To see product details, add this item to your cart. You can always remove it later.
FREE Returns
Added to

Sorry, there was a problem.

There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem.

List unavailable.
Other Sellers on Amazon
Added
Sold by: WORLD WIDE STEREO
Sold by: WORLD WIDE STEREO
(39819 ratings)
96% positive over last 12 months
Shipping rates and Return policy
Added
Sold by: ListenUp
Sold by: ListenUp
(7864 ratings)
97% positive over last 12 months
Shipping rates and Return policy
Added
Sold by: Cambridge Audio
Sold by: Cambridge Audio
(696 ratings)
100% positive over last 12 months
Shipping rates and Return policy

Cambridge Audio Alva Duo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet & Moving Coil Turntables

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 133 ratings

To see product details, add this item to your cart. You can always remove it later.
FREE Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
| Product support included
What's Product Support?
In the event your product doesn't work as expected or you need help using it, Amazon offers free product support options such as live phone/chat with an Amazon associate, manufacturer contact information, step-by-step troubleshooting guides, and help videos. By solving product issues, we help the planet by extending the life of products. Availability of support options differ by product and country.

Purchase options and add-ons


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

$349.00
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
In Stock
Sold by Audio Advice and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
$9.02 ($6.01/Foot)
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$9.08
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
These items are shipped from and sold by different sellers.
Choose items to buy together.

Compare with similar items

This Item
Cambridge Audio Alva Duo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet & Moving Coil Turntables
Cambridge Audio Alva Duo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet & Moving Coil Turntables
Recommendations
Art Pro Audio DJPRE II - Phono Preamplifier
dummy
Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Phono Preamplifier (Black)
dummy
NAD PP 2e Phono Preamplifier
dummy
Musical Fidelity, Phono preamplifier V90-LPS, Black
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Price$349.00-5% $62.71
List:$65.99
$199.00$219.00$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

Product information

Warranty & Support

Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here

Feedback

Cambridge Audio Alva Duo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet & Moving Coil Turntables


Found a lower price? Let us know. Although we can't match every price reported, we'll use your feedback to ensure that our prices remain competitive.

Where did you see a lower price?

URL:
Price: ($)
Shipping cost: ($)
Date of the price:
/
/

Store name:
City:
State:
Price: ($)
Date of the price:
/
/


Please sign in to provide 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
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 133 ratings

WARNING:

CHOKING HAZARD -- WARNING: This product contains small magnets. Swallowed magnets can stick together across intestines causing serious infections and death. Seek immediate medical attention if magnets are swallowed or inhaled.

WARNING:

CHOKING HAZARD -- WARNING: This product contains small magnets. Swallowed magnets can stick together across intestines causing serious infections and death. Seek immediate medical attention if magnets are swallowed or inhaled.

What's in the box

  • Alva Duo Moving Coil & Moving Magnet Phono Preamp, User Manual, Safety Guide, Mains Lead

  • Product Description

    2

    3

    4

    VINYL AS IT’S SUPPOSED TO SOUND

    Whether 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.

    5

    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.

    6

    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.

    7

    Important information

    To report an issue with this product or seller, click here.

    Looking for specific info?

    Customer reviews

    4.5 out of 5 stars
    4.5 out of 5
    133 global ratings

    Customers 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

    9 customers mention9 positive0 negative

    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

    4 customers mention4 positive0 negative

    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

    3 customers mention3 positive0 negative

    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

    3 customers mention3 positive0 negative

    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

    29 customers mention20 positive9 negative

    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

    8 customers mention5 positive3 negative

    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

    5 customers mention0 positive5 negative

    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

    Excellent sounding phono pre-amp!
    5 Stars
    Excellent sounding phono pre-amp!
    One of my hobbies is rebuilding/restoration of vintage stereo amplifiers. I bought the Cambridge Alva Duo after reading highly positive eviews from reputable audio publications and because it has a MC output. Amazon had it discounted recently so it was a no brainer to order it.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.
    Thank you for your feedback
    Sorry, there was an error
    Sorry we couldn't load the review

    Top reviews from the United States

    Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2023
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hum may not be the Amp but your system!!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2023
    So this was an upgrade for me from an integrated pre-amp. I am a headphone listener so this is running into a Topping A90D headphone amp that drives a pair of custom Sennheiser HD 600 plugged into balanced XLR.

    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.
    Images in this review
    Customer image Customer image Customer image
    Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
    10 people found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2023
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2018
    5 people found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2023
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2023
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent sounding phono pre-amp!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2023
    One of my hobbies is rebuilding/restoration of vintage stereo amplifiers. I bought the Cambridge Alva Duo after reading highly positive eviews from reputable audio publications and because it has a MC output. Amazon had it discounted recently so it was a no brainer to order it.

    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.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2023
    One person found this helpful
    Report

    Top reviews from other countries

    Translate all reviews to English
    D. Glez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ampliamente recomendable
    Reviewed in Mexico on January 9, 2024
    Customer image
    D. Glez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ampliamente recomendable
    Reviewed in Mexico on January 9, 2024
    Probé modelos de entrada de pre phono de las marcas Project, Nad, Music Hall y sin duda este Cambridge Audio es el mejor, por mucho: mayor claridad, amplitud y transparencia; a este presupuesto dudo que exista algo mejor; lo utilizo con un integrado CXA61 y una tornamesa Pionner. Disfruto de nuevo mis vinilos.
    La función de balance es una belleza; puedes encontrar el punto medio para que ambas bocinas se escuchen al mismo nivel.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    ALEXANDRE SUZARTE DA SILVA
    5.0 out of 5 stars PHONO CAMBRIDGE
    Reviewed in Brazil on December 7, 2023
    Danny
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good sound quality
    Reviewed in Canada on October 30, 2023
    Raymond Brunet
    5.0 out of 5 stars La critique veut que ce soit un excellent produit.
    Reviewed in Canada on April 25, 2023
    Rafael Sotero
    5.0 out of 5 stars Simplesmente incrível
    Reviewed in Brazil on December 29, 2022
    One person found this helpful
    Report