That's interesting you should post this. I was considering ordering a Marantz PM 6006 and using that phono stage over the Cambridge Solo. I have always heard good things about the Marantz phono stage.
Hi! It might also be that a wire inside my Rega RB 300 is broken. It's 20 years old so that might be the case. I have to test it out and will report back. Bye Andrea
I previously have had the Cambridge 540, I found the Marantz phono at least as good if not better IMO, maybe the solo is a better unit though. I ended up selling it, was using a Denon dl110 at the time, since changing to an AT740ml I have added a Musical Fidelity LX2-LPS and this time it's a noticeable improvement over the internal phono, I still very much like the Marantz phono though. I'd find it hard to describe why I like it more, so just a personal opinion.
I bought the Cambridge Alva Duo about three months ago, love it. Amazed at the level of detail. I hear detail I've never heard before on records I've been listening to for forty years. Well worth the money.
Hi! Yeah, the Musical Fidelity Lx2-LPS was my second on the list but here in Europe it is 215€ while the Cambridge Audio Solo is only 170€. What I like about the Solo that it has a build in power supply and not these cheapy outside ones which often introduces noise. But if the Cambridge Solo will not give any improvement, maybe I will go with the Musical Fidelity Lx2-lps. Does your unit came with the loading plugs? Bye Andrea
Hi Guys! Short update: the Cambridge Audio Solo arrived today and I installed it. Unfortunatly it did not resolve my hum issue, but after listening for about 5 hrs over this little unit, I can say that it sounds slightly different compared to the internal phono stage of my Marantz PM 6006. It has more clarity and better separation of instruments and a slightly better soundstage. So I have to test it further but my first impression is quite good. Bye Andrea
After a few months still happy with it Andrea? Was thinking of giving this one a shot- the Duo gives better specs but I don't need MC or a headphone amp.
Hi! Yes, I'm still very happy with the Solo. I also considered the Duo but like you I didn't need the extras although it has better specs. I also solved my hum issue (new motor, pulley and belt on my 20 year old Acoustic Signature Samba). The only slight complain I have is the white LED. It is too bright even when the Solo is in Stand-by mode. So give it a try. And if you do please report back. Bye Andrea
Good to know, and thanks for the reply! I bit, so I should have it next week sometime It will be replacing and old Musical Fidelity VLPSII
So far so good! Sounds nice out of the box. The 20 minute auto shut-off can be defeated by holding the power button for four seconds. I do like the channel balance feature. Good for those Miles left channel heavy 1/2 speeds My nephew is showing some interest in the format so I may gift the VLPS to him
Hi! That's nice! How does it compare to your MuFi V90 LPs? I just thought the same for the balanced knob. But I don't think I will use it. Your LED looks like it is blue while mine is white, so maybe they have changed the colour of the LED?! Bye Andrea
The photo comes out as blue, looks like an off white color. I only have a few hours into it and so far I'm happy! Noticed it is a tad 'warmer' than the VLPSII which is nice. The gain out of the VLPS must of been huge, I had to turn up the input gain on the focusrite quite a bit for the Cambridge, probably to allow headroom for cart's with high mV. Thanks for the recommendation, it's a keeper
Just purchased one of these bad boys. Can vouch that the sound is very satisfying. Clean and clear sound from the ALVA solo without losing any of the punch and weight of vinyl sound. Music I’m playing is some Ronnie Laws and Level 42. The LED is white, and I like how it looks when on standby
Considering doing the same thing - curious just how good the phono stage is on my Arcam SA30. Has anyone compared the Solo with the Alva Duo? I assume there are more differences than just the headphone output?
I own the Solo and have wondered the same. The Duo includes MC of course as well as the headphone socket you mention, but the specs on the Cambridge Audio site for the MM are slightly different - or were the last time I checked. Edit: I checked - I may be missing it but can’t see the difference in specs other that RIAA curve accuracy. Unclear that applies to MM. Anyway, whether I could hear a difference is an entirely different matter. Probably not.
Thanks, that's very good to know - I was mainly eyeing the Duo (budget $300-400), but if the Solo is about the same there's some money to be saved there.
I have never heard the Duo or have seen a review of the Solo Vs Duo MM function so it's pure speculation. Most specs look similar between the two on the MM side. I'm happy enough for the time being with the Solo.
Hi Guys! Here is a very nice review of the Solo. He also did one for the Duo. Cambridge Audio Solo Phono Preamplifier Review I have the Solo for nearly 6 month and still like it a lot (despite the bright white LED). Bye Andrea
Sounds promising, and thanks for the link. For me, it's a question of how much I have to spend to top the phono in my amplifier. Not sure how good it is. I mean it sounds great, but I'm always curious for upgrades that likely will make it sounds even better. Pretty low budget right now though.
I know this is a really old post but came across it as I’m currently demo-ing a Schiit Mani and a Cambridge Audio Solo side by side. To my ear, the Mani blows it away. It’s noticeably noisier than the Solo, but the detail and soundstage are much better. The Solo isn’t bad, but it just feels muted and a bit unexciting. I’ve also ordered a second hand Rega Fono MM Mk3 which I’ll demo alongside the other two, but if the Rega tops the Mani I’ll be shocked. not sure if that helps, but thought I’d share
Thanks for the input - I'm currently looking at these 3 myself. Looking forward to hearing what you think of the Rega.
I also bought the Alva Duo, about 8 months ago.Agreed, really brings out detail i'd not heard before.Really lovely sound through this pre amp
