Cambridge AXA25 Amplifier - A Budget Amp With A Big Sound

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Cambridge AXA25 Amplifier - A Budget Amp With A Big Sound

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Forever Analog

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 84

@doug3642 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

@allwayzactive4599 6 ай бұрын

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

@mickbroad2059 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

Impressive!

@mickbroad2059 Жыл бұрын

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

@NoEscape459 Жыл бұрын

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 KZfaq 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 Жыл бұрын

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

@kimweonill 9 ай бұрын

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 KZfaq 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 9 ай бұрын

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 6 ай бұрын

Very useful, hope to get mine today.

@ForeverAnalog 6 ай бұрын

Hope you enjoy it!

@williamr3840 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@Jeremy Belzunces Thanks!

@ahuesphoto 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the kind words!

@JohnBog 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

Agreed! Thank you for the comment.

@rxt744 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

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

@JaradPetroske 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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

@simonbarnes8303 11 ай бұрын

Nice review. Well explained.

@ForeverAnalog 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching!

@mohammedalomari1998 3 ай бұрын

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

@abbeyg.45 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

I didn’t have that issue, sorry.

@abbeyg.45 8 ай бұрын

@@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.$

@DRMORSEgreekwellville 23 күн бұрын

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

@ForeverAnalog 23 күн бұрын

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

@udmbfckx2916 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

Great points, thank you!

@tacofortgens3471 29 күн бұрын

AXA35 does have a phono stage and remote btw

@ForeverAnalog 28 күн бұрын

Awesome! Thanks!

@muzammelhaquemukul7089 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@ForeverAnalog thanks 👍

@Roberto_MR 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review.

@ForeverAnalog 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

@CompetentSalesUSA 10 ай бұрын

Need to play the unit.

@ungarlinski7965 5 ай бұрын

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

@ForeverAnalog 5 ай бұрын

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 5 ай бұрын

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.

@sithembisombanda6472 Жыл бұрын

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

@ForeverAnalog Жыл бұрын

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

@dukirps 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 5 ай бұрын

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 KZfaq. Good look with your search no matter what you choose.

@spill_the_beans365 Ай бұрын

No remote. Come on Cambridge,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

@pressplay1703 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

@@Jeremy_810can they pair well with kef r3?

@Jeremy_810 9 ай бұрын

@@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 9 ай бұрын

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

@ttnyny 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@NaveedKhan-bs1sc 5 ай бұрын

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

@JoseGarcia-oo4mc 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent

@ForeverAnalog 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@shinyhunterlens Жыл бұрын

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

@lethaboMmokoena Жыл бұрын

Keen to see a reply on this question

@capeljov2666 9 ай бұрын

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.

@hectortorres8188 Жыл бұрын

What are the largest speakers this amp could handle? Thanks

@rakoksy Жыл бұрын

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

@ForeverAnalog Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@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 Жыл бұрын

The Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 works great with the AXA25.

@raygu1818 10 ай бұрын

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

@RobertSpiller-gv4qf Жыл бұрын

These don't have a headphone jack do they?

@ForeverAnalog Жыл бұрын

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

@joshuabowers6846 2 жыл бұрын

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

@ForeverAnalog 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

@@ForeverAnalog Awesome! Thank you very much.

@CaptainDarrick 8 ай бұрын

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 6 ай бұрын

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 6 ай бұрын

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

@tacofortgens3471 29 күн бұрын

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

@CaptainDarrick 28 күн бұрын

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