Cambridge Audio C75

Name: Cambridge Audio C75
Brand: Cambridge Audio

An integrated amplifier produced by Cambridge Audio.

Overview

The Cambridge Audio C75 is an integrated amplifier built as a high-end model in the company's lineup. It competed with more expensive Japanese and American amplifiers of its era. Reviewers praised its clean, detailed sound and sturdy construction, and often called it a "giant-killer" that performed like amplifiers costing twice as much. Owners report it is reliable, well-built and surprisingly powerful. It runs warm.

Specifications

Power output	75 watts per channel
Frequency Response	20Hz–20kHz (±0.5dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion	<0.005%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	>100dB
Inputs	5 line inputs
Outputs	Tape out, preamp out

Design

The C75 uses a fully discrete, direct-coupled amplifier circuit. It has a massive toroidal transformer, and the preamp and power amp sections get separate power supplies.

Context

Cambridge Audio positioned the C75 as a high-end model and engineered it to take on more expensive amplifiers from Japan and the United States. It offered exceptional value and performance in a competitive market segment.

Market

The most common problem with the C75 is the main power supply capacitors. After 20+ years of service the originals can dry out and cause hum or reduced power, so they need replacing. A full recap of the power supply and audio path capacitors is recommended for units in long-term storage or heavy use. The proprietary speaker relay is hard to find, but equivalents can replace it.