About the Cambridge Audio Sonata AR30
A bit of royal treatment for your ears
A bit of royal treatment for your ears
Britain's Cambridge Audio has been wowing music listeners with their high-fidelity audio components for over forty years. With the AR30, Cambridge has designed a receiver that won't take up much space, yet will deliver impressive hi-fi sound from classic and modern sources alike.
Solid power and performance
The AR30 delivers a conservatively rated 40 watts per channel that sounds like quite a bit more. The foundation of any amplifier's performance lies with its power supply. The AR30's substantial toroidal transformer provides plenty of rock-steady current for when your music's dynamic peaks demand it. Micro surface-mount circuit technology reduces signal paths to the absolute minimum. The result is a rich and highly detailed soundstage that will bring your music to life.
Digital music from your iPod and more
The AR30 comes with a separate dock for your iPod or iPhone® with built-in noise-canceling circuitry to ensure pristine sound quality. The dock charges your player while you listen, and it enables control through the included remote. You can also add an optional Sirius Satellite Radio tuner for heaps of original and exclusive programming, most of it commercial-free.
Product highlights:
- 40 watts x 2 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.05% THD
- iPod® integration with included noise-canceling dock
- Sirius Satellite Radio capable (requires Sirius subscription and optional SiriusConnect tuner)
- 3 rear-panel audio inputs
- front-panel mini-jack input for portable players
- 20 AM/FM/Sirius station presets
- Radio Data System (RDS) displays broadcast text from stations (where available)
- remote control
- binding post speaker connectors
- 1 mono RCA output for powered subwoofer
- headphone mini jack
- sleep and alarm timers
- detachable power cord
- 10-11/16"W x 2-11/16"H x 11-1/4"D
- weight: 8.6 lbs.
- warranty: 3 years
- MFR # CAMBSONAAR30BL
What's in the box:
Cambridge Audio Sonata AR30 owner's manual
- Stereo receiver
- 5' AC power cord
- iPod dock (DD30)
- 2 iPod dock inserts
- Remote control (RC-AR30/DR30+)
- 3 "AAA" batteries
- AM loop antenna (with base)
- FM wire antenna
- User's Manual (En/Fr/Sp)
- Quick Start
Customer reviews for Cambridge Audio Sonata AR30
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More details on the Cambridge Audio Sonata AR30
Features & specs
Performance Specs | ||
---|---|---|
Stereo RMS Power (watts) | 40 | |
THD in Stereo | 0.05 % | |
Frequency Bandwidth (stereo) | 20-20k Hz | |
Minimum Impedance | No B ohms | |
Amplifier Class | --- | |
FM Sensitivity | Not Given | |
Signal To Noise Ratio | 80dB | |
Phono Signal to Noise Ratio | Not Given | |
DAC Bit Depth | --- | |
DAC Sample Rate | --- | |
High-res Audio Playback | ||
From Network | No | |
From USB Thumb Drive (USB-A) | No | |
From Computer (USB-B) | No | |
Bluetooth | ||
Version Info | --- | |
Receiver Mode | No | |
Transmitter Mode | No | |
AAC Playback | No | |
aptX Playback | No | |
aptX-HD Playback | No | |
LDAC Playback | No | |
Streaming Compatibility | ||
Apple AirPlay | No | |
Apple AirPlay 2 | No | |
DTS Play-Fi | No | |
Chromecast built-in | No | |
Roon | No | |
HEOS | No | |
Total Number of Zones | 1 | |
Inputs & Outputs | ||
USB Type-A Ports | No | |
USB Type-B Ports | No | |
Ethernet Wired Network Port | --- | |
Phono Input | No | |
HDMI Inputs | 0 | |
Total Audio Inputs | 3 | |
Optical Digital Audio Inputs | 0 | |
Coaxial Digital Audio Inputs | 0 | |
Headphone Output | 3.5mm | |
Stereo Preamp Output | --- | |
Subwoofer Output | --- | |
Recording Output | Yes | |
Speaker Output Pairs | 2 | |
Speaker Connectors | Posts | |
Removable Power Cord | IEC 2-prong | |
Other Info | ||
Alexa-compatible | No | |
Google Assistant-compatible | No | |
Built-in Radio Tuner | None | |
Built-in Wi-Fi | --- | |
On-Screen Display | No | |
Width (inches) | 10-11/16 | |
Height (inches) | 2-13/16 | |
Depth (inches) | 13-1/4 | |
Weight (pounds) | 8.6 | |
Parts Warranty | 3 Years | |
Labor Warranty | 3 Years |
Product Research
Features
Stereo Amplifier: The Cambridge Audio Sonata AR30 stereo receiver employs a true 40 watts RMS x 2-channel fully-discrete power amplifier (into 8-ohms). The amplifier can handle impedances between 4 and 8 ohms.
Rugged Chassis Design: The Cambridge Audio AR30 has been carefully designed with a brushed aluminum front-panel, rigid metal chassis, and internal bracing to prevent resonance and improve sound quality.
Micro Surface Mounting Technology: The AR30 stereo receiver employs micro surface-mounting circuit technology for improved signal path performance.
AM/FM Tuner w/ RDS: The Cambridge Audio Sonata AR30 stereo receiver is equipped with a built-in AM/FM tuner with manual, seek, and preset tuning. You can store up to 20 AM and 20 FM station presets. The Radio Data System (RDS) feature displays radio broadcast information such as artist, title, and album when listening to compatible AM/FM stations. The receiver includes an external indoor AM loop antenna and FM wire antenna.
SIRIUS Satellite Ready: You can listen to SIRIUS Satellite Radio by connecting the SiriusConnect tuner (607SCH1 or 220SCH2P, sold separately) to the AR30's proprietary plug. SIRIUS Satellite Radio offers over 130 channels of music, news, sports, talk, and entertainment to choose from--all in digital quality. During SIRIUS playback you can display the channel number/name, category, artist name/song title, composer name, and channel number on the front-panel. A subscription is required in order to receive SIRIUS Satellite Radio.
iPod Dock: The Cambridge Audio AR30 includes an external iPod dock (DD30) which enables you to play your iPod's or iPhone's music through the stereo receiver. The iPod dock utilizes Quasi-Differential Noise Cancelling Technology for optimal sound quality. The iPod dock supports audio playback of your docked iPod/iPhone's music, podcast, and audiobook files; as well as streamed music apps. Using the receiver's IR remote control, you can navigate your iPod/iPhone's music library and control playback functions. You can also continue to use your iPod/iPhone's clickwheel or touchscreen to control playback. The iPod dock also charges your iPod or iPhone while connected. The included iPod dock is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of 9/7/2012):
iPod/iPhone Model | Generation | Tested Version | Media Type | Control Type | Display Type | Charge | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audio | Video Out | Remote | iPod/iPhone | Song/Artist Text | Track Info | ||||
dock connector | 3rd | N/A | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
clickwheel color | 4th | 3.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
mini | 1st | 1.4.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
2nd | 1.4.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
video | 5th | 1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
classic | 80GB | 1.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
120GB | 2.0.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
160GB | 2.0.4 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
nano | 1st | 1.3.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
2nd | 1.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
3rd | 1.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
4th | 1.0.4 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
5th | 1.0.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
6th | 1.1 PC | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
touch | 1st | 2.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
2nd | 4.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
3rd | 5.0.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
4th | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
iPhone | 2G | 3.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y |
3G | 4.2.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
3GS | 4.3.5 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
4 | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
4S | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N | Y | |
iPad | 1 | N/A | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
2 | N/A | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the device and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to wait until a newer software update is available.
Controls
Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD): The Cambridge Audio stereo receiver features a front-panel VFD (vacuum fluorescent display) for the display of information, such as the selected input source, AM/FM station, volume level, and tone control.
Main Power + Standby/On Switch: The AR30 stereo receiver's main power on/off switch is located on the rear-panel. Once the receiver's rear-panel main power switch has been turned On, you can switch the AR30 On/Off using the front-panel Standby/On button.
Tone Controls: The Cambridge Audio AR30 offers Bass (100Hz) and Treble (10kHz) controls which are adjustable from -12 to +12dB.
Aux Level: You can adjust the input gain for the receiver's Aux input, so the receiver's Aux input matches the output level of your connected source.
Alarm & Sleep Timers: The Cambridge Audio AR30 offers an Alarm and Sleep timer function.
- Alarm: The alarm function can turn on the unit at a chosen time. The alarm can be set to playback your iPod or the AM/FM preset of your choice.
- Sleep Timer: The sleep function will turn off the unit after a chosen time period has elapsed (15/30/45/60 minutes). It will also generate a command on the trigger output which switch off any appropriately connected source component.
Remote Control: The AR30 is supplied with an IR remote control that operates both this amplifier and the included iPod dock The IR remote can also control music playback functions of your docked Apple devices.
Connections
5 Rear-Panel Inputs: The Cambridge Audio AM10 stereo receiver is equipped with 3 rear-panel analog stereo RCA inputs (CD, DVD, Aux). These analog stereo RCA terminals are suited for many line-level sources.
Front-Panel Input: The Cambridge Audio AR30 features a front-panel 3.5mm auxiliary input for temporary connection of a portable digital audio player. Connecting an audio device to the front-panel 3.5mm auxiliary input will override the unit's rear-panel RCA auxiliary input. The Aux input can be renamed with a customized 5 character name.
Binding Posts: The Cambridge Audio AR30 stereo receiver is equipped with 4 binding-post speaker terminals to connect a pair of bookshelf or floor-standing loudspeakers. The binding-post terminals will accept bare wire, pin-connectors, and banana plugs (single only). The binding post terminals are color-coded (red/black) to distinguish positive and negative.
Subwoofer Output: The AR30 stereo receiver features a dedicated mono-subwoofer output to connect a powered subwoofer.
Record Output: The stereo receiver's analog stereo RCA record output lets you connect a tape recorder or CD-burner. The unit's record output is not affected by the volume control or tone adjustments.
Headphone Output: The Cambridge Audio Sonata AR30 is equipped with a front-panel 3.5mm headphone socket for connection of a set of headphones. The amplifier's speaker outputs are muted when headphones are connected. Headphones with an impedance of between 32 and 600 ohms are recommended.
Trigger Outputs: The Cambridge Audio AR30 is fitted with three trigger outputs (3.5mm) which can automatically power On/Off connected components which feature 3.5mm trigger inputs.
Detachable AC Power Cord: The Cambridge Audio AR30 includes a detachable 5' AC power cord.
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Customer Q&A
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This Sonata fits the bill for a very compact receiver. Quality of build is excellent and the features, including the ipod dock, are better than expected. I am using this with a Bose Acoustimass 5 systems and am pleased with the performance. Of course, Crutchfield made it easy.
JimJ from Blairsville, GA