Cambridge Audio Edge A: High-quality flagship integrated amplifier

Cambridge Audio is one of the best-selling brands in hi-fi technology. It has been in business for over 50 years and makes everything from speakers to amplifiers, preamps and processors. Now the company is introducing Edge, a new high-end range of audio electronics that is the company’s flagship offering. The Edge series comprises three models: Edge A – an integrated amplifier, Edge NQ – a preamplifier and network player and Edge W – a power amplifier.

All units are finished in brushed metal with black grilles on the sides, and the front panels are minimalist. The Edge series is the result of more than three years of work by a nine-person engineering team. The amplifier uses a supposedly unique topology, Cambridge calls it Class-XA, which they say has the sound quality of Class A, but with higher efficiency. In addition, the two-toroid transformer of opposite symmetry is said to eliminate electromagnetic interference. The series is named after Professor Gordon Edge, who was one of the founders of Cambridge Audio. He invented the company’s first product, the P40 integrated amplifier. The number of elements in the signal chain of the Edge series components has been radically reduced, while the components themselves are selected based solely on hearing, rather than price or measured performance. Only the most “musical” parts were selected in blind listening.

Cambridge Audio Edge A is a powerful amplifier capable of imparting an attractive depth to the sound and allowing you to hear every detail of musical instruments. The amplifier has been thoroughly tested, each of its elements has been carefully thought out, so the model provides a clear, balanced sound that adds lightness to the music. The controls in the amplifier are reduced to the necessary minimum. One large rotary switch is responsible for adjusting the volume, selecting a signal source and navigating the menu. The Cambridge Audio Edge A integrated stereo amplifier is assembled on the basis of the proprietary Class XA technology, which provides unrivaled sound accuracy, as well as good compatibility with various models of speakers. This technology allows you to almost completely eliminate audio signal distortion such as “steps”, and significantly improve the sound quality at low listening volumes. Instead of conventional capacitors, the amplifier’s signal circuit uses a topology with DC coupling, special boards are used to shorten the signal paths, and a high-precision volume control is used. The result is a clean and perfectly balanced stereo path.

Cambridge Audio Edge A produces 200 watts of output power, and its power supply unit has two toroidal network transformers. One of them is used as a source for the signal pre-amplification circuits, and the other supplies energy to the output stages. Separate transformer windings are used to power the stereo channels, and thus the “dual mono” concept was implemented in the device’s circuit. To adjust the volume, this model uses a custom-made balanced potentiometer, which provides high accuracy and smoothness of sound level changes in 1 dB increments, with a minimum of noise and distortion.

The model has a built-in Bluetooth receiver that supports the aptX-HD codec, which guarantees sound quality close to Hi-Res audio (24 bit/48 kHz). There is a DAC on board, which, when connected via asynchronous USB, provides work with PCM up to 32 bit/384 kHz and DSD256. As for the switching, it is worth highlighting the presence of two types of linear inputs (balanced and unbalanced), Pre Out (XLR and RCA) and a digital panel, which includes an asynchronous USB port, one coaxial and a pair of optical inputs, as well as HDMI with support for the ARC return channel, which is important when connecting to a TV.

The amplifier is equipped with high-quality screw terminals for connecting two pairs of speakers. Cambridge Audio Edge A is assembled on an anti-vibration chassis with a reinforced structure, the output transistors are placed on a massive milled heat sink, located horizontally under the top cover. Due to this, uniform heat dissipation is achieved due to natural air convection, and additional forced ventilation is not required. The amplifier is equipped with a universal remote control. The Cambridge Audio Edge A integrated amplifier is completely made in the UK and includes 31 elements turned on precision CNC machines.

Cambridge Audio Edge A Specifications

Power 2 x 100 W (8 Ohm), 2 x 200 W (4 Ohm)
Frequency Response 3 Hz – 80 kHz (± 1 dB)
Harmonic Distortion Less than 0.002% (1 kHz, rated power, 8 Ohm), Less than 0.02% (20 Hz – 20 kHz, rated power, 8 Ohm)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio More than 103 dB
Crosstalk – 100 dB (1 kHz)
Input Sensitivity 380 mV (unbalanced inputs)
Input Impedance 47 kOhm (XLR and RCA)
Built-in DAC Yes
Automatic Power-Off Function Can Be Disconnected, Switches the Amplifier to Standby Mode After 20 Min. Bluetooth
4.1 (with Smart/BLE support), profiles: A2DP/AVRCP, supports aptX-HD codec
Inputs 2 linear RCA, balanced XLR, coaxial (24 bit/192 kHz), 2 optical (24 bit/96 kHz), HDMI (with ARC return channel), asynchronous USB (PCM up to 32 bit/384 kHz and DSD256)
Outputs Pre Out (XLR), Pre Out (RCA), 6.3 mm for headphones (impedance from 12 to 600 Ohm)
Other switching RS-232C interface, two system bus connectors, Bluetooth antenna jack Speaker
terminals 2 pairs of screw terminals, spaced apart at the edges on the rear panel
Power supply two toroidal transformers
Remote control yes
Power consumption 1000 W (max), standby: less than 0.5 W
Dimensions (WxHxD) 460x150x405 mm
Weight 24.4 kg