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Amplifier

  • 26-05-2015 08:58AM
    #1
    kave2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 624 ✭✭✭


    Hi, anyone owns Cambridge Audio stuff, specifically amplifier. I was told on other forums that they have very poor quality control. Any truth to it? Anyone got bad experience with their products?

    I'm looking to buy Monitor audio silver 8 speakers and amp. The CXA80/60 seems to be great, specially CXA80 ticks all the boxes. Marantz PM7005 is on the list too. Any recommendations?


Comments

  • #2
    Slaphead07
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,323 ✭✭✭Slaphead07


    I would have rated Cambridge as one of the better entry level brands and I've often confidently recommended them for friends getting into hifi. I never heard of issues with build quality.


  • #3
    kave2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 624 ✭✭✭kave2


    Slaphead07 wrote: »
    I would have rated Cambridge as one of the better entry level brands and I've often confidently recommended them for friends getting into hifi. I never heard of issues with build quality.

    Which one of these would you go for? Which one would suit the Silver 8 more? Speakers are rated at 200W.
    CXA80 is more powerfull 2*120W, Marantz is 2*80W. Both of them have optical and usb-b. Cambridge CX is very new series and there are no reviews yet. Marantz is getting good reviews.

    Maybe recommend something else?
    Thanks a lot.


  • #4
    padraig_f
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,335 ✭✭✭padraig_f


    I bought a DacMagic a while back, I think there was some problem with power supplies on some of them, but didn't affect mine. I found the customer service good, I either broke or lost my power supply, and they sent me out a new one free.


  • #5
    akaSol
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 717 ✭✭✭akaSol


    I think it depends on what your running through it -
    PM7005 is a great amp for the €800 - plenty of detail with (the all important ) digital inputs. The USB DAC is really a blessing for those who love 24 Bit Audio.
    My only feeling is the Phono input is somewhat underwhelming compared to the digital side
    Arcam's a19 for counter balance has a far better sounding phono (IMO) but zero digital inputs.

    Having not heard the Cambridge I can't pass comment on it but 2*120w @4Ohm would suit the speakers better (more sound at lower volumes)

    >Sol


  • #6
    kave2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 624 ✭✭✭kave2


    akaSol wrote: »
    I think it depends on what your running through it -
    PM7005 is a great amp for the €800 - plenty of detail with (the all important ) digital inputs. The USB DAC is really a blessing for those who love 24 Bit Audio.
    My only feeling is the Phono input is somewhat underwhelming compared to the digital side
    Arcam's a19 for counter balance has a far better sounding phono (IMO) but zero digital inputs.

    Having not heard the Cambridge I can't pass comment on it but 2*120w @4Ohm would suit the speakers better (more sound at lower volumes)

    >Sol

    Thanks for reply.
    I like the Cambridge bit more.

    Still considering going with amp and dac separately. It will cost me more thought.
    Decisions, decisions...


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  • #7
    kave2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 624 ✭✭✭kave2


    Ended up getting Cambridge CXA80 + CXN and Monitor audio Silver 8 speakers. Sounds amazing, really happy with it.


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