Customer Reviews

Exceeding All Expectations

This is an extremely quite, smooth, clean, clear sounding phono preamp that's analog only. Not one ounce of noise, even when the headphone volume is turned all the way up. If you care to go that loud, which goes against all logic concerning your hearing. The Cambridge Duo is well built for what it cost and how it performs. It surpassed all my expectations. To have both moving coil and moving magnet phono stages is a great option. One of my main reasons for this purchase was the headphone amp and I am not disappointed. It does not matter if I am using my Sennheiser HD 600s or Monoprice 1070 or 1570 Planar headphones. Also, I don't think there is a phono cartridge within reason that could stress this phono preamp. Just my opinion. It's just that good. I've spent more and didn't get this much sound quality at three times the price. This is my setup : Rega P3 2016, Tango Spinner metal sub platter and Delrin Platter, Ortofon 2M Black, Rega Neo PSU, Sony TA-P9000ES analog Preamp and Sony TA-N9000ES 5 channel Power amp. Nothing digital here. The quietness or black background in LPs is just astonishing. This makes the music very dynamic, even at low volume. I truly think Cambridge did a wonderful job in thought and putting the use of money in all the right places to make this a great phono preamp regardless of price.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

great vinyl premap

I have a turntable, that has travelled the world with me, i was struggling to make it compatible with downsizing to apartment living in the US, most of my listening is headphones now so this was the perfect choice, the vinyl sounds great on my ZMF headphone via the duo and on the rare occasion i can use the speakers it connects perfectly to my amp/speakers. I would say i much prefer the headphone sound profile, its warmer and has an old-style profile. Big shout to crutchfield team for helping me ensure this was the right choice for me and super quick shipping

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo - Winner

Needed a new phono preamp for my Dual CS 618Q to feed the Yamaha A-S801. Having the MM /MC option was a serious plus. Reviews on the Cambridge Duo, along with the "little things" like labeling the rear panel so can actually read it without needing a mirror just emphasize the Cambridge crew's commitment to looking out for the end user. The Cambridge has now been moved to render service to my Bose 901 / Deer Creek Audio. I don't think you can get a better preamp for the money.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

Very simple and easy to set up. Improved sound from my records.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

Cambridge Duo iOS excellent the sound is magnificent and service on cutchfield very good

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Great sound and features, but headphone volume is a bit low.

Paired with a Nagaoka MP110 cartridge and feeding a pair of Fluance Ai41 powered speakers. Sound wonderful. It gave me that warm tone I was looking for without sacrificing detail. My only complaint is that I've tried this unit with multiple headphones and even at the highest volumes, it is still extremely quiet. Sound quality from headphones is good, but doesn't drive them as heavily as I expected. But the Duo, not only refers to the headphones and Line Level RCA connections, but also to the support for MM and MC. At least that's how I understand it. So, to say that the difference between the Solo and the Duo is disappointing wouldn't be entirely accurate. This box is doing a number of extra things above some other Phono Stages, and for what it is doing... It's doing it well! Would've done 4.5 stars if I could. The lack of headphone volume isn't worth a full star in my opinion, given the overall performance of the unit.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

Great clean and detailed sound.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Happy Cambridge Duo owner

Have only had for 1 week and loving it! Pre-amp is excellent and definite improvement over built in ore-amp of my Kanto YU6 Powered speakers(also a 5??Crutchfield purchase) I listen to wide variety of music classical, new age, jazz, singer-songwriters, pop/rock and soundtracks. This pre-amp opened up soundstage of my vinyl, hear more clarity of instruments and voices. Nothing feels muddled. The headphone Jack excellent allowing me to enjoy music via headphones once again. A feature I missed with my powered speakers.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

went with the Duo instead of the Solo so i could use the same phono preamp if i upgraded to a moving coil cartridge someday. Unit looks good with the rest of my Cambridge audio CX series. Between the upgrade to a better quality cartridge and the phono preamp i am impressed with how my vinyl sounds now.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

Does exactly what it is supposed to and does it very well

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

Be nice if it had different plug ins and more than one but wow I put it on my Klipsch sixes holy moly wish I went a different route with picking speakers etc. but dang awesome product sounds amazing

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

At the age of 63 I decided to get back into music. After purchasing a nice turntable and speakers I purchased the Cambridge DUO headphone amplifier along with the NAD M10 V2 from Crutchfield My mind was blown with the clarity and sound it brought to my Albums. I am pleased beyond words. What joy the sound of my favorite music brings. If it were not for the Cambridge DUO and the NAD M10 V2 I would still be looking for the elusive sound that I am now pleased to listen to.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

It's not the most dynamic of phono preamps but it has a nice warm presentation and good soundstage. The headphone jack works well and it is easy enough to set up.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

Sound is great! The headphone amplifier is a real plus so that the amplifier does not have to be on. Built in subsonic filter provides a good balance to the sound as well.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Sleek, sophisticated, audio bliss

To me, audio quality is worth spending a little for (even slight) incremental improvements. I passed the blind test administered by my wife to differentiate between this and my internal preamp. The difference was quite clear, with the Cambridge unit adding much more clarity in the mods and highs for my system. Adding in the headphone Jack was an added benefit over lower priced units, as I will occasionally spin a record and want to hear detail at lower volumes. 10/10, if you have a little cash and value incremental improvements to your system!

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

The phono stage in my vintage preamp sounds a little warmer but this Cambridge preamp sounds very close to it and it is worth the price of the unit. The mc mm separate inputs allow you to have two turntables plugged in. I love that aspect.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Highly recommended preamp

Highly recommended. I did quite a bit of research for a strong turntable preamp to bridge my Fluance RT85 to my Sonos Amp and I am thrilled with the Duo. The added headphone port was an added plus.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Great sound, nicely built

Nicely constructed. Great sound! Highly recommend if you need to run your headphones to listen to vinyl. Otherwise, just get the Cambridge just below this one and save $100 bucks.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

My BF's christmas gift

Shipping was fast

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

This Cambridge Duo provided the perfect solution as a phono preamp to my vacuum tube amplifier system, as well as allowing me to listen to my records via heaphones and not disturbing the rest of the household.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

Beautiful piece of gear. Sound is natural and clean

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Best Bang for the Buck

Can't give this preamp anything less than 5 stars. I have this paired up with a Sumiko Moonstone Cartrigde on a Audio Technica LP1240-USB XP turntable plugged Into a Willsenton R8 integrated tube amp driving a set of Warfdale Lintons. The amp delivers plenty of balanced bass, treble and midrange with superior soundstage and clarity. It is night and day from using the built in preamp on the turntable. It delivers the punch that I was lacking. The amp is incredibly quite as I can turn up the volume to max on my amp and there is no detectable hiss or hum. It is dead silent. I will be doing some cartridge rolling soon and installing a top of the line moving coil cartridge . I will add to this review after that to give the MC part of this amp a test run. You can't go wrong for the price. This amp delivers.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Perfect for me

This is the first phono amp I have ever purchased. I paired it with my Cambridge CxA61 and my Orbit U-Turn and I am amazed at the details that I am now picking up in my vinyl. This is probably more than what I needed but I am very happy with the results. The unit feels very well made. I am extremely happy with it about one month into my experience.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

Was interested in the phono stage for the headphone option. Have been using it for a couple weeks for both headphone and speaker listening and love it.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

I wrote this page, so my review is in a blue box in the overview text. But I did want to include a photo of how this preamp/headphone amp looks on my new, larger desk at Crutchfield HQ.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cudos

This is s significant upgrade. The sound stage has more depth and nuance. Worth the expense. Your ears will thank you.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

I love this preamp. Noticeable sonic upgrade from the phono stage of my PM6005. Very happy. I've enjoyed many hours on it and look forward to many more. No complaints about the headphone amp. I really like the option for MC/MM. I like that I won't be limited to just MC when it's time to replace the cartridge. I don't think it can be beat at this price.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Improved Sound

Had been using the phono amp on my AT turntable and the duo really opened up the sound. Highly recommended.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Great

Great service, I received it in one day. It is a big step up from my NAD PP1.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

Makes my vintage Pioneer 117D sound warmer and brighter. Great addition

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Sounds fantastic!

Sounds incredible. Replaced an older phono pre with this unit. Sound is much more open and airy. Bass extension goes much lower as well. Very happy and the headphone amp is just a nice little bonus. Drives all my phones easily. Very happy with the purchase. Highly recommend.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

Clean and bright. Easy to set up. I'm pleased with this purchase.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

I never put much stock into my phone stage, I used the same Cambridge for the last ten years and it finally went out on me. So naturally I just went with another Cambridge as I had no complaints about the last unit. The Duo is a noticeable step up from my old stage. It is whisper quiet and doesn't color the sound too much, maybe adds a little high end, which I like on my vinyl. I have not used the headphone output but it's a nice feature to have that isn't getting in the way of anything else. My only minor complaint would be that the unit shuts off after non-use, I know that's actually a good thing, but my old unit was just always on so I could drop the needle and get to listening to music. This just adds one more step, and I know it is saving energy and prolonging the life of the unit, so I'll just have to get used to it.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

Easy setup and sounds great. Couldn't be more pleased.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

The device arrived quickly, as is always the case with Crutchfield. I unboxed it, set it up and had it working in about 5 minutes. Probably too early to detect a noticeable difference between the Duo and the Schiit Mani it's replacing but I can say it's obvious the Duo isn't adding any sound of its own to the process.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Alva Duo

Very nice sounding well rounded phono preamp (PP). I've built several DIY PP but this one sounds the best to date.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

I love the way this sounds with my Denon 103r MC cartridge Could not be happier

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Amazing for the money

This is an amazing phono preamp. I am going to return it because it isn't as good of a match as I had hoped for my system. The gain level is a little too low for my specific cartridge which is the Sumiko Moonstone. That being said the soundstage, stereo separation, warmth and dynamics are amazing! If you have a cartridge putting out 5.0mV I think this is the best you can get under $500.00.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

This was one of the biggest difference makers in my set up. Finally have the sound I've always wanted out of my vinyl and revived a lot of the records I thought were done. Couldn't be happier with the purchase.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Good phono preamp, mediocre headphone amp

Initially excited, but ultimately disappointed. If you're looking for just a MM/MC phono preamp this might be a decent choice, but if you care about the headphone amp look elsewhere. I replaced it with the Music Hall PA2.2 and am much happier. The phono preamp is dead silent and brings out much more detail than integrated phono sections, so in that respect it's good. The headphone amp is where it falls short. It has clean sound, but is very underpowered. Driving Sennheiser 660S 150 ohm headphones the Cambridge Duo sounds detailed, but a bit flat and distant. The Music Hall PA2.2 creates more dynamic sound with more warmth, punchier bass, and just as much detail. On the Cambridge I sometimes approach max volume on quiet recordings, but rarely go past half on the Music Hall. The biggest flaw with the Cambridge Duo (which is advertised as a benefit) is the left right balance. When the knob is on center I have the sensation with recordings I'm very familiar with that everything is very slightly skewed to the right. When I adjust it the music does not sound as full. This is what drove me to try the Music Hall PA2.2, which immediately sounds better playing some of my favorite albums. It also has an additional line-in to use the headphone amp with other sources besides vinyl.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Love it

Really nice and well built.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Great Phono Amp

Tried the Schiit Mani (too much hiss) the Cambridge Solo (very good Phono but didn't quite win me over) and have happily settled with the Cambridge Duo. The Duo is just a step or two ahead of the Solo in terms of sound space and clarity with low end coming in tight without sounding muddy. The sound is warm and just a pleasure to listen to. I have the Duo paired with Project Evo Carbon Debut, Cambridge CXA 81 and Bower and Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary. I am just astound by the quality and build of Cambridge. Glad to own these products for many years to come!

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Audio Duo Phono Preamp

Beautiful piece of kit. Works splendidly. Also enjoy the convenience and wonderful sound out of the headphone preamp.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

Works great, old vinyl never sounded better.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Dead quiet

Using this phono state with a rega p6, exact 2 cartridge into a PL EVO 400 and Dynaudio Evoke 50s. Its dead quiet, add no noticeable dynamics color. A no brainer. Only very small nit - wish it would turn on automatically from standby when it sensed a signal. But pushing two buttons instead of one is really a ridiculous thing to call out. Great unit.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

This preamp is pays for it self the first time you hear it such detail great

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Well design phono preamp for any price point

Trueful and accurate representation of the stereo field.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

So far this piece has provided a crystal clear stage for my SL-1200GR. I say "so far" only because I have heard it only gets better with use.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Perceptible difference in quality of sound owing to an upgrade

I purchased the Cambridge Duo along with a Cambridge Audio CXA Amplifier. Thus, it is hard to separate the benefit of each. Overall, both provided a noticeable improvement over the Cambridge Audio Topaz SR-20, which it self was a very good entry level receiver. Classical music and jazz with a strong emphasis on guitar music. With the new equipment, I seem to get better stereo separation and and more detail of the instruments. Indeed, I am so pleased with this upgrade, that I am already thinking of my next upgrade.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

I was looking for a pre amp for my turntable to tie into my sony stx dn 1080 reciever without breaking the bank yet delivering a great sound.....for me the Cambridge Duo filled that bill .Both a moving magnet or moving coil pre amp this was my choice and a very nice pre amp for the price.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo

A wonderful product, I wanted more gain from my turntable and that's what I got. I was running my Technics SL-6 linear TT into the phono input into my loyal Onkyo TX-8511 receiver (the Mother) but wanted better sound. I am happy with the product. Silver, British and sexy.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

Cambridge Duo Phono Pre-amp

The sound quality and volume is so much better with the Cambridge Duo phono pre-amp than with the cheaper model that I had used previously. I like having the option of switching between MM and MC for when I upgrade my turntable in the future and no noise. The headphone jack is an added benefit which I have used several times already. Worth the price.

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on

High Quality Phono Pre-Amp with Headphone Output

I have been using the Duo phono pre-amp for several weeks now. It does exactly what I purchased it to do. I needed a high-quality phono pre-amp to connect my turntable to a modern receiver that lacks a phono input. I also wanted headphone capability to use my turntable without disturbing my family. I can now listen to my records through headphones if other family members are using my A/V system to watch TV or play XBox. Prior to my purchase of the Cambridge Duo I also tried out an ART DJ Pre-II and a U-Turn Audio Pluto. They are both perfectly fine starter phono pre-amps but the Cambridge DUO definitely has a more neutral sound quality than the less expensive products I have used. The outputs are silent with no hiss whatsoever. If I were to replace my A/V Receiver in the future I would still likely use the Cambridge Duo as a phono pre-amp as I am unbelievably happy with the sound quality and construction. Note to Crutchfield - I have reached out a few times asking your staff to correct the Product Highlights for the Cambridge Duo. You have it listed as using an external power supply for "reduced noise and interference" when the product photos clearly show it uses an internal power supply. Can you please have this corrected?

Have questions for
?

Crutchfield response on 5/16/2018

Thanks for your review and for catching our mistake. We've corrected the caption.