Cambridge Audio Duo Moving Magnet and Moving Coil Phono Preamp

I purchased this because there are a number of different ways in which I can use it. As a headphone amplifier I think it delivers very good sound, although I do not possess particularly expensive headphones. However, where the Audio Duo really scored in my view is, as was suggested in the advertising, when instead of using the phono socket of my (Marantz, two-channel) amplifier I instead used the Cambridge phono section and an auxiliary input (line input). The difference in sound was - to my ear - equivalent to a cartridge upgrade. The image definition was improved, and the sound was 'tighter', albeit not compromised in any way. (I have been in the classical music business for 40 years, so have long cared about sound reproduction. I also use a Pro-Ject RCM on my LPs ... MoreI purchased this because there are a number of different ways in which I can use it. As a headphone amplifier I think it delivers very good sound, although I do not possess particularly expensive headphones. However, where the Audio Duo really scored in my view is, as was suggested in the advertising, when instead of using the phono socket of my (Marantz, two-channel) amplifier I instead used the Cambridge phono section and an auxiliary input (line input). The difference in sound was - to my ear - equivalent to a cartridge upgrade. The image definition was improved, and the sound was 'tighter', albeit not compromised in any way. (I have been in the classical music business for 40 years, so have long cared about sound reproduction. I also use a Pro-Ject RCM on my LPs and the Hi-Fi news reference LP for cartridge setup: all my vinyl dates from the 1970s and early 1980s.) Although I use only moving magnet cartridges with my two (Dual) turntables, the Audio Duo additionally gives me the option of upgrading to moving coil should I wish to. Finally, my excellent Denon 5-channel amplifier does not have a phono input, so I could if I choose use the Audio Duo to connect a turntable to this. Overall I would recommend the Cambridge Audio Duo as a thoroughly worthwhile, versatile product which gives excellent results.

Simply, in my system and with my ears, this is a better phono pre-amp than the generally accepted class leader (Rega). It seems cleaner and clearer through the midband and has a more natural balance across the frequency spectrum. Most tellingly, I currently have both and it is the Duo that I choose to use. My only gripe is that I would have preferred just a little more gain but this is common to most phono pre-amps I have used. I am sure this is very system and particularly cartridge dependant - Nagaoka MP300 in my case.I haven't used the moving coil input so cannot comment on that. The headphone output is good and I would be quite happy to use it but I rarely use 'phones.So: an excellent well balanced sounding pre-amp that feels well built. I would recommend it ... MoreSimply, in my system and with my ears, this is a better phono pre-amp than the generally accepted class leader (Rega). It seems cleaner and clearer through the midband and has a more natural balance across the frequency spectrum. Most tellingly, I currently have both and it is the Duo that I choose to use. My only gripe is that I would have preferred just a little more gain but this is common to most phono pre-amps I have used. I am sure this is very system and particularly cartridge dependant - Nagaoka MP300 in my case.I haven't used the moving coil input so cannot comment on that. The headphone output is good and I would be quite happy to use it but I rarely use 'phones.So: an excellent well balanced sounding pre-amp that feels well built. I would recommend it strongly even if you don't need the headphone socket or the MC input though the latter may be useful at some time.

I bought this following an audition at Richer Sounds store in Middlesbrough in January 2023. I bought it primarily as a headphone amplifier to listen in solitude to vinyl. On connecting it to my Turntable i listened with both moving coil and moving magnet cartridges. The Duo far exceeded by expectations as a vinyl lover and long standing audiophile. The device is beautifully engineered and has a solid feel to it. I would advice fairly sensitive headphones however as i sensed the Duo was struggling to drive my ZMF Autere cans. Switching to a pair of Oppo headphones the Duo came into its own reliching the easier load to drive. Smooth yet detailed. Listening through my high end audio system i could hear just how good this little device was and became quite shocked at ... MoreI bought this following an audition at Richer Sounds store in Middlesbrough in January 2023. I bought it primarily as a headphone amplifier to listen in solitude to vinyl. On connecting it to my Turntable i listened with both moving coil and moving magnet cartridges. The Duo far exceeded by expectations as a vinyl lover and long standing audiophile. The device is beautifully engineered and has a solid feel to it. I would advice fairly sensitive headphones however as i sensed the Duo was struggling to drive my ZMF Autere cans. Switching to a pair of Oppo headphones the Duo came into its own reliching the easier load to drive. Smooth yet detailed. Listening through my high end audio system i could hear just how good this little device was and became quite shocked at how close it game to Phono pre-amps costing three times the price. Thoroughly recommended.