Rafael0510 Posted April 22 Posted April 22 Hello everyone! Firts of all, I have to say that I'm not exactly sure if it is a amplifier, a integrated amplifier ou a receiver... There are a lot confusion about that over web... I would like your help with some very basic questions. I am a beginner in this hobby. I have a Cambridge integrated amplifier model AXR100 and I have some questions about this equipment. 1 - Considering that it has digital inputs, I have to assume that it has a DAC. This DAC only works when I use the digital inputs, correct? If I use the analog inputs, the amplifier's internal DAC will not make any changes to the signal, correct? 2 - I looked for this information in several places and could not find it. Since this equipment is an integrated amplifier, does it also have an internal preamplifier? If the answer is yes, does this preamplifier work for both the digital and analog inputs? 3 - If the AXR100 really has an internal preamplifier and I use another external preamplifier, does this mean that the signal is being preamplified twice? Is there any way to disable the AXR100's internal preamplifier? 4 - If the answer to the question of whether there is an internal preamplifier is yes, would I possibly be making a mistake when using the product by adding a tube preamplifier to the chain? Thank you in advance for your patience with such basic questions.
Rafael0510 Posted April 25 Author Posted April 25 So... That's Cambridge's answer... Hi Thank you for contacting Cambridge Audio. Yes, the Cambridge Audio AXR100 is an integrated amplifier, meaning it combines both a preamplifier and a power amplifier within a single chassis. Internal Preamplifier Functionality The AXR100's internal preamplifier processes all incoming signals, both analog and digital. Analog inputs—including the built-in phono stage for turntables and line-level RCA inputs—are routed through the preamp section. Similarly, digital inputs (optical and coaxial) are converted via the internal DAC and then passed through the preamp before amplification. This design ensures consistent volume control and tonal shaping across all input sources. Disabling the Internal Preamplifier The AXR100 does not offer a dedicated "preamp bypass" or "power amp in" feature, nor does it have a fixed-level line input that bypasses the preamp stage. Additionally, the "Rec Out" output provides a fixed-level signal intended for recording devices and cannot be used to bypass the preamp or as a subwoofer output. manuals.cambridgeaudio.com Therefore, if you connect an external preamplifier to the AXR100's analog inputs, the signal will pass through both the external and internal preamp stages. This double amplification can potentially introduce unwanted coloration or distortion to the audio signal. It is not recommended to utilize an external or separate tube amplifier, as this configuration was not designed for use with the AXR100. Kind Regards. Calum. Customer Support Agent."
justiceman Posted April 28 Posted April 28 Hi, It seems that this Cambridge is really very good for its price, but it is not designed to operate solely as a power amplifier. So if you are not satisfied for some reason, you would need to look for a separate power amplifier and preamp.
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