Cambridge Audio AXA35 | Best $350 Int. amp?

[@johndangelo3989]

Thank you VERY much (again) for your excellent video. My AXA 35 from Crutchfield arrived this evening only one and a half days from when I ordered it. I will be installing it tomorrow. My study is 11x12 and this where the system will be installed. My speakers there are the Pioneer BS22-LR which are 6 ohms impedance. I was concerned about the 6 ohm impedance that the speakers presented, but once I heard you mention that you used 6 ohm impedance speakers without any problems, I let out a sigh of relief. Thank you for mentioning the impedance! The rest of my system is a Denon DP300f turntable running a Grado Green cartridge, an audio engine B1 Bluetooth adaptor. A Denon CD player and a Sony HD tuner. I really am looking forward to playing some of my albums tomorrow! No kidding, I really have you to thank for this amp. Happy holidays!

[@analogholic_reviews]

Sounds like you have a bad ass system, John! Enjoy some tunes and happy holidays sir!

[@johndangelo3989]

@@analogholic_reviews hi again, Thanks for your nice reply! I just want to say that tonight I had a little free time and tuned to Linn Classical. I caught an aria by a soprano. Absolutely beautiful! This amp is a keeper for sure! I wish you and your family Love, laughter and good health! Happy holidays!🎄

[@udmbfckx2916]

For Budget audioholics needing a DAC, buy the Schiit Modi+ for $129 and you will have the Winner in the "Under $500" Category. Heck I dare say it would outcompete the majority of its competitors up to $1,000. Well done Cambridge.

[@acescok]

excellent review mate.

[@theranova99]

As an Alan Parsons fan, can't wait to hear his stuff on my new AXA35

[@analogholic_reviews]

Fun! What speakers are you using?

[@andrehb]

Great review, thanks

[@scottbennett3119]

Hi Analogholic, love your honesty. I recently bought this amp and have tried a couple of sets of speakers with it. Did you notice a somewhat elevated top end in the 6 to 9 kilohertz range?

[@briang530]

This amp pairs great with my Dali Oberon 1s on my smaller system. It was very good with Q3030 and 3020s as well. That said a 3x the price Rega Brio sounds better.

[@analogholic_reviews]

IMHO the Brio is superb value @ its retail price

[@briang530]

@@analogholic_reviews I don't disagree. While usually relatively pricy in Canada, I got mine on my slightly larger system for C$800 (floor demo), which was a steal. By the way, great channel! Your reviews are probably the most honest, straightforward ones 8n this platform!

[@analogholic_reviews]

@@briang530 nice score, Brian! And thank you sir!

[@matt.pma.kresnaputra5458]

Im building a new system rn for my new apartment. Im thinking of not doing speakers since i like studying with headphones. Considering this item. Im about to buy a used NAD 3020 though… we’ll see if the cambridge kicks it out when they function as headphone amps.

[@stephencosta6814]

I love your reviews I bought the shit agshe amplifier based on your recommendations I love it👍👍🙏🏻🙏🏻🥰

[@analogholic_reviews]

Thank you! The Schitt Aegir is an awesome amp with the right speakers. I love mine!

[@stephencosta6814]

@@analogholic_reviews I have the Tekton lore speakers 96 DB efficiency I can drive them literally with a 2 watt amplifier

[@analogholic_reviews]

The Tektons are speakers that are highly regarded! I keep a lookout to see if something pops up FS but people seem to hang out to the Lore of Lore reference. Plus Eric is a great guy!

[@stephencosta6814]

@@analogholic_reviews 100% best speakers I ever had I ordered mines what an upgraded crossover manDolph Capacitors I heard speakers three times more money than these $5000 range they did not sound as good 👍 💪

[@johndickinson8848]

Good review. You might add links to the music you described as a reference.

[@analogholic_reviews]

Thanks 🙏 and that’s a great idea!

[@jakediaz6408]

Want to know your opinion on how it stacks against the denon pma 600. Cant help but compare since they are both on the affordable side. Thanks!

[@analogholic_reviews]

Hi Jake, sorry, I have not listened to the PMA600. It does have a built in DAC, which is missing in the AXA35 if that's a feature you need.

[@briang530]

At the risk of sounding like a fanboy based on my previous response, this video came up again in KZbin's autoplay and I realized I hadn't really tested the phono stage much with Piano tracks. Pollini's renditions of Chopin's 'Winter Wind' and 'Ocean' was surprisingly articulate and detailed. Especially the crescendos in the latter track.

[@analogholic_reviews]

Hi Brian! Thanks for sharing that specific track. Now I must check it out 🙏

[@chaindrive98]

Don't know how I missed your channel. Very well reviewed!! Will this power tower speakers? I currently have GoldenEar AON3 bookshelves, but planning to move to towers and get rid of subwoofer and other clutter. If towers, what kinda towers should I look at? I listen to warm music, like the likes of Neil Diamon,Leonard Cohen and a lot of Indian tracks (of course). Thanks!

[@analogholic_reviews]

Thank you 🙏! This amp would drive easy (resistive load) towers like say the wharfedales quite well and will complement your ears with a warmer tone (I think).

[@analogholic_reviews]

Also, good taste. Leonard Cohen’s music is amazing!

[@chaindrive98]

@@analogholic_reviews Thank you. Just got word from a local dealer that he has a brand new Arcam FMJ A19 for a similar price as the CA AXA35. Have you listened to Arcam? If so, would it be better than the AXA35?

[@analogholic_reviews]

@@chaindrive98 hi there, I had owned the A29 FMJ for about a year. While it initially appealed with resolution, I honestly found it lacking in dynamics and it made my piano pieces sound lackluster a excessively polite IMHO

[@chaindrive98]

@@analogholic_reviews Thank you! So, from what I understand, the CXA35 will be better than the A19 in the dynamics department - overall, a good allrounder.

[@pietervandenberghe]

Hi, I'm looking at a first decent setup centred around vinyl records, and am seriously considering this amp. I would pair it with a Pro-Ject EVO tt and Klipsch RP-160m speakers. Room is not too big (around 3500ft³ or 100m³) and I would mainly be listening to classical/jazz/instrumental. I'm hesitating to spend more on the axr85, wondering if really need the extra power for my needs. If the axr85 sound is better, I'm willing to spend extra. Also, any comments on the Klipsch for this setup and music style? Thanks!

[@analogholic_reviews]

Hi Pieter, it depends on the music you enjoy. IMHO the Klipsch are dynamic sounding but thin in the mids. So if you listen to music that is typically very well recorded and midrange is essential, then I would recommend something more like the wharfedales that are budget friendly. Your listening space is probably not too demanding as far as power on concerned so the AX35 is a good amp but if you can stretch to the Rega IO, you will love it especially since its built in phono is amazing. Your choice of TT should be good to start. But at that range , I would recommend exploring the Rega P1. IMHO the Rega P1 + Io combo will give you longer term satisfaction. But if the system you have in mind costs considerably less, then go for and enjoy the music. You may discover your sonic preferences after listening a while.

[@pietervandenberghe]

@@analogholic_reviews Thanks for the reply!

[@mailkrisvamsi]

Hey … I have a yamaha WXC-50 as the input and Tangent spectrum X4 speakers. Would this amp do justice?

[@analogholic_reviews]

I’m sorry, sir. I have not listened to the spectrum x4.

[@abdsdfgdf4562]

Would the Paradigm Premier 200b speakers be overkill for this amp? If so, what would you recommend for those speakers? Thanks!

[@analogholic_reviews]

I have not heard the 200bs, but looking up the spec and all, I think it might be a good fit

[@abdsdfgdf4562]

@@analogholic_reviews Thanks! I was also eyeing the Brio as well, but was curious to see how this would perform.

[@analogholic_reviews]

@@abdsdfgdf4562 bruh... The Brio makes me grin every time 😆

[@Audioloon]

Alan Parsons!! Yeah, I love progressive music from the 70's era too. Wow, an amp that can capture and reproduce the "atmosphere" of the recording. Very useful video for sure. This video also makes me wonder about the C.A. AXA25 that retails for about $250. There is nothing like having a music presentation with the fidelity preserved intact. Thank you for this video. Which speaker pair really nailed it with the appropriate atmosphere?

[@analogholic_reviews]

The B&W 606S2 and Vandersteen 2cis. Yes, im curious about the smaller AXA25 as well.

[@Audioloon]

@@analogholic_reviews Those B&W speakers with the C.A. just might be the budget ticket if applying cost averaging for the whole kit. Thank you again for all the reviews. Also, I am really connecting with your taste in music too. Have a good day and stay safe.

[@analogholic_reviews]

@@Audioloon most welcome and thank you!

[@DougMen1]

The 25 seems to have a bit fuller midrange, but not as bright treble as the 35. But, the 25 also seems to have a bit more punch, judging from the KZbin comparisons I've heard done by E Project

[@briang530]

My AXA35 paired very well with Q3020s and Dali Oberon 1s also. I ended up keeping the Dali's and returning the Qs. Disclaimer would be that I'm considering upgrading to a Rega Io once I can demo one. This potential upgrade is based on my experience with the Brio whose phono stage does sound considerably better with my P2/Goldring E3 deck setup. The AXA35 leaves very little to be desired for the price with a Node 2i and lively little stand speaker such as the Oberon 1. Edit - the phono stage on the AXA35 is unbelievably good for the price. Just not as good as the Brio that costs nearly C$1000 more. I'm hoping that the Io might be a sweet spot here.

[@EmilianoLoconsolo]

Have you compared it with Nad 316bee v2? Which one do you prefer?

[@analogholic_reviews]

Hi, I have not heard the 316bee. I will try to get one for comparison.

[@redskysaturn75]

how is the axa25, im thinking of getting it

[@VinodKumar-gx7wj]

Hi Rohit...I understand that the built in Phono of AXA35 is very good. How does it compare with the Phono of Audiolab 6000A and Rega Brio? Overall sonically how does it compare with the Audiolab 6000A and Rega Brio?

[@analogholic_reviews]

When comparing built in phonos alone, the 6000A is kinda blah. Brio>AXA35. Overall sound quality (IMHO) Brio>6000A>AXA35.

[@VinodKumar-gx7wj]

@@analogholic_reviews Thanks Rohit for sharing your opinion. I have one more quick question... between the AXA-35 and Rega IO, which one will be a better performer?

[@analogholic_reviews]

@@VinodKumar-gx7wj Hi Vinod. Rega IO is a better performing integrated amp.

[@raymondbermudez8605]

Hi. Just chiming in. Can I use the Rega IO for about 8-9 hrs a day? I'll be using it on a desktop near field set up, so may maybe 70db or below. Thanks

[@analogholic_reviews]

@@raymondbermudez8605 what speakers will you be using?

[@geevee1045]

Any chance you might test the bigger brothers of this amp, the 60wpc CXA61 or 100wpc AXR100 receiver? Thanks.

[@analogholic_reviews]

I’ve been considering the axr85 which is only a little more than the axa35. But first I’d like to finish working through a few cartridge and TT pieces to review. How I wish I could just do this full time! Ha, maybe someday. My day job currently wears me out 😝.

[@geevee1045]

@@analogholic_reviews Look forward to it. Thx

[@StealingHubCaps56]

Hi, how do you think this amp would pair with the QAcoustics 3020i speakers? I am having a hard time picking out an amplifier.

[@analogholic_reviews]

Oh, I have been reading about the qa3020is. Min impedance at 4 ohm. If your budget is no more than ~ $350 and you listen to moderate levels (about ~70ish dB), then go with the AXA35. You should be alright. If you can stretch to ~ $650, go up to a Rega IO. Brio would be stellar. Or, perhaps the Cambridge AXR85 for $400?? I plan to review that amp soon.

[@StealingHubCaps56]

@@analogholic_reviews if the axr is worth the extra $50 I would probably go with that. Is it that much better than the axa 35? Also thanks for the response!

[@boubakane]

Hi there (or anyone in comments) I have PSB alpha p5, Dali spektor 2, triangle bro3 and Fluance rt84 turntable. Would any of these speakers be a good paring? Thx a lot 😊

[@Audioloon]

I can only speculate but based on my personal experience with PSB P3's and Dali Ikon 2 MK2's, I think the C.A. would pair best with the Dali. I have yet to listen to any Triangle speaker. Good luck with your audio journey.

[@nigelstones]

I have a Cambridge axa35, I have the Dali Spektor 2, the sound for me is perfect, detail, soundstage are great. I am a fan of smooth sound, but with high frequency detail, this combination Is perfect. The bass and midrange is also excellent. You will not be disappointed with this combination. I have the Dali connect E-600 stands which are a perfect match.

[@fredhcoelho]

Would it match nicely with JBL Stage A130?

[@analogholic_reviews]

From reading the specs, I think it should be compatible.

[@fredhcoelho]

@@analogholic_reviews I mean, not exactly compatible, but good quality.