Customer Reviews

Cambridge Audio 540P Phono Pre-Amplifier Silver

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this preamplifier based on the recommendations it has garnered from other reviewers. It is hooked up to a Technics DD turntable with a Stanton cartridge and the sound quality is well above my expectations. Through my studio monitors I can hear instruments imaging where they should, and the RIAA equalization seems accurate compared to recordings I have on CD. Noise floor is fairly low and the grounding circuit is excellent. No hum and wonderful, detailed sound. This is an excellent value for the money!

I must say this piece of equipment works extremely well. I used to plug the technicks mk2 1200 with ortofon 2mblue cartridge directly into the integrated phono input in my technics amplifier, and find that there was no huge difference between this cartridge and the stanton 600. I must say that what makes the real difference now is this 540p phono stage, everything sounds more compact, unbeatable bass, good high frequency response.
I think this is the best option in terms of quality/price ratio

I bought this unit as a companion to the Cambridge Azur 350A integrated amplifier. I've not heard a better one. At first I had considered the Rolls Bellari tube preamp (about $250.) but I'm glad I tried this one first. The combination of discreet class A input transistors and passive RIAA equalization really works (additional gain and buffering appears to be via ICs). The unit is dead quiet and the input impedance and capacitive loading are a perfect match for my Ortophon OM20 super cartridge. Fantastic sound quality, open, clear and sweet with excellent sound stage. Pair this with a higher end moving magnet nude square-shank diamond elliptical stylus (bonded tips need not apply) on the right tonearm and you will not be disappointed.

This is such a huge step up from stand alone phono preamps in the $50. range, I'd recommend it as worth the extra money (when used with a good quality outboard A/D USB interface, like Eiderol, M-Audio or Tascam) for transcribing vinyl to CD.

My phono stage on my preamp was broken so I decided to buy the Cambridge 540p. The sound is decent but I felt there was something missing. I repaired my threshold preamp and I heard what was missing. If youve never heard records played through a high end preamps phono stage, you may be satisfied with the cambridge.

At long last, assembled the vintage Technics SL-J33 and Shure V-15 after a long hibernation.
Main reason for buying the Cambridge was a long cable run to the receiver (Yamaha RX-397).

Everything worked, but after a few sides, decided the sound was absolutely wretched.
Hooked up the turntable directly to the receiver's phono input, extended the ground wire, and downright decent audio resulted.

Best guess is that the Cambridge is running too hot (audio-wise, not temp-wise). No way to adjust the gain and don't really want to perform PCB hacks.
Or is the V-15 (don't remember which variety) a higher-than-typical output cartridge?

I could accept par with the Yamaha's built-in preamp. Instead, a real disappointment after reading so many good reviews in so many places.
And I am not audiophile (obviously, from the equipment lineup).
Will have to pursue replacement with Cambridge or just chalk it up as one of those things.

From what I can tell, this phono pre amp does the job well. Only downside is there is no power switch so one needs to hook up to a powerstrip or just keep it on. Solid as a tank.

This is my first experience with audiophile equipment,yes at this low price. A real ear opener.Everything is done right,and it looks nice too.