Cambridge Audio

[Buckle-meister]

All,

A friend of mine is interested in buying this Cambridge Audio Integrated amp. Cambridge Audio is a manufacturer that I've certainly heard of, but can't admit to hearing much about them, either good or bad, though I had it in the back of my mind that they were regarded as a decent manufacturer. However, when I Googled the amp in question I found one reviewer noting that his new amp...

...*cracks* when you leave it on with no sound coming through it. Cracks come about every 10 mins or so and are considerable. But at least they remind you to turn the damn thing off.

This doesn't sound like a healthy amp to me, though it's possible he just got a duff sample.

Has anybody here any experiance with this manufacturer's products? If so, how do you rate them?

Cheers,

 

[Haoleb]

I have owned a Cambridge D300 cd player, It was a great machine that was built well and performed flawlessly. Af far as comparison to other brands, Cambridge in my mind is right up there with NAD and Adcom. Their new Azur cd players have also been getting alot of good press. I would definetly buy Cambridge equipment again.

 

[Buckle-meister]

I would definetly buy Cambridge equipment again.

That's good to hear Haoleb. Thanks.

He's also got his eye on this set of KEFs. However, having owned a (different) pair of KEFs myself and aware of KEFs reputation I've no hesitation in recommending those.

The only thing I can think that he'll have to watch out for is damaging the speakers if he approaches maxing the volume on the amp given the latter's power limitations, but that would never occur under normal circumstances as the speakers are easy to drive.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

During my last bout of upgradeitis, Cambridge was one of the brands I considered (for an integrated and a CD player.) I ended up getting a pair of Denons instead, paid a lot less, and think that the sound quality is excellent (though not so much the build quality.)

 

[anamorphic96]

Cambridge Audio is a great company with products that offer tremendous bang for the buck. However the 340a is not there best effort. From the few times I played with this amp I noticed a weak bass and average sound overall.

Switch to the 540a or 640a and things are completely different. Both of these models offer a much better, with strong tight bass and a very cohesive sound from top to bottom. Both of these amps are getting very good press as well.

 

[j_garcia]

I agree with anamorphic, I'd go with a 540 at least. I was pretty impressed with the 540A and 640C that I heard.

 

[Buckle-meister]

Cheers folks,

My mate's on a tight budget and I'm not sure if he can stretch to the 540A. However I'll direct him to your comments and let him decide for himself.

Many thanks.