Cambridge adapts MXW70 compact amplifier to DACMAGIC 200M

Cambridge adapts MXW70 compact amplifier to DACMAGIC 200M

Although some brands are abandoning the compact format out of disenchantment with certain markets, the British continue to believe in it, as Cambridge proves today with the MXW70 power amplifier.

In a chassis with identical dimensions to those of the DACMAGIC 200 (399 €) and the MXN10 network player (399 €), the MXW70 power amplifier brings a breath of fresh air to loudspeakers thanks to a power output of 70 watts per channel at 8 ohms in class D, rising to 2 x 125 W at 4 ohms and 250 W at 8 ohms in bridged mode (for those wishing to use one amp per channel).

Priced higher than the more conventional AXA25 and AX135 chassis, the MXW70 is the only pure power amp in the British manufacturer’s range, and therefore has no volume control. For this, you need to connect it either to an analog preamplifier from another brand -since Cambridge doesn’t offer one-, or to a DAC with digital volume control, which is of course offered by the DACMAGIC 200, but also by competitors such as the Eversolo DMP-A6 streamer.

On the rear panel, the MXW70 features a small mains socket that doesn’t allow connection to an IEC power cord, deemed unnecessary since the amp uses a switching power supply (SMPS). The panel also features two pairs of speaker terminals for use with banana or fork-ended cables, and a pair of RCA and XLR inputs, the latter being the only way to switch the amp to mono (simply changed with a small switch next to the terminals).

Available from today, the Cambridge MXW70 is offered exclusively in Lunar Grey at a price of 599 €.

13/06/2025

 After the Klimax Solo 800 amp, Linn renews its 500 blocks

 After the Klimax Solo 800 amp, Linn renews its 500 blocks

Better known for its sources, and now just as much a reference in digital as in analog, Scottish manufacturer Linn nonetheless boasts a complete range that also includes loudspeakers and amplifiers.

Regarding the latter, Linn struck hard in 2024 with a new Klimax Solo 800 mono block (400 W at 8 ohms), and returns this year with a new, lighter version (10.6 kg): the Klimax Solo 500. In a modernized aluminum chassis like that of the latest DSM streamers, the new blocks remain mono, but their height is greatly reduced (8.85 cm vs. 26.8 cm for the 800) to give the device a more compact and even more luxurious appearance. In fact, they are 3 cm higher than the previous, particularly slim (6 cm).

Now rated at 250 watts into 8 ohms (previously 290 W) and 500 W into 4 ohms in class AB, the Klimax Solo 500 can already meet the majority of needs and boasts an extremely low harmonic distortion rate of around 0.0004%. Its Utopik power supply provides the best possible current input, which is then monitored by an Adaptive Bias Control system, that ensures a device always responds at output exactly as the one or ones around it. The Hybrid Cooling Matrix system, for its part, uses FPGA to control the permanent temperature in the chassis, so that it is never disturbed by overheating that could disrupt sound response.

Available in silver or black, these blocks should be priced a little higher than their predecessors at 25 850 €.

04/06/2025