Summary:
First i should mention that this amplifier uses an integraded chip amplifier that provides it the 35 watts it gives out. If you look inside the unit you will see how many few parts the amp uses (something like 9 components per channel-no s*it). I should also mention that the same i.c power amplifier is being used in the 47 labs gaincard amp(or whatever it's called) that sells for something like $4000. Yep, this is basically the same thing except it sells for about $400! Cudos to cambridge audio! Too bad this product is no longer in production though. Although some of the newer cambridge stuff may still be using this chip, i'm not certain.
If you are thinking about purchasing this thing used from someone I suggest going to the 47 labs reviews on this site and reading some of the glowing reviews there because that's what you will be listening to if you get ahold of one of these.
This little amp sounds so amazingly rich and deep. Whoever at phillips designed this i.c is a genius. We need more of these things!!!

Strengths:
soothes the savage beast

Weaknesses:
no bowel moving dynamics - modest 35 watts/channel

Price Paid:  $100.00 from www.richersounds.com

Summary:
When my multi-$$$ amplifier blew up and was sent off to be fixed, I had to rummage around my friends and basement for a temporary replacement.

This $100 blew away several amps costing up to seven times as much. It's a simple, honest, musical sounding amplifier, that you can just forget about and enjoy the music.

I currently have it sitting in between a $6000 Mark Levinson No 39 CD and a pair of BBC LS3/5a speakers, and it doesn't sound out of place. Incredible.

Strengths:
Price, musicality, relative lack of listener fatigue

Weaknesses:
Not at this price

Similar Products Used:
Linn, Arcam, Rotel

Summary:
This amp is just great for listening to live jazz or even better for listening to large scale orchestra. This amps ability to bring out very small details and pin point imaging is hugely overlooked mostly due to the fact that it is a sub $500 product. Don't let that stop you from listening to it. You will be disappointed if you listen to music with a lot of bass. The amp does ok with mainstream recordings of "blurry bass" but precise and controlled bass will not come from buying this little beauty. Still... pretty recommended if it suits you

Strengths:
micro dymamics, imaging, lush midrange, DEAD QUIET

Weaknesses:
Macro Dynamics, lack of power. too much hiss when played loud sometimes

Similar Products Used:
NAD

Summary:
I assume that this is a review for teh a1mk3? (i have the special edition) if not oh well here is the summary:
good starter amp, very quiet and detailed but I did mention the sibilance problem above. this happens when i turn the treble balance past flat (which i find very necessary with this amp) overall pretty unbelievable sonics for the price. way to go cambridge audio! (not soundworks!!!!)

Strengths:
quietness, warmth, detail, able to cast a good soundstage with a good recording. not overly powerful (although beefy for 35w/channel) but uses a toroid power supply which is pretty impressive at this price. very well built

Weaknesses:
too much sibilance (as with all cambridge audio amps) the 's' in the human voice is exaggerated and sounds distorted.

Summary:
This amp was my first buy when I started a budget system over a year ago. I gave me a unique insight into the world of hifi. It only had 30WPC but this was enough. It was extremely good for the price, and it amazed me with the amount of music and performance that it gave in this price range. Verdict: A good buy for your first AMP

Strengths:
Excellent mid range for the price, great timing, fairly good separation, and speed

Weaknesses:
Anoying volume control, no remote, bass a little slow