treble is detailed and vivid, very nice vocals, mids are exceptional, bass is controlled, tight and natural, resolution is really really good. overall, an amp that -speaking in sonic performance terms- could well worth something in the area of 200 - 250 pounds. build quality is fair for the money. tone controls can be bypassed, monitor loop(tape) is available, buttons and switches are nice to look at, facia is simple and plain(for me it's a big plus). It's a much much better amp than sonys or yamahas below 250 pounds, equal to or better than a 40-50watt nad (nad amps demonstrate a different character sonically), but not as powerful.

not much automation here I fear... no remote, no relay input selection (it is done with a simple rotating switch), balance is uneven at very low levels but catches up soon and is no biggie prob, no phono preamp (comes extra but attaches easily inside), no gold plated terminals, build quality could be better (sure, for more money though). The amp is ok operating with 2 way floorstanders or standmounts, but lacks the power (voltage is ok, current is not enough) to drive large 3 way speakers. It will pull through, but don't expect miracles: then, the sound will get harsh at high levels, especially at dynamic passages as with classical music. A large improvement to the lack of current would be to add capacitors to the power supply. Haven't done that yet so I wouldn't know how large an improvement this would make... The A4 may seem kind of aggressive from times to times. Though really good, don't forget it's just a plain, low-budget, solid-state amp. An amp 2-3 times its price should be better by any standards.

Hi I bought my (used) A4 in 2001. I had my doubts initially, since I was originally aiming for an A3i (at double the price though), but soon I realised that this amp is exceptionally capable sonically, regardless of its price tag. I did replace the volume op-amp though, with a much better (and much more expensive) one, and the difference was more than audible. My system now comprises of: cambridge audio d300se cd player, cambridge audio A4 amp (tweaked and operating with the tone controls always bypassed), wharfedale sapphire sp-83 speakers biwired, jvc TD-V662 cassette player, and last but not least, my portable sharp md... :) I don't use a tuner on that system.

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cambridge audio A1mk3se various sony 2 ch. integrated amps, yamaha amps (2 channel integrated amps and 5 channel home theater units) have listened to cyrus, marantz and nad amps more than a million

Value for money. Upgradability; would love to try it with a pair of Cambridge Audio power amps... Bi-wire'ble; when I shopped, not many others at this price bracket had that.

No remote. My volume control has got the dredded crackling sound as you turn it. May just need a good clean - but then it is only two years old.

My first introduction to good hi-fi, and at the price I got a lot for my money (120UKP). I have been using it extensively for nearly two years now. I've got it hooked up to a pair of Gale Gold Monitor's (bi-wired), which it drives without a quible; nice bass punch. I've connected many different inputs into it; PC's, PS2, discman's, although at the moment I've got my DACMagic 2i going into it and a Sony turntable. It didn't originally come with a phono stage, but a nice man at Richersounds fitted one for 25 UKP - bargin!

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I only have my Dad's old 70's Marantz setup to compare against.

Clean sound accross frequency range. Dynamically good for £120. Plenty of power in reserve even at high amplitudes.

No headphone socket or remote controll. Balence seems a bit unusual. Left channel is dominant at low levels, right channel catches up at less low levels.

A good amplifier, if not flash. Mine has a slight problem maybe. Hopefully a call into the shop for an exchange will help. I'm not tempted by Sony's and such though having heard this Cambridge in full swing!

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Sony Tafe330r - has a remote and headphone socket, but very, very bright!

Detailed and pleasant sound. Copes with everything very well indeed. Great midrange and treble and very system friendly. Smooth and lush.

Lacking in punch, could do with more excitement. Sounds very strained at high volumes.

At $180/£120 you really can't moan. Very capable amplifier that will please everyone. Still brings joy to me. Even though I'm going to sack it for a Marantz PM-6010 OSE. But then I'm a Marantz Bass freak.

A good value cheap amp with bass and treble controls. You can also bi-amp it because it has four binding posts.

The amp buzzes when the volume is on minimum which means it is annoying if you prefer to leave your components on at night.

The Cambridge Audio A4 is a good beginners amp with a good solid sound albeit lacking in subtlety and control.

A good introduction but once you have the hi-fi bug you will soon be looking to upgrade your amp. Whether you have any money in your account or not (wahey for magic money ie Overdraft).

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Marantz PM6010OSE ; Kenwood Series 21

Good detail and balance. Excellent value for money at 120
sterling; plenty of power for most speakers @ 50W. Plenty
of inputs inc. optical. Great sound on absolute scale, and
esp. for such a low priced amp.
(V. Good build quality too)

Stereo imaging not seem quite perfect, but I am currently using big speakers in a very small room, so it's hard to judge properly.
source direct does not bypass balance control. These are all minor niggles

I am extremely pleased with this very low priced amp. Prospective buyers may find availability is limited since the A series has been replaced a few months ago.
CD-5 CD player doesn't give rise to any complaints, although I've not had the opportunity to compare it with others yet.
Bass is quite deep and sufficiently well balanced even at low listening levels.
Bass, midband, and treble are all crystal clear, but the amp avoids sounding too electronic.
A great amplifier for under 500 sterling...
but very, very competitive at the price it is at. I wanted to get the A3i but couldn't find any for sale at a reasonable price.

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Cambridge Audio CD5 cd player
Cambridge AUdio interconnects (ATlantic I think...20 sterling)