Description:
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Hum may not be the Amp but your system!!
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } 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.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Sound
The absolute best sound you will get from a phono preamp. While this unit may lack features others have, like gain settings, it is going to provide the cleanest sound you will ever get from a phono preamp. This can be verified by checking tests run by Audio Science. Noise is completely absent, channel balance is fantastic and compliance is amazing. I have two Cambridge phono preamps (my entire main system is comprised of Cambridge Audio) and there's a reason. You will not find better sound for the money. I've played MM and MC cartridges through this preamp and all their potential is brought out with the Alva Duo or Solo.IMPORTANT: This is one of the highest rated phono preamps on the market. I see a lot of reviews here giving poor ratings because people didn't know what they were doing (and even admitting it in the review). Don't know how someone can give this preamp a 1 star review because they didn't know what they were buying...seriously? That's on you, not the product. Be sure to research something before buying and definitely don't leave negative reviews because you didn't know what you were buying or how to use it.
5.0 out of 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. Bolo 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.
Excelente amplificador phono!!!
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } O alva duo amplificador phono trouxe muita clareza e definição ao meu sistema de som. O incremento na qualidade é percptível, além do torná-lo muito agradável.
Good sound quality
Value for money preamp for turntable
Ampliamente recomendable
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.
Does what is suppose to do
I only have MM cartridge, but this pre-amp does a good job to bridge my turn table and my speaker amp. The build in PSU is an added bonus so I can use my own power cables.The headphone amp section is not as powerful though. Even with semi-portable headphones like Denon AHD7200 and Ultrasone ED8, you need to turn the volume nob to 3 o'clock to reach a reasonable loudness. However, the sound quality is not bad. Well worse the money IMO.
Simplesmente incrível
Produto espetacular. Extremamente silencioso, rápido e perfeito para elevar o sinal do toca-discos. A qualidade do equipamento em si é excelente, é robusto e parece que vai durar décadas. Testei com um cartucho MM da ortofon e o resultado foi excelente tanto em álbuns novos como nos antigos e mais arranhados. A saída de fone de ouvido é um plus. O preço é salgado, mas é um phono para se aposentar com ele. Não pretendo ter outro.
Visit the Cambridge Audio Store
Cambridge Audio Alva Duo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet & Moving Coil Turntables
AED2,53265
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
This item qualifies for free delivery
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
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Visit the Cambridge Audio Store
Cambridge Audio Alva Duo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet & Moving Coil Turntables
AED2,53265
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
This item qualifies for free delivery
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Hum may not be the Amp but your system!!
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } 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.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Sound
The absolute best sound you will get from a phono preamp. While this unit may lack features others have, like gain settings, it is going to provide the cleanest sound you will ever get from a phono preamp. This can be verified by checking tests run by Audio Science. Noise is completely absent, channel balance is fantastic and compliance is amazing. I have two Cambridge phono preamps (my entire main system is comprised of Cambridge Audio) and there's a reason. You will not find better sound for the money. I've played MM and MC cartridges through this preamp and all their potential is brought out with the Alva Duo or Solo.IMPORTANT: This is one of the highest rated phono preamps on the market. I see a lot of reviews here giving poor ratings because people didn't know what they were doing (and even admitting it in the review). Don't know how someone can give this preamp a 1 star review because they didn't know what they were buying...seriously? That's on you, not the product. Be sure to research something before buying and definitely don't leave negative reviews because you didn't know what you were buying or how to use it.
5.0 out of 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. Bolo 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.
Excelente amplificador phono!!!
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } O alva duo amplificador phono trouxe muita clareza e definição ao meu sistema de som. O incremento na qualidade é percptível, além do torná-lo muito agradável.
Good sound quality
Value for money preamp for turntable
Ampliamente recomendable
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.
Does what is suppose to do
I only have MM cartridge, but this pre-amp does a good job to bridge my turn table and my speaker amp. The build in PSU is an added bonus so I can use my own power cables.The headphone amp section is not as powerful though. Even with semi-portable headphones like Denon AHD7200 and Ultrasone ED8, you need to turn the volume nob to 3 o'clock to reach a reasonable loudness. However, the sound quality is not bad. Well worse the money IMO.
Simplesmente incrível
Produto espetacular. Extremamente silencioso, rápido e perfeito para elevar o sinal do toca-discos. A qualidade do equipamento em si é excelente, é robusto e parece que vai durar décadas. Testei com um cartucho MM da ortofon e o resultado foi excelente tanto em álbuns novos como nos antigos e mais arranhados. A saída de fone de ouvido é um plus. O preço é salgado, mas é um phono para se aposentar com ele. Não pretendo ter outro.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Preamplifiers”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/UO07932DX4A