Cambridge Audio AXA25-25 Watt Separate Integrated Stereo Amplifier HiFi System Featuring Tone and Balance Control with Front Aux Input - Lunar Grey

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Just sold my Cxn. Used in dac / preamp mode into my Avi neutron sub it sounded worse than fire tv streaming music off network. In the end I was using digital out from the Cxn as the neutron dac sounds better. Not worth keeping imo. Also the preamp volume control was rather jumpy, the difference between 16-17 (1 press) was quite stark. The rest of this review focuses on the AXA35 exclusively as I don’t have an aXA25 for comparison. The AXA35 has plenty of useful facilities for a budget amplifier in the contexts of an aptly specified hi-fi system. When compared against a 2004 era Cambridge A5, years of inflation and cost prioritisation mean the omission of a preamplifier output and the second pair of speaker outputs for bi-wiring, not that bi-wiring offers any real-world advantage. There’s no true tape monitor in the newer amps either, nor an option to bypass the tone controls. You do get a remote though, which the A5 didn’t have.

AXA25 - Integrated Stereo Amplifier | Cambridge Audio HK AXA25 - Integrated Stereo Amplifier | Cambridge Audio HK

Needless to say I've gone for a top loader with minimal mechanical gubbins this time (Rega). I'll let you know how that goes. Prices valid in stores (all including VAT) until close of business on 1st November 2023. (Some of these web prices are cheaper than in-store, so please mention that you've seen these offers online.) The LM3886 does, however, have inbuilt protection against over and under-voltage, power supply and output short circuits, thermal runaway and instantaneous temperature peaks. They are durable and reliable chips and offer excellent performance comparable to a discrete output stage. Regardless of the amplifier you use you should always consider its limitations in partnering equipment and the environment. I’ve fixed a few AM10s over the years with blown output chips all as a result of driving too heavy a load at too high a volume. If your system is obviously distorting or if you’re running the amp at or near its maximum volume, upgrade to a model with more power. Pressing the power button brings the amp out of standby and, after a few seconds, the speakers are connected with the clunk of a substantial relay. I was surprised to learn that, just like the AM10, the AXA35 doesn’t remember the previous volume setting when the power is cycled. It does remember the settings for balance, bass and treble, so this is a daft omission on Cambridge’s part. Not quite sure what happened with the deal between Cambridge Audio and Richer Sounds. Cambridge Audio certainly used to be a well respected independent Hi Fi manufacturer. Like many companies I suspect they started heading to the wall or were running into trouble and aroun that time there was a tie in with Richer Sounds. I don't know what those details are but it would appear that Cambridge Audio is very much the in house brand at Richer Sounds and consequently it feels like an almost exclusive outlet in the UK. I don't know if RS has any sort of controlling interest in Cambridge Audio but it wouldn't surprise me. It is also quite likely that the kit that k-spin's parents have are the original Cambridge Audio company.The AXA35 is a stereo amplifier that slots into Cambridge Audio’s new AX range of hi-fi components. With a focus on performance and affordability, the AXA35 boasts more features than the step-down AXA25, including a built-in phono stage for turntables.

Cambridge Audio AXA25 Lunar Grey - Richer Sounds

By the standards of a long-in-the-tooth concept like an affordable stereo amplifier, the AXA35 is quite a good looker: the smoky grey finish is pretty sophisticated (to my eyes at least − no one ever accused me of being a slave to fashion). It’s not all that bulky and is visually quite arresting thanks to the minimalist selection of fascia controls and equally minimalist display. It’s true to say that the new casework is better, but examples of poorly damped biscuit-tin casework are more prevalent in boutique British equipment at several times the price of any Cambridge. Poorly built casework and preschool electronics design aside, some of that gear is ugly enough to offend a blind man’s sense of aestheticism. The preamp appears similar if not identical to the AM10. It is responsible for most of the noise in the amp’s output – 79.8dB signal to noise ratio (A-wtd, ref 0dBW). It’s a bit of a shame Cambridge didn’t spec up the preamp a bit to better match the performance of the output stage. Nevertheless it is well designed with NE5532s unsurprisingly making up the basis of its audio circuitry and input selection and volume control handled by digital logic. I am wondering if anyone has any heads up about two budget-friendly amplifiers for my Pro-Ject turntable: Onkyo A-9110 and Cambridge Audio AXA25. They're both in the same price range (around 250) and have similar specs. I like the barebones/analog kind of approach here (there wouldn't be any margin for bells and whistles at that price point), and what I would like to achieve is to get the best possible sound around that budget. I mainly listen to Jazz and Classical records. Just after warranty period ended (typical!) the CD player started making mechanical noises on disc load and then during play. Eventually disc tray would not open.The frequency response is relatively flat. There’s a gentle roll-off below 100Hz and above 10kHz, but it’s only 0.2dB down at 20Hz and 20kHz, the limits of the audio band. In reality this won’t be audible, so any characteristic sound will be due to its limitations in power, component-level tuning and preamplifier noise more than anything else. The latest manufacturer to highlight this advantage is Cambridge Audio. The company was arguably better known for making premium products in its formative years – such as the groundbreaking CD-1 compact disc player in 1985 – but has more recently become known for its excellent value two-channel audio components and multi-room speaker systems. I too had the CA540R v3 which i liked a lot but weren't up to the task as first thought and moved it on. There is one slight niggle. The power button has a white LED in the middle, which remains lit whether the amp is turned on or off.

AXA25 | Cambridge Audio

Generally speaking, I would certainly consider a Cambridge Amp or other equipment if I were in the market. I would not automatically cross them off my list. But, as a safety measure, it might be wise to spring for the Extended Warranty, which is usually direct replacement rather than repair. By the standards of budget-conscious stereo amplifiers, the Cambridge Audio AXA35 is a remarkably self-assured listen. No matter the sort of material you serve it up, there’s no suggestion it ever feels out of its depth.

Cambridge are nicely designed and they do sound good, and I would expect that good sound from the New CX series. Cambridge makes great DACs for the money, and excellent Streaming devices. I had read a review which said the front panel was plastic, but this was not true. It is cold to touch metal, although the knobs are plastic. Also purely andecdotally, my parents have a Cambridge Audio CD player and DAC that they bought in the 1990s. Both are still going strong and they've never had an issue with either. The staff are so so helpful,kind and very knowledgeable . I will definitely be buying from them in the