Clear detailed sound

There are two model A500, one not as good. Be careful.

There are two versions of this amp out there folks. Go to www.hifichoice.co.uk to see what I am talking about. They like the new version, but did not like the old one as much.
Then go to the Cambridge Audio website www.cambridgeaudio.com and look at the specs that say the amp is 65 watts/8 ohms and 85 watts/6ohms.
Them go to the manuals section and download the owners certificate for the A500 which sais it is 50 watts/8 ohms and 60 watts/ 6 ohms. The audio dealers I went to see all think they are selling the 65/85 watt version, but when I had them open a box, they really have the older 50/60 watt version that was discontinued.
Cambridge use to put "SE" or "MkII" on the name plate when they upgraded their equipment in the past. Why they did not this time is strange and is misleading.
The rating is for the old version, since that is all I heard.

Similar Products Used:

A3i, P60

Very Musical, excellent soundstage

Touchy volume control on remote, could use a little more power

I was set on the Creek, but when I tested the A500 vs. the 5250 along with the Denon AVR-XXX I was completely blown away by the difference! The clarity and depth of the soundstage on Ella Fitzgerald was almost creepy. I have never had any technical problems with the amp; not even overheating running 6 ohm speakers! If you are comparing anything in this price range I just don't think you'll find anything better. If you do, please post it!

Similar Products Used:

Creek 5250

Beautiful design, build quality, allows for punchy bass, high wattage per channel, gold-plated terminals, nice remote material, remote capable of controlling a few components...almost everything is great

Warmth is a little lacking, remote functions are limited (I.E. Only controls the volume on the amp), no gold plated binding posts.

This is a review for the 65/85wpc version of the A500. This amp is quite possibly the best you could buy for the price. Comes in a nice box and mesh bag, too. The allowance for soundstage and imaging is very high. It provides punchy bass, which works well with my B&W 603s2 speakers. Vocalisation is so incredibly realistic. I am thoroughly enjoying this wonderful amp, you will enjoy it as well, if you give it a try. I bought it online, so there's really no way I could've tested the sound. However, I am amazed at what this little bugger can do. It, not only gives my demanding speakers ample power, it drives them like i have never seen. I wish i didn't have to pay $150 more for a remote and 15 extra watts, though. However, it is certainly worth it, and the extra power does come in handy. Overall= the BEST bang for the buck!!!

Similar Products Used:

Sansui, JVC, Sony

Ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok

Great clarity and imaging! soundstage is definitly that of more expensive amps. silver version looks execellent , fine build quality

no gold plating in binding posts, that's about it!!

Bought as part of a complete system, including D500se cd player, T500 tuner, Totem Acoustics ARRO speakers.

After much research (including audio review) this is the system that seem to suit me for bang for the buck!

The speakers I have are 86db and 4 ohm, so they are very demanding! I have nothing but good things to say about this amp! everything good that has been said ....has been said! Get this amp!!

Similar Products Used:

creek, parasound, yamaha, bose

Well defined highs and lows- compact design , good power

plugs in binding posts

I hooked up this unit and noticed that the overall sound wasn't what I expected. Kinda mushy on the low and high ends. But wait- after 2 -3 weeks of use this unit came alive. Very nice highs-lows- mids. Lots of power, seems a little underated. The only feature that I didn't like was the plugs in the binding posts. I haven't figured out how to open them up yet, but I will. For the money this is the best unit I have ever used. Great build quality and features. Can't go wrong with this one.

Similar Products Used:

pioneer, sony, nad, marantz

Well built, good signal to noise ratio, nice controls and terminals.

Poor Bass response, slightly "metal" sounding, lacks exitement.

I purchased this amplifier from richersounds in the uk to replace a 1982 Panasonic SU-2800 amp. (not sure what wattage). I believe the model I recived was 65w rms at 8Ohms impedence. I expected it to blow away my old panasonic in all areas but I was suprised to find out that the overall sound (compared to my panasonic) was severely lacking bass, and quite "metal" sounding. It did not have half the bass drive or warmth of sound that my panasonic gave. I ran it for 3 days solid and things didnt seem to improve much. I was very dissapointed and after speaking to a salesman at richersounds, he suggested it may be faulty. I recieved the replacement only to find out it was exactly the same :( It has since been sent back and i'm back to running my Panasonic SU-2800 which is much nicer, warmer and fuller to my ears. I'm spending my money on a nice new pair of speakers instead. I must add however, that the D500SE cd deck I purchased along with it is superb, and it goes really nicely with my Panasonic Amp.

Similar Products Used:

1982 Panasonic SU-2800
Cambridge Audio D500SE CD Player

Well built, good signal to noise ratio, nice controls and terminals.

Poor Bass response, slightly "metal" sounding, lacks exitement.

I purchased this amplifier from richersounds in the uk to replace a 1982 Panasonic SU-2800 amp. (not sure what wattage). I believe the model I recived was 65w rms at 8Ohms impedence. I expected it to blow away my old panasonic in all areas but I was suprised to find out that the overall sound (compared to my panasonic) was severely lacking bass, and quite "metal" sounding. It did not have half the bass drive or warmth of sound that my panasonic gave. I ran it for 3 days solid and things didnt seem to improve much. I was very dissapointed and after speaking to a salesman at richersounds, he suggested it may be faulty. I recieved the replacement only to find out it was exactly the same :( It has since been sent back and i'm back to running my Panasonic SU-2800 which is much nicer, warmer and fuller to my ears. I'm spending my money on a nice new pair of speakers instead. I must add however, that the D500SE cd deck I purchased along with it is superb, and it goes really nicely with my Panasonic Amp.

Similar Products Used:

1982 Panasonic SU-2800
Cambridge Audio D500SE CD Player

The control of bass, and imaging

The remote is a little useless as it only controls the volume.

This is a great amp. I am using it to drive a pair of Mordaunt-Short 902's in a bi-wire configuration. I am being a little criminal with the source as it is a PC with a SoundBlaster Live! sound board....fed with such devices as DVD and MiniDisc players. Even with the added noise of the PC the hiss at greater volumes is minimal. The amp provides an awesome sound as it has great ability to control low lying bass. (it can sure shake the roof tiles..STILL..on source direct!) The top end is clear and the unit provides a pleasent listen picking out every last sound. Partnered with my Mordaunt's this is one of the greatest sound i have heard in a long time. The price is nice aswell....my store was selling one for £99 in a special offer, but i wanted the silver one (and the smart blue power LED :D). As i have mentioned the only weekness to this outstanding amp is the remote which lacks a power button and the ability to change input sources......Over all i recommend this to anyone, its a bargin!!!!!

Similar Products Used:

Amps made by: Technics, DENON, NAD and Pioneer.

Nice tonality, warm & powerful, low bass capability quite good

remote too directional sensitive. Housing could be of better quality.

Upgraded from some Philips receiver and this really openened my EARS ! I like this little british amp and the benefit of an additional pre-out is handy to drive my active sub from Lynx. With 50W at 8, or 60W at 4 Ohms it does not seem to be too powerful but believe me, that these figures are very conservative. Construction is nice though - Inside Audio grade caps, nice torodial transformer and beautiful Sanken output stage. At 350U$ retail (Europe) it beats the Rotel competition which I had in mind as well. 5 stars for value and 4 stars for soundquality, since there are certainly better sounding amps around (Different pricetag though) !