ABA Awards | The Best Amplifier Of 2022 !
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- This year threw up some surprises. Who will be awarded my Best Amplifier Of 2022!
Links to full reviews and manufacturer's webpages:
Willsenton R8 + PS Vane Tubes
• Upgraded! Willsenton R...
www.china-hifi-audio.com/will...
Willsenton R800i (805A)
• Class A Tube Amp: Will...
www.china-hifi-audio.com/will...
HiFi Rose RS520
• Step up from NAD & Nai...
www.eng.hifirose.com/RS520
Cambridge Audio AXA 35
• Entry Amplifier: Cambr...
www.cambridgeaudio.com/gbr/en...
Link to my Patreon:
/ abritishaudiophile
Time stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:25 Willsenton R8 + PS Vane Tubes
4:38 Willsenton R800i (805A)
9:48 HiFi Rose RS520
12:22 Cambridge Audio AXA 35
What a list! Honoured to be at the top of it. Here's to a great 2023 🎉
Thank you. Much appreciated. Best wishes to you in 2023 👍😊👍
Fine choice of contenders, Tarun! Really good to see you commend both tube & solid state amplification in equal measure. You've done a smashing job this year of bringing many lesser-known brand components to the attention of your subscribers and casual viewers alike. Here's to an even more varied and exciting year for all things hi-fidelity in 2023! All power to your excellent review channel, too.
Sincerely hope that you & your family have a very Merry Christmas and a especially Happy New Year!! Warmest regards from sunny, but cold, Japan, G.
Thank you Gerri. Very kind of you to say. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and your family too 🎅👍
Thank you for all the wonderful reviews this year Tarun. Happy holidays to you and your family.
Thank you for all the support Brian. Happy holidays to you and your family too 😊👍
As a retired professional sound engineer of 35 years who is finally getting into high end consumer audio, I totally respect your opinions. Believe me, coming from the dismissive pro world that says a lot. Many professional sound engineers have no idea of the magnificent offerings of the audiophile world.
Thank you Keith. Much appreciated 😊👍
I love it when you do some research, make the purchase, and then realize what a great decision you made!
I picked up one of these CA AXA 35 integrated amps about a month ago, then tracked down the matching CD player.
I'm running it now with my CA S30 speakers and the sound is really nice!
That is great. Thank you for sharing 👍
Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing your knowledge and your passion with all of us! Best wishes for 2023 and good tunes always...
Thank you. Merry Christmas and happy new year to you too 🎅👍
A lot of respect for this channel ❤ Cambridge Audio is underrated and glad someone appreciates the brand.
Thank you buddy 👍
It has been such a delight to follow your reviews, week in-week out, my friend. Thank you ever so much: they are highly informative, intellectually stimulating, and a pleasure to watch! All the very best to you for Xmas and the new year. (And, fffs, please take turntables more seriously in 2003; i need your guidance --and no one gives a toss about dacs etc anymore :) )
Thank you my friend. Much appreciated. I would like to jump back into vinyl at some point. Merry Christmas to you too 🎅👍
Did you mean: "2023"?
Merry X-mas...
Merry Christmas Tarun.... Thanks for continuing the great content... I appreciate it 👍🏻
Thank you. Merry Christmas to you too Marcus 🎅👍
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thankyou for all the great content this year.
Thank you. Merry Christmas to you and your family too 🎅👍
Thanks again! I have the Cambridge CXA80 in my work office and love it. Merry Christmas!
Thank you Jerald. Merry Christmas to you too 🎅👍
I have the Willsenton R8 in my main system, and the Cambridge AXA35 in my bedroom. Needless to say, you have confirmed my purchases! Cheers.
That is cool. Thank you 😊
Hi Tarun, awesome video as usual. Merry Christmas and happy new year mate. Cheers
Thank you for the the support this year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too 🎅👍
HA! I was playing Christmas music on an AXA35 matched with a Chord MoJo & Diamond Wharfedale 12.2 speakers when you totally surprised me with that pick. But, I can't say I disagree. Enjoy the holidays and thank you for all the great videos in 2022!
That is great Andy. Happy holidays to you too 👍
Happy Holidays Tarun, to you and yours. Also, wishes for your viewers. What a nice community you've created.
Thank you for all your fabulous support this year 😊👍
I got to hear the Marantz model 30 a few weeks ago. That sounded amazing with the demo setup. I came out of there with no notion of how it would sound in my system and room but it got me very curious.
Merry Christmas!
Cool 😎 merry Christmas to you too 🎅👍
These end of year 'best of' always highlight how old my gear is, but I still watch lol.
Nothing wrong with old gear. I have had my speaker and amps for almost 25 years 👍
Hi Tarun, I think it is a very good choice you made on the amplifier of the year. It would be so easy to nominate the latest boutique amplifier. But to admit that an entry level amplifier does not have to be ashamed in the world of audiophiles is refreshing. I think if you had a starter set of 2022, the answer would be right in this video, i.e. the Acoustic Energy speakers with the Cambridge amplifier. I can think of many worse choices to start your audio journey, merry Christmas.
Thank you for all the support this year Hugo. The AXA 35 / AE100 Mk 2 is a great system. If I was starting out, I could live with that for years. Merry Christmas to you too 😊👍
Another award to a British company! Love it! No bias here I think….
Happy Christmas! Great choice. Good to see the emphasis you’re giving to value for money. Even economical components can produce very good sound, contrary to what manufacturers of expensive gear would try to have us believe. And at the end of the day, it’s about enjoying the music - at least for me it is.
Thank you Jeremy. Well said. Merry Christmas to you too 🎅👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 It looks like you have scammers in your page. Please see another reply on my post.
Season Greetings.
@@josepessoa8543 thank you. I have reported it 👍
The AXA 35 has also a super-impressive rhythmic drive for its price 👍
I use that amp with my Paradigm Monitors and Meridian DAC.
Thank you for sharing your experiences 👍
Great review loved the Cambridge audio amplifier
Thank you Ricky 😊
I am getting used to your presentation style and loving it.
What a winner. One of those rare times when my gues was right.
Thank you and all the best for 2023.
Thank you Nishal. Best wishes to toy in 2023 too 😊👍
Horn speakers, tube amplifiers, and now a chip amp as amplifier of the year...I must commend you for embracing the radical fringes of audio fearlessly. Happy Holidays!
Thank you Tim. It was a surprise to me too 😊
My choice is the Cambridge AXR100. Sonically very similar but with more power and a decent built-in DAC. Happy Christmas and thank you for all your videos this year. I appreciate it
Thank you Ed. Merry Christmas to you too 🎅👍
@@crazyprayingmantis5596 Honestly I have not heard the Topaz SR20 but looking at it the two units look identical. Even the rear of the units the same. My guess is that they sound similar. I don't think Cambridge would change much in this product segment.
I listened to the AXA35 amp about a month ago when i was in a shop looking at new speakers, it sounds way more than 35 watts, very big and clean sound for a little amp, excellent pick Tarun and have great Christmas.
Thank you Alan. Merry Christmas to you too 🎅👍
Hi Alan. I agree with your comment on its power rating. I have listned to both NAD C316BEE and the Marantz PM5005 which are spec'd at 40 watts at 8 ohms nominal each, both are very nice Amps as well. This AXA35 sounds like it has more heft than those 2. Perhaps its just me and my ears.
@@doc0428 No, nothing wrong with your ears, maybe it has alot of current, the naim gears is like that as well, fairly low powered but really grunty, if that is a word, cheers Mike.
My 25yr old original clamshell Rega Brio system finally gave up the ghost in a bedroom system and was replaced with the little Cambridge AXA 35 and AXC 35 cdp running into Neat Petite 3's. I've been mightily impressed with it's tonality, resolution& rhythmic performance for such an affordable integrated amplifier. It came as a pleasant surprise that you'd so highly rate the little Cambridge as a standout product & value against some other seriously fine equipment that you've auditioned this past year.
BTW, do check out the Aiyima A07 chip amp if you can. Really super value as is, replacing the op amps with BurrBrown OPA2134 (@$14/pr) and you've upped it's performance by another level or 2. Anywhoo, thanks so much for your excellent reviews and opinions and wish you a healthy and prosperous new year.
PS- the AO7 is in my shop partnered with a Rega cdp and PMC TB2+ nearfield monitors.
Pretty sweet, if unorthodox,pairing .
Thank you for sharing your experiences Ken. Much appreciated. Happy holidays to you and your family too 😊👍
Thanks.😁👍 I have the Cambridge CXA81 and love it.
Cool 😎
Thank you for providing us with such insightful and interesting content. I purchased the Cambridge AXA35 Amp without actually hearing it. I listened to the smaller AXA25 amp in a local shop and thought is sounded fantastic for its price. I have my AXA35 paired with a pair of KEF Q150 bookshelf speakers. Please no eye rolling until you actually hear it as I find these are not typical sounding Kefs, This set up is extremely smooth with a healthy amount of warmth. Not crisp or sparkly but just a nice relaxed sound which one may have to sit and listen to for a while to appreciate. A decent amount of Bass and delicately revealing. I find that the AXA35 sounds as though it is producing more than 35 watts. A pairing worth considering for small to medium sized rooms. Just my honest opinion.
Thank you for sharing your experiences Mike 😊
Good Amp! Thanks for the review compilation and; being an A/V nut job, I enjoy the other side on a modest scale.
Thank you Lonnie 😊
I've had the AXA35 for a couple of years. I was pleasantly surprised to see it win here, though it does seem to sneak into a lot of lists. I use it in a secondary system and enjoy it. though I find it annoying that it always goes back to zero volume after being turned off. After about 18 months something happened, and it was stuck on only one of the inputs. Crutchfield here in the U.S. sent me a new one that has been working great. Would love to see you review the Rogue Sphinx V3 integrated amp.
Thank you for sharing Conan 😊
I’m still happy with the IOTA SA3 you reviewed many moons ago….thanks for your channel 👏👍
Thank you. The SA3 is a very good amp 👍
Nicely done, have a great 2023
Thank you, you too 👍
Tarun,
thanks for all your fabulous reviews this year (and before!)! By the way, i did buy the JBL 4309 (powered by a cambridge audio CXA81) but was never totally convinced. The clarity was great, soundstage was very nice as well, but the speakers lacked depth and height for my taste. I was surprised my old Elac Uni-fi (original model) gave me way more depth and height, even if detail and clarity was a step down.. Ended up keeping the elacs as pianos (yes, piano music, jazz and classical is essential to me) sounded more real and returning the JBLs. still looking for those $2000 speakers that will do the trick of taking my music a couple steps UP. merry christmas to you and thanks again!
Try triangle.. the bro3 got me thinking what they can do for $2k with something like the comete anniversary. They seem to do piano very well
Thank you. Sound staging and precise imaging is not a strength of the 4309. It tends to be a limitation with many horn speakers. It is that lively mid and upper mid that will have some people addicted to them and others not 😊
brilliant video and insightful content. I've always loved Cambridge Audio, in fact I'm still rocking an Azur640 from around 20 years ago. I'm beginning to lock into upgrades and have been toying with the CX61 (decent onboard DAC) or the AXA35 (paired with external DAC)
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
May purchase this because of your review. Good job. Keep it up😊
Thank you Nasser. Please let me know how you get on 😊👍
I know it's from 2020 but I just purchased a Rega Io and I 'm very impressed by the overall clarity, detail, and the bass presentation for the small price. Before that I had a 33 years old Creek 4140 that died, and I can compare the two directly since they are in the same room with the same speakers (Rogers LS4A, also 33 years old). I was going for a similar sound replacing the Creek and it's there, only with more detail and much more bass presence, maybe at the expense of a slightly reduced sound stage. Overall I can say I 'm very happy with the purchase. (PS the source is a Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 100 connected to a desktop computer)
Th am you for sharing Enrico 😊
Hey Tarun, that was a great New Years gift, keep on keeping on and be careful when partying.
Thank you Justin. Happy new year 🥳👍
As usual, your assessment of each of these amps is balanced and insightful. The audiophile press often ignores Cambridge Audio, but that company has consistently developed components that embody smart design compromises at affordable price points.
Best amp I heard this year is one that I don't think makes it over to your side of the pond: Rogue Audio's Cronus Magnum III.
Thank you Mike 👍
Thanks for another great video, Tarun. I picked up an Aiyma A07 recently which i think uses similar chips to amplify. Very impressed for a simple system.
My friend Randy (Cheap Audio Man) is a big fan of that amp. I need to get my hands on one 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 It would be really interesting to hear your opinion, Tarun. Just to see if you agreed with the cheapaudioman.
I've owned both AXA35 and Aiyima A07. The Aiyima is a level above IMO, although it's butt ugly. It has a startle factor, impact and purity. It just sounds more open and a little more real. The AXA35 has a rich tone with sweet mids and a puffy bass. Minute details tend to get smoothed over. It's soft edged, not pure, and runs out of power. However, don't get me wrong, I remain a fan of the AXA35, especially for the price. And It's a stunner in the looks department! But the A07 has a special quality about it for a class D amp. But, no two A07 amps have the same power supply caps (sometimes 1, 2 or 3 of them at 2000uf, 2400uf or 3000uf) and other capacitors seem to change too based on availability. But the effects would be subtle. You won't see this inconsistency with AXA35.
@@geevee1045 thank you for sharing your experiences. Very informative 👍
I don't believe you can classify the Aiyima chip as similar to the AXA35. The Aiyima A07 is Class D and uses the TPA3255 chip@50wpc. The AXA35 uses the LM3886 chip in a Gainclone implementation @35wpc. It's Class AB as far as I know. Hope everyone had a great Xmas!
I sold my older Magnepans and Audiolab
6000a. Purchased the Wharfedale Lintons along with the Willsenton r8.and Node 2i. Best sound I have experienced in my home!
That is great 😊
The R8 is now my main amp - with the tube upgrades you suggested
Great! I hope you are enjoying it? 😊
Great review. Thanks for the informative contents. It is always a pleasure to listen to you.
I wonder if you are considering reviewing products using class A+D amplification like the NuPrime AMG PRA and AMG STA which sit around the price tag of the Supernait 3 and Sugden A21).
Thank you for the heads up José. It look into it 👍
Bit late to the party but just purchased one of these for £239 along with AXC25 CD player for £183! Looking forward to delivery!
Please let me know how you get on 😊
Got AXA35 based on your recommendation. Running it with Emotiva B1+ and couldn't be more happier.
That is great. Thank you for letting me know 😊👍
My favourite amp of 2022 is my Rogers Cadet II. I did get a Douk Audio ST-01 (all of £100 Class D, DAC, Bluetooth etc) for the kitchen midi system as an upgrade and for the money it's incredible. I'm seriously going to look at this Cambridge as I need to replace all valves and caps - a total rebuild in fact - of the Rogers so I need something for the two years I know that'll take - and the little Douk is not really that good. Thanks for such an illuminating and intelligent roundup. I might have said something like this before - your presentational skills I can see on BBC Radio 3 on a Saturday morning - to complement perhaps 'Building a Library'.
Thank you Bob. That is very kind and great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
Always a great presentation !!! 😊👍👍
Thank you Gene 👍
Not an amp that I would own, but I appreciate your paying attention to amps that are reasonably priced and attractive to new hobbyists. Well done!
Thank you 😊
Bought this amp as a bit of a holiday gift for myself, a few weeks ago, largely based on your review, but also a few others. It was $499 supposedly 100 off the retail here in Canada. I used to have a Harmon/Kardon integrated amp back in the late 70's that I ran with some JBL L50's. That was back when I mainly listened to music and albums. Still have those albums. But come into the 90's and I more or less moved into home theater with some Denon and Yamaha receivers. The albums got played less and less and music took a back seat. I was never quite thrilled with the sound of my receivers in stereo mode. They sounded a bit better in multichannel modes but then everything does I guess. But I still did not get excited about any of my music collection.
Well that has certainly changed now. At first I bought this thinking I would use it to power my 2 front channels, leaving my Denon to handle the center/surround duties. Turns out that was going to be more involved than I thought. So I started playing music. And I couldn't stop. I wasn't expecting to hear a large difference in sound. It's just an amplifier right? Wow, huge difference! The spaciousnes you describe along with just the right amount of warmth to my tastes, and the ability to easily tweak the bass/treble on the fly is just marvelous. I have it paired with my KEF Q550's in a small room and they seem to blend wonderfully. In fact it feels like I am listening to a speaker upgrade as well. The KEF's have just opened up and I had no idea they could sound this good! I even enjoy this with movies as the sound stage rivals the multi channel Denon. The bad news is that I can't get enough of this wonderful sound and have just ordered a new stylus for my ancient Yamaha turntable that has gathered dust for almost 30 years.
I think this is the first time I have truly enjoyed the experience of an audiophile quality sound and I just want more. Thank you for the recommendation, I don't think I could have made a better choice at this price point. The sound and the value are amazing. Well done Cambridge, and well deserved in my humble opinion!
Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences. It really is a great amp 😊👍
I have the axr100 and i absolutely love it. I had the topaz equivalent to the axa35 in the past and also enjoyed it very much. The axr100 might be the axa35 big brother (not sure if it also uses a chip for amplification), but it is worth a listen and maybea review… Merry Christmas Tarun!
Thank you Fernando. Merry Christmas to you too 🎅👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I believe there is a scam happening on telegram under your name.
@@bs0000431 thank you. I have reported it 👍
Cambridge Audio have taken over the slot vacated by Arcam, and proves that the UK designers
are still capable of making great amplifiers at sensible prices.
A richly deserved winner.
I have agree. I have the Arcam SA20 1500 dollars. I recently purchased the Cambridge audio AXR85 for a family member. This is based on the same as the integrated 35. The sound was amazing and did give the Arcam a run. Not it did not beat it but for 450 dollars. I was very impressed.
Thank you Allan 😊
@@jasonme3557 thank you for sharing your experiences Jason 😊
@ABritishAudiophileofficialpage oh what a surprise it looks like you've won a prize. 😄
It's nice to see the UK are maintaining the tradition for producing value, quality and innovation at the same, I'm for one started my hifi journey 30 years ago with Audio Innovation and LS35a.
It’s nice to see an under rated hifi brand win. Cambridge seem to have a “ non serious” reputation in the hifi world that I’ve always felt is a little unfair. I’ve personally owned the 851a for 8 years now and think it’s exceptionally good for the money. Love the channel btw 👍
Thank you John. Much appreciated 😊👍
Thanks much to Tarun. Hifi podcaster of the year! His honesty and integrity--is darn RARE in any field! Enjoying my axa35 like crazy with a marantz cd6006 and emotiva b1plus. Gorgeous sound. Tried a marantz cd60 as an upgrade. Soundstage opened even more. But voice detail and bite maybe suffered terribly? Not sure yet. Btw--Did notice that the wrong extension cord from the electric wall socket can absolutely DESTROY sound quality. Wow.
Thanks Tarun for all your SOUND advice! If only u could get to America and straighten out these crooked politicians and their rubbish (british use that word rubbish a great deal, I think?) so the world would be much safer.
Thank you my friend. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
Curious about the Marantz PM6007 vs axa35?
When you get the time Tarun I've love to also hear your thoughts on the companion Cambridge Audio AXC35 CD Player. I own one and I love it. All the best for 2023!
Thank you Alan. All the best to you too in 2023 😊
I Am happy with you’re very reasonably priced best choice. I don’t have one, nor have I heard it perform… but I fully trust your opinion of it. It is interesting that the Harman Kardon 430 I told you I had as a young man touted the fact that it had all discrete circuitry. Ha ha! Thought you’d enjoy that little fact. 🤣
Also, back on your best choice. That’s a price I would pay for a new unit and not feel like I’m trying to be a fancy pants, when I’m not a reviewer, or an audiophile, I just like to Rock.
Finally… Your delivery is so professional now, that I’m very impressed by your channel, that just gets better every video. You went from a guy with way too much room sound, to a polished pro, in a very short time. Relatively speaking.
Add on topic:
Tube rolling is a term I hadn’t heard, yet I’ve been doing it with my guitar amps for decades. Buying 1956 NOS 12ax7 preamp tubes for my Fender amps, so the first tube in the chain was made the same year I was. Ha Ha!
Fun stuff!!!
Thanks for the video and may your family have a great Christmas!!!
Chuk
Thank you for all the support Chuk. Always a pleasure to learn about your experiences. Merry Christmas to you and your family too 🎅👍
@Tarun I really applaud the ABA amplifier of the year is an affordable quality offering, and also one that changed a personal value and unconscious past bias. My personal preference at this price would be the Rotel A11 tribute. Really good features for the money including a decent sounding BT connection, outstanding for the price phono stage, and clean but not lean sound, all at very decent price. Currently running with a pair of Q3030i’s, they match together very well.
Thank you Ram. Much appreciated 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I forgot to thank you for your UK reviews, and the conversations with Ian White throughout the year 👍 enjoy your Xmas 💿 🎄
@@Theoriginalramjammer merry Christmas to you too 🎅👍
Got the AXA 35 this month and replaced the NAD 312. My B&W 303s has a dark sound that necessitates the tinkering of the treble controls.
Thank you for sharing Raulito 😊
Nice to see Cambridge audio...I own the axr85 superb little amp with my Q acoustics 3050i.....
Great channel..👊👍
Thank you Shane 👍
@A British Audiophile thank you and have a happy and healthy new year.
@@shanegahan4341 happy new year to you too 😊
My absolute favorite amp of the year is not on the CZcamsrs radar, but this is unequivocally the most powerful and hugest amp I have ever owned, now well eclipsing 300 units if you include integrated and recievers. I decided to try the $1800 Emotiva XPA-DR2 Gen 3 Differential Reference 600wpc Class AB with class H power supply into a nominal 2 Ohm load (spk + sub in parallel). I am awestruck that it never gets thinner, clips, or overheats as if I owned 2 of them. Most settle down their line when purchasing, but this is The Only True Audiophile Monster 2 Channel Amp under $2k you will ever need. Having owned a 5k square foot audio video shop and owner of newly incorporated R.I.P. Stereo should mean something? I also like the R8!!
that seems to be a power amplifier and not an integrated one, right?
I’ve purchased the AXA35 largely based on this review. It replaces a “vintage” Dynaco PAT5 and 410 amplifier combo and will be connected to my Klipsch Hereseys. I’m looking forward to the upgrade. Thanks
Cool 😎 please let me know how you get on 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314
After waiting about 3weeks for delivery, I have the amplifier up and running. Connected to a vintage Teac CD player I played a Michael Hedges CD. The sound was clear, crisp and lively.
For streaming, I have a bargain unit that connects to my phone. The sound is good and I’m exploring upgrading to something that doesn’t require my iPhone as a source. I’m looking for suggestions.
Thanks
Great video, thanks. But the photo gave the game away before I clicked it.... 😉
Thank you Jules. I tried to be cryptic but I knew some people would recognise it 😊
Thanks,Tarun. Informative as usual. On Class D amplifiers I always wait or the BUT when the midrange is discussed. I hate lifting heavy amps so I await light weight amps with a sound I can live with. I'd say my most rewarding integrated amp experience was with the tube hybrid Unico Primo integrated.($2500) Currently, I have gone down the rabbit hole once again with separates. A Rogue SL-5 Preamp hybrid with four 12AU7 tubes and a pair of 112 Watt Belles Ares mono block amps both of which I can lift easily. I bought used for about $4500. down from the retail price of $6500. I'm learning to not lead with my credit card. I tend to have my way with gear then pass it on to the next guy who benefits financially from my sonic dalliances. I think these electronics may be my choice for the long run along with a Pontus II DAC. The speakers are Dynaudio Special 40s and everything seems to be in balance except for the front end. I'd love an Auralic G1.1 but still have my socks on. No used units around yet save a few G1 units, and I am reluctant to pull the trigger on a $3500 steamer...doesn't mean I won't do it, though. Luckily all my nieces and nephews are professionally successful so I have no qualms about leaving the little ingrates less of an inheritance in the long run. heh.
Always a pleasure to learn about your experiences Jim 👍
Unfortunately, I lack self control in expressing them.
@@fletchermunson6225 not at all. It’s all in the way you tell ‘em 😉
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family Tarun.
As allways,, cheers and thank you sooo much for your time and work,
sharing your knowledge in the best of ways,, 🍻🍻🍻🥰👍👍👍.
My amp of the year,, it may be for the rest of my life,, the Moonriver 404 Reference. ❣
@Irene Sorius ... +1 I'd second Frau Irene's sentiment. . Merry Christmas to Tarun & Family. .. Cheers,
Thank you for all the support this year Irene. Merry Christmas to you and your family too 🎅👍
Thank you Micheal. Much appreciated. Merry Christmas to you and your family too 🎅👍
@@michaelschneider- Cheers and Merry Christmas Herr Sneider,, 🍻🎅👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I became a ABA-Patreon today. Thanks again for your excellent work Tarun. 🍻🎅👍
It really is too bad that the AXA-35 doesn't have variable pre-outs for a powered sub. If so, I would have gotten one for myself soon after launch for the summer months, for when I put my tube integrated away. I actually requested variable pre-outs for the 35 on the Cambridge website. Hopefully they'll listen to such requests. Thanks Tarun for this video. Good work as usual. Happy holidays.
Couldn't one use a REL sub such as the T0? Connect the (supplied) Neutrik Speakon cable to the sub's high level input at one end, and to the speaker outputs of the AXA35 at the other? One can still use banana plugs for the main speakers. That's what I do with my pre/power combo: no need for a variable pre-out in that case. Just a thought.
Thank you RM 😊
@@johncallaghan3097 that would work John 👍
Thanks Tarun. Any chance you could try out a Cambridge CXA81 amp in 2023? Have a great Xmas break!
Thank you. It is on my radar. Merry Christmas to you too 🎅👍
The Campbridge audio amplifier was an audio amp designer since early 80s and yet still the best sounding audio amp even today in present time..they know how to built a better sounding audio amplifier..I'm amazed ..they never change..
Thank you for sharing 🙂
Hi Tarun interesting choice , and wish I’d opted for the Cambridge brand . I decided on the audio lab 6000 amp and CD player , which after 14 months the cd unit has developed a drop out issue . Considering the CD player it replaced was over 25 years old, and still working in a friend system . Which does make you wonder about reliability of many of these products . Best wishes and kind regards 👍👍👍
Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
Hello Tarun, what a surprise to have a sub 400 pound amplifier win your amplifier of the year award! The Cambridge axa 35 must be something special to have garnered that kind of attention from you! I am now extremely interested in having a closer look! I would also be most interested in what you might have to say about how it would compare to the Audio Lab 6000 or a lesser expensive Musical Fidelity integrated amplifier like the M5Si orM2Si? Tarun I wish you and your family the happiest of holidays and May the New year bring you nothing but the best!
Thank you Esten. Much appreciated. I do comparisons in the full review. Different presentation to the 6000A but both are excellent. Happy holidays to you and your family too 😊👍
Tested quite a few amps in 2022. The best is the newly released Rega Elex-R MK 4.
Cool 😎
If you still have the ax35, would love to hear what kind of synergy it might have with the upcoming Andrew Jones SourcePoint 10 since it seems to be an efficient design.
I was able to hang on to it as a reference piece 😊
I picked up the JBL L52’s on your recommendation, the AXA35 ($240 USD open box)on the initial recommendation of Paul Rigby, glad to see I made a solid decision. I do plan to add an 8” subwoofer at some point as I listen to a lot of bass heavy electronic music.
Great. Thank you for sharing 👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 looking forward to more excellent and accessible content in 2023
I have heard the AXA 35 with my klipsch rp600m and it was quite impressive for the price. It was much better from a couple of other amplifiers which cost almost double its price. At the same day/trials I heard the cambridge audio cxa81and the atoll IN80. Cxa81 was clearly better than AXA 35 (it has almost x3 bigger price) and atoll IN80 was even better from cxa81, so the winner for me was the atoll! Atoll IN80 has been a perfect match for my klipsch along with the atoll dac100 signature.
PS: All the amplifiers' tests were made along with the atoll dac100 signature.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I have reviewed the IN80 Signature. It is a great amp 👍
I have the CXA81 Cambridge. I love everything about it except for no tone controls. Running Martin Logan Motion 60XT speakers with the ribbon tweeter can get a little shrilly on some music. It’s hard to find many reviews on Cambridge Audio products let alone win someone’s best of reward.
Thank you for sharing your experiences James 😊
Using my blue sound Node2i I have tone controls 😁
Tarun, the thing about tube amps and how they sound is tied into how they are coupled and what they are coupled to. A tube amp is subject to microphonics as you mentioned and that is because they weren’t being properly coupled to”dead mass”. By that I mean the tube amp must be drained of it’s microphonic susceptibility by putting it on a set of inverted brass or aluminum cones and into a sand trap or concrete floor. The concrete floor can be bare or covered with ceramic tile, but wood is a no no as it will reflect back into the amp what you’re trying to drain off of it. It can also be terminated into a sand trap in the same manner as the concrete floor with inverted brass or aluminum cones. The sand trap is nothing more than an MDF cabinet made of 3/4”MDF which is filled completely with dry, filtered sand and/or acrylic casting resin such that no air is left to form a resonant cavity thus making it a dead mass. The sand trap is equipped with leveling feet with rubber pads to inhibit reflections into the sand trap itself. It is a simple box with rounded over edges in front, sides as well as the top and bottom. The back is left flat and is held with threaded machine screws into threaded inserts mounted into the main box structure. Much like speakers needing to terminate into dead mass to reveal their true selves, so do tube amplifiers also need to terminate their problem microphonics into dead mass to sound their best. You won’t get the truth if you ignore the physics of either. That isn’t an opinion. It is a physical fact. Only addressing the problems inherent in both pieces of equipment do you get revealed the true state of what they have to deliver.
Very interesting Mark. Thank you for sharing 👍
The Cambridge AXA35 is a wonderful amp. The biggest lack in my opinion is a subwoofer output.
As I've mentioned before, I was introduced to the TI LM3886 output chip in an AkitikA GT-102 Z4 power amp. It easily betters my two previous amps (B&K ST-140 and Schiit Vidar) in all areas. And based on your review of the AXA35, I bought it because they use the same output chip.
It isn't a direct (fair) comparison - the AkitikA is a significantly better sounding amp - but it uses a preamp. I have both an Audible Illusions Modulus 3A, and the AkitikA PR-102 - and the latter is a better sounding unit. Considering that the Modulus 3A was well over $3K US when new (I paid $1600 used), and it take only a couple of brands of 6DJ8/6922/ECC88 tubes and drives them really hard - the PR-102 with a remote, headphone amp, and phono stage costs about $800, says a *lot* about both AkitikA amps.
I am now assembling a GT-104, which is the discrete version of the GT-102 Z4, and it is available for roughly $625 assembled and tested and shipped (in the US at least). The kit is $200 less. The chassis' looks are the weak point - simple steel and paint. But boy oh boy - the sound quality is nothing short of stellar. Oh, I am using a couple of AC cords from Pine Tree Audio called Iso-Braid ($75-85 each) - this is something I had avoided in my 40-ish year audiophile journey. But these AC cords are way, way, way better than I could have imagined.
Great to learn about you experiences Neil. Thanks for all the support this year. Happy holidays to you and your family 😊👍
Please recommend an integrated amplifier with a subwoofer out.
love your channel my friend merry xmas /new yrs !! ps please give some British love and review musical fidelity m series intergrated amp …. would love to hear your opinion
Thank you. Shhh…. Watch this space 😉 Merry Christmas and happy new year to you too 🎅👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 is musical fidelity m series being reviewed then ? when brother?
I purchased an axa35 for my… 5th system and it is a wonderful departure from my other value minded amps
Cool 😎 thank you for sharing 👍
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you 😊
Upgrading 6sl7 on R8 with something like Linlai E series give such a huge upgrade to sound quality. You should try upgrade all the tubes. :)
I would like to do that 😊
Thank you, Tarun! I must say, I was expecting something much pricier for amp of the year crown. This is pleasant surprise. If I can ask for advice…
In new apartment I’m squeezed in sleeping room and for that purposes I have Triangle Borea BR02 for my only system in the flat. Now I’m in big dilemma. Should I go for Audiolab 6000A 2nd hand, or similar priced Cambridge Audio AXR85? Thanks!
Thank you. I haven’t heard the AXR85 but the 6000A should be a good match for the BR02s 😊
Thank you Tarun for a tip!
Happy Holidays!
To you too 👍
Yeah got to admit, surprisingly the R8 is not a bad Amp (at least something to start with). Been having tantalizing thoughts of replacing with their newer R300, but don't know if it's worth it to invest or wait later for a higher quality tube amp. The biggest rabbit hole cost is (and always will be) the tube rolling. I currently have Gold Lions KT88's and the vintage 5691's & 5692's (red base GE). Even though there will always be room for improvement, I'm satisfied with kicking back with a glass of wine almost every night and being in the center of the sound that comes out of the Pendragon's. Upstream, the Pontus 2 and older Conrad Johnson pre-amp help. Although looking to replace the Bluesound Node and was currently looking towards the Rose 250. But when visiting their site; it shows everything Sold Out for a while. Makes me think, "Why?" and leaves me with no confidence. Questioning future product support later down the road. Currently I've been wanting to (and going to) upgrade to the Cornwall IV's. I might wait to see what the future holds for a better (user friendly) music streamer than the Node at a Rose 250 price point.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Hi Tarun, your voice is the one I listen to when I’m looking for a fair review devoid of unnecessary gushing. I’m looking for an amp which is the best as it relates to soundstage width and depth. I currently have the Buchardt S400 mk2 and find them superb but lacking in soundstage width. I can’t help wondering if a change in amp/preamp might do the trick. They are being powered by some dated electronics, namely the McCormack DNA1, and the Melos Sha Gold Pre.
Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Thanx.
Fred
Thank you. The S400 Mk2s have reasonable soundstage width. If positioning in your room is optimal, I would try them with a Hegel amp 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thanks for your prompt response Tarun. Is there a particular Hegel model I should look to, again looking for optimal soundstage width.
@@scrutor7 I think you will notice improvements between the H95, H120 and H190. I wouldn’t go any higher 😊
Hello and thank you for your great reviews! I would like to ask, if for the double price here in Greece, Musical Fidelity M2si (800€) sounds better than Cambridge AXA35 (400€). My speakers are Sonus Faber Lumina II (4 ohm 86dB). Thank you in advance!
Thank you. Unfortunately, I haven’t tried the M2Si as yet 😊
any plans to review Schiit amps/preamps? They seem to be in price range that is your focus
They are. I hope to 😊
An idea for those who are getting too old for heavy equipment, try an OTC valve amplifier. Not you of cause, Tarun, you can obviously still lift amplifiers. Well at least some of them.
Thank you. I think my back and knees are creeping these days too 😂👍
I wonder how this AXA35 would compare sonically with an older Cambridge Azur A340, A540 or A640 from the nineties (providing they are still in good shape). No amps for me this year except a tiny Fosi Audio Tb10D just for fun an mobility.
It would be a nice comparison. Thank you for sharing 😊
I wonder if there's a price-appropriate comp (in the Cambridge line) to the Naim Nait 5si. If I were putting a system together from scratch, and I had the scratch, I'd need some real convincing to prefer something else over the Naim.
I do comparisons in the full review 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Ah yes, of course. Sorry about that one.
ABA , thank you for yours video , please compare new cambridge /mxn10 , vs nad cs1
Thank you Adam 🙂
I bough it , sounds good
I just purchased an AXA35 'certified refurbished' model from CambridgeAudioUSA on eBay, with a seasonal discount code, for just under $300USD. One note about the USB on the back - DO NOT CONNECT YOUR DAC! I connected my Modi 3 power to this and was getting significant signal noise. In the manual for AXA35 it states that any input device should not be powered by the USB power source on the amplifier. It causes an issue with the reference ground. When I powered my DAC using a wall-wart instead of the AXA35, the feedback noise went away.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Hopefully for those that buy the Rose it doesn’t go the same way as my Olive 4. That company vanished into the mist. Now I own a $3,500 paper weight 😔
Oh dear. Let’s hope not 😉
They have discount if u buy both units
I remember that unit and I looked at it myself
@@paulroscelli2545 It still works as it did but now the app to control it is gone and the remote doesn’t work, so you have to control it from the unit which is slow and inconvenient.
Though it is redundant now anyway because I use Tidal streaming on the iPad.
Tarun what a surprise a sub 400 pound amplifier makes your amplifier of the year award! The Cambridge axa 35 must be something special for it to have garnered that kind of attention from you! I’m very interested in having a good look at it now. I would be interested in what you would have to say about how it compares to the audio Lab 6000A? Or one of the less expensive Music Fidelity integrated amplifiers?
Well I seem to be responding to a lot of you videos, I hope your recognize the name. I have a few nice amps.. My reference is the Rega Aethos. I have make comments on it as well. I also have a Cyrus Dac 6 which is a very misunderstood brand in the US. I will say I love it and its beat out my Musical Fidelity and Arcam. Which I now no longer have .
I purchased the Cambridge receiver. The AXR85 for my sister last month. I did play it for a few days and it is based on this same amp your are awarding. I paid 449 in the states and all I can say is wow... It was very much on par with my arcam and MF... Sure the arcam had some better things about it. But for the money not far, not far enough to Justify the cost difference. I agree with you speaker pairing very much. I got my sister the B&W 607 s2 because they are being phased out and I got them for good price. The other reason, those speakers are a bit forward and can be bright. The Cambridge knew exactly how to tame them and it a very good match. Really for a grand, its hard to believe you ears.
I agree and great year and thank you. Keep it up.
Thank you for watching and sharing Jason. I am sure you sister will be delighted with that system 😊👍
Hugo TT 2 DAC & Headphone Amplifier
Vs
Musician Aquarius R2R DAC + Aries Headphone Amplifier and Preamp?
Out of curiosity (and, I'll admit, a little bit impatience), how's the review of the Exposure 3500 mono amps coming along?
Exposure are working though back orders so I will have to wait my turn 😊
Exactly how good is this CA amp? Is it of the order of the Pioneer A400 when that came out 30 years ago? Will it drive a pair of 88 db speakers at 8 ohms?
That would be an interesting comparison to try out 😊
I erased the last post because it was a Holiday Post.
.... I feel I may have made a big mistake in my purchases. I found a working 1955 V/M 11 Watt MONO Amp and it was my 1st and only ever. I became a TEEN around 1967 and tubes were out and A/B Amps were in and that's all I knew.
--- MY PROBLEM IS: I liked the little amp, so I invested in 3 more non-working V/M amps of the same as what I had that worked --- 3 years later those amps and about $2,000 dollars later are still at the HI-FI SHOP.
.... I pre-paid most of what I bought since I fear that something could or might have come along and made things impossible for me finish what I started.
..... Before Christmas I talked to my TECH and he agreed that I have NEVER EVER tried to rush him to complete the work... HE IS 81 Years OLD and has had this Business since 1965.
I see this equipment and I think.... I could have bought what you are reviewing instead & I don't have the EXPERIENCE to believe my amps are as good.... and it's really DRUG ME DOWN.
... NOW (currently) the cost of everything has risen, the tubes, the entire cost UP and while I haven't had to worry about this yet, I have mentioned to my TECH we'll deal with extra COST.
You can't cure this... I know that. All I want to know is are those little AMPS as good as what are on the markets today like these amps at more or less the same Cost.
--- but --- thats' impossible as well.
.................................... I'm Venting - m. ...................... sorry!
Hi Marvin, it seems to have been a real labour of love. Some old amps can sound amazing. Especially tube amps. I think you have to consider how much it will cost to get them up and running and what they will sell for if you weren’t happy with them. If you can get the circuit working, even if everything isn’t replaced, get them back to have a listen and them make a judgment call. Good luck 👍
Wow tubes are getting expensive. 100 dollars US for Gold Lion kt88. Even small 6922 tubes are 60 bucks US. With problems in China and Russia also concerned about supply. Western Electric will start making other tubes besides the 300b soon, but they will be pricey. They do have a 5 year warranty though. Cheers! Happy holidays.
Thank you Richard. Happy holidays to you too 🎅
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I'm having a good experience with RFT tubes. German made I believe. Very natural. About $50 for a 12AY7. Remind me of NOS Mullards and the like.
Hi sir I did buy the Cambridge audio AxA 35 I love it still waiting to upgrade my speaker's thank you for your help but could you recommend me a DAC please just for Spotify keep up the good work thanks again
Thank you Stuart. My shortlist would be…
Topping E30
Schiit Modi 3
IFi Zen
Good luck 👍
Do you have any videos about ideal amplification for Magnepan speakers? Or for vintage Quad ESL-57s? I'd love to own a Willseton 800i, but that's not a good match I'm told.
No video but a Hegel would be a good place to start 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks. Yes, many mention Hegel with Magnepan. But Quad ESL-57s? I've been warned that too much power can damage the Quads? Is that true? So with Quads maybe the smaller Hegel 95?
@@issadad speakers are generally damaged by underpowered amps distorting rather than too much power 😊
Trying a Reisong A50, due in early Jan. The AX35 needs a streamer recommendation from you
Cool 😎 People seem to like the WiiM 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Tarun, I’m on a tighter budget these days so this suits!