Cambridge Audio 840A
At 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms, this British integrated amplifier delivers serious power with a class-hallmark that still turns heads.
Overview
The Cambridge Audio 840A integrated amplifier isn't just another box in the rack—it’s a statement. Marketed under variations like the Azur 840A and later iterations such as the 840A V2, this amplifier was built during a period when British hi-fi engineering was pushing boundaries without inflating prices. Owners report it as a powerful, flexible performer, with one reviewer calling it “the most flexible, most powerful, and best-sounding integrated amplifier” the publication had encountered at its tier. Its Class XD™ topology—a Cambridge Audio innovation—supposedly blends the warmth of Class A at low levels with the efficiency of Class B at higher outputs, aiming for the best of both worlds. Whether that translates to a “classy stunner,” as TechRadar once put it, depends on the system and listener.
Power is where the 840A draws a firm line in the sand: 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms and a robust 200 watts into 4 ohms, according to user comparisons and technical documentation. That kind of headroom made it a favorite for driving less sensitive speakers without breaking a sweat. Still, not every experience was glowing—some owners in online forums noted issues when using it with external preamps, with one Reddit user bluntly asking, “Sounds absolutely garbage when used with a preamp??” Whether that points to a design limitation or a misapplication remains unclear from available documentation.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Cambridge Audio |
| Model | 840A |
| Type | Integrated amplifier |
| Power output | 120w pc into 8ohm and 200w pc into 4 ohm |
| THD | 0.0015% 1 kHz at 80% of... |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz - 50 kHz +/- 1 dB |
| S/N ratio | S/N ratio (ref 1W/8 Ohm) |
Collectibility & Value
The Cambridge Audio 840A has maintained a steady presence in the secondhand market, with pricing reflecting condition and version. A “Used - like new” unit appeared on Facebook Marketplace for €425.00, while a “Used – Very Good” example fetched $500 on Reverb. Listings suggest variation in perceived value: one unit missing its remote was offered for $800 plus shipping, indicating some buyers still seek it at premium levels. Forum discussions, such as a Reddit thread questioning whether €300 was a fair price for a broken V2, suggest that while demand exists, it’s tempered by awareness of potential faults. According to a Polk Audio Forum post, the 840A V3 carried a new price of $995, offering a benchmark for depreciation, though original MSRP for earlier versions remains undocumented.
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