Cambridge Audio AXR85 FM/AM Stereo Receiver with Phono-Stage - Dreamedia AV

Vendor: Cambridge Audio

Cambridge Audio AXR85 FM/AM Stereo Receiver with Phono-Stage

High-Fidelity Stereo Receiver Features

$499.00; $499.00
Unit price: per

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Cambridge Audio AXR85 FM/AM Stereo Receiver with Phono-Stage

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Experience the Pinnacle of Audio Fidelity

Immerse yourself in a world where every note is crafted with precision, and every soundstage is expansive yet intimate. The Cambridge Audio AXR85 FM/AM Stereo Receiver with Phono-Stage is not just an electronic device; it's the heart of your home audio system, designed to bring out the soul of your music collection.

Unparalleled Sound Quality

The AXR85 is engineered to deliver an enveloping audio experience. Whether you're spinning vinyl on a lazy Sunday afternoon or streaming the latest hits from your smartphone, this receiver ensures that the sound you hear is as the artist intended. With 85 watts per channel into 8Ω, the power output is robust enough to fill your space with rich, detailed sound.

High-Resolution Audio: Equipped with high-end Wolfson DACs, the AXR85 effortlessly handles HiRes Audio up to 192kHz, ensuring that every detail is heard.
Wide Frequency Response: With a range from 5Hz to 50kHz, the AXR85 captures the full spectrum of sound, from the lowest bass to the highest treble.
Low Distortion: Total Harmonic Distortion is kept below 0.01% at 1kHz, preserving the purity of your audio.

Seamless Connectivity for the Modern Listener

The AXR85 isn't just about exceptional sound; it's also about convenience. The receiver boasts an array of connectivity options to suit any setup.

Bluetooth 5.0: Stream music wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet with Bluetooth 5.0, featuring A2DP/AVRCP support for seamless device control.
Multiple Inputs: With four RCA analog inputs and a front panel 3.5mm input, you have the flexibility to connect various audio sources.
Phono Stage: A built-in MM phono stage allows you to connect your turntable directly, bypassing the need for an external preamp.

Elegant Design Meets Intuitive Functionality

The Cambridge Audio AXR85 boasts a sleek, slim design that complements any room decor. The stylish white LED display adds a touch of class, making it a conversation piece as much as a high-fidelity component.

Front-Panel Controls: Adjust volume, select your input, or tune the radio with ease, thanks to the user-friendly front panel.
Speaker Flexibility: With two sets of binding posts, you can connect multiple speakers and even support a bi-wire configuration for enhanced audio clarity.

Rediscover Radio with Advanced Tuning

The built-in AM/FM tuner with RDS and 30 presets brings the joy of radio into the modern age. Discover new music or stay up-to-date with news and sports broadcasts, all with crystal-clear reception.

FM/AM Tuning: Enjoy your favorite radio stations with exceptional sound quality, thanks to the dedicated tuner bands for both European and US frequencies.

Smart Power Management

Energy efficiency is a priority for the conscientious audiophile. The AXR85 boasts a low standby power consumption of less than 0.5W, ensuring that your passion for music doesn't come at the expense of the environment.

In the Box - Everything You Need

Unpack your AXR85 and find everything required to start your auditory journey. Alongside the receiver, you'll receive a power cable, remote control, batteries, and antennas for both FM and AM reception.

Built for the Audiophile

Whether you're a vinyl enthusiast or a digital music aficionado, the Cambridge Audio AXR85 caters to your listening preferences with a moving magnet phono stage and support for high-resolution digital audio.

Bass/Treble Controls: Tailor your listening experience with shelving controls that offer a boost or cut at 100Hz and 20kHz, giving you the power to shape the sound to your liking.

Perfect for Private and Social Listening

Enjoy your music without disturbing others using the front-panel headphone jack, or share the experience with friends and family through the powerful speaker outputs.

Subwoofer Output: Integrate a subwoofer with ease, thanks to the fixed crossover point, ensuring seamless blending with your main speakers.

Ready for the Future of Audio

By choosing the Cambridge Audio AXR85, you're investing in a component that is ready to meet the ever-evolving standards of high-fidelity sound.

DAC Quality: The inclusion of top-tier Wolfson DACs means your digital sources will be treated with the respect they deserve, translating bits and bytes into beautiful audio.
Bluetooth 5.0: Stay ahead of the curve with the latest Bluetooth technology, offering improved range and sound quality over previous iterations.

Why Choose the Cambridge Audio AXR85?

The AXR85 is more than just a stereo receiver; it's a testament to Cambridge Audio's commitment to audio excellence. It's an investment in quality that pays dividends every time you listen to your favorite music. With its powerful output, versatile connectivity, and timeless design, the AXR85 is the perfect centerpiece for any home audio system.

Powerful Performance: 85 watts per channel to drive a wide range of speakers.
High-Quality Sound: Exceptional audio clarity for both analog and digital sources.
Elegant Aesthetics: A slim design with a classic hi-fi look that fits into any home decor.

Dreamedia - Your Home Theater Experts

At Dreamedia, we understand that choosing the right components for your home theater system can be overwhelming. That's why we're here to help design a system that fits your space, preferences, and budget. The Cambridge Audio AXR85 is a brilliant choice for those looking to elevate their listening experience. Our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you in integrating this exceptional stereo receiver into your home audio setup, ensuring that you get the most out of its remarkable features.

Contact us today to learn more about how the Cambridge Audio AXR85 can transform your music and radio listening into an experience that resonates with depth, clarity, and emotion.

Our Review

Cambridge Audio AXR85 FM/AM Stereo Receiver with Phono-Stage Review

Introduction

Cambridge Audio, a revered brand in the audiophile community, has consistently delivered high-fidelity products that blend seamless functionality with a touch of British elegance. The AXR85 FM/AM Stereo Receiver is a part of the Cambridge Audio's AX series, which stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to quality audio without the astronomical price tag. This series marks a strategic move to replace the Topaz lineup, aiming to refine and enhance the listening experience for audio enthusiasts.

Design and Build Quality

The AXR85 boasts a minimalist, yet sophisticated design that exudes a contemporary charm. With a brushed metal finish and a crisp white LED display, it seamlessly integrates into any home theater setup. The build materials are robust, ensuring longevity and a sturdy feeling to the touch.

The front panel's layout is intuitive, with a sensible arrangement of controls that users will find accessible. However, the volume knob may require a fair amount of rotation to achieve significant changes in output level, which could be a point of contention for users seeking rapid adjustments.

Remote Control

The accompanying remote control maintains the sleek design ethos but falls short in ergonomics and tactile responsiveness. It's functional, yet it does not quite match the premium feel of the receiver itself. There's room for improvement in the layout and feedback of the buttons to provide a more satisfying user interaction.

Features

The AXR85 is a feature-rich receiver that caters to both modern and traditional audio sources. Its built-in phono stage is a boon for vinyl enthusiasts, eliminating the need for an external preamp and preserving the warmth and richness of records.

Bluetooth 5.0 integration is a nod to contemporary listening habits, allowing for seamless wireless streaming from smartphones and other devices. However, the omission of detailed codec support information is a notable oversight, as audio purists often seek aptX or LDAC for higher fidelity streaming.

Input variety is commendable, with multiple analog inputs and dedicated speaker outputs catering to a range of configurations. The ability to support bi-wire speaker setups is a thoughtful inclusion that demonstrates Cambridge Audio's attention to audiophile preferences.

Connectivity

Bluetooth connectivity is generally stable, but some users may find the range limiting depending on the environment. The lack of digital inputs is somewhat puzzling, particularly when considering the AXR100 model's offerings, and may sway users who require these connections for their digital devices.

The fixed subwoofer crossover at 200Hz is a double-edged sword; while it simplifies setup, it constrains users who prefer more control over their low-frequency management.

Tuner Capabilities

The tuner component of the AXR85 is robust, offering FM/AM reception with RDS and the convenience of 30 presets. This feature will satisfy those who enjoy traditional radio broadcasts and appreciate the ease of accessing their favorite stations.

Performance

Delivering 85 watts per channel into 8Ω, the AXR85 has ample power to drive a wide range of speakers. This power translates to a commanding presence in the listening room, with the receiver demonstrating control and composure even at higher volumes.

The sound quality is exceptional, with the AXR85 handling various sources with aplomb. The integration of high-end Wolfson DACs ensures that high-resolution audio is rendered with clarity and detail, showcasing Cambridge Audio's dedication to sonic excellence.

Sound Profile

The AXR85's wide frequency response of 5Hz - 50kHz promises an expansive soundstage that captures the full spectrum of audio with precision. However, the limited bass/treble controls may frustrate users who desire more granular equalization capabilities.

Usability

Cambridge Audio has designed the AXR85 with user-friendliness in mind. Setup is straightforward, and daily operation is largely intuitive. Nevertheless, some operational shortcomings have been reported, which could detract from the overall user experience.

Standby power consumption is commendable at less than 0.5W, aligning with modern energy efficiency standards, though the most eco-conscious users might wish for even lower consumption.

Final Thoughts

The Cambridge Audio AXR85 is a formidable contender in its price bracket, offering a harmonious blend of high-quality sound, versatile features, and elegant design. It's well-suited to those who value analog sources, particularly vinyl records, and prefer a receiver with a reliable tuner and robust power output. However, its fixed subwoofer crossover and limited digital connectivity may be sticking points for a segment of potential users.

Overall, the AXR85 is a testament to Cambridge Audio's legacy of crafting audio products that resonate with both the heart and ears of music lovers. It's a receiver that largely delivers on its promises, with a few caveats that should be weighed according to personal preference and specific use cases.

Specifications

Audio Specifications

Power Output (Watts Per Channel): 85 watts into 8Ω
THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): <0.01% @ 1kHz, 80% of rated power; <0.15% 20Hz - 20kHz, 80% of rated power
Frequency Response: 5Hz - 50kHz (-1dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N Ratio): >82dB (unweighted, ref 1W)
Input Impedances: 47k ohms
Power Amp Damping Factor: >50

Connectivity

Bluetooth: 5.0 A2DP/AVRCP supporting SBC
Analogue Inputs: 4 x RCA
Digital Inputs: Front panel 3.5mm input
Subwoofer Output: 200Hz 2nd order L+R Level follows volume setting
Speaker Outputs: Two sets of binding posts
Headphone Jack: Yes, front-panel headphone jack

Tuner Specifications

Built-in Radio Tuner: AM/FM
Tuner Bands: European AM (522-1629kHz), FM (87.5-108MHz); US AM (530-1710kHz), FM (87.5-108MHz)
Aerial Inputs: FM 75 ohms, Coaxial; AM 300 ohms wire loop/single wire
Signal to Noise (Tuner): 60dB typical (FM)
Distortion (Tuner): <0.4% @ 1kHz 50kHz deviation (FM mono); <0.6% @ 1kHz 50kHz deviation (FM stereo)

Physical Specifications

Dimensions: 110 x 430 x 340mm (4.3 x 16.9 x 13.4 inches)
Weight: 8.1kg (17.8lbs)
Max. Power Consumption: 500W
Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W

Additional Features

Phono Stage: Built-in MM phono stage
Bass/Treble Controls: Shelving, ultimate boost/cut +/- 10dB @ 100Hz and 20kHz
Design: Slim elegant design with a classic hi-fi design and stylish white LED display
Speaker Binding Posts: Hi-fi quality for 2 sets of speakers