Cambridge Audio AXC35 CD Player + AXA35 Integrated Amplifier + Free Gift

AXC35 CD Player

Cambridge Audio AXC35 is a versatile, gapless playback CD player featuring a high quality digital to analogue converter (DAC), to convert the digital information stored on a CD into an analogue sound signal. As well as regular audio CDs, the AXC35 will play MP3 and WMA files from home recorded CD-R, CD-RW and CD-ROM discs. There’s also a dedicated digital output which allows you to record from a CD to a digital format or even connect to a standalone DAC when you’re ready to improve your sound even further.

That coax output allows you to use the AXC35 as a digital transport into an external DAC should you so wish, though it is designed to be paired with one of the matching amplifiers which are strictly analogue in their input options, or with one of the receivers which do have digital inputs but of no obvious advantage over the CD player’s digital hardware. In essence what we have here is nothing more than the most basic CD player, but that’s no bad thing.

AXA35 Integrated Amplifier w/ Built-in Phono-stage

Cambridge Audio AXA35 boasts 35 watts of power per channel, an integrated moving magnet phono stage for turntable enthusiasts, a white display screen, and a ¼ inch headphone socket for private listening sessions.

Cambridge Audio AXA35 positioned at the budget end of the market. Out of the box, it looks understated and reasonably elegant for an affordable amp. The lunar grey finish that Cambridge has adopted for many of its recent products looks stylish and helps add a sense of purpose.

Under the display, there’s a row of four buttons, each corresponding to the relevant analogue input on the rear. A volume dial and menu button are on the right, while a 6.35mm headphone output and 3.5mm auxiliary input sandwich the amp’s infrared receiver on the left.

The thing that strikes you about the Cambridge Audio AXA35 is just how confident it sounds. There’s no wavering over the placement of notes, no blurring of lines. Whether it’s carving out a bassline, delivering the leading edge of a drum thwack or positioning a vocal inside its stereo image, the AXA35 delivers them all in a precise and assured manner, so it’s good to see Cambridge Audio produce an amplifier with the musicality and all-round appeal of the AXA35.