Cambridge Audio Duo Phono Stage Review (Updated)

[Jkdjedi]

One might also consider the Parks Audio Waxwing; this has very flexible gain and loading. Or the Michael Fidler Pro solutions.

Kinda wishing I just saved up for the Waxwing. Because the Duo does pick up EVERYTHING... including any imperfections like clicks and pops. Quiet record is a quiet experience though. (And it's way cleaner output, compared to the preamp of the Ultra and what's in the turntable) I too am getting some weird humming from the right channel (slight humming, nothing loud) after some use oddly. Never on startup. I ordered some longer RCA cords to move the Duo away from the Wiim Ultra.

Quick question from the newbie here.. the output of the Duo.. regular RCA or turntable style RCA (RCA with the ground wire attached) for the output?

Edit: dam wires were all over each other back there. We organized them and HUM GONE. Go figure.

 

[LTig]

Kinda wishing I just saved up for the Waxwing. Because the Duo does pick up EVERYTHING... including any imperfections like clicks and pops.

This is not the fault of the preamp, it just does its job. Think about replacing your stylus by a microline type.

 

[Jkdjedi]

This is not the fault of the preamp, it just does its job. Think about replacing your stylus by a microline type.

Preamp is great. I think the VM540ML cartridge is great as well. My cables were overlapping each other (tangled mess) the stock RCA cable connectors aren't as taught as I'd like, and the ground was a little loose.

 

[Jkdjedi]

Does the stock settings mess with choices of cartridges? Website says no but then I see users adjusting sliders to their liking for certain cartridges on other Phono Preamps available. For example, the 540ML can be bright on some turntables and by making an adjustment (I half understand this so forgive the laymans terms) fixed. Another one that pertains to me is the Denon DL 110 High Output cartridge. it's at 1.6mV, seems low for a MM phono preamp. My current cartridge is at 5.5mV, How's the Cambridge Duo gonna deal with the 1.6mV of the Denon DL 110?

The main question is, how does the cambridge duo adjust to the diffrent cartridges out there? Am I overthinking it?

 

[Jkdjedi]

I was overthinking it... Can't even tell the difference from 5.5vM to 1.6vM .. amazing tech.

 

[Laika2]

QUESTION: Since this unit is solid state there is no reason I can't stand it on it's size like a book is there. I'm out of room on my second system unless I spend a few hours moving things around for room. On it's side the place is there and a 10 minute rewire. Thanks experts, I did email Cambridge but not a word in weeks.

 

[Doodski]

QUESTION: Since this unit is solid state there is no reason I can't stand it on it's size like a book is there. I'm out of room on my second system unless I spend a few hours moving things around for room. On it's side the place is there and a 10 minute rewire. Thanks experts, I did email Cambridge but not a word in weeks.

Yes, it will be fine oriented on it's side.

 

[Laika2]

Yes, it will be fine oriented on it's side.

Thanks, Thought so but I've been wrong before, about every 10 years expensive nuke a component wrong.

 

[egellings]

Yes, it will be fine oriented on it's side.

So long as convection cooling, if used, is not impaired by sideways positioning, then there would be no problem setting it on its side. Example: there's an air vent on the side. You wouldn't want to block that.

 

[Laika2]

So long as convection cooling, if used, is not impaired by sideways positioning, then there would be no problem setting it on its side. Example: there's an air vent on the side. You wouldn't want to block that.

That was my main concern. I was not going to ask till I saw it has no venting, lower power, never gets hot. You got it, I was worried there might be some sort of hidden venting I could not spot. Seems fully sealed. Thanks,

 

[LTig]

That was my main concern. I was not going to ask till I saw it has no venting, lower power, never gets hot. You got it, I was worried there might be some sort of hidden venting I could not spot. Seems fully sealed. Thanks,

Mine isn't getting hot, so nothing to worry.

 

[Laika2]

Mine isn't getting hot, so nothing to worry.

Thanks. Ordered. Only issue I can think of is cable stress on the RCAs which is easy to avoid

 

[roog]

QUESTION: Since this unit is solid state there is no reason I can't stand it on it's size like a book is there. I'm out of room on my second system unless I spend a few hours moving things around for room. On it's side the place is there and a 10 minute rewire. Thanks experts, I did email Cambridge but not a word in weeks.

I’ve been using mine on its side for years sat on carpet (no room for it in the rack) mine doesn’t have vents and it doesn’t get even remotely warm, it is a phono stage after all :0)

 

[Neil74]

I am really curious as to how good the Duo really is for MM. It reviews really well on here and a few other places, but if you look on various audio sites nobody would ever recommend one with the same kind of enthusiasm as they would say a Schiit Mani. Also curioius as to how it might compare to the crop of very good sub £1000 stages out there like the MX Vinyl. or Michael Fidler MM pro or Lehmann Black Cube SE II or in the US the Darlington Labs.

 

[andrewskaterrr]

I am really curious as to how good the Duo really is for MM. It reviews really well on here and a few other places, but if you look on various audio sites nobody would ever recommend one with the same kind of enthusiasm as they would say a Schiit Mani. Also curioius as to how it might compare to the crop of very good sub £1000 stages out there like the MX Vinyl. or Michael Fidler MM pro or Lehmann Black Cube SE II or in the US the Darlington Labs.

I think it simply comes down to marketing and fanboyism. I’ve never seen a CA ad, I’ve seen plenty of Schiit ads, along with plenty of “reviewers” getting them to try. So naturally more people know about them, they buy them, and they recommend them. If I were buying I’d get a Duo.

 

[Jkdjedi]

I think it simply comes down to marketing and fanboyism. I’ve never seen a CA ad, I’ve seen plenty of Schiit ads, along with plenty of “reviewers” getting them to try. So naturally more people know about them, they buy them, and they recommend them. If I were buying I’d get a Duo.

Agree

 

[lini]

I think it simply comes down to marketing and fanboyism.

I'd rather think it simply comes down to the price level and presumably more people looking for a good budget/entry-level solution. And for not quite 150 bucks the Mani 2 offers both good performance and a pretty good feature-set.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

 

[Endibol]

The numbers in dashboard show the output, not input. It just happens that the gain difference compensates for 5 mv vs 0.5 mv input.

Thanks for pointing this out, I should have read it better…

 

[Endibol]

I appreciate all of Amir's and everyone's work. But I'm ... I don't care about phono sections. I don't play vinyl anymore. I don't know how everyone else is, but the few vinyl records I have from the past, have already been converted to digital. I don't want to go back to the caves.

But it was pretty cosy in the cave..

 

[Jkdjedi]

But it was pretty cosy in the cave..

I always find it odd when members chime in a thread, not to their liking, just to say they don't like it. If I had tried the Mani I probably would have liked it a lot, but after looking into it, and the Duo wasn't that far out of my reach, decided the reported cleaner sound was best for my uses.

The Schiit Mani 2 and the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo are both high-quality phono preamplifiers, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. The Mani 2 offers more versatility with multiple gain and loading options, making it suitable for a wider range of cartridges. The Duo, on the other hand, is known for its clear and neutral sound, making it a good choice for those who prioritize a pristine audio experience.

Schiit Mani 2:

• Versatility:
  The Mani 2 stands out for its adjustable gain and loading options on the underside of the unit, allowing for more precise customization to match specific cartridge characteristics.
  
  
• Compatibility:
  It's designed to handle a broad range of cartridges, including both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) types.
  
  
• Sound:
  Known for its low distortion and dynamic capabilities, delivering a clean and uncolored sound.
  
  
• Cost:
  It's generally considered a budget-friendly option, offering excellent performance for the price.

Cambridge Audio Alva Duo:

• Clarity and Neutrality:
  The Duo is praised for its clear and neutral sound signature, ensuring a faithful representation of the original recording.
  
  
• Soundstage:
  It offers a wide and detailed soundstage, enhancing the overall listening experience.
  
  
• Gain:
  The Duo has a gain of 39 dB, resulting in a noticeable level of amplification.
  
  
• Cost:
  While not as budget-friendly as the Mani 2, it's still considered a high-value option in its category.

Which one is right for you?

• If you need maximum flexibility and customization:
  The Mani 2 with its adjustable gain and loading options is the better choice.
  
  
• If you prioritize a clear, neutral, and dynamic sound:
  The Alva Duo with its focus on a pristine audio experience might be more suitable.
  
  
• If you're on a tighter budget:
  The Mani 2 is a more budget-friendly option, offering excellent performance at a lower price point.