The $350 Integrated Amp Comparison | Yamaha AS301 vs Cambridge Audio AXA35

Yamaha AS301 vs Cambridge Audio AXA35 Integrated. Which is best for your $350
chapters
0:00 Differences in specs & features
2:02 How different do they sound?
4:13 Which one should you get?

[@kosiekoos9408]

Wow your hitting all the right notes for the budget audiophile. Congratulations with a great channel

[@seekstruth5968]

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.

[@bluerev]

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.

[@analogholic_reviews]

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 😆

[@philchapman1463]

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.

[@johndangelo3989]

Thanks, your review was very informative.

[@MOHANVARKEY-kw4id]

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.

[@DannerPlace]

Good comparison, thanks fo posting this.

[@Farazao]

That helped me a lot! Thanks!

[@johndangelo3989]

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!

[@analogholic_reviews]

That’s good to hear! Let us know how you like it.

[@johndangelo3989]

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!

[@analogholic_reviews]

@@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!

[@geoffreysmith4618]

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?

[@analogholic_reviews]

Thanks. Yes, the Node 2i's internal DAC is not bad at all. So it should sound quite good!

[@MrManish024]

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

[@gwine9087]

For music, I would go with Cambridge, and depend upon the DAC in my CD player.

[@mohammedalomari1998]

Thanks for your great channel and reviews How you compare Cambridge to Marantz pm6007 and Pioneer a-40ae? Kind regards and best wishes

[@analogholic_reviews]

Thank you for the best wishes, Mohammed! I’ve not had a chance to listen to the Marantz or the Pioneer units.

[@mohammedalomari1998]

@@analogholic_reviews Thanks again and kind regards and best wishes

[@JR-ho5qm]

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!

[@analogholic_reviews]

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.

[@VinodKumar-gx7wj]

Excellent useful comparison. Would you be able to review Marantz PM5005 when you get a chance?

[@analogholic_reviews]

Thanks Vinod. RE: Marantz P5005, I would have to buy a used unit to review as this is a discontinued model.

[@stephencosta6814]

Marantz would be a more warmer sounding amplifier not as clear as the Cambridge

[@analogholic_reviews]

I haven’t heard the PM5005 but Steve’s comment makes sense given the other Marantz units I’ve listened to some time ago

[@calvin3941]

Thanks, for the video! I'm currently considering the AXR100 and A-S501. I would appreciate any insights you could share and ultimately which one you would choose between the two. I'm ideally looking for slightly warm, full-sounding amp. Thank you!

[@analogholic_reviews]

While I have not heard the AXR-100, I have read that it does have a bit of warmth. What speakers will you be using?

[@calvin3941]

@@analogholic_reviews Thanks for your quick response! I'll be using KEF Q350 speakers. Given their characteristics, do you think the AXR100 or the A-S501 would be a better match to achieve that slightly warm, full sound I'm looking for? I'm also considering the Cambridge Audio CXA61 as I can get it for a good price. I appreciate any further insights you can offer. Thank you!

[@analogholic_reviews]

@@calvin3941 IME the cambridge units would probably offer the warmer sound signature in your setup.

[@Sven95lwb]

Was the phono section better in either of these amps?

[@stephencosta6814]

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

[@thomasward00]

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

[@analogholic_reviews]

Thanks for adding that. I try, but at times miss details that are important. Appreciate your feedback!

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

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

[@thomasward00]

@@ArtVandelayOfficial over the last 5 years Cambridge has improved, for my over $500 gear, I choose Arcam for reliability and 5 year warranty.

[@burton7023]

Bull crap the yamaha smokes the Cambridge

[@thomasward00]

@@burton7023 ah, I don't think so...

[@udmbfckx2916]

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.

[@sonnybhirowo7787]

is 86 dB 6 Ohms included in the medium low efficiency speaker? how about paired with elac b5.2?

[@analogholic_reviews]

86db is medium efficiency if the speakers are actually measure at that level. Typically manufactures overcall this metric.

[@MOHANVARKEY-kw4id]

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.

[@analogholic_reviews]

Do you have an AV receiver or preamp? Or are you looking for a soundbar?

[@mohanvarkey1953]

@@analogholic_reviews I used to have AXA35 amplifier

[@AndyisMan3]

Given the 25 watts how would the Cambridge work with a pair of Klipsch Forte III's compared to the Yamaha?

[@tacofortgens3471]

Totally fine, those are very high efficient speakers.

[@java2architect]

Do these sound as good as vintage tube amps on the phono stage. I had a Sansui 551, nothing fancy. How would these compare?

[@analogholic_reviews]

They will sound different from vintage tube amps. It also depends on what speakers you are using.

[@briang530]

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.

[@allwayzactive4599]

It's only rated for 8ohms

[@briang530]

@@allwayzactive4599 yes, and now I know why.

[@anilkumar-ds9gf]

Camebridge axr 100 is good amp?.. Which speakers u can suggest.. For indian music.?

[@analogholic_reviews]

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 🎶

[@fredhcoelho]

Please tell me some affordable speakers I could pair with AXA35?

[@analogholic_reviews]

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.

[@seano51]

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?

[@analogholic_reviews]

You could try the Yamaha AS301. Or the Cambridge axr100

[@VinodKumar-gx7wj]

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

[@analogholic_reviews]

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?

[@VinodKumar-gx7wj]

@@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?

[@analogholic_reviews]

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.

[@crisjr6478]

I would skip all of those get a Rega Brio with a good external DAC and never look back.

[@rbon9414]

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.

[@akshaysalkar]

Comparison is a bit apple to oranges.. as both have a different watts/ output; infact Yamaha is double. Am I correct in saying this

[@analogholic_reviews]

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.

[@matthewstearle7395]

If I bought the Cambridge would I have to buy a separate dac?

[@analogholic_reviews]

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.

[@matthewstearle7395]

@@analogholic_reviews ok,thank you so much,appreciate it

[@bluerev]

Would you say the Rega IO is a step above these two (for pure sound quality)?

[@analogholic_reviews]

Yes, IMHO the IO is a significant step up in sound quality. Even more so when using the built in phono.

[@briang530]

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).

[@crisjr6478]

Absolutely

[@rmzidann]

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.

[@analogholic_reviews]

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.

[@bradleydurbin6784]

You get what you pay for

[@EA-58]

AXA is Crap.......mine lastet 2 weeks, before the left channel failed.

[@analogholic_reviews]

Ouch… that’d be frustrating. I hope the seller rectified it somehow.