About the Cambridge Audio Alva Solo
Hear your records as they're meant to sound
The Cambridge Solo uses clever design — inside and out — to keep noise out of your listening experience.
Hear your records as they're meant to sound
The Cambridge Alva Solo phono preamp looks good and makes your records sound amazing. Inside the beautiful silver chassis are circuit boards with surface-mounted components, and a state-of-the-art switch mode power supply. You can't see the components, but more importantly, you can't hear them. The Solo amplifies the tiny signal from a moving magnet cartridge without adding distortion or noise, so you hear only the beautiful music your records contain.
Another small, thoughtful detail: the inputs and outputs on the back of the preamp are labeled so they can be read right-side-up or upside-down. Anyone who's ever had to make connections to a component that's already in place will appreciate that little nuance. There's also a balance knob on the back of the unit so you can fine-tune left/right channel output.
Product highlights:
- compatible with moving magnet phono cartridges
- rear balance control knob for fine correction of left- and right-channel cartridge output
- acoustically damped full-metal chassis with thick aluminum front panel
- efficient switch mode power supply reduces audible hum
- circuit board layout uses surface-mount components to reduce noise
Specifications:
- gain: 39dB
- signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 90dB
- THD: less than 0.0025% (20-20,000Hz)
- RIAA response accuracy: ±0.65dB (30-20,000 Hz)
Dimensions and Warranty:
- 6-15/16"W x 1-15/16"H x 5-1/4"D
- weight: 1.5 lbs.
- warranty: 2 years (3 years with registration)
- MFR # C11026
What's in the box:
Cambridge Audio Alva Solo owner's manual
- MM phono pre-amplifier
- 58" AC power cord
- Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
Customer reviews for Cambridge Audio Alva Solo
Loading...
Loading reviews...
Average review:
4.5 out of 5 starsThanks for submitting your review
Customer photos
This review was collected as part of a promotion
Pros:
Cons:
More details on the Cambridge Audio Alva Solo
Features & specs
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cartridge Type | MM | |
| Subsonic Filter | Yes | |
| Cartridge Loading | Fixed | |
| Adjustable Resistance Load | No | |
| Adjustable Capacitance Load | No | |
| Vacuum Tube | No | |
| Connections | ||
| RCA Inputs | 1 Pair | |
| XLR Inputs | No | |
| RCA Output | 1 Pair | |
| XLR Output | No | |
| USB Output | No | |
| 3.5mm Output | No | |
| Optical Output | No | |
| Coaxial Output | No | |
| Specs | ||
| Signal-to-noise Ratio (MM) | 90 | |
| Signal-to-noise Ratio (MC) | Not given | |
Product Research
Features
Phono (MM) Preamplifier: Enjoy every last detail from your vinyl collection with Cambridge Audio's high-quality moving magnet phono stage, the Alva Solo Phono Preamplifier. Cambridge Audio designed the Alva Solo around exceptional components that deliver the warm and detailed sound that's synonymous with vinyl, all without distorting the signal from your moving magnet cartridge.
Moving Magnet (MM) Compatible: The Cambridge Audio Alva Solo phono pre-amplifier features a moving magnet (MM) input stage; which describes the commonly used type of cartridge (sometimes referred to as a "needle" or "stylus") configuration typically supplied with many turntables.
Carefully Selected Components: To preserve the unique warmth of the vinyl sound, the Alva Solo phono preamplifier has been carefully designed with a state-of-the-art switch mode power supply and a new surface mounted circuit board layout to reduce unwanted noise. The switch mode power supply improves performance by switching outside of audible frequency to drastically reduce hum, while the new circuit board layout uses surface-mount components to reduce noise.
Subsonic Filter & Balance Control: If some records in your collection are a little worse for wear, the subsonic filter will help to eliminate low frequency rumbles that can be caused by imperfections within your vinyl. Combine this with the balance control for handling potential cartridge imbalances in your record player (that can cause a difference between the left and right channels) and the result is a detailed experience with accurate soundstage.
RCA Input/Output: The Cambridge Audio Alva Solo is outfitted with a set of stereo RCA inputs to connect your moving magnet (MM) cartridge turntable. The Alva Solo is also outfitted with a set of stereo RCA outputs to connect the pre-amplifier to the line-level inputs on your home receiver or integrated amplifier.
Turntable Ground: If your turntable has a separate grounding lead then connect it to the Alva Solo's ground terminal. This provides shielding to the arm and the sensitive circuitry in the turntable.
Detachable AC Power Cord: The Cambridge Audio Alva Solo comes with a 58" detachable AC power which plugs into the back of the phono preamplifier and a AC power outlet or surge protector (sold separately).
- Max Power Consumption: 10 watts
- Standby Consumption: <0.5 watts
- Mains Inlet Voltage: 100-240V AC
Auto Power Down: The Cambridge Audio Alva Solo has an Auto Power Down function. The phono preamplifier will automatically switch to standby mode after inactivity of 20 minutes.
The Cambridge Audio Alva Solo replaces these items
- compatible with moving magnet phono cartridges
- built-in balance control for fine correction of left- and right-channel cartridge output imbalances
- external power supply for reduced noise and interference
- compatible with moving magnet phono cartridges
- built-in balance control for fine correction of left- and right-channel cartridge output imbalances
- external power supply for reduced noise and interference
Loading...
Loading accessories...
Customer Q&A
3 questions already asked
Loading...
Loading articles...
Sounds slightly better than my previous phono preamp- Schiit Mani and significantly better than the phono input on my integrated amplifier. If you're a MM cartridge only person this gem is recommended.
PRG from Waipahu, HI