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Cambridge Audio A3i
Cambridge Audio A3i
MSRP: $ 530.00

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Rating
Reviewed by:
jpramas
(Audio Enthusiast)

Review Date
September 5, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
3.40 of 5, 5.00 votes

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Review 1 of 31

Price Paid:  $310.00

Summary:
I got this int amp over the NAD C 350, largely because it was $100 cheaper (and probably more since the NAD lacks a phono stage and I would've had to buy a phono preamp, too), but I'm extremely happy with it so far. This heavy little black box has power to burn. Even without bi-wiring, my Triangle Titus 202s sing. Excellent bass, clear mids and highs. Almost never turn the volume above "4." Can hear the speakers nicely in every room in my 900 sq. ft. apartment. My system: Cambridge Audio A3i NAD 521i CD player Denon DP-7F turntable/Ortofon X1-MCP cartridge (that someone threw out in the trash in my old apartment building!) Triangle Electroacoustique Titus 202 bookshelf speakers [and don't even get me started on that cable nonsense, who cares what cables I have, electrons do what they always do no matter what &*^%&*%^ cables I have. . .]

Strengths:
no remote, prevents laziness

Weaknesses:
not expandable, no extra input jacks for additional amps, etc.


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Rating
Reviewed by:
Mr Blobby
(Casual Listener)

Review Date
December 14, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
2.25 of 5, 4.00 votes

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Review 2 of 31

Price Paid:  $120.00 from richer sounds

Summary:
Amazing

Strengths:
Blue lights,power,

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
none


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Rating
Reviewed by:
bert
(Audio Enthusiast)

Review Date
August 20, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

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Review 3 of 31

Price Paid:  $400.00

Summary:
Like to share with all the Cambridge Audio owners that are thinking of upgrading. I have Cambridge Audio CD4SE and A3i, these are very well reviewed here with a Gale 4i speakers. I have gone auditioned for a newer speakers such and settled for the Mission 773e. Gorgeous speakers but need time to run in.. during the run-in I noticed everything seemed to be harsh and bright. Took away all the music I enjoyed. Then it started to settle in. During this time I was introduced to "Musical Fidelity X-10D" which the salesman said will definitely take away all the hardhness and brightness. To cut the story short, the X-10D really change the sound of my whole system to better. After couple of weeks and tried an A/B , with and without the X-10D, and the difference is significant. Without the X-10D everything sound so thin, with them , you have soundstage, smoothness and body in the music (the tube sound). The salesman guaranteed the improvement of money back guarantee ( which is not practice in my country).

For those that want a better sound but limited budget, go ahead and get the X-10D , you can hear the difference, of course on my humble system that has been highly rated here.
Get them fast coz MF are no longer manufacturing them.



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Rating
Reviewed by:
Brad Warwick
(Audio Enthusiast)

Review Date
January 10, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2.00 votes

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Review 4 of 31

Price Paid:  $120.00 from Richer Sounds, Birmingham

Summary:
This amp is a seriously impressive piece of kit! I purchased it for £80 from Richer Sounds. They were selling them dirt cheap before Christmas because it is now a discontinued model. However, dont let that put you off. I have tested virtually every amp in the sub £300 budget amp arena, and nothing comes close to the Cambridge A3i.

As soon as its cool blue led lights up it simply puts the music first. Bass is taught and deep, treble and midrange are nicely balanced. Infact its dynamic range is truly unvelivable. This means the A3i rocks with virtually anything you care to throw at it; whether it be rock, classical, instrumental or dance. With any familiar song you play through the A3i you will notice new sounds sunddenly appear in your ears. The detail is astonishing. In fact I have not witnessed an amp with better grace and detail even in the £400-£500 price bracket.

Features wise, the A3i is jammed packed full of them. Gold plated phonos and binding posts, 4 line ins, tape loop and a quality phono stage which can be swithed to line level if desired. Iside the black box lies some very flashy kit. Fancy led's, high quality capacitors and a hefty power supply wait for the signal. And boy do they capatilise!

Build quality is top notch. A classic cambridge aluminium facia is present and everything seems to be put together to a high standard, regardless of the fact that it's made in the far east.

Overall this is a must have amp. Audition now!!

Strengths:
Top quality construction, Great warm and involving sound. Amazing features for the price!

Weaknesses:
No Remote Control

Similar Products Used:
Cambridge A500, A4, A1, A1 Mk3 SE, Nad C320, C340, Marantz PM4000, Denon 255Uk, Rotel RA 931 MkII


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Rating
Reviewed by:
Harrell
(Audiophile)

Review Date
January 7, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 4.00 votes

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Review 5 of 31

Price Paid:  $160.00 from Here used

Summary:
Wonderful intergrated..Very transparent,sonic bliss..

Strengths:
Sonics

Weaknesses:
Slight brassy

Similar Products Used:
Mclntosh Kenwood Pioneer many others


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