Other Sellers on Amazon
96% positive over last 12 months
100% positive over last 12 months
Cambridge Audio Alva Duo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet & Moving Coil Turntables
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Cambridge Audio |
Connectivity Technology | RCA |
Included Components | Alva Duo Moving Coil & Moving Magnet Phono Preamp, User Manual, Safety Guide, Mains Lead |
Special Feature | Built In Headphone Amplifier |
Material | Plastic |
Item Weight | 1.2 Kilograms |
Style | Modern |
Color | Silver |
Compatible Devices | Headphone |
Motor Type | DC Motor |
About this item
- ✓ DESIGNED FOR VINYL – Cambridge Audio’s Alva Duo was designed to give you a superb sonic experience from your favorite record collection using its state-of-the-art switch mode power supply and a new surface mounted circuit board.
- ✓ ATTENTION TO DETAIL – The Alva Duo's switch mode power supply and surface mount technology delivers short signal paths and a faster response with precision and lower background noise so you don't hear a hum over the vinyl's low-level signals.
- ✓ SUBSONIC FILTER & BALANCE CONTROL – The Alva Duo will even work if your vinyls are a little worse for wear. The subsonic filter and balance control eliminate low frequency rumbles from imperfections in your vinyl for an accurate soundstage.
- ✓ HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER – Cambridge added a unique 6.35mm headphone jack directly into the phono stage so you can listen in private. The integrated headphone output also means no need to turn on your amplifier just to power your headphones.
- ✓ TECH SPECS - MAX POWER CONSUMPTION 10W, CARTRIDGE SUPPORT Moving Magnet | Moving Coil, GAIN @ 1KHZ MM: 39dB | MC: 60dB, NOMINAL OUTPUT 300mV, SENSITIVITY FOR NOMINAL OUTPUT MM: 3.35mV | MC: 305uV, DIMENSIONS 1.9" x 8.5" x 6.2", WEIGHT 2.1lbs
Frequently bought together
Compare with similar items
This Item Cambridge Audio Alva Duo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet & Moving Coil Turntables | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $349.00$349.00 | -5% $62.71$62.71 List: $65.99 | $199.00$199.00 | $219.00$219.00 | $329.00$329.00 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24 | Get it Mar 22 - 25 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24 | — |
Customer Ratings | |||||
Sound quality | 4.2 | — | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.6 |
Value for money | 4.1 | — | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.6 |
Sold By | Audio Advice | GearTree | GRAMOPHONE | GRAMOPHONE | AudioExchange |
power source | Corded Electric | 150mA | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric |
connectivity tech | RCA | Verkabelt | — | — | RCA |
material | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | — |
weight | 1.2 kilograms | 0.55 kilograms | — | 1.75 pounds | 0.3 kilograms |
motor type | DC Motor | DC Motor | — | DC Motor | DC Motor |
Similar items that may ship from close to you
- Pro-Ject Phono Box DC MM/MC Phono Preamp with Line Output (Black)Amazon's Choicein Audio Component PreamplifiersFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
- Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 Phono Preamplifier (Black)FREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24Only 3 left in stock - order soon.
- Cambridge Audio AXA25 25 Watt 2-Channel Integrated Stereo Amplifier | 3.5mm Input, USB InputAmazon's Choicein Audio Component AmplifiersFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
- Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp for MM Turntable Phonograph Preamplifier with Gain Gear Mini Stereo Audio Hi-Fi Pre-Amplifier for Record Player with DC 12V Power SupplyFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
- Pro-Ject Phono Box E Phonograph Preamplifier (Black)FREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
Product information
Product Dimensions | 8.5 x 6.2 x 1.9 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 2.64 pounds |
Manufacturer | Cambridge Audio |
ASIN | B07932QK4N |
Item model number | C11027 |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #136,645 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #68 in Audio Component Preamplifiers |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | January 17, 2018 |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Product Dimensions : 8.5 x 6.2 x 1.9 inches; 2.65 Pounds
- Item model number : C11027
- Date First Available : January 17, 2018
- Manufacturer : Cambridge Audio
- ASIN : B07932QK4N
- Best Sellers Rank: #136,645 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
- Customer Reviews:
WARNING:
WARNING:
What's in the box
Product Description
|
|
|
---|---|---|
VINYL AS IT’S SUPPOSED TO SOUNDWhether you’re dusting off your record collection or embracing analogue through the vinyl revival, there’s a unique experience to be had from the moment you drop the needle on your favourite album. To preserve the unique warmth of the vinyl sound, the Duo phono preamplifier has been carefully designed with a state-of-the-art switch mode power supply and a new surface mounted circuit board layout to reduce unwanted noise. |
WHY CHOOSE A DEDICATED PHONO PREAMPLIFIER?Due to the low-level signals created by a turntable, not all hi-fi amplifiers will let you connect directly to a record player. The phono preamplifier boosts this signal to something a power amplifier can work with. The challenge at this stage though is that noise can easily be added. This is why we’ve designed the Duo around exceptional components that deliver the warm and detailed sound that’s synonymous with vinyl, all without distorting the signal from your moving magnet cartridge turntable. The switch mode power supply improves performance by switching outside of audible frequency to drastically reduce hum |
VINYL. JUST FOR YOU.If some records in your collection are a little worse for wear, the subsonic filter will help to eliminate low frequency rumbles that can be caused by imperfections within your vinyl. Combine this with the balance control for handling potential cartridge imbalances in your record player (that can cause a difference between the left and right channels) and the result is a detailed experience with accurate soundstage. |
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
If some records in your collection are a little worse for wear, the subsonic filter will help to eliminate low frequency rumbles that can be caused by imperfections within your vinyl. Combine this with the balance control for handling potential cartridge imbalances in your record player (that can cause a difference between the left and right channels) and the result is a detailed experience with accurate soundstage.
GREEN AT HEART
The Duo phono preamplifier is green at heart with less than half a watt standby power consumption and auto power down feature if the unit isn’t used after a 20 minute period. This in turn gives the unit the same worldwide voltage for compatibility wherever you are in the world.
Important information
To report an issue with this product or seller, click here.
Looking for specific info?
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the preamp of the turntable. They say it's accurate and will make a good source sound better. They also appreciate the beautiful design. That said, some complain about the headphone amp. Customers have mixed opinions on sound quality, and quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the preamp. They say it's a nice preamp that will make a good source sound better, it' s the best phono preamp in the 300-400 range, and it' is a great match with the McIntosh 252.
"...Yeah it ain’t 50 bucks. What it is, is a nice preamp that will make a good source sound better. works on both magnetic and ceramic cartridges...." Read more
"I think this is the best phono preamp in the 300-400 range and is a bit better than the Alva Solo." Read more
"...This phono preamp is simply fabulous." Read more
"Preamp is just ok, it’s a bit dull overall. The headphone amp is not good...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the turntable. They mention that it has a beautiful design and is easy to setup. Customers also appreciate the preamp's attractive appearance.
"The design is great! and a headphone amp to go with it?!I was using a DJ mixer as my phono pre-amp for a long time...." Read more
"Love the neat minimalist look of the unit. Easy connections - choose cartridge type - adjust volume.What could be better?..." Read more
"Exellent hight quality, the best sound and beautiful desing. Easy to setup.thanks" Read more
"The preamp is also attractive...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the turntable. They mention it is a nice for the price and has excellent value and sound.
"...It came quickly. It’s high-quality stuff at a not so high quality price very very satisfied would definitely buy again if I needed to...." Read more
"...So in sum, the Cambridge gives you quite a bit for a pretty good price. The amp was lively and musical...." Read more
"Excellent Value and Sound - bought on the recommendation of a friend...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the volume of the turntable. They mention that the headphone amp and volume control are nice features.
"...It does have a headphone volume control. Pretty much a magic little box that turns your vinyl into beautiful sound...." Read more
"...The headphone amp and volume control is a nice feature, but if you have a decent pre amp or stereo that you are feeding, you may not gain a benefit...." Read more
"...Easy connections - choose cartridge type - adjust volume.What could be better? Oh yeah - one more thing. The sound is excellent." Read more
Customers are mixed about the sound quality of the turntable. Some mention that it has the best sound, is super quiet, and silky. However, others say that the hum was a deal breaker, and the preamp made buzzing sound.
"...Highs are sharp and "snappy". From trumpets sounding crisp to guitar plucks sounding tight, this pre-amp has just cleaned up and accentuated all my..." Read more
"...I have a Yamaha amp that’s Nothing special but sounds great! I don’t really know what else to say about it except I’m very happy with my purchase...." Read more
"...Sounds super silky and neutral. This is my work-around to the internal preamp, which is defeatable for the Denon 300f." Read more
"...Connected through the 1060 the bass has good punch and was impactful, yet well recorded bass has timbre and definition...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the turntable. Some mention it's high-quality stuff at a not so high quality price, while others say it' s underpowered and underwhelming. The preamp is just ok, it''s a bit dull overall, and the headphone amp is not good. There are some early quality issues.
"...This Pre-Amp is night and day for me and just a wonderful product. Multiple times I've been like "How did I forget how amazing this record sounds!"..." Read more
"...Sound was just ok, a bit dull but I can see someone using it as just a preamp...." Read more
"...It came quickly. It’s high-quality stuff at a not so high quality price very very satisfied would definitely buy again if I needed to...." Read more
"...Both deserve to be paired with a good cartridge. I recommend the Ortofon Blue as a minimum." Read more
Customers dislike the headphone. They say the head phone amp is terrible, underpowered, and underwhelming. Some say the output is low and produces an audible hiss beginning at low volume.
"...As a negative, or a neutral, the headphone amp made no difference in musical quality compared to the built in headphone amp on my Yamaha...." Read more
"...The output was low and produced an audible hiss beginning at low volume levels. Also the volume output maxed out at 3/4 turn on the volume knob...." Read more
"...The headphone amp lacks energy and further dulls the sound, it is not matched well with the preamp." Read more
"Great quality and super quiet sound however headphone amp did not deliver enough power for my HD555 or Sundara headphones...." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Upon getting this today I set about getting it set up and wired in. Once complete pulled out my OG copy of Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall", put my headphones on, and turned everything on at which point I was immediately met with a horribly unpleasant high pitched hum. I was SOOOO bummed, I had read all the reviews including those talking about hum issues. But I also knew I'm not your average bear and I always approach things with a "where there is an effect there is a cause" mentality, so I set about solving the issue before just returning the unit.
First I triple checked all my connections, nope. Then I moved to adjusting my ground wire, nuh-uh. Next I made a new ground wire in case the old one I made a long time ago had failed somewhere at a connector. New wire in, no change. Then I decided to try plugging the amp directly into the wall instead of a power strip, no change. Next tried moving my headphone amp away, same outcome.
In a final fit of figuring this out I plugged my TT, headphone amp, and Alva Duo into a separate power strip from everything else and started turning things off in my office. Imagine my surprise when after turning off the Govee light strip under my desk, THE HUM STOPPED ALTOGETHER!!! It was the balast/transformer in my cheap Govee lights creating RFI that the Alva was picking up. My Hue lights are fine, just the cheap Govee light causes issues. So all I have to do is not have that under desk lighting on when I listen to my TT. Not ideal but a 1st world issue I can live with.
In conclusion these kinds of components are extremely sensitive to RFI and when close to various other electrical components, they can be impacted. Since figuring it out I have listened through 7 records beginning to end with NO issues. This Pre-Amp is night and day for me and just a wonderful product. Multiple times I've been like "How did I forget how amazing this record sounds!" Then I realize they didn't sound this good before, the amp is exaggerating everything my previous solution couldn't!! The bass is deep and tight. Highs are sharp and "snappy". From trumpets sounding crisp to guitar plucks sounding tight, this pre-amp has just cleaned up and accentuated all my music's best attributes. I am very impressed, and if that changes I will provide an update. Next up for upgrade is a better phono cartridge to really squeeze every bit of performance out of my table. Happy listening.
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2023
Upon getting this today I set about getting it set up and wired in. Once complete pulled out my OG copy of Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall", put my headphones on, and turned everything on at which point I was immediately met with a horribly unpleasant high pitched hum. I was SOOOO bummed, I had read all the reviews including those talking about hum issues. But I also knew I'm not your average bear and I always approach things with a "where there is an effect there is a cause" mentality, so I set about solving the issue before just returning the unit.
First I triple checked all my connections, nope. Then I moved to adjusting my ground wire, nuh-uh. Next I made a new ground wire in case the old one I made a long time ago had failed somewhere at a connector. New wire in, no change. Then I decided to try plugging the amp directly into the wall instead of a power strip, no change. Next tried moving my headphone amp away, same outcome.
In a final fit of figuring this out I plugged my TT, headphone amp, and Alva Duo into a separate power strip from everything else and started turning things off in my office. Imagine my surprise when after turning off the Govee light strip under my desk, THE HUM STOPPED ALTOGETHER!!! It was the balast/transformer in my cheap Govee lights creating RFI that the Alva was picking up. My Hue lights are fine, just the cheap Govee light causes issues. So all I have to do is not have that under desk lighting on when I listen to my TT. Not ideal but a 1st world issue I can live with.
In conclusion these kinds of components are extremely sensitive to RFI and when close to various other electrical components, they can be impacted. Since figuring it out I have listened through 7 records beginning to end with NO issues. This Pre-Amp is night and day for me and just a wonderful product. Multiple times I've been like "How did I forget how amazing this record sounds!" Then I realize they didn't sound this good before, the amp is exaggerating everything my previous solution couldn't!! The bass is deep and tight. Highs are sharp and "snappy". From trumpets sounding crisp to guitar plucks sounding tight, this pre-amp has just cleaned up and accentuated all my music's best attributes. I am very impressed, and if that changes I will provide an update. Next up for upgrade is a better phono cartridge to really squeeze every bit of performance out of my table. Happy listening.
Currently I have it connected to a vintage Marantz 1060 integrated amplifier I rebuilt. The 1060 does not have a MC output. My phono cartridge (Zu Audio/Denon 103) is a low output MC cartridge so you have to turn the amplifier's volume up quit a bit.
The Duo is dead quiet and the gain on the MC circuit is more than adequate. Without using the Duo I had to listen with the volume control at the 2 o'clock position. With the Duo the volume control is ~ the 10 - 11 o'clock position to get the same volume level.
Connected through the 1060 the bass has good punch and was impactful, yet well recorded bass has timbre and definition. e.g. Hotel California (The Eagles: Hell Freezes Over LP) the kick drum does not just sound like a thud, but has texture. Midrange and highs are very clear and detailed without being harsh or shrill. If there is ambience around the singer's voice they more apparent, as are background vocalists.
Listening to my favorite artists' LP (Dave Grusin, remastered Beatles, Judy Collins, the Crusaders, John Klemmer, Roy Orbison, Larry Carlton, and some Telarc LPs), I was impressed with the clarity of these LPs throughout the audible range compared to my primary system pre-amp which does have a built in MC phono pre-amp.
I appreciate that the Duo came with a detachable IEC power cord so it can be replaced with a audiophile grade power cord if you want to.
I did not test the headphone function on the Duo so cannot comment on it.
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2023
Currently I have it connected to a vintage Marantz 1060 integrated amplifier I rebuilt. The 1060 does not have a MC output. My phono cartridge (Zu Audio/Denon 103) is a low output MC cartridge so you have to turn the amplifier's volume up quit a bit.
The Duo is dead quiet and the gain on the MC circuit is more than adequate. Without using the Duo I had to listen with the volume control at the 2 o'clock position. With the Duo the volume control is ~ the 10 - 11 o'clock position to get the same volume level.
Connected through the 1060 the bass has good punch and was impactful, yet well recorded bass has timbre and definition. e.g. Hotel California (The Eagles: Hell Freezes Over LP) the kick drum does not just sound like a thud, but has texture. Midrange and highs are very clear and detailed without being harsh or shrill. If there is ambience around the singer's voice they more apparent, as are background vocalists.
Listening to my favorite artists' LP (Dave Grusin, remastered Beatles, Judy Collins, the Crusaders, John Klemmer, Roy Orbison, Larry Carlton, and some Telarc LPs), I was impressed with the clarity of these LPs throughout the audible range compared to my primary system pre-amp which does have a built in MC phono pre-amp.
I appreciate that the Duo came with a detachable IEC power cord so it can be replaced with a audiophile grade power cord if you want to.
I did not test the headphone function on the Duo so cannot comment on it.
Top reviews from other countries
La función de balance es una belleza; puedes encontrar el punto medio para que ambas bocinas se escuchen al mismo nivel.
Reviewed in Mexico on January 9, 2024
La función de balance es una belleza; puedes encontrar el punto medio para que ambas bocinas se escuchen al mismo nivel.