This is truly an uninspired product that can be bested sonically by a Lepai TI2020. Certainly by an old Audiolab 8000a which one can purchase used for the price of this. None of the character of that old Cambridge product comes through in this tin sounding, sterile and dull receiver. It is merely a switch box with a Chinese amp circuit that is commonplace. I guess my expectations were too high. The sad thing is, I was going to audition the CXA81 for another room. Based on this amp? Not a chance. For $200-300, a Yamaha anything should exceed the performance of this. Heck, my kids Sherwood RX 4109 does and those knock around for $50-$100.

What I find most appalling is the phono stage, here Cambridge has succeeded in creating one that makes phono sound uninspired and dull. Much like a compressed mp3. Granted my impressions were informed using an LP12 and then Systemdek IIx, so flaws in the phono stage might have sounded even more exagerated. It likely would sound better if hooked up to a 1970's bsr changer, which sonically is this piece of kit's equal. This is not for someone who enjoys music for it's own sake, but someone who merely enjoys low level background sound on tiny table top audio engine like speakers. Read full review...

The SR20 is the most powerful amplifier in the Topaz range offering an immense 100 watts per channel, backed by a dedicated subwoofer output as well as two sets of speaker outputs. It also features analogue inputs, digital inputs, a phono stage, an FM receiver and an MP3 input, so it will connect and play virtually anything you throw at it.

VINYL PERFECTION

Continuing the comprehensive specification and attention to detail, the SR20 features a built-in MM Phono stage, bringing your vinyl to life! Turntables fitted with phono cartridges of either the Moving Magnet [MM] or high output Moving Coil [MC] type [between 2-6mV output and 30-50k load impedance] can be used.

POWER IN RESERVE

We strive for audio perfection, which is why SR20 features a powerful toroidal transformer. We were one of the first manufacturers to use toroidal transformers in the 1970s, and we continue to use them today. Some of the benefits of a toroidal transformer, over the cheaper, inferior EI transformers used by most other manufacturers are:

High quality power output to the amplification circuits, with no clipping, transformer noise, buzz or hum, to provide a consistent signal High power output, to allow large and demanding speakers to be driven at high volumes with sensational bass performance Large power reserves, to allow the transformer to deliver high peaks of volume when required Fully shielded against internal and external electrical interference, to maintain quality of power and signal

ALL METAL DESIGN

Electronics [and therefore sound quality] are particularly susceptible to vibration; that’s why we’ve used a low resonance, acoustically-dampened metal chassis to eliminate as much vibration as possible, ensuring that the most sound quality is extracted from every source.

Anyone seen or compared any measurements of the Cambridge Audio SR20? What hi-fi seemed to think the SR10 lacked some "detail" and "organisation" so belonged squarely in the budget range, but I also know such reviews should be taken with a pinch of salt. Would one even tell the difference between it and a higher priced unit? I'm trying to determine whether it is worth buying or whether I should save a bit more or keep a look out for something better. It's on sale so the price is good but I wouldn't want to compromise just to save a few bucks.

Any info or experience with such a unit? It would be replacing a slightly old Marantz SR4003 AVR [running stereo duty]. I need a second integrated amp for a second zone so thought I'd grab this as a potential upgrade to the SR4003 which I will then relegate to the second zone.

Any other recommendations?

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Power output 100 watts [into 8Ω] THD [unweighted] 50 Standby power consumption