On the fence with Onkyo A-9110 and Cambridge Audio AXA25 amplifiers

[Emimusic]

Hello everyone

I am wondering if anyone has any heads up about two budget-friendly amplifiers for my Pro-Ject turntable: Onkyo A-9110 and Cambridge Audio AXA25. They're both in the same price range (around 250) and have similar specs. I like the barebones/analog kind of approach here (there wouldn't be any margin for bells and whistles at that price point), and what I would like to achieve is to get the best possible sound around that budget. I mainly listen to Jazz and Classical records.

Any direct experience with these units?
Many thanx

Emiliano

 

[Gray]

Has your turntable got a built-in phono preamp Emiliano?
The Onkyo has, but it doesn't look like the CA has one.
That might make the decision for you.

 

[Emimusic]

Thanx for the reply! I have it. I splurged a couple of years ago with the Musical Fidelity V90-LPS, so I don't really care if the amp has it or not. What matters the most is sound quality and clarity within that budget. I might get a separate DAC down the line....

 

[robdmarsh]

Thanx for the reply! I have it. I splurged a couple of years ago with the Musical Fidelity V90-LPS, so I don't really care if the amp has it or not. What matters the most is sound quality and clarity within that budget. I might get a separate DAC down the line....

I haven't heard either of these but I had an Onkyo micro system some time ago and it sounded very good with a detailed but warm sound. The Cambridge audio stuff I've heard I haven't been such a fan of but maybe you could trial by purchasing from somewhere you can return.

 

[Sixtyten]

I own an Onkyo A9110. It's in the system in my study. It's connected to Sony BDP-S370 , Cambridge NP30 streamer and output via a pair of (bluntly awe inspiring) Mission 70 MKII. Previously it was connected to QA 3020i. It's fuller sounding than the Rotel RA820BXII it replaced but it's not in the same league as my Arcam A19.

I think it's grand, to be honest. Certainly it sounds better than I'd any right to expect for the £200 I paid for it a couple of years ago.

 

[Emimusic]

I own an Onkyo A9110. It's in the system in my study. It's connected to Sony BDP-S370 , Cambridge NP30 streamer and output via a pair of (bluntly awe inspiring) Mission 70 MKII. Previously it was connected to QA 3020i. It's fuller sounding than the Rotel RA820BXII it replaced but it's not in the same league as my Arcam A19.

I think it's grand, to be honest. Certainly it sounds better than I'd any right to expect for the £200 I paid for it a couple of years ago.

I'm leaning more towards the Onkyo, although it would be nice to get an impression from who might have heard them playing. If only Onkyo would restock them.... The a-9110 has been unavailable for a while now..😓

 

[Edbostan]

Hello everyone

I am wondering if anyone has any heads up about two budget-friendly amplifiers for my Pro-Ject turntable: Onkyo A-9110 and Cambridge Audio AXA25. They're both in the same price range (around 250) and have similar specs. I like the barebones/analog kind of approach here (there wouldn't be any margin for bells and whistles at that price point), and what I would like to achieve is to get the best possible sound around that budget. I mainly listen to Jazz and Classical records.

Any direct experience with these units?
Many thanx

Emiliano

Bear in mind that Onkyo is undergoing a restructuring and stock seems to be rare at the moment. I have the older 9010 and quite happy with it although it may be rather restrained in nature to some

 

[Emimusic]

Bear in mind that Onkyo is undergoing a restructuring and stock seems to be rare at the moment. I have the older 9010 and quite happy with it although it may be rather restrained in nature to some

I noticed quite a bit of stalling on their website. I saw some raving reviews about the 9010 and apparently, the more recent model - the 9110, was stripped down of the built-in DAC in favor of some more expensive components (can't recall their name) to enhance even more the sound fidelity.
Have you had the chance to hear Cambridge audio axa25? How would you compare it to the 9010?

 

[Edbostan]

I noticed quite a bit of stalling on their website. I saw some raving reviews about the 9010 and apparently, the more recent model - the 9110, was stripped down of the built-in DAC in favor of some more expensive components (can't recall their name) to enhance even more the sound fidelity.
Have you had the chance to hear Cambridge audio axa25? How would you compare it to the 9010?

There may be some confusion here. I realise this forum extends past UK shores but the UK version had no DAC with the money spent on upgraded capacitors, etc. American and European 9010s had a DAC.