35 W integrated stereo amplifier with phono input
The Cambridge Audio AXA35 is the integrated amplifier the British brand suggests as the way into hi-fi listening. It delivers 35 W per channel into 8 ohms and relies on a toroidal transformer, a design Cambridge Audio also uses on models higher up the range.
It is an amplifier made with vinyl in mind: the built-in phono stage for moving magnet (MM) cartridges lets a turntable be plugged straight in, with no external preamplifier.
Inputs, outputs and controls
On the rear panel there are four RCA line inputs, the phono input, recording outputs and binding posts for the speakers. The front panel carries the auxiliary input on a 3.5 mm socket, for quickly connecting a portable device, and the headphone output on a 6.35 mm socket for late-night listening. The rear USB port provides 5 V power for small devices.
Separate bass and treble controls (±10 dB at 100 Hz and 10 kHz) and a balance control shape the sound to taste and to the room's acoustics; the LED dot matrix display shows volume and selected source at a glance. A remote control is supplied.
Stated performance
Total harmonic distortion is below 0.01% at 1 kHz and below 0.15% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, at 80% of rated power. Frequency response runs from 5 Hz to 50 kHz (-3 dB), the signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 82 dB referred to 1 W and the damping factor is above 50.
Maximum power consumption is 260 W, standby consumption below 0.5 W.
The AX Series format
The AXA35 has the slim, minimalist look of the AX Series and the classic 430 mm width, so it matches the other components, starting with the AXC35 CD player, and leaves the way open for future system upgrades. It measures 83 x 430 x 335 mm (height, width, depth) and weighs 5.6 kg; the finish is grey.
The box contains the power cable, the remote control and two AAA batteries.
