Cambridge Audio AX R100D integrated amplifier

This new Cambridge Audio AX R100D amplifier/tuner replaces the well-known SR20 by Cambridge Audio. It takes most of the technologies, while undergoing a real rejuvenation and several notable improvements.

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO AX R100D: FRONT PANEL

To start, the external look has been redesigned and the quality has increased. It has a beautiful front panel made of dark grey aluminium specific to this new AX series.

At its centre there is the LED display, showing all the functions and, among other things, the radio stations listened to because this AX R100D is equipped with a FM tuner and a DAB digital radio reception.

On the right, there is a large volume button and an Aux jack ((MP3) in 3.5mm mini jack format. On the left there is a stereo Jack headphone output of 6.35mm.

Just below the display, there are the buttons for accessing the inputs and the pre-recorded stations (10).

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO AX R100D: BACK PANEL

At the back of the device there is a Type F antenna socket for FM (75 Ohms) and DAB reception, a Bluetooth 5.0 antenna and a USB jack. Caution, it does not process signals, it only offers the possibility to recharge a device.

There are 2 speaker outputs (A and B) that can be switched separately via a selector switch on the front panel.

There are 3 analogue inputs as well as an MM phono input, a subwoofer output (Sub Out) and a fixed audio output (Rec Out).

The plus compared to the AX R85 integrated amplifier is the adding of a DAC processing from 16 to 24 bit PCM signals with a maximum resolution of 32 to 192 kHz on the Toslink optical inputs and also on the coaxial SPDIF input.

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO AX R100D: ASSOCIATION

The Cambridge Audio AX R100D has a nice power of 100 Watts for a charge of 8 ohms.

This power allows this integrated amp to be associated to a wide range of bookshelf and tower speakers of 450/1000€ per pair.

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO AX R100D: TEST AND LISTENING

We find the typical dynamic and full restitution by Cambridge Audio, the British manufacturer. It enables presence, fullness and matter.

The bass is surprising for an amplifier of this range by its structure and articulation.

The phono input allows you to take advantage of a good turntable (such as Rega Planar 2 turntable, Pro-Ject X1 turntable...).

The FM tuner is a real plus, it demonstrates that the future shines bright for this source. The addition of DAB digital reception turns this amplifier into the future.

To have a coherent whole, it is advisable to associate it with the Cambridge Audio AX C35 CD player.

The Cambridge Audio AX R100D integrated amplifier is an excellent amp that offers various advantages at this price: a phono input, an analogue and digital tuner, a DAC which processes stereo digital signals of a TV and a nice power allowing it to “drive” a lot of Hi-Fi speakers.

An unrivalled integrated amplifier at this price!