★ *AXR100: **bit.ly/3e6GMWX**, **amzn.to/3e45mHR* ★ *AXA35: **bit.ly/3u6MDRq**, **amzn.to/331f5bJ* ★ *QOTD: The AXR100 is has just about everything, so what more does it (or YOU) need?* ★ *Looking for something you saw in today’s video? Check the description above!* ★ *COMMENT RULES: Please be respectful. No outside links, URLs, email addresses, etc. Violations are automatically deleted.*
@Magnus Sura 😂 These are the questions I ask myself every publish day. Some times you guys make me question MY own sanity. I'll be sitting her monitoring comments thinking, I thought we talked about that (fill in the blank). And then I have to go check the script to be sure. 😄
I want you to know how much I appreciate the respect you give to everything you review. It doesn't matter what price range you are reviewing, you put everything on equal footing and tell us what you hear. It truly shows a touch of class. Thank you.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews 100% agree! Just bought this receiver because of this review :-). My dad had a nice Carver receiver he bought with a nice pair of Infinity Kappa speakers that really made me appreciate audio. Still have both but they need some work. I’m going to be using his older direct drive Technics turn table with the Cambridge mated to the JBL Stage A190s. Price was good so going to give them a try for my setup. Happy listening!
Purchased the AXR100 because of your video on the Denon 600ne where you mentioned the Cambridge. At this price, I’m more than satisfied. Glad to see a proper review. Awesome work.
As a result of this review, I purchased an AXr100 with the wharfedale evo 4.1 speakers and I am over the moon with this system. Thank you for all the helpful advice. Great job reviewing this product.
I bought the AXR 100 and paired it with Klipsch RP8000 speakers and a SVS 1000 pro subwoofer. I have this system in a room that is 26' x 17' with hallway and kitchen attached in an open floor plan and it rocks the house! Sounds terrific! Without the sub it lacks the low punch needed to fill the room. But with the SVS 1000 pro and the Klipsch RP 8000 speakers, I have a killer system for under 2K. I have to add that I got floor model Klipsch speakers and a Nice break off the list price.
I also have an AXR100 and it absolutely needs a subwoofer with it. I paired it with a HSU VTF-2 MK5 and it sounds amazing even in my super wide hallway-like room with open air on both sides (14' x 33'). But with just the speakers on their own the mids and bass fall totally flat on their face.
If you lower bass to -2 and put treble to +4 you meet the sound characteristics of the CXA81 amp. Bass becomes less muddy and higher treble gives you some nuances more in the upper band. I really like it this way together with my Dali Oberon 3...
The AXR100 has really impressed me. I've had it for over a year and no problems at all. No fan noise after the break in period, plenty of power and incredible smooth warm sound.
You guys are so totally right about the way Cambridge cares. When someone treats the customer as well as Cambridge does you know the company is in this for the long haul, and, they not only want your business, they want to keep your business too.
Finally, after a year of saving up money, I acquired my new AXR100 yesterday and paired it with a couple of Monitor Audio Bronze 500. This video has been incredibly helpful in making my decision, so thanks!
@@henriadi6331 as beginer in the HiFi world (I’m a composer/producer though) I’m really happy. The AXR is very powerful and it connects very easily to the phone bluetooth, it sounds excellent, and you can manage the tone a little bit with the bass and trebel feature. The Bronze 500, have such formidable bass, they sound very complete, though for my taste, tend to be a little bit harsh on the mid-high frecuencies (so I lowered the trebel 2db). :)
Wow, Kristi's analysis of products has grown more and more in-depth over time. It's interesting to contrast Andrew's scripted review with Kristi's unscripted take. I always enjoy the back-and-forth, off-the-cuff conversation between the two of you.
The AXR-100 is my first integrated on my audiophile journey. I love it. It picked it up for 350 on Cambridge’s factory refurb store. Glad you enjoy it as well.
I cannot say enough about the tuner. With work from home being that it is. We don't get that commute time listening anymore. A lot for channels are available via streaming of course which brings me to bluesounds new powenode. That would have been a great comparison here. Awesome work you two. Love the format please don't change it!
I started power watching you videos about three weeks ago. I love the fact that you review equipment that doesn't require a second mortgage. At a 500.00 dollar price, I don't think a reasonable person ask for much more. Keep up the great work, your videos are informative and relaxing as well.
I have the AXA35 and I love it. It's such an easy amp to listen to and on my limited budget it does everything I need it to. I run my ifi zen blue into it and a turntable and CD player
I have an AXR100, and I agree with most of this review - it's a great-sounding/performing amp when it works. I have to admit that the unit I purchased is currently being replaced by Cambridge due to some weird defect that caused it to not come out of standby mode if it sat idle for 2 weeks (but only if it was set to Phono). As far as the Bluetooth performance being rock solid? I will beg to differ on that. In my experience, it's been straight-up balls (and I have been well within 5 feet away from the amp itself).
I commented on the Rotel (Christy replied), and I'm still watching this. I have to say, I would have been fine with the Rotel not having a display at all. When I buy another amplifier I'd more likely go for the Rotel, I'd just want a clean stereo amp to go with my Rotel turntable and Tannoy M20 speakers.
Cambridge Audio just raised prices on their products. This receiver is now listed at $699.00. The AXR85 went up $150.00 and is now $549.00. There are a few retailers still listing them at the old prices so if you you want one of these at the old price I'd order it soon.
@@cjfredericks Everything has gone up, I'm in Canada too, and at $900 Cdn., it's still the best option. Consider that the less capable amps have gone up too, look at value, do you want to pay more for the lesser amp or more for the better amp? At under $1000 Cdn, it's still a good buy.
I use the Cambridge AXR 100’s little brother AXR 85. It has the similar features to the AXR 100, it even uses the same remote. The AXR 85 doesn’t have the Coax or Optical input and only 85 WPC. I have heard from others that the AXR 100 and 85 have identical sound signatures it was about 400 dollars when I bought mine.
I immediately noticed - and loved! - that the labels on the back panel are printed twice - the normal way, and upside down for your ease of use when reaching over the unit and behind it. Nice touch.
@@trekjudas Well I really appreciate that. We try and keep it interesting and in the coming weeks will be taking things a little further to keep it fresh!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I won't name names but there's a guy who talks about a system that most cost a MILLION dollars but his videos are dull as watching paint dry!
I really enjoy the back and forth discussion between the two of you in the bonus content. You are both obviously passionate about a/v and your own tastes and opinions are very apparent.
Wish more 2.1 stereos had LFE supprt. Its nice they add a sub pre out but I also want to filter out 80 to 100hz and below on the main speakers to give them a little extra room to work. They clean up a bit when they don't have to go so low. And if I have a sub I don't want the mains and sub to be overlapping to much.
It's a nice sounding amp. Gives a lot of that classic British class AB sound for modest money. It's great for rock music and I quite like opera and concertos on these kind of amps.
I agree with this entire review. I agree there is a lack of definition in the soundstage. And oh buddy, the remote is a MESS. But I like that it also controls my Cambridge AXC35 CD player. I’ll be interested to hear your take on the Yamaha amps, this Cambridge has relegated my AS801 to the workshop where I don’t listen critically.
I can almost guarantee you that I will like the A-S801 better based on my preference for Yamaha's sound but I'm sure that Andrew would be able to be more objective :-).
I’ve been enjoying my CXA60 for about 2 years now and, I gotta say, Cambridge really do make quality products at very reasonable prices. Great reviews once again, Andrew and Kristi! Can’t say I’m not a little bit jealous of what you guys do hahaha. Have a blast on your vacation!
I had a AXA35 for almost two years driving my Dali Oberon 5 speakers and I loved it. It really is supreme bang for the buck. I compared the AXA35 to the NAD c316bee v2 at my dealer and to my ears the Cambridge sounded like it wouldn't tire my hearing after a couple of hours and so I took it home. I only sold it in November to snag a Rega Elex-R for €869 on Black Friday. The Rega is of course on a higher level but sometimes I miss the little AXA35, I wish I'd kept it for a second system in another room, it was really that good.
Thanks for the great review! I have had the AXR100 for almost a year now. It's a great receiver. But I wish it had better Bluetooth. For some reason mine has a range of like 6 feet when connecting with my phone or laptop. Also the power light is also always on, even when the unit is off. I wish it was only on when powered on. Thanks again guys!
Got rid of mine about a month ago. Had it five years with Klipsch towers. All types of use, volume, music, everything. To this day extremely satisfied with it!!! I recommend it to everyone in that price range!!! Just sold it to upgrade to a Parasound Hint 6.
If it continues raining in TX, Andrew & Kristi will be reviewing marine audio equipment because we'll all be living on boats. Thank you for the review, well done. I'm trying to decide on a secondary 2 ch system to play to the partio (zoned) at this price point. AXR100 would fit the bill if it had networking to access music server remotely without more equipment. The Denon DRA-800H checks the flexibly boxes, but question the sound quality vs Cambridge. (we're using Monitor Audio Silver & Gold speakers in-house & outside). The more I investigate options, the Emotiva A2 (that also was a very good review) may be the easiest option from XMC-1.
Makes the now similarly priced Rotel a lot more attractive. The Cambridge AXA35 comes highly recommended (@ just over €400 here) but much less power, I think. EDIT// but they also "just" amps
I used to spend hours at the library going through all the audiophile magazines when I was a kid. Just found this channel and it has resparked my interest. Awesome channel and format. Might have to get a system now that I can finally afford it. 👍
@@ginoross3483 ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers, and the Debut Reference DBR62 Bookshelf speakers. I recommend both. They're power hungry, but the Cambridge has more than enough power to push them. For the subwoofer , Klipsch Reference R-10SWi Wireless powered subwoofer.
Nice review, Andrew. I don't have any experience with their integrated amplifiers, but I've been a happy owner of a Cambridge Audio Azur 551P phono preamp for the past 6 years.
Your reviews are awesome. Just wanted to chime in for anyone looking at this. GET IT. He mentions the Sony dh190 and that has been my amp for the past little while. While I understand good audio quality in recording studios, this segment has been new to me. So the dh190 served me well for about two years. I just picked up the axr100 today and at first was unphased comparing it to the Sony. Then, I really started paying attention. When he said the sound is wide, I can attest to that. My listening space in my condo sounds amazing. Absolutely amazing. Im running a pair of klipsch r-50m speakers and it almost seems like the speakers are much further apart than they are. Also the placement of each sound is a large notch above the Sony. Listening to beach houses “runaway” you can almost touch all the little synth notes in the verses. And also, this is what changed it for me, is the sound is leaps and bounds better than the Sony at lower volumes, which is important for me. The bass isn’t consuming at lower or higher output, and I love that. I have floor to ceiling windows surrounding it so reflections have been a large issue on the lower end, but I do not have this problem anymore. Thank you so much for your detailed reviews. I think I found my forever amp. Also. My preamp is a pioneer DJM-750. Yes, I get hate all the time for it, but have compared others against it and have no complaints. I like the tactile 3band eq, and the ex-dj in me likes to add effects to vinyl. With this amp, I can now ditch the rca outs and run spdif cable from the mixer to the Cambridge and after testing rca and spdif, it adds so much more clarity to my Radiohead collection. Can’t wait to further enjoy this level of clarity and soundscaping!
Great review as always. I replaced my HK AVR7000 with the AXR100 and am not disappointed in any way. I don't do multi channel home theater any more and wanted something simple but good sounding. Also, I wanted something that wasn't 25 years old. I paired it with the Elac Debut 2.0 F 6.2s and it is magic. Well at least it makes this old recovering audiophile happy.
@Jingle Nuts It truly is. I will never get rid of it. My youngest son wants it. I used to work at Harman so I had 2 of the AVR7000 but one developed a chip problem with the Sony DSP chip and you can't fix that. When I worked for HK the AVR7000 was originally going to be the very first Citation receiver ever. Dr. Harman nixed that because he said Citation should be reserved for separates only. Now that Samsung owns Harman you can buy damn Bluetooth speaker branded Citation. Oh for the good old days.
Hi. Fantastic channel Andrew and Kristi!🤩 I often wonder if Usa is on another planet pricewise. 😀 Here in Sweden the cheapest AXR100 costs 725 dollars and the famous Klipsch 600-M for example 700 dollars compared to as little as 430$ in US. Thats about 50% more than over there in America.
I completely agree with your opinion on the value prospect that is Cambridge Audio. I needed a Phono Preamp to run my turntable and ended up with the Alva Duo last year. Awesome piece with the great build quality that you both talk about in this amp review. No changes to my system planned for this year, but glad to know that you are giving the community great advice!
But.... the Cambridge does include an AM/FM tuner, Dac, toslink, coax, and phono preamp, pre outs, and sub out, for those people who need them. Many integrateds do not include them at anywhere near this price, especially with 100 wpc.
I purchased an AXR 35 recently and am very pleased with it and the 35 watts per channel is plenty for my vintage Klipsch Heresy's. If you're tired of experimenting with vintage amps or receivers and their problems and want a great sounding new amp at a reasonable price the AXR 35 will probably make you very happy.
Thank you both for this review. I've been considering this model as an upgrade from the Sony STR-DH190 mainly because of the digital inputs. The Sony has been a surprisingly good and reliable amp/receiver for the price. However, I recently got a 4K TV that only has digital OUT, so I've had to use a little converter dongle to connect it to the receiver. It doesn't seem to work as well as connecting the TV directly as I did with my HDTV which had RCA out. The receiver outputs to a pair of Triangle Borea BR03 speakers which have been terrific with audio from any source. Aesthetically, I already have a Cambridge AXC35 CD player, and a silver Audio Technica turntable, so a silver amp/receiver would fit right in. The $500 price point seems like a reasonable upgrade from my existing Sony Sony receiver to gain new direct inputs without sacrificing power output as it seems to happen with some competing devices at this price point.
I love these disputes with Kristi (hope I spelled it right). It makes these reviews special! Acually I fear she’s becoming the audiophile while you recover 🤫🤣
Hurrah! This looks like the best real receiver (am/FM tuning, signal switching, amplification) on the market at this price. There are a few Yamaha models that come close. The SVS sound base is available at this price too.
I think the ghost of Cambridge audio units past brought this review back around for me! At just a year and 3 months my AXR85 suddenly lost its bluetooth connection abilities. The funny thing is that as I'm typing this I realize that I only used BT a couple times before realizing that calls would intterupt my music(Thanks Android). Then about 4 months in I found an old NEC manufactured Sears MCS Receiver at a yard sale for $40 at an estate sale. That was in my system for at least 6 months. I probably only used the BT input on the Cambridge unite 4 hours in total. Can HIFI equipment suffer from neglect of use LOL?
I agree about the built-in phono stage. I had this amplifiers predecessor the SR 20 and from what I’ve been told from Cambridge audio they did not change the phono stage between the two models. Anyway I directly compared the one built into the SR 20 to one of the audio worlds most highly vaunted stages the schiit mani and while there is a slight difference in my opinion the one built in it’s just as good and in someways I actually preferred it. The Mani for example has a laser like focus to its definition that over time I’ve realized comes across making your records almost sound like CDs whereas the one built into the Cambridge audio has that classic analog warmth that most people including myself want out of our records. Another thing that people when reviewing this amplifier or its brethren failed to mention is the fact that it has a record out, not important to everybody but if you listen to cassettes and you enjoy recording to cassette then it’s very important
Nice review guys. Wondering if you've considered doing a review of either a CD player or transport. I know that in this day and age they are somewhat considered to be on the way out, but it would be interesting to get yor take on it. I still use CDs and prefer them to streaming especially when used as a transport hooked up to a good DAC. The Audiolab 6000CDT which is a transport is a good case in point. Still usimnng an ageing Marantz CD67SE (internally modified) as a transport hooked up to an SMSL SU-8 balanced DAC.
Really enjoyed this review!. I have the AXA35 and I love it. I didnt get the AXR100 because I read people complaining about fan noise. You didnt mention that so should I assume is a non issue? Thanks. Great review!
Fan noise was not an issue in our tests. Our equipment rack is not RIGHT NEXT to our listening position so fans are rarely, if ever, a problem for us. But even when near the rack I never heard a fan.
I came here to ask the same question about the fan noise. I am glad that it was already asked and answered. Thanks a lot! @dodpr @@andrewrobinsonreviews
I am trying to decide between the AXR100 and the R-N602. I am mainly using for my vinyl. Also I would use to play music through my phone via Bluetooth. The speakers I have are JBL 52s. Really hope to get a response ! Thanks for all your hard work and amazing reviews.
Afer watching this review many months ago.. and looking for better or other options Vintage or New on the price range, I am happy to say I have installed my CAMBRDIGE AXR100, and yes... people thinks I spent a lot more on it.. I managed to bought it at the old 500 USD MSRP!
Sounds like Kristi and my wife listens to music the same way 😅 I like to just sit and relax when I’m listening to music, my wife is all over the place 😂 thanks for yet another great review 😊
Seems like the 85 gets less attention--is there a good reason for this, or is it just that Cambridge doesn't send it out to reviewers like they do the 35 and 100?
I now can go for a slightly more expensive budget stereo, home theater solution. I was looking at the AXR100 and this review settles that purchase. As for what I think it needs, maybe HDMI but really it seems perfect. Now I just need to settle on speakers. I like neutral, detail and soundstage, as my top priorities. I have found the JBL Stage 530s at $450, as my front runner. Unless someone can suggest something else that fits what I am looking for under $600 a set. Again these reviews are awesome, thank you. Hope you too have an awesome vacation, you deserve it.
303 user here into Monitor Audio ‘Monitor 200’. Great sound for my needs. Musiccast is painful. So will likely add the new Bluesound NODE just for better streaming and Tidal integration.
Hi Andrew. Great review as always! So I, like your wife love to listen to my music VERY loud. Given that , do think the AXR 100 or the Rotel A11 Tribute would pair better with a set of Klipsch RP 160M speakers? Would love your input on this.....Cheers!
I just love your reviews. I am a poor audiophile. So I look for value for the $$ But like your saying at the end of your videos, which I love, I am the only one who needs to like the sound of it. And when money shows up, I will upgrade some things. Like my cheap Dayton Audio T652 speakers. I love Cambridge Audio stuff. For several reasons. One is the quality for the money is impressive. Very well designed and built. I own an AXR 85. I had a limited budget and I found that Cambridge sells refurbished units on eBay for a really nice discount. I was going to get the AXA35, but they sold out and I thought for a little more $ I could get the AXR85. I thought about the AXR100 but since I already have a DAC I did not need that, so why spend the money? I got the AXR85 shipped to my house for $269. And it came looking like new and works perfectly. What a deal! The AXR85 is basically the AXR100 without the DAC. The 15 watts a channel you won't notice if they really are different wattages in the real world. The AXR85 is the best amp/ receiver I have ever owned. Which is not saying a lot. But the sound it puts out is amazing. I am surprised you did not even mention the AXR85's existence in the video, since they are so close to each other in features and a little bit of money. I see you do have it in your listing of other Cambridge products. So at least it is there. Thanks for all you do and I hope your mom continues to get better.
@@evilwax73 I'd think they would make a good combo, but I'd get advice from an expert. Personally I'd always take my gear into a local dealer to test out the item you're looking at with your current setup to see how it sounds for myself. Something might work in theory but could end up sounding worse than your current setup or maybe better in some aspects but you might lose a particular quality that you really like etc.
@@flynnbach8073 Thanks for your thoughts. There are currently no dealers open who carry Cambridge Audio products, so my only option would be to purchase from Crutchfield, try it out with my own equipment and then return it if it’s not better than my Denon. It’s going to be a better test to pair this with my own speakers and turntable in my room. My main question was whether or not they would be a good pairing with Monitor Audio Bronze 500’s, or if they need something with more power or cleaner power?
A popular bidding site has a refurbished axr100 for $350...says expertly refurbished and they have a very high star rating. Free returns for defective units. Any thoughts?
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I think I’ll order the axr85 from Amazon just to compare since it’s new. Already ordered the refurbished axr100. Your opinion is valued.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I got my AXR100 and AXC35 from Cambridge Audio's eBay site. They also have the Alva from time to time for around $800 and the CXN-V2 for around $750. My setup is an AXR100, AXC35 through the DAC of the CXN-V2, an AT-LP120 (orotfon blue) with Jamo C97 IIs. I've been debating about swapping the AXR100 for a CX and getting the CX transport, but mainly because visually the AX and the CX models do have enough visual differences that I notice and the AX remotes don't work with the CX line and vice versa and there are no IR or trigger jacks on the AX line. So what did I wish the Cambridge Audio AXR100 had? Mainly, the same look and finish as the CX line and one remote to rule them all. That's really it.
Yo lo compre en amazon por 15k y aun no eh tenido fallas, lo del ventilador suena como una ps4 a un 80% del volumen pero no se nota por el mismo sonido de la musica. Estan emparejadas con unas Elac 6.2 y diria que los medios estan muy marcados asi que le subo a los agudos pero depende de la cancion y el formato que para mi donde suena mas detallado pero con menor volumen es en DSD y en Flac 96/24 dependiendo de la cancion juego con el ecualizador.
Great Video. I now own the AXR100D (EU-Version with DAB instead of the AM Radio) and I think about this Amp in a similar way. When I was deciding between it and the CXA61, the only difference I could notice was the definition of the soundstage and the precision overall. When listening to Dire Straits „Money for Nothing“ or „Ride across the River“, it just felt like you put on your reading glasses with the CXA61. Everything was there as before, but it was so much more percise and defined, to the level that you could point at the instruments position rather than telling the approximate position. That was all I could notice when deciding to step up my budget, which I ended up not doing. The only Thing the Cambridge should have is this: I have a Chromecast Audio connected to one of the Toslink-Inputs. What I am missing there is an automatic Switch-On Feature when it detects that there is Sound coming through one of these Inputs. It uses the same mechanism to automatically power-off the unit, so why not use it the other way around? Greetings from Germany, keep up the good Work
After my NAD C368 went belly up (DC error that won't go away), I'm looking at this (would replace the bum amp and the NAD C427 tuner). I've seen some reviews that mentioned fan noise, however. Not sure how much of an issue this is.
This channel is so good. Andy & Kristi's discussion is epic. Kristi's opinions are filled with emotions and gratitude. Full respect to both of you ✌. Btw, i was thinking to grab a Axa-35 to pre-in with my Onkyo-TXNR 5007 for stereo listening with AE lite1 Book-Shelf's. But not sure if it will improve anything in the stereo department ? Also dont wanna miss my current bi-amp'd setup either.
Does Kristy really listen at 90 to 100 db. After twenty years in audio rooms the high frequency range of my hearing is not as good as it was, I would guess it cuts off at about 15,000 hertz. So an interesting discussion is as an audiophile do you try to preserve your hearing for as long as you can (as we age we experience hearing loss anyway) or listen at high volumes to be able to hear the full frequency range of what is being played.
I protect my hearing and have for years whereas Kristi...not so much 😝. She doesn't always listen THAT loudly but when she really wants to rock out she definitely listens louder than me.
