I have Dali Spektor 2 with Cambridge AXA35 amp and AXC35 CD player for past 3 years. This is by far the most astonishing and satisfying performance for the past 30 years with numerous combinations I have. I always have a smile whenever listening to music through this amazing combination…….”No Music No Life”.
I tried an open box as301. No detail w marantz cd6006 and emotiva bookshelf. Axa35 gives me all the subtle details on voice and instruments. Gorgeous sound.
I sold Yamaha amp years ago when the yamaha introduced the loudness control, it was introduced to enhance bass naturally. All other amps would have a "loudness" button you would press at low volume to bump up the bass (a bass boost). So Yamaha came up with the idea of rolling off the mids and highs instead. Its work like this, you crank up the volume and get a nice bass tone going and then you use the loudness control to roll back the mids and highs thus bringing down the amp to a lower listen level but allowing the amp to drive the bass with full current going to it, thus no artificial boost but yet a strong bass response. Its quite a brilliant idea and works well when you understand what it does and how to teak it. It's great with klipsch speakers that can be a bit forward in it projection of sound. The loudness control helps tame that. This also help with speakers that have low bass output because you drive a lot of current to the bass.
In my experience with the A-S301, the loudness control can subtract the mids and - as you suggested - enhances the lower frequencies when the volume is increased, but also the detailed highs, so essentially it's like having a midrange control, and that was the main reason I chose this amplifier. That, and the controls are instantly adjustable with actual physical knobs, so no fiddling with "menus" on the fly.
Thanks! I strongly prefer these type of subjective comparative reviews to reviews of individual products - more insight and perspective on what might be better suited to one's taste.
Thanks for the nice reviews. Your tastes in Audio irror mine. I have been an audiophile for some 50 years. I still enjoy good audio. I am using Lowthers in backloaded horn.
Hi, I just ordered the AXA35 from Crutchfield, it should be here Wednesday 12/1. It is for my study and will drive my Pioneer Bs-22-LR speakers. Thanks again!
Hi, got everything hooked up and the sound is beautiful ! Today I played my Bluetooth using my desktop audio and FM on my Sony HD tuner , The sound was smooth and detailed. You forget about judging things and just enjoy the music. The amp ran totally cool and tomorrow I will try listening to some records and CD’s. I LOVE it!
I bought this Yamaha amp for use in a second system. I find its sound to be fairly even, clear, a little laid back, smooth, reasonably detailed and easy to listen to, and has plenty of power when needed. I prefer to use my own outboard DACs which are a little livelier than the inbuilt one, although that is a good DAC. No evidence of any thinness or edginess found in the sound at all.
Some things left out are the Cambridge has a Torridal transformer, better build quality and longer warranty than the Yamaha. The AXA35 is more entry level HIFI where the Yamaha is more mass market. I have an AXA35 with a Schiit Modi 3+ in my medium the size living room with some small bookshelves and it sounds great... It comes pretty close to my Arcam SA10, which is almost $900 dollars
Actually Cambridge is sold at almost every hifi store unlike the Yamaha Also Cambridge are notorious for reliability issues, both technical and hardware I've seen literally hundreds of Cambridge on the used market with faults and repairs whereas couldn't even remember one Yamaha with issues
I have the Cambridge axr85 and the Yamaha as501, and I'm certain these 2 have a similar comparison and are really too different for any sort of comparison and more about personal preference. To me, it's like comparing a performance auto and a luxury auto in the same price range, both are good at what they are intended to do with that being 2 different things.
The Yamaha is Very Good indeed, more so a great value with the DAC......However adding a Schiit Modi+ for $129 to the AXA35 makes the Cambridge nearly untouchable in sound quality under $1,000.
Can you hook up a reasonable priced cd player to it without it affecting the sound too much? Or even say, a bluray player as a transport (seeing you have added a dac)? Cheers
It’s a very clear choice for me the Cambridge everybody should just go buy an external Dac you can buy one for $50 up to 20,000 A Dac is the least of your problems to me get the right amplifier than figure out the digital
Hello sir First of all thanx for all the informative videos … I am using Harman kardon av receiver 7.1 channel with polk audio S20 bookshelf speakers + klipsch C16II (ceiling) + Boston CR55(Rear Surround) …. I just hooked up Yamaha AX496 stereo amp to the front pre outs of the av receiver to drive only the front Polk S20’s and I cud feel the huge difference in the texture and refined bass … I am getting a detailed sound with that punch of base of audiophile level…I recently got a deal for cambridge audio Azur740a (Second Hand) & my question is will it improve further sound + bass that I am getting from current set up (as yamaha has loudness control knob which I have adjusted to get maximum mid tone and highs and then adjusted the bass to +6db inside the av receiver to get proper balanced sound) plz guide Cambridge audio azur740a VS yamaha Ax496
really great video! Exactly the comparison I was looking for. I have the Node 2i. If I bought the Cambridge (with no optical input) and used RCA out of the Node to the Cambridge, will this still sound OK?
Loved the AXA35 that i had, but word of advice, don't push the gain too high into 6 ohms medium sensitive speakersfor too long regularly. Low end might suffer a bit, but more importantly even at levels well below distortion, at those draws you can generate more heat than the amp can handle. This is speaking from experience.
Hi Anil, I don’t think you can go wrong with the axr 100 or either of the 2 reviewed here. Wharfedale speakers make an excellent pairing and would suit Indian music 🎶
Thanks JR. I think the power supply is better designed with more current capabilities than the 202. Also, signal path and amp topography appears to contribute to better sound.
I just got the axa35 and feel that it is not very dynamic especially down in the bass. It's not so much the lack of bass but that what's there is slow. Could you recommend a sub $500 integrated amp w/phono stage that has more punch/dynamics?
Hello! I highly recommend the acoustic energy AE100, 109 for budget speakers. Well balanced, regardless of which model you get. If you like a bit of warmth, try the Wharfedale Denton series. If you prefer a slightly bright sound, try the B&W 60X S3.
The axa35 does not have a built in DAC. If your digital sources (CD player, streamer, etc) already have an internal you don't need necessarily need another DAC to enjoy music.
Interesting but 95% of people don’t need more than 15-20 watts of good power. Good power! Yes, you can have a 6 watt tube amp that sounds fuller, meatier, and tonally more accurate than a 100 Watt SS. The quality of the watts matter, not the quantity. I would take the Cambridge over the Yamaha any day because its tone and timber are more accurate regardless of the watts.
Very true. The quality of the first few watts absolutely matters. And that’s why I prefer the puny 2watt decware zen, Rega IO, Brio, Elex, Prima Luna, audio research vsi 60 etc. But they cost a lofty lot and are really specialized for an application; high efficiency or small room listening.
I own both of those amps along with about a dozen more. The Yamaha will blow the Cambridge away hands down. I also have dozens of speakers and never did the Cambridge come close to the yamaha. The Cambridge axa35 is just plain dull and lifeless compared to the Yamaha. That Yamaha is the best bang for the buck amp you can buy for the price. It doesn't compare to my Hegel or Mcintosh amps but for the price... no brainer.
Hi Rohit...I am looking for a well regarded Integrated Amplifier that will provide an excellent audiophile performance. My dream model is Audiolab 6000A considering it's acceptance in the Audiophile community and it's price in India. For me it is super expensive in India - Approx INR 90K. But still I wanted to save some money and buy this in my next opportunity. Few questions: 1. I already own the Quad Vena Integrated Amplifier which did cost half the price of 6000A. Is it worth upgrading from Vena to 6000A spending double price and will 6000A provide exceptional good performance compared to Vena? 2. Cambridge Audio AXR-100 is available in India for reasonable price, Approx. 50K. Will AXR-100 will be better than 6000A in terms of value vs performance? - I already own Yamaha RN-602. 3. In my scenario, 6000A will be a valuable upgrade from Vena and R-N602? Please let me know your thoughts
Hi Vinod, I finally got my hands on an Audiolab 6000A so review coming in a week or two. I have not heard the Vena, but if the Cambridge AXR100 is only slightly over half of the 6000a, then that gives pause for thought. The AXR 100 gets some superb reviews. Having said all that, this 6000a is very impressive sounding for the hour or so that I’ve been listening to it. How is the Rega Brio / ElexR priced in India?
@@analogholic_reviews Happy to know that you got the 6000A and eagerly waiting for your review. Rega Brio costs almost same as 6000A Approx INR 80K and the Elex-R costs Approx INR 130K. I know Regas are excellent units however it doesn't come with built-in DAC. My preference would be one with an excellent built-in DAC like 6000A. Btw... did you get a chance to review Fyne Audio F302?
Hi there. I can get access to the F303 in a week or two for review. BTW the 6000A built in DAC is superb! But the built in phono is just ok. I hope to do a comparison of the amp vs Brio soon.
Cambridge CXA line is best sounding of your models, not sure if you can pick those up cheap in India? Rega Exel-R is better sounding than the 6000a IMO.
You are right in that the Yammie is almost double the output. And you can see it anyway you like. They cost the same and double the output doesn’t guarantee sonic superiority. Much more to sound quality than wattage from an amp. And ppl like me can do well enough with 30w.
I'd absolutely say the IO and Brio are a step up. Especially for the phono stage. That said the price is also a step up. (I have an AXA 35 on my smaller 2 channel, and a Brio on my larger one. The larger one started with an IO).
@@analogholic_reviews That's my fear with Cambridge. Reliability. Then you read stories about their customer service being tough to get ahold of. The only model that I've seen with zero reliability issues are the CXA models CXA 61 and CXA 81 which are more expensive models. Would love to try out the AXA 35 but fear of the unknown in reliability 🤷
![[Sound Battle] Arcam SA10 vs Yamaha A-S301 w/KEF Q350 BEST Integrated Amplifier for the MONEY.](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ohWyqJU3VDU/mqdefault.jpg)
I have Dali Spektor 2 with Cambridge AXA35 amp and AXC35 CD player for past 3 years. This is by far the most astonishing and satisfying performance for the past 30 years with numerous combinations I have. I always have a smile whenever listening to music through this amazing combination…….”No Music No Life”.
I tried an open box as301. No detail w marantz cd6006 and emotiva bookshelf. Axa35 gives me all the subtle details on voice and instruments. Gorgeous sound.
I sold Yamaha amp years ago when the yamaha introduced the loudness control, it was introduced to enhance bass naturally. All other amps would have a "loudness" button you would press at low volume to bump up the bass (a bass boost). So Yamaha came up with the idea of rolling off the mids and highs instead. Its work like this, you crank up the volume and get a nice bass tone going and then you use the loudness control to roll back the mids and highs thus bringing down the amp to a lower listen level but allowing the amp to drive the bass with full current going to it, thus no artificial boost but yet a strong bass response. Its quite a brilliant idea and works well when you understand what it does and how to teak it. It's great with klipsch speakers that can be a bit forward in it projection of sound. The loudness control helps tame that. This also help with speakers that have low bass output because you drive a lot of current to the bass.
In my experience with the A-S301, the loudness control can subtract the mids and - as you suggested - enhances the lower frequencies when the volume is increased, but also the detailed highs, so essentially it's like having a midrange control, and that was the main reason I chose this amplifier. That, and the controls are instantly adjustable with actual physical knobs, so no fiddling with "menus" on the fly.
Thanks!
I strongly prefer these type of subjective comparative reviews to reviews of individual products - more insight and perspective on what might be better suited to one's taste.
Thank you 🙏! I always try for comparisons but I don’t always have the luxury of having both at the same time. Sometimes I get lucky 😆
Wow your hitting all the right notes for the budget audiophile. Congratulations with a great channel
Thanks for the nice reviews. Your tastes in Audio irror mine. I have been an audiophile for some 50 years. I still enjoy good audio. I am using Lowthers in backloaded horn.
Hi, I just ordered the AXA35 from Crutchfield, it should be here Wednesday 12/1. It is for my study and will drive my Pioneer Bs-22-LR speakers. Thanks again!
That’s good to hear! Let us know how you like it.
Hi, got everything hooked up and the sound is beautiful ! Today I played my Bluetooth using my desktop audio and FM on my Sony HD tuner , The sound was smooth and detailed. You forget about judging things and just enjoy the music. The amp ran totally cool and tomorrow I will try listening to some records and CD’s. I LOVE it!
@@johndangelo3989 That's great to hear, John! Spend some time with vinyl and CDs and report back to us on how you think of it performs!
I bought this Yamaha amp for use in a second system. I find its sound to be fairly even, clear, a little laid back, smooth, reasonably detailed and easy to listen to, and has plenty of power when needed. I prefer to use my own outboard DACs which are a little livelier than the inbuilt one, although that is a good DAC. No evidence of any thinness or edginess found in the sound at all.
For music, I would go with Cambridge, and depend upon the DAC in my CD player.
Some things left out are the Cambridge has a Torridal transformer, better build quality and longer warranty than the Yamaha. The AXA35 is more entry level HIFI where the Yamaha is more mass market. I have an AXA35 with a Schiit Modi 3+ in my medium the size living room with some small bookshelves and it sounds great... It comes pretty close to my Arcam SA10, which is almost $900 dollars
Thanks for adding that. I try, but at times miss details that are important. Appreciate your feedback!
Actually Cambridge is sold at almost every hifi store unlike the Yamaha
Also Cambridge are notorious for reliability issues, both technical and hardware
I've seen literally hundreds of Cambridge on the used market with faults and repairs whereas couldn't even remember one Yamaha with issues
@@ArtVandelayOfficial over the last 5 years Cambridge has improved, for my over $500 gear, I choose Arcam for reliability and 5 year warranty.
Bull crap the yamaha smokes the Cambridge
@@burton7023 ah, I don't think so...
Good comparison, thanks fo posting this.
I have the Cambridge axr85 and the Yamaha as501, and I'm certain these 2 have a similar comparison and are really too different for any sort of comparison and more about personal preference. To me, it's like comparing a performance auto and a luxury auto in the same price range, both are good at what they are intended to do with that being 2 different things.
The Yamaha is Very Good indeed, more so a great value with the DAC......However adding a Schiit Modi+ for $129 to the AXA35 makes the Cambridge nearly untouchable in sound quality under $1,000.
Can you hook up a reasonable priced cd player to it without it affecting the sound too much? Or even say, a bluray player as a transport (seeing you have added a dac)? Cheers
That helped me a lot! Thanks!
I find digital has more clarity. My music is fed through the qed reference optical into the as301 and sounds sublime.
It’s a very clear choice for me the Cambridge everybody should just go buy an external Dac you can buy one for $50 up to 20,000 A Dac is the least of your problems to me get the right amplifier than figure out the digital
Hello sir First of all thanx for all the informative videos … I am using Harman kardon av receiver 7.1 channel with polk audio S20 bookshelf speakers + klipsch C16II (ceiling) + Boston CR55(Rear Surround) …. I just hooked up Yamaha AX496 stereo amp to the front pre outs of the av receiver to drive only the front Polk S20’s and I cud feel the huge difference in the texture and refined bass … I am getting a detailed sound with that punch of base of audiophile level…I recently got a deal for cambridge audio Azur740a (Second Hand) & my question is will it improve further sound + bass that I am getting from current set up (as yamaha has loudness control knob which I have adjusted to get maximum mid tone and highs and then adjusted the bass to +6db inside the av receiver to get proper balanced sound) plz guide Cambridge audio azur740a VS yamaha Ax496
Thanks, your review was very informative.
really great video! Exactly the comparison I was looking for. I have the Node 2i. If I bought the Cambridge (with no optical input) and used RCA out of the Node to the Cambridge, will this still sound OK?
Thanks. Yes, the Node 2i's internal DAC is not bad at all. So it should sound quite good!
Loved the AXA35 that i had, but word of advice, don't push the gain too high into 6 ohms medium sensitive speakersfor too long regularly. Low end might suffer a bit, but more importantly even at levels well below distortion, at those draws you can generate more heat than the amp can handle. This is speaking from experience.
It's only rated for 8ohms
@@allwayzactive4599 yes, and now I know why.
Camebridge axr 100 is good amp?.. Which speakers u can suggest.. For indian music.?
Hi Anil, I don’t think you can go wrong with the axr 100 or either of the 2 reviewed here. Wharfedale speakers make an excellent pairing and would suit Indian music 🎶
I am 80 years old. Now-a-days I am gravitating towards a TV Centric System. Can you please review a few compromised speakers that are powered.
Do you have an AV receiver or preamp? Or are you looking for a soundbar?
@@analogholic_reviews I used to have AXA35 amplifier
Excellent useful comparison. Would you be able to review Marantz PM5005 when you get a chance?
Thanks Vinod. RE: Marantz P5005, I would have to buy a used unit to review as this is a discontinued model.
Marantz would be a more warmer sounding amplifier not as clear as the Cambridge
I haven’t heard the PM5005 but Steve’s comment makes sense given the other Marantz units I’ve listened to some time ago
Thanks for your great channel and reviews
How you compare Cambridge to Marantz pm6007 and Pioneer a-40ae?
Kind regards and best wishes
Thank you for the best wishes, Mohammed! I’ve not had a chance to listen to the Marantz or the Pioneer units.
@@analogholic_reviews
Thanks again and kind regards and best wishes
Was the phono section better in either of these amps?
Great review! Do you think the Yamaha As301 has more power than the Yamaha RS202. Even though the 202 is rated at more power. Thanks!
Thanks JR. I think the power supply is better designed with more current capabilities than the 202. Also, signal path and amp topography appears to contribute to better sound.
Given the 25 watts how would the Cambridge work with a pair of Klipsch Forte III's compared to the Yamaha?
Totally fine, those are very high efficient speakers.
Do these sound as good as vintage tube amps on the phono stage. I had a Sansui 551, nothing fancy. How would these compare?
They will sound different from vintage tube amps. It also depends on what speakers you are using.
is 86 dB 6 Ohms included in the medium low efficiency speaker?
how about paired with elac b5.2?
86db is medium efficiency if the speakers are actually measure at that level. Typically manufactures overcall this metric.
I just got the axa35 and feel that it is not very dynamic especially down in the bass. It's not so much the lack of bass but that what's there is slow. Could you recommend a sub $500 integrated amp w/phono stage that has more punch/dynamics?
You could try the Yamaha AS301. Or the Cambridge axr100
Please tell me some affordable speakers I could pair with AXA35?
Hello!
I highly recommend the acoustic energy AE100, 109 for budget speakers. Well balanced, regardless of which model you get.
If you like a bit of warmth, try the Wharfedale Denton series. If you prefer a slightly bright sound, try the B&W 60X S3.
If I bought the Cambridge would I have to buy a separate dac?
The axa35 does not have a built in DAC. If your digital sources (CD player, streamer, etc) already have an internal you don't need necessarily need another DAC to enjoy music.
@@analogholic_reviews ok,thank you so much,appreciate it
Interesting but 95% of people don’t need more than 15-20 watts of good power. Good power! Yes, you can have a 6 watt tube amp that sounds fuller, meatier, and tonally more accurate than a 100 Watt SS. The quality of the watts matter, not the quantity. I would take the Cambridge over the Yamaha any day because its tone and timber are more accurate regardless of the watts.
Very true. The quality of the first few watts absolutely matters. And that’s why I prefer the puny 2watt decware zen, Rega IO, Brio, Elex, Prima Luna, audio research vsi 60 etc. But they cost a lofty lot and are really specialized for an application; high efficiency or small room listening.
I own both of those amps along with about a dozen more. The Yamaha will blow the Cambridge away hands down. I also have dozens of speakers and never did the Cambridge come close to the yamaha. The Cambridge axa35 is just plain dull and lifeless compared to the Yamaha. That Yamaha is the best bang for the buck amp you can buy for the price. It doesn't compare to my Hegel or Mcintosh amps but for the price... no brainer.
Hi Rohit...I am looking for a well regarded Integrated Amplifier that will provide an excellent audiophile performance. My dream model is Audiolab 6000A considering it's acceptance in the Audiophile community and it's price in India. For me it is super expensive in India - Approx INR 90K. But still I wanted to save some money and buy this in my next opportunity. Few questions:
1. I already own the Quad Vena Integrated Amplifier which did cost half the price of 6000A. Is it worth upgrading from Vena to 6000A spending double price and will 6000A provide exceptional good performance compared to Vena?
2. Cambridge Audio AXR-100 is available in India for reasonable price, Approx. 50K. Will AXR-100 will be better than 6000A in terms of value vs performance? - I already own Yamaha RN-602.
3. In my scenario, 6000A will be a valuable upgrade from Vena and R-N602?
Please let me know your thoughts
Hi Vinod, I finally got my hands on an Audiolab 6000A so review coming in a week or two. I have not heard the Vena, but if the Cambridge AXR100 is only slightly over half of the 6000a, then that gives pause for thought. The AXR 100 gets some superb reviews. Having said all that, this 6000a is very impressive sounding for the hour or so that I’ve been listening to it. How is the Rega Brio / ElexR priced in India?
@@analogholic_reviews Happy to know that you got the 6000A and eagerly waiting for your review. Rega Brio costs almost same as 6000A Approx INR 80K and the Elex-R costs Approx INR 130K. I know Regas are excellent units however it doesn't come with built-in DAC. My preference would be one with an excellent built-in DAC like 6000A. Btw... did you get a chance to review Fyne Audio F302?
Hi there. I can get access to the F303 in a week or two for review. BTW the 6000A built in DAC is superb! But the built in phono is just ok. I hope to do a comparison of the amp vs Brio soon.
I would skip all of those get a Rega Brio with a good external DAC and never look back.
Cambridge CXA line is best sounding of your models, not sure if you can pick those up cheap in India? Rega Exel-R is better sounding than the 6000a IMO.
Comparison is a bit apple to oranges.. as both have a different watts/ output; infact Yamaha is double.
Am I correct in saying this
You are right in that the Yammie is almost double the output. And you can see it anyway you like. They cost the same and double the output doesn’t guarantee sonic superiority. Much more to sound quality than wattage from an amp. And ppl like me can do well enough with 30w.
Would you say the Rega IO is a step above these two (for pure sound quality)?
Yes, IMHO the IO is a significant step up in sound quality. Even more so when using the built in phono.
I'd absolutely say the IO and Brio are a step up. Especially for the phono stage. That said the price is also a step up. (I have an AXA 35 on my smaller 2 channel, and a Brio on my larger one. The larger one started with an IO).
Absolutely
You get what you pay for
AXA is Crap.......mine lastet 2 weeks, before the left channel failed.
Ouch… that’d be frustrating. I hope the seller rectified it somehow.
@@analogholic_reviews
That's my fear with Cambridge. Reliability. Then you read stories about their customer service being tough to get ahold of. The only model that I've seen with zero reliability issues are the CXA models CXA 61 and CXA 81 which are more expensive models. Would love to try out the AXA 35 but fear of the unknown in reliability 🤷