Is this really refurbished? - Updated 17/01/2018
The only clue, on opening the box, that this wasn't direct from the factory, was that there were 2 non-matching pairs of batteries for the remote control. And the instruction manual was clearly printed on an office printer. As for the unit itself, appearance-wise, it was immaculate, with a cellophane protector on the front panel and a little instruction card attached to one of the speaker binding posts.
Playing out through a cheap-but-good pair of speakers, Gale Silver Monitors, it made a great job of Lloyd Cole and the Commotions best hits CD. The one criticism was a background rattle on the CD transport noticeable in quiet moments. **UPDATE: This was only heard on this particular CD. Others play silently.**
I plugged a Project turntable via a Behringer PP400 RIAA amp into the Aux, and played Nazareth's "Razamanaz" LP. The sound was excellent again! Horslips first LP, “Happy to Meet, Sorry to Part” has some overblown keyboard and flute which always sounded exaggerated, but this amp controlled it. It’s never sounded so good!
I played the TV through the Optical input with the same excellent result!
I copied all my digitised music onto an old Smartphone, and paired it with the Bluetooth input, and the sound was brilliant.
I’ve not fully sorted out the radio aerial, but I’ve been able to get a usable signal on a couple of strong stations, and then the sound is excellent, on DAB and FM.
The only bad thing is that there is no “Line Out”. I’ve had to figure out another way to send music from my Vinyl player to my computer for digitising. Otherwise not a problem.
I got this because my Pioneer A209R amplifier had been damaged in transit when moving house, it still worked, but there was an intrusive hum. Not on this! Simply as an amplifier, the Cambridge Audio One is outperforming the Pioneer hi-fi amp!
I just can't believe the quality of sound coming out of this unit. My speakers and the stands they are are nothing special, but the amp controls them! I'm getting enough controlled bass and general volume to keep me more than happy. The 30w quoted means real RMS watts, not some Peak Music Power nonsense, and, in reality, it goes loud without struggling. Music sounds just right, from CDs, Bluetooth or Turntable (via Behringer PP400 pre-amp). Playing the TV through in Stereo is also good, in an average room you don't need surround, and the clean sound bounces off the walls and gives the illusion of surround. My partner has noticed how good it sounds also. She's no hi-fi nut but she does like her classic rock music, as well as having very broad eclectic tastes
I got this during a brief reduction in the price to £150. It's back to £175 but well worth it.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Refurbished