Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp review

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Introduction

The Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is a highly regarded piece of audio equipment designed to enhance the sound quality of vinyl records. It is a popular choice among audiophiles and music enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their turntables. In this review, we will take a closer look at the features and performance of the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp.

Design and Build Quality of Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp

The Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is a high-quality device that is designed to enhance the sound quality of vinyl records. The device is built with a sturdy metal casing that is designed to protect the internal components from damage. The metal casing also helps to reduce interference from external sources, which can affect the sound quality of the device.

The front panel of the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp features a simple and elegant design. The device has a power button, a source selector switch, and a volume control knob. The power button is located on the left side of the front panel, while the source selector switch and volume control knob are located on the right side of the front panel.

The source selector switch allows you to choose between two different input sources. The device has a phono input for connecting a turntable, and a line input for connecting other audio devices. The volume control knob allows you to adjust the volume of the audio output.

The back panel of the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp features a range of input and output connections. The device has a phono input for connecting a turntable, a line input for connecting other audio devices, and a ground connection for reducing noise and interference. The device also has a pair of RCA output jacks for connecting to an amplifier or other audio device.

The Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is built with high-quality components that are designed to deliver a clean and accurate sound. The device uses a high-quality power supply that is designed to reduce noise and interference. The device also uses high-quality capacitors and resistors that are designed to deliver a clean and accurate sound.

The device is also built with a range of features that are designed to enhance the sound quality of vinyl records. The device has a switchable low-frequency filter that is designed to reduce rumble and other low-frequency noise. The device also has a switchable gain control that allows you to adjust the gain of the device to match the output of your turntable.

Overall, the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is a high-quality device that is built with a sturdy metal casing and high-quality components. The device is designed to enhance the sound quality of vinyl records and is packed with features that are designed to deliver a clean and accurate sound. If you are looking for a high-quality phono preamp that is built to last, the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is definitely worth considering.

Sound Quality of Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp

The Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is a high-quality device that is designed to enhance the sound quality of vinyl records. This preamp is an essential component of any vinyl playback system, as it amplifies the low-level signal from the turntable and prepares it for the main amplifier. In this article, we will review the sound quality of the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp and discuss its features and benefits.

The sound quality of the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is exceptional. This preamp is designed to provide a clean and accurate sound that faithfully reproduces the original recording. The preamp features a high-quality phono stage that is designed to amplify the low-level signal from the turntable without introducing any noise or distortion. The result is a clear and detailed sound that is free from any unwanted artifacts.

One of the key features of the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is its dual-mono design. This means that the left and right channels are completely separate, which helps to eliminate any crosstalk between the channels. The result is a wider soundstage and a more accurate stereo image. The preamp also features a high-quality power supply that provides clean and stable power to the circuitry, which helps to further improve the sound quality.

Another important feature of the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is its adjustable gain. This allows you to adjust the level of amplification to match the output of your turntable. This is particularly useful if you have a low-output moving coil cartridge, which requires more amplification than a high-output moving magnet cartridge. The preamp also features a switchable subsonic filter, which helps to eliminate any low-frequency rumble that may be present in the recording.

In terms of sound quality, the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is a significant improvement over most built-in phono stages found in amplifiers and receivers. The preamp provides a more detailed and dynamic sound that is free from any noise or distortion. The bass is tight and well-defined, while the midrange is clear and natural. The high frequencies are crisp and detailed, without being harsh or sibilant.

Overall, the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is an excellent choice for anyone who is serious about vinyl playback. The preamp provides a clean and accurate sound that faithfully reproduces the original recording. Its dual-mono design, adjustable gain, and switchable subsonic filter make it a versatile and flexible device that can be tailored to match the output of your turntable. If you are looking for a high-quality phono preamp that will bring out the best in your vinyl collection, the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is definitely worth considering.

Compatibility with Different Turntables and Cartridges

The Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is a high-quality device that is designed to enhance the sound quality of your vinyl records. It is a versatile preamp that is compatible with a wide range of turntables and cartridges, making it an ideal choice for vinyl enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their record collection.

One of the key features of the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is its compatibility with different turntables. It is designed to work with both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, which means that it can be used with a wide range of turntables. This is a great advantage for vinyl enthusiasts who have multiple turntables or who may want to upgrade their turntable in the future.

The preamp also has adjustable gain settings, which means that it can be customized to work with different cartridges and turntables. This is important because different cartridges and turntables have different output levels, and the preamp needs to be able to adjust to these differences in order to provide the best possible sound quality.

In addition to its compatibility with different turntables, the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is also compatible with a wide range of cartridges. It is designed to work with both high-output and low-output cartridges, which means that it can be used with a wide range of cartridges from different manufacturers.

The preamp also has a switchable subsonic filter, which helps to eliminate low-frequency noise that can be caused by warped records or other issues. This is an important feature for vinyl enthusiasts who want to ensure that their records sound as good as possible.

Overall, the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is a versatile and high-quality device that is compatible with a wide range of turntables and cartridges. Its adjustable gain settings and switchable subsonic filter make it a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their record collection.

In terms of sound quality, the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is exceptional. It provides a warm and detailed sound that is faithful to the original recording. The preamp is also very quiet, which means that it does not add any unwanted noise or distortion to the sound.

One thing to note is that the preamp does require a separate power supply, which may be a drawback for some users. However, the power supply is included with the preamp, so it is not an additional expense.

In conclusion, the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is a high-quality device that is compatible with a wide range of turntables and cartridges. Its adjustable gain settings and switchable subsonic filter make it a versatile choice for vinyl enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their record collection. Its exceptional sound quality and quiet operation make it a great investment for anyone who is serious about vinyl playback.

Ease of Use and Setup of Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp

The Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is a high-quality device that is designed to enhance the sound quality of vinyl records. One of the key features of this preamp is its ease of use and setup, which makes it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced users.

Setting up the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. The preamp comes with a detailed user manual that provides step-by-step instructions on how to connect it to your turntable and amplifier. The manual also includes diagrams and illustrations that make it easy to understand the setup process.

To get started, you will need to connect the turntable to the preamp using a set of RCA cables. The preamp has two sets of RCA inputs, which means that you can connect two turntables at the same time. Once the turntable is connected, you will need to connect the preamp to your amplifier using another set of RCA cables. The preamp has both RCA and balanced XLR outputs, which gives you the flexibility to connect it to a wide range of amplifiers.

One of the things that sets the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp apart from other preamps is its adjustable gain settings. The preamp has three gain settings (40dB, 43dB, and 46dB) that allow you to adjust the output level of the preamp to match the sensitivity of your amplifier. This feature is particularly useful if you have a low-output moving coil cartridge, as it allows you to boost the signal level without introducing noise or distortion.

Another feature that makes the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp easy to use is its compact size. The preamp is small enough to fit on a bookshelf or desk, which means that you don’t need a lot of space to set it up. The preamp also has a simple and intuitive design, with a single power button and a set of LED indicators that show you the status of the preamp.

In terms of sound quality, the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp delivers excellent performance. The preamp has a low noise floor and a wide frequency response, which means that it can accurately reproduce the full range of frequencies present in vinyl records. The preamp also has a warm and natural sound that enhances the overall listening experience.

Overall, the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is a great choice for anyone who wants to improve the sound quality of their vinyl records. Its ease of use and setup, adjustable gain settings, and compact size make it a versatile and user-friendly device that is suitable for both novice and experienced users. If you’re looking for a high-quality phono preamp that delivers excellent performance at an affordable price, the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is definitely worth considering.

Value for Money of Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp

When it comes to vinyl playback, a phono preamp is an essential component that can make or break the sound quality. The Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is a popular choice among audiophiles, thanks to its impressive performance and affordable price tag. In this review, we will take a closer look at the value for money of the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp.

Firstly, let’s talk about the build quality of the 640P. The unit is housed in a sturdy metal casing that feels solid and well-built. The front panel features a power switch, a gain control, and a switch for selecting between moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. The back panel has RCA inputs and outputs, as well as a grounding post. Overall, the 640P has a simple and functional design that is easy to use.

Moving on to the performance, the 640P is a standout performer in its price range. It has a low noise floor and a wide frequency response, which means that it can accurately reproduce the nuances of vinyl recordings. The gain control allows you to adjust the output level to match your amplifier or receiver, and the MM/MC switch lets you use a wide range of cartridges. The 640P also has a subsonic filter that removes low-frequency rumble, which can be a common issue with vinyl playback.

One of the most impressive aspects of the 640P is its ability to handle difficult-to-play records. Some vinyl records have surface noise, pops, and clicks that can be challenging for a phono preamp to handle. However, the 640P does an excellent job of minimizing these imperfections, resulting in a cleaner and more enjoyable listening experience. This is especially impressive considering the price point of the 640P.

Another factor that adds to the value for money of the 640P is its versatility. It can be used with a wide range of turntables and amplifiers, making it a great choice for those who want to upgrade their vinyl playback system without breaking the bank. The 640P also has a compact size, which makes it easy to integrate into your existing setup.

In terms of drawbacks, there are a few minor issues with the 640P. Firstly, the gain control is a bit sensitive, which means that small adjustments can have a significant impact on the output level. This can be a bit frustrating when trying to find the perfect balance between volume and distortion. Secondly, the 640P does not have a USB output, which means that you cannot digitize your vinyl collection. However, these issues are relatively minor and do not detract from the overall value for money of the 640P.

In conclusion, the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is an excellent choice for those who want to improve their vinyl playback system without spending a fortune. It has a solid build quality, impressive performance, and versatile compatibility with a wide range of turntables and amplifiers. The 640P is a standout performer in its price range and offers excellent value for money. If you are looking for a reliable and affordable phono preamp, the Cambridge Audio 640P is definitely worth considering.

Q&A

1. What is the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp?
– The Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is a device that amplifies the signal from a turntable to a level that can be played through a stereo system.

2. What are the features of the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp?
– The Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp features a switchable gain, a subsonic filter, and a metal case to reduce interference.

3. What is the price of the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp?
– The price of the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp varies depending on the retailer, but it typically ranges from $200 to $300.

4. What are the pros of the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp?
– The Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is affordable, easy to use, and produces a clean and detailed sound.

5. What are the cons of the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp?
– The Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp does not have a USB output, which may be a drawback for some users. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the power supply.

Conclusion

The Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is a highly recommended product for vinyl enthusiasts. It offers excellent sound quality, versatility, and affordability. The preamp is easy to set up and use, and it can accommodate both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Overall, the Cambridge Audio 640P Phono Preamp is a great investment for anyone looking to enhance their vinyl listening experience.

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