Exposure Electronics 3510 Integrated Amplifier Review

Great mates Michael Evans and David Price have been arguing about hi-fi with one another for over forty years.
Mike has a huge wealth of knowledge thanks to his hi-fi retail background, and David’s been a hi-fi reviewer and/or editor since the early nineteen nineties - and is now Editor-in-Chief of StereoNET - so has picked up a few things along the way.
Every episode features the guys' unedited, unexpurgated views about all manner of weird and/or wonderful hi-fi designs.
The action takes place in Mike’s ‘hi-fi hut’, deep in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside. With cows in the next field, mud everywhere and rain clouds overhead, it’s hardly Hollywood!
So crack open a can, and sit back on your sofa for off-the-cuff, one-take riffing about top kit.
Please leave your comments below, including requests for any stuff you’d like reviewed...
Don’t forget to hit the Subscribe button, this one goes up to eleven!
The top title tune is called ‘UFO/Mike’s Jumper’, and is used with the express permission of our old pal and rights holder Simon Lythe.
To read more on the Exposure 3510 integrated amplifier, catch David's StereoNET review here:
www.stereonet....

[@ianbolton9882]

Thanks for the 3510 review. Went and listened for myself last weekend after watching you both and quickly decided to purchase one. Fabulous sound! 👍

[@Romulus980]

This me on video! Grumpy old men loving their hifi and music. I hope you both will cover many products and hoping you will include ATC electronics and speakers.

[@frederiquejoan]

Thanks lads, great chat about my favorite kind of audio gear. I am considering buying the 3510 predecessor, the 3010S2D and your chat about these helps me confirming my lis of amps to audition. Thanks again! But one more thing. As soon as the intro is finished I only hear you both talking in my left channel. Right is completely silent!!!

[@ianbolton9882]

Love my Exposure 3510 - it was this episode that put me onto it. Many thanks fellas 👍

[@Hi-FiRiff]

I am so pleased about this. Since the review we have listened to a load of integrated amps in this price point, but personally the Exposure still sets the benchmark. I know I am a fanboy, but there is a reason for that! Mike

[@carolineleonard8214]

Now there is a system that I've never listened to.. the exposure active. Tarun at British Audiophile has also given this amplifier a big thumbs up. Please keep them coming.

[@r423sdex]

What does he know about the performance of this amp.

[@2010aloy]

Thanks for the review. I bought the 3510 amp a few days back and I'm certainly glad I pulled the trigger. Its def a very good all rounder. I've paired it with KEF R300s. I've owned Marantz PM7004 and PM8005 amps and now own a Primare i35 (class D) and a Hegel H80 amp so my comparison is based on these amps.

[@enjoyunreality]

How it compares to marantz pm 8005 ?

[@2010aloy]

@@enjoyunreality Marantz is good value for the money no doubt but its got a recognizable Marantz house sound. With R300s the highs sounded open & smooth, mids were great but the low end - kick drum & bass guitar was somewhat thick sounding. The 3510 sounds more neutral, has more dynamism and punch - highs sound open & smooth, mids are great but the big difference i hear is the attack - guitar & drum sounds really stand out and (i was a drummer in a band when i was 12) and so i was like wow - the kick drum has punch & slam & snare drum & tom toms sound so freakin good with the 3510. Bass guitar lines sound a lil more cleaner & tighter. Even the hegel h80 though it has good synergy with the R300s, as good as the 3510, it doesnt have the slam, attack & gr8 dynamics that the 3510 has. So for me its 3510 1st, then the hegel h80 & marantz pm8005 comes last. Besides Marantz is half the price of the other twp so its no surprise.

[@tonyexpert9386]

@@2010aloy great review !

[@MrJohnexp]

Very nice you like my Exposure amps from way back when.The exposure 10 is as you said is a complete classic.

[@Hi-FiRiff]

Hi John, so pleased you took the time to watch our video! I have always been a big fan, and have fond memories of meeting you in Portslade in the 90's on a factory trip organised by Kevin Edwards! We will have to do a review of my 14, 9, 4, 4, 4, and 5! Mike :-)

[@tengkukamil3951]

Hi John, are you still based in Bangkok?

[@tengkukamil3951]

I have always like the Exposure amplifiers and currently I am using the 17 preamp, 21 RCA’s preamp and the Super 18 monoblock power amps driving a pair of Living Voice Auditorium and the source is the Voyd Valdi to.I had use the Exposure 20, 11,12 & 4 in the past and thoroughly enjoyed them.

[@simonupstone4924]

Thanks guys, it’s on my shortlist. I’m frustrated how many of today’s integrated amps have a 3.5mm headphone socket. The Exposure has a 1/4 inch ‘proper’ one, so that’s another box ticked in its favour.

[@HM-dh9zv]

Really enjoyed the review. Hope to see some more reviews from you guys in the future. I have the 3010S2D with MM phono boards and its great. Looking to get a pair of ATC SCM19s soon to pair with it, was pleased to hear the 3510 works well with the SCM40s.

[@TommyDucks]

I've been hovering over the exposure 3150 as a replacement to my Cyrus One HD to power my B&W 705 Signatures. I found this very informative (along with the AVForums review that gave them a 10!). I just need a local dealer daft/kind enough to let me trail it at home. Thanks.

[@Hi-FiRiff]

It's a lovely amp.

[@tubefan2737]

Just found your channel David and really enjoy the casual chat format. Can I ask if you have heard the 5010 mono blocks or preamplifiers? I wonder how it improves upon the 3510 integrated and if it still retains the classic exposure sound.

[@MrVinylista]

Thanks, TF. I haven't heard the 5010 series in serious review conditions, so to speak. I expect it to be better, and also that it retains the Exposure family sound.

[@philip9668]

Any experience of the Exposure Headphone Amplifier please? Thank you for your videos, I always enjoy watching them.

[@Soundapple]

You guys deserve more than 37 subscribers! 😁 Count me to your flock and keep up the good work 👍

[@doifeellucky]

The trouble is they’re not engaging with the channel. Not a single like let alone any comments.

[@Soundapple]

@@doifeellucky I guess you’re right. However, I for one will gladly take advice based on decades of actual hands on experience with gear, even if it comes with equally antiquated SOME handling, over more interaction with less knowledgeable channel hosts 😁👍 Then again, my beard is turning grey, which my explain my inclinations 😄

[@doifeellucky]

@@Soundapple I completely agree. For me experience is everything with regard to trust. They wouldn’t have remained in the industry otherwise. Anyone can start a KZbin channel and post their opinions, and that’s all it is, one opinion in 8 billion. If you’ve got a good enough dealer or can afford to make a few mistakes over time some of these channels will match your more general feelings on tone etc, but I’m not at that stage yet, and probably never will be as I don’t upgrade that often. Hopefully over time they’ll start to engage a bit more.

[@mr.wibble]

Great review, with lots of entertaining historic information. It's a shame that Exposure did not include XLR inputs (for DAC input).

[@highfell1]

I am looking for a new amplifier and I like what you say about this amp. And I also learned something new as well, that David obviously loves his (iconic) Yamaha NS1000Ms as much as I do.

[@Hi-FiRiff]

Don't get him started. Mike

[@filofilo8127]

Good review guys. I have the Exposure 3010s2 pre/power amps which I love. I managed to pick up an Exposure xxxv integrated as new old stock a few years ago. In some ways the xxxv seems somewhat better played through my Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand SE's. In any case they are quality amplifiers.

[@charlescheese3828]

Interesting review - thanks. Would like to hear one with my Kan 1s - does sound like they'd match quite well. My first Exposure was an XV and now my daughter uses an XV Super that Exposure serviced a couple of years ago. Both great amps. I wonder if this one is a regulated design as well.

[@MrVinylista]

I haven't heard the 3510 with Kan 1s but I agree, it should be a great match.

[@MaxZappa1]

Hi guys, I have an early pair of Linn Kan Mk1 speakers that have been professionally restored and re-capped. Can you recommend a modern integrated amplifier amplifier, not exceeding £1500 which would pair well with the Kans. I listen to all genres of music. Hope you can help. Thanks.

[@MrVinylista]

To be honest, a nearly-new Exposure 3010S2-D would be perfect. It's definitely the right sort of smooth tonality for the slightly bright Kan Is, and has enough welly to really drive them hard. If you wanted to go proper Flat Earth eighties retro, the Naim NAIT 2 would be my choice - or the NAIT 3 is a smoother, softer option. Contrary to what Mike will tell you, the NAIT 1 doesn't really have the grunt for Kan Is, although it's fun at lowish listening levels. We'll be doing the Linn Kan, Sara and Isobarik speakers soon. Fasten your seatbelts, as Mike and I will be having a heated debate!

[@stephenharding428]

Hi Nige where did you get your Linn Kans restored? Thx S

[@MaxZappa1]

@@stephenharding428 I had them restored at Anapeach Loudspeaker Restoration.

[@stephenharding428]

@@MaxZappa1 thanks 👍

[@JamesH1973]

Would love to hear you’re review guys of the Sugden IA4 or A21SE Amplifiers.

[@MrVinylista]

I used to have an IA4, so yes can do. I'll put it on the list, thanks James! To summarise, these Sugden Class As have a very clean, almost crystalline sound. Less warm and euphonic than the Musical Fidelity A1 - which we've reviewed in another video.

[@hoobsgroove]

@@MrVinylista what about croft acoustic separates? look interesting any experience!

[@MrVinylista]

@@hoobsgroove They have a great reputation and a cult following, but I've not heard them - except the Micro, way back when. Well worth auditioning, if you can.

[@hoobsgroove]

@@MrVinylista got any spare amplifier want to get rid of? I thought the nat might be a good project running it off SMPS have you heard the new Peachtree CaN400I think about getting one of them on paper it looks spectacular. A bit out of my price range maybe second hand. What's a good Hi-Fi shop selling second hand or X demo in the southeast?

[@grantlivingstone147]

Good stuff guy's

[@AromaFrank]

Hi, what is ur opinion in comparison with Exposure 2510 ?

[@MrVinylista]

Very good, just a slightly less gutsy 3510.

[@thepickyaudiophile]

I had the 2510 and it was lovely! Was going to try the 3510 (I suspected it’s active pre would bring a little more meat on the bones and get rid of the slight dryness in the mids), but auditioned the Rega Aethos by chance and that was that.. so I now have the best amp I ever had, but at the same time left to wonder about that 3510 😀

[@MrVinylista]

The Rega is very nice bit of kit too, so enjoy it! It's one of the closest rivals to the Exposure, in terms of its sonic character - and a very long way away from the likes of the new Technics SU-G700mkII.

[@carolineleonard8214]

Rega amp is fantastic. Recently heard it in an all Rega set and I had goosebumps.

[@MrVinylista]

@@carolineleonard8214 Yes, they are great. Terry Bateman is the man behind them and he's a maestro.

[@thepickyaudiophile]

@@MrVinylista Agree, Rega’s electronics are the real stars of the show 😊

[@swiss889]

I auditioned the aethos, supernait 3 and 3510, went with the 3510 more musical than the other 2

[@GarySmith-mc8vf]

Hi Michael, Hi David, I am close to buying the 3510. I have ProAc D30RS Speakers and just wondered if you feel the 3510 would drive them ok? Love your channel. Many thanks Gary

[@yfgerald]

Very nice review! I watched another KZbin video saying that 3510 is a bit lean/forward sounding. Do you have similar experience?

[@MrVinylista]

Not at all. Indeed, it's ever so slightly on the smooth, soft side in absolute terms. I'd be interested to find out what ancillaries that other reviewer was using.

[@GrandWazoo101]

@@MrVinylista I suspect that reviewer was Tarun (A British Audiophile). He has since updated his original review as the unit he tested was confirmed by exposure as being incorrectly biased. This was responsible for the unexpected tonal characteristics he witnessed.

[@philpepp]

When I listened to the 3510 I thought it was a bit forward and bright sounding.. this was paired with Graham Audio Chartwell s6 speakers. Though this was after listening to a sugden class A and MF 6msi. Horses for courses. For the money I preferred the MF. But am waiting to listen to A Sugden 21se before I pull the trigger.

[@sam66hazmal]

I have a 2010S integrated amplifier would the 2510 be better or would I need to get the 3510 to make the upgrade worthwhile

[@patrickjohn8588]

really enjoyable review, great work guys. subscribed👍

[@lw2978]

Great review chaps. Makes me think about whether I should pull the trigger on a new amp setup. I have some Kudos Cardea C20's (got for a song 2nd hand!) and I think the PS Audio Stellar Gain DAC/pre-amp and NAD C275Bee power amp I have aren't really doing the C20's full justice? Was wondering whether the Exposure 3510 or spending a bit more on something like the Hegel H390 might be worthwhile?

[@MrVinylista]

I would go for the Exposure over the Hegel, as the latter is a little more analytical and dry sounding. I think the 3510 would be a big improvement over your NAD power amp. We're just about to review the 3510 pre/power - perhaps that's something you should audition?

[@sam66hazmal]

How would the new 2510 integrated compare to the older 2010S ? Would it be better ?

[@Renniecrok]

I would like to know that too

[@ivankrga8817]

Exposure 3510 vs Rega Elicit Mk5?

[@tonyhamady3756]

3510 definitely

[@monkeymayor]

@@tonyhamady3756 hi, what are the differences for you? thanks!

[@suzysharpe2141]

We all use the reference term a lot, companies, people, so called experts. But if a reference is just a personal comparison to a familiar sound, I don't think it can be called that. There maybe a reference to be found via scientific means such as frequency, plots and testing but again the whole hifi game is just preference, there's no doubt there's good and bad but it's all just preference. The only reference is standing there while the band, orchestra, soloist is performing, that too I doubt would plot favourably by scientific means. To sum up, is all just preference, like in life, were all individuals. And find different things appealing.

[@zjzozn]

👍🐸

[@paulaj2829]

I'm still a poor boy because I still have the Exposure X as my amp & will have to live with that until it BLOWS UP .. but that's life for some people.