Review! The Cambridge Audio AXR100 Stereo Receiver
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 เม.ย. 2020
- H-Fi that found its chill.
Intro music by: Basixx - 'If You're Looking for Trouble'
Cambridge AXR100 Product Page:
www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en...
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Speakers used in this evaluation:
Harbeth P3ESR
www.harbeth.co.uk/hifi-speake...
Dynaudio Evoke 10
www.dynaudio.com/home-audio/e...
ELAC Debut Reference DBR62
www.elac.com/series/debut-ref...
Triangle BRO3
www.trianglehifi.com/en/produ...
Q-Acoustics 3020i
www.qacoustics.co.uk/q3000i-r... - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
It looks like I forgot to lay down an important disclaimer at the beginning of this video. Please note that I did not test out (most) of the features of this receiver. Headphones. Vinyl. Streaming. The internal DAC. Having said that....
I did test out the AM/FM performance. Overall, I'd say it was fine but not exactly earth shattering. A notable step beyond my inexpensive Sony AVR, which isn't saying much as the reception on that thing is awful. At least with the AXR100, I had an easier time picking up on radio stations. Can't say it sounded like a million bucks, but it did the job.
And no, you pedantic mofos that LIVE for those 'tut tut' moments, the treble didn't sound 'smooth' to my ears because of the receiver being left on the “-2” setting as seen in the video. That was purely for the filming of that section.
As far as specs and price go this is a direct competitor to the Yamaha R-N803D. Wonder how they compare soundwise.
Hi Sean, where can i buy the butcher blocks you use ( found in the intro of this video) Thanks.
@@delvalle9256 - Found em' at a discount store named TJ MAXX. Cost around $16 each. :).
Zero Fidelity Thanks 😊
Okay I'll throw my entry into the pendantic arena. You said the text on the receiver screen was "eligible". You probably meant "legible" ?
IT IS Amazing !! Period ! I love it and everyone who comes over are overwhelmed !!
Nice looking machine. Love the minimalist look of the front panel. Nice rear panel layout, plenty of inputs. Like that toroidal transformer. Nice power rating, nice price tag. This would especially be a great unit for those new to the hifi hobby. (easy operation, and setup, decent power)
If only the rest of the body had the same color :/
Cambridge is stepping up in the audio field!
One of the most underrated audio companies. Their phono amps are excellent.
I have the AXR100 paired with Cambridge Audio Aeromax 2 speakers in my living room. Firstly the sound is impressive, easy to listen to for hours on end. I can stream music and really enjoy it. On the whole, the system isn't bright sounding (read fatiguing to listen to). Everything is well balanced and really well defined. No need for a sub or super tweeter. When listening to "Let's face the music and dance" on the Genevieve and Ferdinand Album it sounds like Kieth Ganz is sitting in the living room playing the guitar, so natural. I also listened to"Etta" by Etta Cameron & Nikolaj Hess with Friends wow I heard things I had never heard before, rich full sound. I am loving this system. Thanks for the review.
love the way you give the (sound) summary first, then the longer version
I was finally able to pick one of these up off the 2nd hand market for a good price (Cambridge is insanely priced in Canada) and the sound improvement was phenomenal. My old girl Technics CD player is singing with this receiver. This review got me into a store to listen to a Cambridge with the speakers I already owned, and I was able to bring it all home (eventually).
Very nice to learn that this amp has inputs!
Thanks for the review, Sean. I’ve had a few friends ask me lately for an amp and spkr combo to get em started on their journey, and after your review, I’d have no reservations recommending this or the Iotavx sa3. I’d rather recommend a newer product that a vintage piece, cuz who knows what kinda problems you might possibly encounter.
Thanks again, Sean.
Purchased the AXR100 along with klipsch RP8000f to play with during our lockdown, I agree completely with Sean. For $499 it sounds amazing. And the klipsch pairing is phenomenal
Gratz!
Super helpful as always. thank you
I just bought one today. So far it is making me very happy. It is a worthy replacement for my dead NAD 3155.
Great review mate. I'm gonna get one.
Sean, I just wanted to say "Thanks!" I purchased the AXR100, based mostly on your review, to power my Klipsch RP-5000F tower speakers. I am very pleased with the sound, and I love the AXR feature set, especially the tone controls. I set the treble at -2db, which takes just a slight edge off the top, and helps me enjoy the Klipsch speakers for all their great qualities. I also just started running a bi-wire setup (using Speaker A + B at the same time), and now the top end is even more delicate and relaxed. Overall a really a great setup, I think. Thanks again, keep up the great work!
So you are using a&b for pair of speakers for bi wiring? That seems odd? Sound is good? Using subwoofer?
KLIPSCH SPEAKERS ARE HARSH GARBAGE FOR THE MOST part
Excellent. I have the Cambridge CXA81 and get a big smile every time I sit and listen to it. It has USB and the soundstage is perfect for me.
Iwe heard cxa61 is even better.
What speakers are you running with that?
Clinton Lyon The RP600Ms. Seems a bit forward but that’s what I wanted so I could also enjoy movies.
@@vlax543 No, you didn't. WhatHiFi stupidly gave the CXA60 a higher score than the CXA80 and now you get people saying stupid things like you just did. No one scored 61 higher than 81 and I highly doubt the CXA60 really does sound better than CXA80 either, they just had different reviewers.
@@Taffy84 1 reviewer has said they prefer the 61 to the 81 . This does not mean better but i think they have slightly different characters .
Cambridge are very reliable and easier to listen to do than most other brand name home audio. Thanks for the nice review and confirmation that buyers make a good choice in choosing this brand.
The review style might bore you, Sean, but it just works. You have nailed it to perfection 👌
Cambridge are on a roll right now. With the AX range and the new CX range. Great stuff.
And the EVO!
I love the “very eligible” text!
This is just my opinion.
I purchased the AXR100 to replace my Yamaha 202bt that was just plain flat in sound. I couldn’t agree more with this review. The AXR has a very rich and full sound. The highs are not overbearing nor is the bass powerful. It does exactly what it is intended for. I have had this for 3 months and at no time have I ever heard the cooling fan. And I have run this up to 80% of its capabilities for extended periods with no issues. I wanted something for 2 channel with am/fm , Bluetooth and ability to add analog and digital inputs if needed. Adding external amplification was not something I needed for my application. However this unit has plenty of power to drive most speakers and be smooth, clear and and very distortion free.
Which speakers you run with the amp?
@@andreassouth1523 I’m running Polk S55s and S15s, with Klipsch R112 sub.
No fan noise, good. I just ordered one but have read and on uTube about fan noise. May be some axr100’s have this. Hope not mine.
I really enjoyed your review. I plan on purchasing this receiver and connecting my Polk bookshelf speakers with a Polk sub. I am not an audiophile by any means - just looking for a good 2ch receiver to replace my old Onkyo.
nice job on the review
I bought the Cambridge Topaz SR20 Stereo Receiver which is very similar to the newer AXR100. I have been very happy with it.
Same here. I have the sr20. Cambridge rep told me it’s the same unit. Only added Bluetooth and silver exterior. IMO the black looks better.
I purchased this receiver 2 year ago…$499 direct from Cambridge audio. It’s now retailing for $699!! Upgraded from 3030i To the Oberon 3 , for $650 from Amazon and I must say that combo is excellent! makes me smile every day🥹
Great timing Sean, I was just looking at replacing my CA A500 and this was one of the top contenders. Thanks!
@Zero Fidelity: Cheers mate for the very detailed rereview
Hey Sean I reached out to Emotiva, and sent them a thank you email. That was a little over an hour ago. My email just chimed, and Emotiva had sent me a thank you note for me sending them one! FYI I ordered their C1+ center channel, will get that this Friday. Will be purchasing a pair of B1+ when the are back in stock. Have a great day man!
Great review.
Your review of this receiver is very bang on about my feelings my older Cambridge audio Azur 540r V.2 AV receiver. Both receivers have the same 100 watt per channel rating in stereo and both have a laid back but warm sound that's easy on the ears. It's officially the first receiver I've owned that I haven't had to adjust the bass and treble from 12 o'clock. Like the AXR 100 mine also lacks certain features available in other manufacturers receivers. I think Cambridge audio makes great gear for the purists.
Didn’t even know Cambridge offered this product. Thanks for the vid Sean!
Don't steal my name.😁
Hi Sean. I would love to hear your take on the Outlaw Audio RR2160. This seems to be a widely overlooked product for some reason. Also, the Cambridge CX series would be nice as well. Really enjoy your videos. Thanks!
! Woot I wanted for this to be tested !
I would love to see a review/comparison of the Denon PMA-600NE for $400. It has gotten some rave reviews from fellows, like the Audiophiliac, and seems to be a very similar unit (Integrated w/ DAC, Bluetooth, and phono). It also apparently has more of a balanced sound, like this Cambridge. One thing that I find interesting is the signal-to-noise ratio: Denon = 102; Cambridge = 82
I am currently interested in upgrading my sound a little bit, and I will probably go with a $400-500 Integrated as my first upgrade. Would love some more units at that price point, like the Denon mentioned above. The last thing, I just found your channel in the last few months and I am really enjoying your laid back, straight forward, and unfussy approach to your reviews. I particularly like your speaker matching segment, as that is one of the more important aspects of picking an amp.
I’m really surprised you don’t like Cambridge in general. I just got the CXA 81 and I’m blown away. It replaced a Marantz PM6005. Speakers are PSB Alpha T20 and source Emotiva ERC-4 both for CD and TV sound. I do prefer the Emotiva DAC to the Cambridge built in one. But moving from the Marantz to the Cambridge the soundstage has opened up massively, music is “taller and wider” if such a thing can be. I would never have described the Marantz sound as muddy but the Cambridge makes it seem like it was. And yet the clarity doesn’t come with harshness but with a beautiful natural sound that really complements the PSBs which are also designed in pursuit of natural. With the CXA81 I can place every instrument in the orchestra and follow them individually in a way I’ve never heard before, while the whole still sounds amazing as a whole. Anyway. All that to say I wonder how different what you’re looking for is that you don’t like what this machine does.
Great presentation
I have the AXA35 and I love it, with "only" 35W it sounds very good with my Dali Oberon 5 speakers. No lack of volume in my room.
with your potentiometer at over 70%?
@@benegesserit9838 Dali oberon 5 has a sensitivity of 88 dB. At 16 watts they produce 100 dB 1 meter from the speakers. At 2 watt and 4 meters away you will recieve 79 dB at your ears and that is enough.
Most of us never use more than 16 watts from the amp.
@@musiconvinylisbetter.1449 true. tvm!
King. I chose the Cambridge on the basis of your review, because I don't have a clue, and the market has so many brands to choose from. I listen to a lot of Black metal , and most of the recordings are mastered so that it sounds like cats are slowly dying.
The Cambridge removed the harsh treble, and now I am just having a whale of a time. Thank you ever so much
Peace ❤
Loved this video, and I agree with everything you said, I have just bought a Cambridge Audio AXR100D and it's such a great piece of kit, as you say the sound is perfect for my liking, slightly on the warm side without losing too much detail, I have the AXR 100D hooked up to a pair of Q Acoustics 3050i and they work perfectly together.
I have a Cambridge Audio AXC35 cd player and oh my word, what a combo, plenty of power on hand and my ears aren't screaming for peace after an hour of listening, the only criticism would be the soundstage isn't the best, but adequate none the less, but for the money no complaints.
The only dilemma I have is that my old record deck isn't up to the job, so would like to buy either a Rega Planer 1 or Rega Planer 1 Plus, the only difference between the two as I understand it is the Plus has a built-in phono stage, so not sure which to go for, the AXR 100D has a built-in phone stage, but is it as good as the Rega Planers on the Plus ? don't want to spend an extra £100 for the Plus if the phone stage in the AXR 100D is nearly as good, any ideas or recommendations would be very much appreciated !
Thank you for excellent review with non biased opinion. I have Cambridge CXA80 paired with B&W speakers and love it. I wanted to buy a stereo receiver to another room which has BT connectivity and based on my experience and your review, I will but AXR 85 or 100.
Did you get a chance to decide.if yes, is there a drastic difference between AXR and CXA? I bought B&W speakers..and my budget is less so thinking one of it.
@@dy4858 no I did not buy yet. As you know, busy with work and this got sidelined!
Awesome review Sean it's about time you review a Cambridge Audio component. I have a CXA60 and CXC CD Transport matched with ELAC Debut B6 and love it.
Hi, i am interesting to buy an CXA60. Currently own a yamaha s501 pairing with B&W 602 s2. Worth changing amplifier? Would i see significant improvement? Thank you in advance.
Mel
@@meletisstavridis3125 hi, the CXA60 is IMO a great entry level Integrated and a much better Amp then the yammy, it also depends what you match it with. That being said I have no experience with B&W If you can get it for a reasonable price you will be very surprised in how this amp performs.
I'm thinking to get the B6.2 with the Cambridge audio axr85. So you think this should be a great combo?
@@lory001 no idea, i have the CXA60.
Love the videos, keep up the great work. . I am going in circles deciding what to get. Should I pick the Cambridge AXR100 or CX81 to pair with Cambridge CXN V2 streamer. In this price range is there any other suggestions? I want to be able to run most speakers. Thank you very much, any help Would be great. Going crazy over here!! 😎🤘
I have had mine for18 months and like it so much that I added a Cambridge Audio CXNv2 in January.Amazing sound from them togerther. Well worth the price. Way better than the other relievers I have owned including a Nacachmi Sr2.
Great to know. Btw are you using the cxnv2 as preamp?
@@miltonacevedo125 Yes, I contacted Cambridge audio and they suggested that was the best way to do it. The Amp is wonderful and the DAC is good but the Dac in the cnvv2 is the better of the two.
@@regchant4609 thanks for the info. I've got one axr100 paired with focal 806 speakers and the sound is fantastic. I can't imagine how it'd sound with the cnxv2.
Glad you like the amp I have a older pair of B&W 803's before the diamond series, and the ARXx100 is sufficient in power and so clean with the Cvxn2 the sound is probably better than my old ears can appreciate. If you can spring for one do. I recommend Tidal for now until Spotify finally get their lossless offering on line.
I'm in the market for the CXNv2, not sure what amp to pair it with. Speakers will likely be Lintons, so I think the warmth of the AXR100 might be too much of a good thing for those speakers (for the reason Sean articulates at 12:56). That concern aside the AXR100 seems pretty great and offers great value
going to wait for cyber monday to buy this and Klipsch speakers. Will be my first receiver/amplifier for my turntable!
how did it turn out??
Interesting... in the past CA gear had a very dry sound signature, I had a 840C CDplayer/DAC and it sounded very good but it was too neutral for me (also It was very unreliable, CD belt problems and stuff). It's good to know they are moving to a more warmer kind of sound, CA products are very easy to find here in Europe, so this amp is something I will take into account.
Bought this amp and a pair of Dali Oberon 3 speakers for my pool room. 90% of what I played sounded amazing but when I played any dance music the bass was a little lacking. Found a cracking deal on a Dali E12f subwoofer which sorted everything. Still blows me away.
Hi Sean! Do you think that the receiver somehow subtracts from the amp's sound quality or it is only an additional cost that could be used on other components if it was solely and amp?
Damn your making my life a little harder. Lol i was contemplating on which to upgrade first, my amp or speaker. I was leaning of getting speakers but now this makes me think twice. Anyway, more options the better.
Thanks for the review, will be adding this to my short list.
Another great review. Thanks. I have to replace an NAD3155 after 37 years of great service. How would you compare the sound of the CA AXR100 to the Denon PMA-800NE and one of the new(er) NAD C368's for example? Also, if possible, how might these sound compared to an older NAD amp such as my NAD 3155?
Thanks in advance.
Hi
Great review as always👌
Do you think the axr100 is good for kef ls50 meta?
Great review I wonder if it would pair with Klipsch RP 600
Hi Sean, nice detail video. I am wondering how does AXR100 compare to A11 Tribute?
Great review! Have you ever heard the Outlaw RR2160, and if so, how does it compare to the Cambridge?
Great review. Thinking of replacing my Harman Kardon HK 3380 with one of these. I use JBL Control One Pros - don't understand about ohms, etc. would they work with this amp?
Can you review the Cambridge Audio CXA81 please
Hi Sean, will pairing the AXR 100 with Polk Reserve R200 [which has a relatively flat frequency response] be an example of a combo that you would recommend against?
Will this amp paired well with elac debut reference?
Yup , radio is the only difference. But usually integrated amps have more power as the focus is mostly music. I have the parasound halo integrated and it is great for 2.1 channel.
Just not true.
Have you reviewed any ZU audio speakers? I’m wondering how the dirty weekend speakers sound...
Did you adjust tone controls? If so how'd that work out ? If not why not?
Thx for the review this unit seems to be what I'm looking for. I guess you didn't at all ?
Hi Sean,what do you think of pairing the 100 with a set of Cerwin Vega DX7s? 4 ohm speakers,but I'm not looking for volume.Thanks.
Would this sound good with Klipsch Heresy IV's? I'm trying to find a decent unit to start a 2 channel set up with the Heresy's
Hey sean, will this cambride audio axr100 be enough to power say a set of open boxed definitive technology bp8040’s or should i buy the yamaha 303? And is the 303 any good? It says the yamaha has alost 20 decibals higher at 102 as to 82 with the cambridge
Cambridge does offer pre out and USB features but you have to buy the CX series or higher.
pairing this with a pair of elac ub5s? montor audio bx2S? kef ls50s? just curious about your take. thanks
For 4 ohm speakers with a sensitivity of 88db should I go with this or the cambridge audio axr100? It'll be used for music and hooked up to my tv as well
It would be awesome to have your thoughts on the CXA61/CXA81 and possibly the CXN in the near future!
No ability to adjust tone. Can’t even see what volume you are on as there is no screen. 3.5mm headphone Jack. No built in phono stage
How does this rate next to the Denon PMA 800NE? Which do you prefer?
Nice review. If anyone is looking for an affordable all included system have a look at the Denon dra-800h.
As per your comment that Magnepans is not a good match for this Cambridge receiver, what would you recommend as an amplifier for the LRS?
Nice review , Sean can you please review the Outlaw RR 2160 Hungry Ears want to know...
I have an SR 20 which is similar. It drives my ESS AMT-1C’s in a mid large space with no problem
Have you had any problems with short Bluetooth range or a loud cooling fan? am reading mixed reviews in these..
do you think this will pair well with the Klipsch RP-600M?
Of these three Cambridge Audio amplifiers, which one do you recommend? AXR 100, AXR 85 or CX 61. Thanks, greetings from Argentina.
Will these pair well with the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition?
Was wondering if this will sound comparable to Outlaw Audio's RR2160. Both are Stereo receivers.
Do you think this receiver would match well with the Dynaudio Emit M20 bookshelf speakers? Looking at the features of this amplifier, it has everything I need, and for the price, it seems to be a pretty decent amplifier, with the power I would need to properly run my speakers, being pretty power thirsty being 86dB/1W@1M and 150W RMS max power.
Hello, I am new to this. Any comment on the damping factor >50? Thanks.
I tried a pair with spektor 2 and they are great together, anyway I return them to try another pairing. Torn among q acoustic 3030i, diamond 12.2 and elac uni-fi ub52. Any suggestion?
While it is true the axr 100 has phono capability, would you recommend adding a preamp to this receiver to improve the quality of a turntable? And if your answer is yes, in which input would you connect the preamp?
I saw an unboxing video of the CXA61 (and he took of the top) and it looks so nice on the inside, it could have a clear plastic cover. But it doesn't have a phono amp - but why?
Anyway..... I'm guessing the AXR100D is identical apart form the digital radio?
I would say it's a little hard to get this unit because of those caveats. Because like you said you could get the IOTAVX and also the SVS Soundbase is also a good option being it's priced the same. But I have no doubt it sounds very good.
Funny that they left off the modern stream stuff when they make one of the most popular streaming DAC Pre's out there.Good choice to review though all in all.I'd call it the Luddites Choice
Just bought the Axr85 and I do find it too much rich (mids) tone which I have to get used too. Which speaker is best to make it sound more less rich middy? I have Vintage Sansui 771 and I lovd the tone of that Amp.
so I`m going from a Carver A220 power amp and Niles passive controller, I run my Iphone and a NAD reference series CDplayer as sources, I`ll be receiving my AXR100 next week, any thoughts or comparisons?
If they ever offer to send you the Edge series, please do the review.
Hey Sean, very good review! I do have a question though. I have this driving my EVO 4.4 but thinking of replacing it with PM8006. Will it make a difference in sound quality and sound stage? Thanks for any advice!
Hi, can you please tell me how the 4.4 sounded with this amp? I'd like to buy it for my 4.2's!
Hello. I am torn between the AXR 100 and the Yamaha AS 701. Which would you think is the best overall sounding please?
would you like to put a harbeth speaker with this cambridge audi?. Im thinking of buying the cxa81 and putting a harbeth 30.1 on it
Can you please suggest some possible amps that have the bass control and power of this amp but with less distortion and less eardrum exhaustion? This amp sounds poor in its upper frequencies and actually makes me mildly nauseous, but I like it a lot from somewhere in its mids and into its bass.
Would this be a good match (or ideally the axr85)for the br03?
Please tell me. Is it possible to turn on A + B (4 speakers play, like in Yamaha? Or only A or B play? Can I connect 2 speakers via Bi-Amping?
Can you review some pre-amps in the 500-1000 range?
This will be my next unit coupled wit the Cambridge CD player with the wolfson Dac.
Hello! i am looking for a Receiver to pair with Klipsch RP-280F Premiere surround system. Would this be a good fit?
Now you really have to review CXA81 and 61.
81 first, and use the XLR connection pls
How much is audio quality or listening experience difference between axr100 and cxa81? Can you please upload your review on it.
I'm interested in buying the AXR100 with Polk reserve R500 or R600. Interested in knowing if they would pair well.
I'd appreciate feedback.
I can't demo them together, the distributors of these 2 products where i live are separate.
Anyone know what's the verdict on the Bluetooth range on this unit? A lot of reviews online from actual users say the range is bad 6-10 feet max and even at that distance it drops out sometimes. Really considering purchasing it, but that feature working well is a must.