Everything you always wanted in a stereo receiver, except the radio

An integrated amplifier is essentially a receiver without a built-in AM/FM tuner. You get power to drive your speakers, audio controls, and inputs for music source components. Connect an iPod, a computer, a network music player, or any other device that can play Internet radio, and you may find you have no need for an AM/FM radio.

Our take on the Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10

by Jim Richardson

Simply great stereo sound makes a comeback

Over the years, as surround sound took over the living room, and music went mobile, high fidelity got left behind. Now, a new breed of refreshingly simple home audio components is taking us back to the future. And there's no better example than the Topaz AM10 integrated amplifier from Cambridge Audio.

Paired with an efficient set of bookshelf speakers such as the Cambridge Audio S30, the AM10 is perfect for small to mid-sized rooms. It's relatively compact and easy to operate, with a transparent, richly detailed presentation that will please your ears for hours at a stretch. Fatigue-free sound — that's one of the unsung benefits of high-end gear.

The AM10 gives you plenty of inputs for old-school source components, such as a CD player or turntable. Conjure up scintillating sound from today's digital audio sources when you add the acclaimed DacMagic Plus digital-to-analog converter. If you crave deeper bass than you can get from bookshelf speakers, you can easily connect a powered subwoofer, such as Cambridge's S90.

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Highlights:

35 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz), 0.15% THD at 80% of rated power
signal-to-noise ratio: 82 dB
large toroidal power transformer for low noise and high-current output
5 RCA audio inputs, including a phono input for connecting a turntable
front-panel minijack input for connecting a portable music player
RCA record output
full-size headphone jack
one pair of binding-post speaker terminals
sleek brushed aluminium exterior
remote control
16-15/16"W x 2-15/16"H x 14-5/16"D
weight: 12.3 lbs.
warranty: 3 years
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Features and specs chart | What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Features and Specs

General
Watts RMS per Channel (8-ohms) Loading...	35
Watts RMS per Channel (6-ohms) Loading...	0
Watts RMS per Channel (4-ohms) Loading...	0
Frequency Bandwidth Loading...	20-20k
THD Loading...	0.15%
Minimum Impedance Loading...	4 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio Loading...	82
Discrete Outputs Loading...	Yes
Number of Inputs Loading...	6
Phono Inputs Loading...	Yes
Preamp Outputs Loading...	No
Width (inches) Loading...	16-15/16
Height (inches) Loading...	2-15/16
Depth (inches) Loading...	14-5/16
Weight (pounds) Loading...	12.3
Parts Warranty Loading...	3 Years
Labor Warranty Loading...	3 Years

Product Research

What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

Integrated amplifier
5' AC power cord
Remote control (RC-AM10)
2 "AA" batteries
User's Manual

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At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Overview: The Cambridge Audio AM10 integrated amplifier is equipped with a full discrete 2-channel power amplifier. The AM10 integrated amplifier can support a wide range of external audio sources thanks to 5 rear-panel analog stereo inputs and a front-panel 3.5mm auxiliary input. The Cambridge Audio AM10 is equipped with binding-post speaker terminals to connect a pair of loudspeakers and a front-panel 1/4" headphone jack to plug-in a set of headphones. An IR remote control is included for wireless operation.

Features
Controls
Connections
Specifications

Features

Stereo Amplifier: The Cambridge Audio AM10 employs a true 35 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 AM10 integrated amplifier has been carefully designed with a brushed aluminum front-panel, rigid metal chassis, and internal bracing to prevent resonance and improve sound quality.

Toroidal Transformer: The Cambridge Audio AM10 integrated amplifier utilizes a custom low-flux toroidal transformer for audiophile performance.

Controls

LCD: The Cambridge Audio AM10 integrated amplifier features a front-panel LCD for the display of information, such as the selected input source, volume, and tone/balance level.

Volume Control: The Cambridge Audio AM10 features a front-panel rotary dial to increase or decrease the level (-80 to 0) of the sound from the speakers outputs and headphone output of the unit. You can also use the included remote control to adjust the volume level.

Tone Control: The Cambridge Audio AM10 offers Bass (100Hz) and Treble (10kHz) controls which are adjustable from -10 to +10dB. The unit also allows you to balance the unit's speaker outputs left-to-right (+/-10).

Remote Control: The Cambridge Audio AM10 comes supplied with an IR remote control for wireless operation (Power/Menu/Source/Volume) of the integrated amplifier. The included remote control will also operate playback function of the Cambridge Audio CD10 CD player (779CD10, sold separately).

Connections

5 Rear-Panel Inputs: The Cambridge Audio AM10 integrated amplifier is equipped with 5 rear-panel analog stereo RCA inputs (MP3/Aux, CD, tuner, Phono, BD/DVD). These analog stereo RCA terminals are suited for any line-level source.

Phono Input: This input has a built-in phono stage. Turntables fitted with a moving magnet (MM) or high-output moving coil (MC) cartridge can be used.

Note: Low output moving coil types (<1mV and normally 10-1,000 ohm load impedance) cannot be directly connected.

Front-Panel Input: The Cambridge Audio AM10 integrated amplifier features a front-panel 3.5mm auxiliary input for temporary connection of a portable digital audio player.

Note: Connecting an audio device to the front-panel 3.5mm auxiliary input will override the unit's rear-panel RCA auxiliary input.

Record Output: The integrated amplifier'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.

Binding Posts: The Cambridge Audio AM10 integrated amplifier 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/dual). The binding post terminals are color-coded (red/black) to distinguish positive and negative.

Headphone Output: The Cambridge Audio AM10 integrated amplifier is equipped with a front-panel 1/4" headphone socket for connection of a set of headphones. The amplifier's speaker outputs are muted when headphones are connected.

Note: Headphones with an impedance of between 32 and 600 ohms are recommended.

Detachable IEC Power Cord: The Cambridge Audio AM10 integrated amplifier includes a detachable 5' IEC power cord.

Specifications

Power Output: 35 watts (into 8 ohms)

THD (un-weighted):

<0.01% @ 1kHz, 80% rated power
<0.15% 20Hz-20kHz, 80% rated power

Frequency Response: 5Hz to 50,000Hz

S/N Ratio (ref 1w): >82dB (un-weighted)

Input Impedances: 47k ohms

Damping Factor: >50

Maximum Power Consumption: 260 watts

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Reviews for the Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10

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5 out of 5

Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10

Written By Bill, Hull, MA on Friday, June 14, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Great amplifier! Does exactly what I wanted: allows me to hook up a quality turntable I've had for years and play all my old vinyl 33s from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

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5 out of 5

Nice little amp

Written By David b, Durham nc on Sunday, April 21, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Warm sounding, perfect little amp for my home office. I like the no frills approach.

Pros:

Good value, phono preamp sounds great.

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5 out of 5

Great little amp

Written By John262, Elko, NV on Thursday, April 11, 2013

This is a great sounding amp and it looks beautiful sitting on my shelf. I am using it to play audio from my bluray player and satellite receiver and digital files stored on my computer. It drives my vintage.ESS HD1500 6 ohm speakers quite nicely. It doesn't seem to be any less powerful than my old 75 watt Onkyo amp that I replaced. It is curious that the remote won't turn the unit off and on, but I suspect that it might be a safety feature. Overall I would highly recommend it

Pros:

Nice looking minimalist appearance Good build quality Plenty of power to drive my less than efficient speakers

Cons:

None

1 out of 1 people found this helpful

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5 out of 5

Top Notch

Written By SRL, Cleveland, Oh on Saturday, January 12, 2013

Excellent product simple to operate, excellent sound quality.

Pros:

Quality and Price

Cons:

None

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5 out of 5

Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10

Written By Michael, NY, NY on Monday, October 22, 2012

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Good sound. Good price.

Pros:

Not too large and light weight.

Cons:

Cannot turn on and off with remote.

2 out of 2 people found this helpful

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5 out of 5

Stunning Sound

Written By Jasper, USA on Saturday, February 04, 2012

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

My first impression of this amp is wow! The AM 10 provides a stunning big sound stage with plenty of bass and highs. I am not sure why no one has commented on the AM 10 before but my impression of this amp is that the AM 10 is a great value with a stunning sound stage and a great integrated phono stage. My Debut III turntable sounds fantastic hooked up to the AM 10. CD playback is also excellent. Great recommendation from Rhonda the Crutchfield sales advisor.

6 out of 6 people found this helpful

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