Table of Contents
Introduction
This is a review of the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P, a device designed to enhance the sound quality of vinyl records by amplifying the signal from a turntable. The 551P is a popular choice among audiophiles and music enthusiasts looking to improve their vinyl listening experience. In this review, we will explore the features, performance, and overall value of the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P.
Design and Build Quality of Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P
The Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is a high-quality preamp designed to enhance the sound quality of vinyl records. The design and build quality of this preamp are impressive, making it a great addition to any vinyl lover’s setup.
The 551P has a sleek and modern design that is both stylish and functional. The preamp is compact and lightweight, making it easy to move around and store. The front panel of the preamp features a power button, a gain control knob, and a switch for selecting between moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. The back panel of the preamp has RCA inputs and outputs, as well as a ground terminal.
The build quality of the 551P is excellent. The preamp is made from high-quality materials that are designed to last. The chassis is made from aluminum, which is both durable and lightweight. The front panel of the preamp is made from brushed aluminum, which gives it a sleek and modern look. The knobs and switches on the preamp are also made from high-quality materials, which gives them a solid and sturdy feel.
One of the standout features of the 551P is its low noise floor. The preamp is designed to minimize noise and interference, which results in a clean and clear sound. The preamp also has a high signal-to-noise ratio, which means that the signal is amplified without adding any unwanted noise or distortion.
The 551P is also designed to be easy to use. The gain control knob on the front panel of the preamp allows you to adjust the level of the signal, which is useful for optimizing the sound quality. The switch for selecting between MM and MC cartridges is also easy to use, and it allows you to switch between different types of cartridges without having to make any adjustments to the preamp.
Overall, the design and build quality of the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P are impressive. The preamp has a sleek and modern design that is both stylish and functional. The build quality of the preamp is excellent, and it is made from high-quality materials that are designed to last. The low noise floor and high signal-to-noise ratio of the preamp make it a great addition to any vinyl lover’s setup. The ease of use of the preamp is also a standout feature, making it easy to adjust the level of the signal and switch between different types of cartridges. If you are looking for a high-quality preamp that is both stylish and functional, the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is definitely worth considering.
Sound Quality of Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P
The Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is a high-quality preamp that is designed to enhance the sound quality of your vinyl records. This preamp is designed to work with a wide range of turntables and is capable of delivering a warm, rich sound that is sure to impress even the most discerning audiophile.
One of the key features of the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is its ability to deliver a high level of detail and clarity. This preamp is designed to minimize distortion and noise, which means that you can enjoy your vinyl records without any unwanted background noise or interference.
The sound quality of the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is also characterized by its warm, rich tone. This preamp is designed to enhance the natural warmth and depth of vinyl records, which means that you can enjoy a more immersive listening experience.
Another important aspect of the sound quality of the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is its ability to deliver a wide soundstage. This preamp is designed to create a sense of space and depth, which means that you can enjoy a more realistic and engaging listening experience.
In addition to its impressive sound quality, the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is also designed to be easy to use. This preamp features a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to adjust the settings and customize the sound to your liking.
Overall, the sound quality of the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is truly impressive. This preamp is capable of delivering a warm, rich sound that is characterized by its high level of detail and clarity. Whether you are a casual listener or a serious audiophile, the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is sure to impress.
Compatibility with Turntables and Cartridges
The Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is a high-quality preamp designed to enhance the sound quality of your vinyl records. One of the key features of this preamp is its compatibility with a wide range of turntables and cartridges, making it a versatile option for vinyl enthusiasts.
When it comes to turntable compatibility, the 551P is designed to work with both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. This means that it can be used with a wide range of turntables, regardless of the type of cartridge they use. The preamp also has adjustable gain settings, which allows you to fine-tune the output level to match your specific turntable and cartridge combination.
In terms of cartridge compatibility, the 551P is designed to work with cartridges that have an output level of between 2mV and 10mV. This covers the majority of cartridges on the market, so you can be confident that your cartridge will work with the preamp. The preamp also has a switchable subsonic filter, which helps to remove any low-frequency noise that may be present in your vinyl records.
One thing to note is that the 551P does not have a built-in phono stage, which means that it needs to be connected to a separate amplifier or receiver that has a phono input. This may be a drawback for some users, but it also means that you have more flexibility in terms of the type of amplifier or receiver you can use with the preamp.
Overall, the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is a highly compatible preamp that can be used with a wide range of turntables and cartridges. Its adjustable gain settings and switchable subsonic filter make it a versatile option for vinyl enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their records. While it does require a separate amplifier or receiver with a phono input, this also gives you more flexibility in terms of your overall setup. If you’re looking for a high-quality preamp that can enhance the sound quality of your vinyl records, the 551P is definitely worth considering.
Ease of Use and Setup of Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P
The Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is a high-quality preamp that is designed to enhance the sound quality of your vinyl records. In this review, we will be discussing the ease of use and setup of this preamp.
One of the first things that you will notice about the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is its compact size. This preamp is small enough to fit on a bookshelf or in a cabinet, making it a great choice for those who have limited space. The preamp is also lightweight, which makes it easy to move around if needed.
Setting up the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is a straightforward process. The preamp comes with a power supply, a set of RCA cables, and a ground wire. To set up the preamp, you simply need to connect the RCA cables to the input and output jacks on the preamp and your amplifier or receiver. You will also need to connect the ground wire to the grounding post on your turntable.
Once you have connected all of the cables, you can turn on the preamp and adjust the settings to your liking. The Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P features a switchable gain control, which allows you to adjust the level of amplification based on the output of your turntable. This feature is particularly useful if you have a turntable with a low output level.
Another great feature of the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is its subsonic filter. This filter helps to remove any low-frequency noise that may be present in your vinyl records. This can help to improve the overall sound quality of your records and make them sound more clear and detailed.
Overall, the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is a very easy to use and set up preamp. The compact size and lightweight design make it a great choice for those who have limited space, and the simple setup process means that you can start enjoying your vinyl records in no time.
In terms of usability, the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is also very user-friendly. The gain control and subsonic filter are both easy to adjust, and the preamp features a simple and intuitive design. This makes it a great choice for those who are new to vinyl records and may not be familiar with the technical aspects of preamps.
In conclusion, the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a high-quality preamp that is easy to use and set up. The compact size and lightweight design make it a great choice for those who have limited space, and the simple setup process means that you can start enjoying your vinyl records in no time. The user-friendly design and adjustable settings also make it a great choice for those who are new to vinyl records and may not be familiar with the technical aspects of preamps. Overall, the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is a great investment for anyone who wants to enhance the sound quality of their vinyl records.
Value for Money of Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P
When it comes to vinyl playback, a phono preamp is an essential component that can make or break the sound quality. The Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is a budget-friendly option that promises to deliver high-quality sound without breaking the bank. In this review, we will take a closer look at the value for money of the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P.
Firstly, let’s talk about the price. At around $200, the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is a mid-range option that is affordable for most vinyl enthusiasts. While there are cheaper options available on the market, they often compromise on sound quality and build materials. The Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P, on the other hand, is built with high-quality components and promises to deliver a clean and detailed sound.
One of the standout features of the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is its compatibility with both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. This means that it can be used with a wide range of turntables, making it a versatile option for those who own multiple vinyl setups. Additionally, the preamp has a switchable gain setting, which allows you to adjust the output level to match your amplifier or receiver.
In terms of sound quality, the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P delivers a clean and detailed sound that is free from any unwanted noise or distortion. The preamp has a low noise floor, which means that it can pick up even the smallest details in your vinyl collection. The soundstage is wide and spacious, with a good sense of depth and separation between instruments.
Another factor that adds to the value for money of the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is its build quality. The preamp is housed in a sturdy metal casing that feels solid and well-built. The front panel features a simple and intuitive layout, with a power button, gain switch, and input/output jacks. The preamp also comes with a power supply that is designed to reduce any interference or noise.
Overall, the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is an excellent value for money option for those who are looking for a high-quality phono preamp without breaking the bank. It offers a versatile range of features, including compatibility with both MM and MC cartridges, switchable gain settings, and a low noise floor. The sound quality is clean and detailed, with a wide and spacious soundstage. The build quality is also impressive, with a sturdy metal casing and a well-designed front panel.
In conclusion, if you are in the market for a budget-friendly phono preamp that delivers high-quality sound and build quality, the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is definitely worth considering. It offers a great balance between price and performance, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced vinyl enthusiasts alike.
Q&A
1. What is the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P?
– The Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is a device that amplifies the signal from a turntable to a level that can be processed by a stereo amplifier.
2. What are the features of the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P?
– The Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P features a switchable gain, a subsonic filter, and a metal case to reduce interference.
3. What is the price of the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P?
– The price of the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P varies depending on the retailer, but it typically ranges from $150 to $200.
4. What are the pros of the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P?
– The Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is easy to set up, has a solid build quality, and produces a clean and detailed sound.
5. What are the cons of the Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P?
– The Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P does not have a power switch, and some users have reported a slight hum or noise when using the device.
Conclusion
Conclusion: The Cambridge Audio Phono Preamp 551P is a great option for those looking to improve the sound quality of their vinyl records. It offers a clean and detailed sound, with low noise and distortion. The compact size and affordable price make it a great choice for beginners or those on a budget. Overall, the 551P is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their vinyl listening experience.
