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Cambridge EDGE NQ Preamplifier: [ Ссылка ]
Cambridge EDGE W Power Amplifier: [ Ссылка ]
Cambridge EDGE A Integrated Amplifier: [ Ссылка ]

We’ll start with the Edge NQ Preamplifier and Network Player. The beautiful front panel of the Edge NQ is very clean, consisting only of a high contrast display and a quite large multi function knob. The back section of the knob serves to select the inputs while the outside of the knob is the actual volume control.

Don’t let the simple front fool you into thinking the Edge NQ lacks capabilities as the Edge NQ will allow you to enjoy music from any source. Along with a digital coaxial, HDMI, USB and S/PDIF connections, there’s also Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, Bluetooth aptX HD, Internet Radio and UPnP Playback.

When we pulled the cover off the Edge NQ we found a power supply bigger than what we see in a lot of power amps! It is far larger than you would expect to see in a preamp.

Output wise, to connect up to a power amp, you’ll get both RCA and balanced audio outs. There is even a high quality headphone amp in the NQ with a connection on the front panel for a full sized headphone jack.

The new Edge lineup is designed to work in perfect synch. Match the Edge NQ with the high performing power amplifier Edge W, to create one incredible hi-fi system.

While the Edge W is a perfect companion for the Edge NQ it also serves as an amplifier upgrade for about any audio system using separate components.

The W boasts a clean and simple design consistent with the other Edge components. The back panel sports some very high quality binding posts, a choice of RCA or balanced input connections, and a set of loop out connections for hooking up a second amp.

Lift with your back when picking up this amp as it weighs over 51 pounds! Most of the weight is from the massive toroidal power transformers inside the amp. That’s right, there is one transformer for each channel. You might think having two transformers would increase the noise level but by placing them back to back and perfectly aligned, the noise fields actually cancel each other out making it quieter than one.

The W is rated at 100 watts per channel and uses what Cambridge calls a Class XA amplifier design. Essentially the amp runs at Class A when the musical demands on the amp are low, then switches over to Class AB when things really get going. This unique configuration also produces less heat and makes the whole system much more effective.

Believe it or not, Cambridge only uses 14 components in the signal path which means the W delivers a more faithful reproduction of the original recording; an impressively detailed three-dimensional sound, with striking staging and focus.

The final piece of the Edge Series is the Edge A. It is basically an Edge W amp and most of the Edge NQ preamp put together in one massive box. You get almost all of the physical input connections found on the NQ but none of the wireless or network streaming options. The amp section is pretty much totally identical to the W amp, and to keep it the same, they added another toroidal transformer for the preamp section. You also get the exact same DACs and all of the support circuitry found in the NQ.

For many people, the A will be the best value in the series, especially if you already have a streamer.

The entire Edge series is about getting you as close as possible to the music. Mission accomplished. We tested the Edge series on almost all of the great speakers we represent at Audio Advice. You have to get into products that cost twice as much and more to match the sound quality of this series.

We were just mesmerized by the separation of all the instruments, we were even a bit spooked by how much emotion we could hear in vocals and we quickly noticed we were all tapping our toes to the music which is a sure sign of a great system.

The Edge W power amp drove any speaker we tested with absolute ease. The detail, depth, and clarity from this amp is just unheard of in this price range.

We think Cambridge Audio has totally succeeded in what they set out to do with the EDGE series. The sound definitely honors their co-founder Professor Gordon Edge. If you are considering anything at or 2-3 times the price of the EDGE gear, you must give these great pieces high consideration!


MUSIC: Ryan Little - [ Ссылка ]

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