SUB-£1000 STEREO AMPLIFIERS
Cambridge Audio AXA35
Image credit: Cambridge Audio
Kicking us off with quite some style and exuberance at the budget end of proceedings is this lovable 35W-per-channel machine from Cambridge Audio. Out of the box, it looks understated and reasonably elegant for an affordable amp. The dark grey finish that Cambridge has adopted for many of its recent products looks stylish and helps add a sense of purpose.
It’s just over 8cm tall, so you’re confronted by quite a slender hi-fi separate. This appearance, combined with a minimalist front panel, makes a rival amp such as the Marantz PM6007 look fussy and messy in comparison.
From the front, it looks as though the AXA35 is floating. It’s an effective illusion created by a thin plastic wedge running under the front edge, which lifts up the chassis and is set back just enough to blend into its own shadow.