a cambrige receiver and an emotiva ta1. I went with the ta1 because it had a variable out put so i could use the the ta1 as a preamp. Ive always hate the nails on chalkboard screech of the ta1. I use it to listen to talk radio all day as i work from home. I have always been curious about the cambridge sound. I kick myself for getting the crap ta1
Randy, you have to review the NAD C316 BEE V2! I own the v1, and it is only 5 watts more per channel but it has serious capabilities. Sounds WAY more powerful. I think it would seriously compete with this Cambridge, maybe exceed it in some areas.
I tried the NAD but found Cambridge a little warmer without loosing mid and upper detail
I have the Nad and really kicks ass. When i first listened i couldn't believe it sounds so good for the price.
I have the AXA35 and love it too, including for those reasons mentioned by Randy. I wanted Class A/B but wanted my choice of DAC, phono preamp, etc. I use the WiiM mini into the Geshelli Labs J2 and a Sony bluray player as my CD "transport." Then, a Fluance RT-85N into an iFi Zen Phono preamp. That warmth Randy describes has always been my goal--a system that allows my music to help me unwind at the end of the day and experience that "emotional" response that made me such a nut about music in the first place. Glad you could review this amp, Randy, and spread the word.
Nice. What speakers?
Duh! Forgot to list my speakers. Sorry about that. Klipsch KG 5.5. Big but high sensitivity speakers. Drives them very easily. And they sound wonderful.
I feel like my trusty NAD 316bee is kinda cut from the same cloth, running a Wiim, and a Schitt modi with the SSCS5s makes for a great little streaming setup. I’m jealous of the nice full size remote though 😂 Cheers!
It is.
I like Cambridge audio, their sound signature is somewhat musical and pleasing. Sure, there are more accurate/cleaner amps (and dacs) from other manufacturers that give you a perfectly clean/sterile sound but that's not what I want, nor enjoy.
So basically a low power, low rez, low priced, pleasant sounding integrated amp for when you're baking cookies.
What happened to The Cheap Audio man ? What ?
Why would anyone want a Class D??
The physics defy the notion of good sound
Switching amps sonic thin 😮
Unnoticeable on pistonic speakers
I have this Cambridge and I also have 2 Fosi za3 used as monoblocs upgraded with sparkos op amps I usually pair them with cambridge ax10 steamer a topping d70 octo and B&W 607 s3 or Monitor Audio silver 50 7g... I largely prefer the sound coming from the Cambridge.
I have a Marantz PM5003 in my audio system. Great sound out of my turntable, CD player and Wiim Pro
This is a missed opportunity without a pre out
with inverting text there comes an idea to my mind. put a mirrored text on the back that you can just put a small handhold mirror behind your amp and you can read the text through the mirror so you can plug in stuff without even doing ''awkwardly put your head behind the amp somehow yoga'' , i call that pose ''the stretching randy''
ONKYO A-9110 ITS BETTER
Very good amplifier and it actually scale !! Put a good DAC with capables speakers and you won’t believe what it can achieve!!😮🎉 awesome review Randy!
Added a Marantz DAC and yikes, awesome sound. Gets loud enough on my KEF Q50s!
CAM definitely needs to work Cambridge through the usual lineup. Cambridge vs Emotiva, or vs schiit. Then with the usual speaker lineup as well. Surprised we haven't worked through Cambridge already, cx line ax line, and anything else in their lineup
Class A/B Rules.... Not a lot has changed... Old is good.. helps i have 2 excellent Service Techs within 40 miles... Rotel RB991 Power . Completley refurbed, Including the Black Gates . Paired with Spendor S8e...
Glad i have my audiolab 7000a, wiim Pro and my ol' Technics SL1300
Affordable equates to poor sound quality!
And you would be wrong. There is nothing "poor" about the sound quality of this unit.
I have a set with Cambridge Azur 351A, KEF IQ10 and a Dacmagic100 that I connect the notbook.
What can I improve? A Wiim Pro Plus? KEF Q350 (or other)? Will it play a Q Acoustics Concept 30 or a Concept 300?
What a doubt!
Rega Brio (2017) is another amp in this vein, all analogue and terrific sound from a British company! Definitely a price bracket up from the Cambridge though!
Only half a price bracket if you live in UK. Unfortunately Rega rely on the Western dealer network that inflate its price like mad, especially if you live in the US
having been a bass player, I found that the class D amplification for bass always seems to require about three times as much power as the old big heavy analog designs.. not totally sure why this is, but that kind of tells me that a Class AB Cambridge amp that's 25 W channel is probably as good as your garden variety 75 W per channel class D amp..😉
Had a Peachtree Nova 150 class D amp and a Rega Brio rated at 50w channel 8ohm. The Peachtree rated at 150 sounded anemic next to the Brio
@@raymoore8435 yep Ray, that's the kind of thing I was talking about.
I used 3x the power, or, iow, 5 dB power gain, just to be "nice," bc it seemed to me that it was always at least that.😉👨🏻
I’ve got a Sonos amp in bedroom system. It’s rated at 125 class D power but has a hard time driving a pair of B&W 606s2 speakers.
@@jamesschneider3828 I believe you James, kind of proves my point. I guess with that amp somebody who has those high sensitivity Klipsch speakers and likes bright sound is probably happy and has no idea what the shortcomings are of that amplifier. According to B&W, those 606s2's are not high sensitivity, but they are not super low either. They recommended 30 to 120w input power, which should (? maybe) give you decent volume. If you like the speakers, get a better amplifier, BUT, you need to determine whether it's the speakers sensitivity rating or the amp that's the problem, based on some things.. what SPL do you want to hear the stereo, and at what distance from the speakers? Also, your speaker setup within the listening room, combined with the room itself and your listening position also matter... then of course there's the compression that your speakers exhibit in the low frequencies at higher SPL's, and the bass you expect, and the bass that is actually available at you're listening location; all these things matter in your perception of volume. It could even just be the amp not delivering the current for you to get the bass punch at higher SPL's. Good luck with whatever you figure out.
Doesn't seem like a good deal for $400 for 35 watts per channel and zero digital
If you just care about numbers, no it doesn't.
BTW, WTF is a DAC? Otherwise, Cambridge Audio amps have been a go to since the 80’s. Otherwise, Decware for tube goodness and well worth the wait. So again, WTF is a DAC and why do I want one? Rhetorical question, I’ll never get one.
Great stuff! Btw, for $100 more you can move up to the AXR85 and gain a few more features and extra power to fill bigger rooms. I have the AXR100 and love it. Cheers
Good enough for Maggie’s?
Nice review, the only thing that stop me for buying, is the final stage. I prefer mosfet transistors, while the power here is not huge, transistors were would be better. Thinking at the Rega IO, that is in the same price range. Anyway, thanks for the video. :)
Hey Randy, take a look at Yamaha and Rotel's new integrated amps, and receivers (esp. Yamaha) that's been launched for the past decade and are still being launched. All analog class A/B. :-D
Cambridge has AXA25, 35 and 85 and I've never understood why they don't have a mid-tier "55" or "65" model ?
The new Onkyo integrated amps (A-9110 & A9150) are tough competition for this unit. The fact that even the 9110 has a sub out, which everyone is demanding, helps too.
Tried and tested as a great budget performer.
And the 9110 is analog only.
There A-9110 might be a fair comparison, but the A-9150... Isn't it like almost double the price of the AX35?
@bpalpha Good alternatives, especially the A9110, but there's nothing new about both them. The Onkyo's are 6-7 year old models and the AXA35 is also 6 years old.
Neither Onkyo available new here in the EU (not that I can find anyways). Maybe they still available on the other side of the pond...
I had to return this amp, because of very noticable hiss noise, even at min volume (with Klipsch R-50M speakers). For me the hiss noise, and pretty bad in general 82db noise ratio, was critical, because I was using this amp as a desktop/PC amp, and sitting pretty close to the speakers. So just can't handle the hiss being present all the time.
No comparison with the Rotel A10 or A11 Mk II?
I haven’t used an analog preamp in over a decade. DAC with digital volume control direct to power amps.
Not letting go of mine anytime soon, it’s a Brit classic! I like the slim look, clean clutterless facia, colour and sounds great!
My only side wish is that Cambridge would make either a 45-60 watt version, same look. With a little work inside 38 watts plus can be gained out of this amp. That venting cut is quite rare, it’s the same as the CXA series, usually the AXA has a slotted vent. There are only ever a few of that style visible at any time.
Almost bought this amp, but got a deal on the CXA61 for even less. Really enjoying the sound and dynamics with some Diamond 12.1's and wiim pro plus.
Awesome integrated, I have experience with the cxa851 also, fantastic unit! I'm thoroughly surprised, and disappointed, that CAM never mentioned the higher wattage sibling axr85? Cambridge also has some quality dacs worth a look.
Welcome to the CXA61 club! I listened to the AXR 85, and the soundstage and dynamic range are noticeably better with the CXA61.
I was looking at that amp before I got my Rotel A11 Tribute. I remember seeing the upside down text on a video and got a kick out of that. As a mechanic that just had to have neck surgery 🤣😂😭
Ive had my eye on the Tribute, what would you say have been your pros / Cons after owning it and using it. Thanks in advance
I enjoy your work. Do you have thoughts for or against power conditioners/voltage regulators...etc??? Do you use them? P.S...I'm responsible for 100 of your 41M+ views.
Because people are fairly ignorant. Combine that with the fact that things are about 3X more expensive than they should be. Inflation and the devaluation of the Dollar as compared to prices in the late 1990's only accounts for a 2x price increase but it does not matter if it is guns, ammo, electronics most things are 3X more expensive. Wages have not kept pace with this in large part and since int he past 4 years food prices have radically increased and energy prices have radicaly increased few have the dispossible income for things like discrete analog class A or A/B amplifiers and the like. Most people are lucky to afford things like Fosi Audio and other like products. Anything that sounds better than a TV or cellphone is 10X better than most.
1st nations standard of living is crashing aall around them and you have multiple generations that have no clue how good music can sound on a hifi stereo setup!
They say ignorance is bliss! LOL I had forgotten how good things could be until recently. I got my 1990's KLH speakers and my 1970's Bose Speakers out not to be confused with that garbage mass consumer lifestyle nonsense Bose went to. I got my old 1992 Carver Amp and Reciever I bought after I graduated high school out of the boxes in the attic and hooked them all back up. Simply AMAZING!!!
About 3 years ago I got all of my Dad's old Kenwood, TEAC, Fisher, Pioneer gear from 1970's that I am slowly going through and putting back into service.
I have a Yamaha reciever/amp that I bought for my wife for the basement. It has bluetooth and 100W RMS @ 8ohms and even after my Carver gear has been sitting in a box for 26 years unused it vastly outperformas the Yamaha in every single way outside of lacking bluetooth. 100W is not 100W. My Carver Reciever will pickup stations that are weaker and further away than the Yamaha and the sound that is output from it is just more dynamic, rich and full. The amplifer also will drive speakers much harder with more headroom and much more dynamicly with more seperation and depth to the sound and it sounds more natural. When Adel is singing at almost a wisper with and the amp is putting out 0.3 watts and strings are going in the background when things pick up or a kick dream hits and spikes to 20W everything can still be heard including the strings and they are very very much seperated still. That same track on the Yamaha seems lifeless and you can not hear the strings when things pick up. It sounds as if Adel the stringed instruments and the drummer all at the same point in space with no spatial relatioship or seperation. This is all with out any EQ or anything else in the signal path.
When I turn on my Carver gear the transformers hum not through the speakers not leaky cap's no the gear itself hums because of all of the steel and copper in the stransformers. My Carver amp into stereo load is officaly rated 8/4/2 ohm loads and is bridgable and class A/B. The Yamaha is rated for 8ohm and does not mention 4ohm loads let alone 2ohm loads!
The CD player is an Onkyo 7030 from about 6-7 years ago with the Wolfstrom DAC it is no slouch even if it is not the latest and greatest DAC.
Class D has gotten pretty good but it simply can not compare to the older 1970's through early 1990's gear. Niether can the affordably class A/B gear from the big names. You have to get into $3200+ amps to get equal performance to a $250 1990's amp.
I am not even saying that you need to get to the old school levels of sonic excellance but truly budget minded gear from the 1970's and 1990's if it is still working and in good shape really blows away a lot of modern gear until you get into some seriously expensive gear. The problem though is that a lot of that vintage gear needs a lot of work to function correctly and a lot of the parts are unobtaniu today. At some point you have to let go of the past unless yo have deep pockets and make the best of what is available and affordable today!
Just the other day I saw that my cheap Carver amp from 1990's that I paid under $300 for new sells in good certified used shape for $799 today. That is absolutely stupid! If any of my 3 sons paid that I would smack them. Old fat guys should not drive up the price of gear for the young!
P.S. I am going to get a WiiM Pro or Pro Plus to add additional functionality to my old gear! Thanks for all the work you do. I have purchased IEM's for my sons because of your recomendations! Their college peer's where impressed that their dad got them such solid gear!
If you look at Crutchfield, Yamaha, NAD, Denon, and Onkyo all make similar class AB integrated amps, although the Denon and NAD cost a bit more, and the Yamaha has an on-board DAC. The Yamaha AS301 is also $349 and sounds even better, IMO.
Hm....buy a secondhand Denon AVR-X3xxx or 4xxx for 200 Bugs and you have all what you need. I try different Class A/B amps, new and vintage and sorry to say...my modern AV (class D) sounds better. What you described, i tried with my Pioneer A30 and a DAC without succed. I can't find a DAC thats cheap enough to not waste money and plays better than my Denon. So i use my AVR for my stereo setup without Audyssey and all that stuf. I compare my setup with my Teufel Aureol headphone to find the perfect stereo sound setup. And in the end i use Onkyo speaker with my denon. Onkyo (the original onkyo) creates realy good speaker with perfect combinatoin for classic and modern music. And if i need more bass i activate my subwoofer (teufel T6). But back to your topic, i think the most difficulte thing is to find a DAC thats perfect fit to you amp.
Looks like they couldn't make their minds as half the rear text is upright and half is upside down. For me it's a dumb idea. With regard to amplifier itself, "what's not to like": 1. 0.15% THD at 80% of rated power is not a specification that I would be proud of. I'm assuming that if you really crank this thing up, even with relatively efficient speakers, it's going to start clipping because the power supply is inadequate. Probably really only good for 25 watts. 2. Menu based controls do not appeal to me. It's just adding more complicated electronics to the amp. Stick a couple of bass and treble pots on the front and be done with it. 3. Chip based amps can end up costing the owner $$$ in the long term because when they die, you have to replace the entire amp module and pray that you can get a replacement. If you think I'm kidding, type "1980's Marantz". I haven't heard this amp and it probably sounds okay but with it's advertised capabilities, I think I'd rather by used!
I just got an AXA35 and love the sound. Even when lower sensitivity speakers, no problem getting them to levels i wouldn't want to listen to for long periods.
I will say I don't think there's lost details. I can still hear a lot of detail in my good recordings, just not with the same edge that some amps folks call "revealing" might have, but the detail is there.
Randy - how do you compare the AXA35 to the Rotel A11 Tribute? That's another amp I've been very interested in (and Rotel in general). From your Rotel review, it seems to be more neutral, but I'm curious your thoughts on the 2.
Will these misconceptions ever end. Class D is analogue. Further, a great design will always surpass a good one. Look at Benchmark, making SMPS, no traditional supply will ever come close. Or Hypex/Purify making one of the lowest noise and distortion amp modules out there.
If you like what you see and buy, this is obviously great, BUT we have to be able to do this informed.
The newer Cambridge amps have crappy capacitors inside them though. Not gonna last for many years
In a word: Nope. As long as audio companies continue to push the markets to "small, inconspicuous, and cheap" - the market for better-designed discrete Class A, A/B, and tubed amps, preamps, and such will stay in play for the audio enthusiasts.....
It is hard to get 8ohm speakers above 90db. I can get 4 ohm and 2 ohm speakers above 90db all day any day with my Carver amp but with large 8 ohm floor standing speakers diffacult. Resistance is no joke when it comes to getting power from your amp and into the speaker! Not sure what loser company made 8 ohm the modern home audio standard but they should be punished severaly for this handicap!
How is It compared to Marantz PM 6007 and Denon PMA-600NE? I have Elac DBR 62, what do you racommend? TY
What's a digital amp? Do they make 1's and 0's bigger? Oh wait - all amps are ANALOG, it's the sources that are digital... I know, it's just my priggish nature.
Thanks again for your great channel and reviews
How you compare this to Axa25?
Kind regards and best wishes
I like to keep my analog and digital components separate because the analog ones can easily last 20, 40, maybe even 60 years. The digital components are lucky to last ten. Why would you combine something long lasting with something almost disposable in one box?
Class D amplifiers are analogue. They have switching but that doesn't make it digital. The pulse width varies continuously depending on the analogue voltage on the input. It absolutely isn't a digital signal. This AXA35 is based on an integrated circuit similar to all the class D amps out there.
0.15%THD. How about 0.05%! The Crown CT-210 and D-75A will tell you when they are distorting more than 0.05% via their IOC lights.
I'm an audio freak and I really wanted to see this.
But having, as they are grouped in 2, on average one commercial every 60 seconds, I'm losing focus and it all goes down the drain.
Additionally, the products that are presented are those you do not want to be found dead with.
The AXR85 with 85watts that can handle a subwoofer as well is a much better buy at under $200 more.
I do love this amp, but dislike how it automatically switches to standby and 30 min of inactivity, and how it reverts to a preset volume on power up. I like to think of it as a new version of my vintage NAD 310.
Nope.
Same was said for vinyl, CD's, cassette tapes and FM radio.
This review seems contradictory to your previous advice, that those new to the audio hobby ought to go towards separates when possible, or a integrated amp they can grow with (via pre-amp output). Looks like a dead end.
I sent mine back - the phono stage is substandard - harsh treble, no treble clarity, sibilant on vocals not
as good as the cheapest Behringer phono pre amp - only suggest if used with the most basic cartridge
I know they say there's good ones out there but I'll never go digital ampI'm old school and will always have an analog I have a Yamaha and a 73 Kenwood
That is why I prefer high efficiency speakers. This would be more than enough amp to fill up any room with sound paired with the right speaker.
Seriously limits choices though eh?
@@sbwlearning1372 I would say don't put really big amps (say 250 Watts plus) as those tend to need to work a bit (so I've heard) before they sound their best. With my system I use amps from 5 watts to 75 watts and they all sound good with these speakers (Klipsch Heresy 4s). Especially playing at the affordable end it probably increases your options. Heck I've considered picking up 2 Schitt Rekkrs and running them as monoblocks at a whopping 4 watts a channel. lol
@@rhorto01 I've never had high efficiency speakers. I've got neat motive sx1 85db before that was Ruark acoustic templar IIs 87db.
Either never sounded good with 120 watts per channel. ( Maybe Arcam lie about their power output😂)
I've got 600wpc power amp now and it makes every speaker sing.
I haven't heard every klipsch speaker but what I have heard I really disliked.
I'm sold fully on power now and I'll never have to worry about whether my amp will drive a speaker or not.
It must be great in reverse though . With that level of efficiency anything could drive your Heresey
@@sbwlearning1372 Yeah, I think it does come down to a personal taste thing. I think there is a pay off when harder to drive speakers get the umph they need, but, yeah, I'm more interested in being able to use my Decware amp with EL34 tubes (or KT66s if I feel like a change). And, yes, the Klipsch Heritage line has a flavor and a lot of people will not mesh with their upfront and forward nature. I think my dream system would include a pair of vintage Altec A7s, though limited space is an issue, thus the smaller footprint of the Heresies.
@@rhorto01 Yeah I love the valve sound . I have a valve phono stage and a valve preamp driving my power amp sounds lovely.
I hear you on the speaker front ! Would love old school every with 10 inch woofers ( at least 😁)But like yourself I need a smaller footprint however the Neat's have 2 x 5 inch woofers and a bottom port so the bass is very powerful.
Keep listening man 🎵🎸🎧
Not true ! GATO AUDIO makes fully analogue Amps in 2024.
Neat integrated amp, Randy! You make it sound almost as if it's a reincarnation of a NAD 3020 from 1980 or so. Back to the future!
But it's not like the 3020 sound. Let's make that clear. Perhaps the BEE series were the last good classic amps from NAD. Cambridge has a brighter sound which Randy started to favor as of late. He used to go for a warmer sound in the past.
so many analog inputs
they couldn't bother putting one DAC in there and a couple digital inputs?
can you do an search and make an video for an 3 way amp for left, right and center, every time 2 way, I think a lot off people have an center allso
Any outboard upgraded phono preamp with RCA outputs can plug into any of this amp's line level inputs for better sound from a turntable . Even a cheap vacuum tube phono pre .
I recently put together my first hifi system and had this exact same thought! I ended up buying a very integrated amp, but really lament the fact that I would have had to spend a lot of money to get a simple, analog-only integrated or pre-amp. The only other option I found, aside from the Cambridge, was the Creek Evolution, but they're tough to get ahold of in the US. Thank you for sharing and shining a light on this problem!
If it were $299 I’d buy it just to put in my closet with my as501
Would it match nicely with JBL Stage A130?
An 85db speaker will give you 95db with 10 watts.