Cambridge Audio Edge M: Class XA Mono amplifier

The Cambridge Audio Edge M mono speaker features a fully balanced circuit topology that ensures negligible distortion. The power supply contains a pair of toroidal transformers connected in a special way, which are installed one above the other (in...

Cambridge Audio Edge M
Cambridge Audio Edge M

The Cambridge Audio Edge M mono speaker features a fully balanced circuit topology that ensures negligible distortion. The power supply contains a pair of toroidal transformers connected in a special way, which are installed one above the other (in fact, this is a double toroidal transformer with opposite winding symmetry).

According to the manufacturer, this technical solution eliminates electromagnetic interference, increases output power and maintains exceptionally accurate tonal balance at any volume level. In the process of selecting components, the developers were guided by the results of numerous test listenings, i.e. premium elements were selected by ear to achieve the highest possible sound quality, and their number was reduced to ensure the shortest signal path.

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The Cambridge Audio Edge M amplifier is Class XA, which combines the main benefits of Class A and Class AB. At the same time, it is possible to get rid of characteristic distortions, as well as increase the efficiency of the monoblock and reduce its heating. Cambridge Audio Edge M is able to cope with even the most demanding and capricious speaker systems in terms of impedance. The device provides a power of 200 W at a load of 8 ohms and 340 W at 4 ohms.

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The appearance of the model corresponds to the classic canons of High-End equipment: the extreme minimalism of the front panel here is elegantly emphasized by the smooth edges of the all-metal body, while the sidewalls serve as cooling radiators. On the back wall of the case there is a pair of screw terminals. There is also an input selector switch and RCA and XLR input connectors, which are duplicated with similar outputs. There are a pair of system bus connectors for simultaneous activation of all components connected on this bus, with the bus input jack taking on the function of a trigger connector. There is a function that automatically turns off the amplifier if there is no signal for a certain period of time, which can be deactivated using a slide switch if desired.

The Cambridge Audio Edge M monoblock is part of the top-end Edge line, released to commemorate the British company’s 50th anniversary. The name of the series perpetuates the name of one of the founders of Cambridge Audio – the talented engineer Gordon Edge. The ideal companion for a pair of these amplifiers is the Edge NQ network preamplifier.

Cambridge Audio Edge M Specifications

Power 200 W (8 ohms, less than 1% THD), 350 W (4 ohms, less than 1 THD)
Frequency response 3 Hz – 80 kHz (± 1 dB)
Harmonic distortion less than 0.002% (1 kHz, rated power, 8 ohms), less than 0.02% (20 Hz – 20 kHz, rated power, 8 ohms)
Signal-to-noise ratio more than 93 dB (at 1 W power and 8 ohms impedance), more than 115 dB (maximum power)
Gain 28 dB (RCA), 22 dB (XLR)
Input sensitivity 1.7 V (RCA), 3.4 V (XLR)
Input impedance 47 kOhm (RCA), 100 kOhm (XLR)
Auto power off function switchable , switches the amplifier to standby mode after a certain period of inactivity
Inputs unbalanced RCA connector, balanced XLR connector
Outputs unbalanced RCA connector, balanced XLR connector
Other switching two system bus connectors (Link In input connector combined with trigger input)
Speaker terminals pair of screw terminals
Consumed power 1000 W (max.), standby: less than 0.5 W
Dimensions (WxHxD) 460x150x405 mm
Weight 23.6 kg