Cambridge AXA25 Amplifier - A Budget Amp With A Big Sound

[@doug3642]

Nice review. Thanks. Two items to add: The AXA35 has a 1/4" headphone jack, while the AXA25 does not, and; the standby power function can be turned off on both models by pressing and holding the power button until the LED flashes: 5 flashes means Auto Power Down is disabled, 10 means it is enabled.

[@ForeverAnalog]

Awesome, thank you!

[@allwayzactive4599]

I hate the turn on button why did they do that 😠 lol

[@mickbroad2059]

H, I acquired one of these a few weeks ago and just couldn't resist the temptation to improve things a little and with that I replaced the transformer with a 600va Toroid together with huge power caps--more than a krell...new caps throughout, change the opp amps different earthing arrangement and more.......all i can say now is wow it takes on all comers

[@ForeverAnalog]

Impressive!

[@mickbroad2059]

@@ForeverAnalog I have totally changed it, it weighs a ton...I call it The Giant Killer

[@NoEscape459]

Hey man, just wanted to say I really enjoyed your video. So much so that I was watching it on my work computer and I decided to hop on my phone and subscribe to your channel on my KZbin app. I really appreciate the fact that you explain that you’re not an expert by any means and you’re only a dude who enjoys hi-fi and shares your experience with others. Looking forward to checking out more of your videos.

[@ForeverAnalog]

Thank you for watching and the kind comment. It means a lot and is very encouraging to keep pushing forward. Thanks again!

[@kimweonill]

I have been planning to set up my first stereo system with passive speakers and this video really helped. I just needed speakers on my desk to listen from a meter away with a little more base and resolution than Creative T40 II pc speakers. After watching ton of KZbin videos I was almost convinced that I should buy at least a 1,000 dollar or more system with speakers simply too overwhelming to put on my desk. Thanks to this video I could return to my initial purpose, and I am happy to settle. Thank you for your review.

[@ForeverAnalog]

Thank you for watching! Don’t get caught up on how much you spend. It’s really how much you enjoy your music!

[@angelsone-five7912]

Very useful, hope to get mine today.

[@ForeverAnalog]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@rxt744]

Thanks, good review of the Cambridge Audio AXA25. I'm currently looking for a good "new" simple integrated amplifier as an alternative to the now extremely expensive vintage receiver amplifiers on the market, but also doesn't have every bell and whistle (i.e. phono amp, DAC, BT, etc.) integrated into the unit as I prefer separate components (i.e. Schiit Mani GEN2 phono amp, Topping E30 DAC and a WiiM Mini Streamer). A remote control would be nice, but I currently leave the remote on the stereo stand when I'm listening to music and then have to get up to change the music source, change the LP record or change the CD on my current Nakamichi Soundspace system ... and my old vintage '80s Technics integrated amplifier didn't have a remote either. Anyway,... your review was very helpful in providing information to me to compare and evaluate the Cambridge Audio AXA25 versus the Rotel A10 (the other simple integrated amplifier on my list) for what I am looking for in a new simple but good integrated amplifier with multiple analogue inputs and enough power to drive a good pair of bookshelf speakers in a small-to-medium living space. Cheers!

[@ForeverAnalog]

Thank you for watching and for the kind words. I’ve been using the AXA25 for a few months now and still enjoy it!

[@ahuesphoto]

You are a good reviewer, so far I’ve seen two of your reviews (this one and the one of Saga Plus Preamp) and they are good. Kudos to you, keep up with the good work!

[@ForeverAnalog]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@williamr3840]

Thanks for your very informative review -- because there is so much contradictary information out there about this amp. Cambridge and others refer to it as being an integrated amp, but I thought that means the amp will have a phono pre- amp: so you can plug in a turntable without one.

[@ForeverAnalog]

Thank you for watching. I didn’t realize the AXA25 didn’t have a built in phono preamp until I started setting it up!

[@williamr3840]

@Jeremy Belzunces Thanks!

[@JaradPetroske]

Great review, and really appreciate it. I'm thinking about getting into a dedicated two-channel system for music and this Cambridge is at the top of my list for power. The other option is a PS Audio Sprout, which is more $$$ but includes a DAC, BT, and photo stage. Decisions, decisions...

[@ForeverAnalog]

The Sprouts are awesome. I’ve always hoped to find one used for less $$$ lol

[@JohnBog]

Most listening happens at 5 watts per channel, if that. I have an oldschool CA 550A which is 60 Watts, and i don't turn it up past 1/4 way up.

[@ForeverAnalog]

Agreed! Thank you for the comment.

[@abbeyg.45]

I just purchased an axa25 during their Black Friday event. I’m getting a turn on thump through the speakers. Did you experience this with your unit, I have not contacted anyone at Cambridge about this problem yet. I have read this can cause speaker damage any opinions on this. Thanks very good in depth review.

[@ForeverAnalog]

I didn’t have that issue, sorry.

[@abbeyg.45]

@@ForeverAnalog The problem was having my DAC powered by the usb port and then using one of the inputs. Reading the manual it states this can cause a ground loop. I know in your review you mention doing this with your songbird, I assume you did not antsy problems with your configuration. Thanks for the quick response.$

[@mohammedalomari1998]

Thanks for your great channel and reviews. I have this amp and I'm happy with it. You mentioned you have better amps than this cambridge 25 can you please mention some of them? Kind regards and best wishes

[@simonbarnes8303]

Nice review. Well explained.

[@ForeverAnalog]

Thank you for watching!

[@muzammelhaquemukul7089]

Great review. I just bought Emotiva B1+ and thinking what can I buy to pair with them. I had my doubt if 25 watt would be enough to drive those. Here in Canada AXA25 is CAD270 and AXA is CAD599. So very big difference. Do you use separate sub or B1+ creates good base alone paired with AXA25? Thanks.

[@ForeverAnalog]

I have a small listening room and 25 watts is more than enough for my B1+ speakers. I'm not a big subwoofer guy and think the B1+ provides plenty of bass for my listening tastes (lots of jazz, some rock, a little hip hop). Please note, the AXA25 does not have a subwoofer connection so if you are certain you are adding a sub, you will want to shop around for an appropriate amp.

[@muzammelhaquemukul7089]

@@ForeverAnalog Hi I bought AXA25 and paired with emotive B1+. As you mentioned, 25 watt is enough for my room and bass is also good enough but not ground shaking. One question though, does your amplifier has hiss noise when nothing is playing. Mine driving me crazy. Rest is very good.

[@ForeverAnalog]

Interesting, I never noticed any hiss. I sold the unit to fund another item to review on my channel so can’t check again, sorry!

[@muzammelhaquemukul7089]

@@ForeverAnalog thanks 👍

[@terrynunn1564]

I bought the CD companion but not the amp as I already own a Yamaha amp and the remote for the Cambridge amp is on the remote with the CD player, so if you buy both counterparts then you’ll have the remote for the whole system.

[@ForeverAnalog]

Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@udmbfckx2916]

One thing though....those cheap receivers from Onkyo, Sony and Denon, when on sale for $199 to $299, whether Stereo or 5.2, do offer a lot for the money and ARE NOT Digital nor Digital sounding. They have A/B class Analog amps and most of them have a decent amount of heft due to their massive transformers.

[@ForeverAnalog]

Great points, thank you!

[@ungarlinski7965]

Does this sound plain or sterile or digital like a CD player?

[@ForeverAnalog]

Everyone's tastes are subjective, but to my years, Cambridge has a smooth sound that's easy to listen to, not digital sounding at all in my opinion.

[@ungarlinski7965]

So blasting Minor Threat, for example, would sound good?@@ForeverAnalog I have an old silver-era Pioneer SX-780 with Pioneer floor standing by Andrew Jones. I want to make an upgrade. I thought perhaps a more modern amp would be a step in the right direction.

[@tacofortgens3471]

AXA35 does have a phono stage and remote btw

[@ForeverAnalog]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@DRMORSEgreekwellville]

Thanks for the review. Can I use a pair of Klipsch R-51M with this amplifier?

[@ForeverAnalog]

Yes, you can and thank you for the kind words!

[@Roberto_MR]

Thanks for the review.

[@ForeverAnalog]

Thank you for watching!

[@CompetentSalesUSA]

Need to play the unit.

[@sithembisombanda6472]

Great Video. Can I connect a USB Bluetooth dongle on the USB port to make the unit Bluetooth compatible?

[@ForeverAnalog]

Thank you, the USB connection on the rear is for power only, not audio input.

[@ttnyny]

Is this unit Class D or Class AB? I can't find this spec on the Cambridge Audio web page or anywhere else. Also, can I assume that the Rec Out outputs are line level (fixed volume) and always active, regardless of the input source? Thanks.

[@hectortorres8188]

What are the largest speakers this amp could handle? Thanks

[@NaveedKhan-bs1sc]

Can 4ohm speakers like the polk reserve be ok with this amp.

[@exdafrianz3939]

Can it bridged mode? for monoblock use

[@ForeverAnalog]

No it cannot

[@shinyhunterlens]

Can I use the rec out for a subwoofer? I'd control the volume with a preamp

[@lethaboMmokoena]

Keen to see a reply on this question

[@capeljov2666]

I think the record out is a static full signal, and not pree out. So the subwoofer wont react to volume knob. U culd find the sub that has high lvl conection and hook it up directly on speaker conectors.

[@dukirps]

This review saved me 200 bucks. Subbed! Could anyone suggest an affordable integrated amp that I could use with my 40 inch TV? Would need a remote and it's gotta sound good with speakers at low volumes too.

[@ForeverAnalog]

Thank you for subscribing. I don't have enough room for a surround system so I just lazily use a soundbar for TV audio, ha. Hopefully someone will have some good recommendations for you. Thanks again.

[@timharbert7145]

If you don't need surround, Yamaha models sound really good for two channel tv/movie watching as well as music. The Yamahas have a loudness knob that helps keep bass levels enjoyable at low volume listening. If the tv has an optical out, consider adding a Modi3 DAC too. Really tightens up the sound from tv or dvd player or Roku streaming.

[@marktodd7397]

The Wiim amp is £300 and has a HDMI arc connection so you can hook it up to a TV as well as having probably one the best streamers. I don't own one but everyone seems to rave about them for the price. Plenty of reviews on KZbin. Good look with your search no matter what you choose.

[@rakoksy]

Can it pilot a pair of Elac Debut b5.2 or 25 w are few?

[@ForeverAnalog]

The Elacs are 6 ohms and the AXA25 is recommended to power 8 ohm speakers so I would find another pair of speakers that rate 8 ohms.

[@rakoksy]

@@ForeverAnalog thanks, any idea? I would something os similar or higher quality also paying more but I can't find great 8 ohm speakers to it

[@xanner_hates_jazz]

The Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 works great with the AXA25.

[@raygu1818]

​@@rakoksy Try the Triangle Borea BR03 speakers They great sounding speakers. 8 ohms

[@JoseGarcia-oo4mc]

Excellent

[@ForeverAnalog]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@joshuabowers6846]

What's the story with the awesome Minor Threat print?

[@ForeverAnalog]

Look up Nathan McKee - he’s the artist who made the Minor Threat and the Beastie Boys one above it. Actually, I also bought a Tribe Called Quest one from him too. Very talented artist!

[@joshuabowers6846]

@@ForeverAnalog Awesome! Thank you very much.

[@RobertSpiller-gv4qf]

These don't have a headphone jack do they?

[@ForeverAnalog]

No, you would need the next model up, the AXA35.

[@pressplay1703]

I nearly brought this yesterday but still can't find a review that will tell me if the axa25 sucks or not, just looking for simple answers, I'm not a fan of bookshelf speakers that sound like a portable sanyo cd player, I really want to know the biggest speakers I can drive with this amp.

[@Jeremy_810]

Contrary to what one might think, bigger speakers typically have a higher sensitivity than their smaller counterparts. I'm pretty sure sensitivity is rated in decibels per 1 watt at 1 meter away. There's guys pushing big floorstanders with less than 10 watt tube amps. You could pair this amp with something like the Klipsch RP160M'S that Crutchfield has had on sale for $300 and it'll rock out plenty loud in most spaces. The thing to keep in mind with this amp is it's lack of a dac. You'll either be relying on the one built into your source component or you'll need to purchase one. Room size also plays a huge role. For instance, I have a 1200 square foot, one giant room basement. Down there I have a pair of 97 db sensitive floorstanders but I'm not using a low power amp because it'll sound anemic. But if I bring those speakers upstairs into a 150 square foot room, I don't need nearly as much power to blow my eardrums out. I use the listening space as well as speaker sensitivity to determine the wattage I need. This is what I've found through trial and error with 3 separate stereo setups in my house anyway.

[@golds04]

@@Jeremy_810can they pair well with kef r3?

[@Jeremy_810]

@@golds04 I don't own a Cambridge amp but others have stated them to have a warm sound if that's what you're looking for. I bet there's other people in these comment sections that have experience with both

[@golds04]

@@Jeremy_810 thanks. Will find out in 5 days when they arrive. 😀

[@МихаилПоровозов-в4л]

Он лучше или хуже радиотехника 7101?

[@JohnSmith-lh1wp]

Думаю, да. Всё что угодно (кроме дешманских китайских усилителей D-класса) будет лучше. Он же не новый, Радиотехника 101я?

[@CaptainDarrick]

No phono pre-amp for a turntable ? Are you kidding me ? Are you kidding me ? No headphone socket ?..Are you kidding me ? AVOID AVOID AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE !!!!

[@allwayzactive4599]

It has tone controls and it sounds really good so it just about budget for the money it's unbeatable even other amps that cost ABIT more don't sound this good just get the 35 if you want phono for dec the 35 sound the same

[@CaptainDarrick]

@@allwayzactive4599 Cheers....will give it some thought

[@tacofortgens3471]

AXA35 does have a phono preamp and all the bells and whistles

[@CaptainDarrick]

@@tacofortgens3471 There is no phono pre-amp on the amp..and unbelievably , no headphone socket ? WHAT ?

[@iloveblue7920]

One not to buy, has too many minus poimts

[@tigerbalm666]

Too loud man, too loud....