Cambridge Audio
British hi-fi that punches well above its price
History
Cambridge Audio was founded in Cambridge, England in 1968 by a group of Cambridge University graduates who wanted to produce affordable hi-fi equipment with professional-grade performance. The company's first product was the P50 integrated amplifier.
The P series amplifiers (P50, P110, etc.) established Cambridge Audio's reputation for value. These amplifiers offered solid performance at prices students and young professionals could afford. The company's location in Cambridge, with its university and technology focus, influenced their engineering approach.
The 1980s saw Cambridge Audio expand into CD players and other digital sources. The company was one of the first to recognize the importance of the DAC (digital-to-analog converter) in CD sound quality.
The DACMagic (1990s-2000s) became Cambridge Audio's breakthrough digital product—a standalone DAC that could improve the sound of any CD player or digital source. Multiple generations of DACMagic have followed, establishing the company as a leader in affordable digital audio.
In the 2000s and beyond, Cambridge Audio became part of the Audio Partnership and expanded globally, producing amplifiers, CD players, DACs, and streaming products while maintaining its value-focused philosophy.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|
| Founded | 1968, Cambridge, England |
| Founders | Cambridge University graduates |
| First Product | P50 integrated amplifier |
| Famous Series | P series amplifiers |
| Key Innovation | DACMagic standalone DACs |
| Current Status | Part of Audio Partnership |
Legendary Products
Cambridge Audio P50 (1968)
The company's first product and template for future designs. The P50 offered 25 watts per channel with solid build quality at an affordable student-friendly price.
Cambridge Audio P110 (1970s)
An improved amplifier offering more power and better specifications. The P110 became popular among budget-conscious audiophiles.
Cambridge Audio DACMagic (1990s-2000s)
A standalone DAC that proved digital sound quality could be improved beyond built-in player DACs. The DACMagic spawned multiple generations and established Cambridge Audio's digital credentials.
Cambridge Audio Azur Series (2000s)
A range of amplifiers and CD players that brought Cambridge Audio quality to a wider audience with improved build quality and features.
Classic Models Reference
| Model | Era | Type | Power | Key Features |
|---|
| P50 | 1968 | Integrated | 25WPC | First product |
| P110 | 1970s | Integrated | 40WPC | Popular model |
| P80 | 1970s | Integrated | 35WPC | Mid-range |
| P40 | 1970s | Integrated | 20WPC | Entry model |
| CD1 | 1980s | CD Player | - | Early CD player |
| CD2 | 1980s | CD Player | - | Improved CD1 |
| DACMagic | 1990s+ | DAC | - | Standalone DAC |
| DACMagic Plus | 2000s | DAC | - | Updated DAC |
| Azur 540A | 2000s | Integrated | 50WPC | Azur series |
| Azur 640A | 2000s | Integrated | 70WPC | Azur flagship |
Sound Signature
Cambridge Audio equipment is characterized by:
- Value engineering - Performance per pound
- Neutral balance - Uncolored presentation
- British tuning - Coherent, musical sound
- Affordable quality - High-end performance, modest prices
- Digital expertise - DAC technology leaders
Collecting Cambridge Audio
Vintage Cambridge Audio gear is valued for:
- P series amps - Early classics
- First production - 1960s-70s units
- DACMagic - Digital landmark
- Complete systems - Matched components
- Working condition - Generally reliable
Most collectible models:
- P50 - The first
- P110 - Popular classic
- DACMagic - Digital milestone
- Early production - 1960s units
Restoration Tips
Common Cambridge Audio service items:
- Replace electrolytic capacitors
- Clean controls and switches
- Verify power supply regulation
- Service CD mechanisms
- Update DAC firmware (digital models)
- Generally straightforward designs
Competitors & Comparisons
Cambridge vs Arcam: Similar origins; Cambridge more mass-market
Cambridge vs NAD: Both value brands; different sonic signatures
Cambridge vs Rotel: Similar positioning; both reliable
All Models in Archive (4)
Models
Amplifiers, CD Players
Amplifiers
- P40 - 1969-1970
- P50 - 1970-1975
- P60 - 1975-1980
Tuners