Cambridge Audio | Edge Series

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO EDGE SERIES:

engineers set loose without a budget!

WHat is the “edge SERIES?

In the build-up to their 50th anniversary, Cambridge Audio asked their top engineers a simple question – what would they build if there was no restrictions?
Forget cost.
Forget limitations.
Create a product that is worthy of our 50th Anniversary and personifies us as a HiFi company and our tradition of performance, build quality and value.  What came out of that design brief, is a family of truly stand-alone products that deliver another level of performance: highly transparent, yet still with a warmth and naturalness that defines the British sound… “Well detailed and presented, but serving the music first”  is how one might describe Cambridge Audio’s voicing of their components. 

Over 3 years in the making, utilizing a team of 9 engineers, the result is Edge. Named for Cambridge Audio’s first principal designer, Prof. Gordon Edge—the Edge components have a shared familial design: satin-finished, dark gunmetal anodized cases with bold radiused corners, with a minimalist without being overly simplistic and incorporating details  that create their own iconic stature and highly machined finish. 

The Edge Series never calls attention to itself as being an electronic interpreter, instead becomes an instrument to illuminate the music to its fullest.  For over 50 y ears, Cambridge Audio’s stance has always been that regardless of price – deliver the most, for the least. They have done just that with the Edge Series. 

The operative word for THE Edge SERIES is “refinement.”

Every aspect of the series, from the circuitry to the industrial design and build quality just oozes refinement. The result is a range of audio electronics that not only sound exceptional but also exude a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication.

The Edge Series has quickly become a cornerstone product line for Cambridge Audio, garnering acclaim from critics and enthusiasts. Its combination of cutting-edge technology, sophisticated industrial design, attention to detail and resulting sound quality has made it a must-have for audiophiles and music enthusiasts around the world.

“The Edge A was consistently crisp, instruments fully realized, every sonic gradation of every recording fully present.”

Ken Micallef, stereophile, united states

EDGE SERIES – top 5 design points

1. Most Direct Path and Direct Coupled (DC) throughout entire circuit path
With Edge, we set ourselves a goal to keep the signal path as short as possible to significantly reduce distortion ensuring an immediate and natural sound. To achieve this, the circuit board needed to be unlike any other.  We removed all capacitors from the signal path and instead used a DC coupled topology to the board. It’s been well known that capacitors should be removed from the signal path where possible, simply because they are often responsible for adding more distortion and color than any other electrical component.

2.  Twin Toroidal Transformers with Opposing Symmetry
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in amplifiers right back at the launch of our first product, the P40, which lead to improved performance. With Edge, they took this a step further, introducing a second transformer and stacking it in opposing symmetry to cancel out magnetic field interference and ensure the amplifier is capable of outstanding power.

3. The Class XA Power Amplifier
Class XA is our proprietary amplification system which combines the best of Class A and Class AB amplification, delivering the sound quality of a Class A amp while retaining the efficiency of a Class AB amp. Class XA differs by adding voltage to a traditional Class AB design, shifting the crossover point to a position where the audio distortion is not audible to the human ear.

4. Digital Input Board and Component Selection
At the forefront of the engineers’ minds was the compatibility with a wide range of sources, allowing for a greater level of flexibility than ever before. Whether you’re connecting via digital coaxial or even USB, you’re completely covered. Whatever digital content you’re looking to play, Edge can handle anything up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD 256 over USB.

5. StreamMagic Streaming Module
Our custom built StreamMagic platform has picked up multiple industry awards and accolades since its inception in 2011 with the NP30. Developing our own platform in-house gives us the flexibility to adapt and change as new technologies emerge. Our latest incarnation ‘Black Marlin’ brings a range of additions to the Edge range, including built in Chromecast for compatibility with audio apps including Tidal, Deezer and Qobuz, and the ability to support DSD256 high resolution formats.

EDGE SERIES – four components

There are four components that make the up the Edge Series, allowing the buyer the flexibility to pick singular components buy either the Edge A, which as an integrated amplifier, it includes the streamer and DAC, or buy them individually or a complete separates and stay within the series.

  • Edge A
    • Integrated Amplifier – Preamplifier & Streamer & DAC
    • A complete solution
    • $6,499
  • Edge NQ
    • Preamplifier – Streamer & DAC
    • $5,499
  • Edge W
    • Power Amplifier – Stereo
    • $4,449
  • Edge M
    • Power Amplifier – Mono
    • $4,799 each

For the discerning listener, the Edge Series offers an unparalleled audio experience that transcends mere sound reproduction, it’s ability to faithfully recreate the nuances and subtleties of a recording brings music to life in a way that is truly magical.

“Perhaps it was the lack of capacitors in the signal path that allowed it to run faster and jump higher, its speed and swiftness helping to bring me closer to the music on this recording than ever before.

Stereophile

Find OUT more

Summary:

the edge series offers the listener a solution from input to output, with complete control via a mature app from your smartphone. There is no compromise in performance by staying within the edge ecosystem.

Product highlights:

  • stereo preamp/network player with built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC)
  • digital inputs let you connect sources like a computer, disc player, media streamer, thumb drive, and TV and enjoy superior sound
    • Wi-Fi dongle included
  • connects to your home network via wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi® for music streaming and downloads
  • free StreamMagic control app for iOS® and Android™ provides fast access to devices, playlists, and internet radio
  • supports Spotify® Connect and TIDAL Connect
  • works with Apple AirPlay® 2 and Chromecast built-in
  • works as a Roon player (requires subscription and Roon Core running on your network)
    • Roon Core is media server software that runs on your computer, NAS drive, or other compatible hardware
  • Bluetooth 4.0 supports SBC, AAC, Qualcomm® aptX™ and aptX™ HD audio
  • plays PCM digital audio sources up to 32-bit/384kHz
  • curved extruded aluminum front panel minimizes vibration-induced distortion
  • 5″ color LCD displays track/artist info and album art
  • concentric front-panel volume/source selector knob
    • front part of knob controls volume
    • back part of knob selects source
  • remote control
  • free downloadable Edge Remote for iOS® and Android™ lets you use a compatible smartphone or tablet as a remote control
Connections:
  • digital inputs:
    • Two Toslink optical inputs support files up to 24-bit/96kHz
    • Coaxial input supports files up to 24-bit/192kHz
    • HDMI ARC input for TV audio
    • USB Type B (Audio Class 2.0), supports PCM-based files up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD files up to 11.2 MHz
    • USB Type A for connecting a thumb drive
  • Analog inputs:
    • two unbalanced RCA inputs
    • balanced XLR input
  • Stereo balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA preamp outputs for connecting an amplifier
  • Ethernet port for wired connection to a home network
Specifications:
  • total harmonic distortion: less than 0.0008%
  • signal-to-noise ratio: 103 dB
  • 18-1/8″W x 4-3/4″H x 15-15/16″D
  • weight: 22.4 lbs.
  • warranty: 2 years (3 years with registration)

Product highlights:

  • 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.02% THD with 2 channels driven
  • 200 watts per channel into 4 ohms
  • proprietary Class XA amplifier design
    • dual toroidal transformers
    • high-quality, British-made capacitors
  • frequency response: 3-80,000 Hz (±1dB)
  • signal-to-noise ratio: 113 dB
  • switchable stereo balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs
  • stereo balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA loop outputs for connecting to another amplifier
  • 5-way binding post speaker connectors
  • switchable 12-volt in/out trigger
  • curved extruded aluminum front panel minimizes vibration-induced distortion
  • detachable power cord
Dimensions and warranty:
  • 18-1/8″W x 5-15/16″H x 15-15/16″D
  • weight: 51.9 lbs.
  • warranty: 2 years (3 years with registration)

Product highlights:

  • 100 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz), 0.02% THD at full rated power
  • 200 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms
  • proprietary Class XA amplifier design
    • dual audiophile-grade toroidal power transformers for low noise and high-current output
    • replaces conventional capacitors with DC-coupled topology for reduced distortion
  • frequency response: 3-80,000 Hz (±1dB)
  • signal-to-noise ratio: >103dB
  • Bluetooth® with aptX-HD for high-quality streaming
  • remote control included
Connections:
  • balanced stereo XLR inputs provide connectivity for high-end and professional audio sources
  • dual unbalanced stereo RCA inputs
  • HDMI port with ARC (Audio Return Channel) for connecting to a compatible TV
  • dual digital optical inputs (up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution)
  • digital coaxial input (up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution)
  • USB Type-B input (PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz resolution or DSD files up to 11.2 MHz)
  • balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA preamp outputs
  • 5-way binding post speaker connectors
  • 12-volt trigger in/out
  • RS-232 port for third-party remote control
  • headphone output on front panel
Dimensions and warranty:
  • 18-1/8″W x 5-15/16″H x 15-15/16″D
  • weight: 53.7 lbs.
  • warranty: 2 years (3 years with registration)

Product highlights:

  • 100 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz), 0.02% THD at full rated power
  • 200 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms
  • proprietary Class XA amplifier design
    • dual audiophile-grade toroidal power transformers for low noise and high-current output
    • replaces conventional capacitors with DC-coupled topology for reduced distortion
  • frequency response: 3-80,000 Hz (±1dB)
  • signal-to-noise ratio: >103dB
  • Bluetooth® with aptX-HD for high-quality streaming
  • remote control included
Connections:
  • balanced stereo XLR inputs provide connectivity for high-end and professional audio sources
  • dual unbalanced stereo RCA inputs
  • HDMI port with ARC (Audio Return Channel) for connecting to a compatible TV
  • dual digital optical inputs (up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution)
  • digital coaxial input (up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution)
  • USB Type-B input for connecting a computer (PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz resolution or DSD files up to 11.2 MHz)
  • balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA preamp outputs
  • 5-way binding post speaker connectors
  • 12-volt trigger in/out
  • RS-232 port for third-party remote control
  • headphone output on front panel
  • if connecting to a TV, please make sure you can select “PCM” output in its audio menu — this DAC cannot decode multichannel Dolby® Digital signals
Dimensions and warranty:
  • 18-1/8″W x 5-15/16″H x 15-15/16″D
  • weight: 53.7 lbs.

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Why Choose Us?

There are many options for people today… Why buy from us?
For many reasons, and they all add up to earning your confidence and achieving your satisfaction.Our team of consultants and technicians have decades of experience within the consumer electronics custom installation industry.
We subcontract – nothing.
We manage – everything.
We closely monitor every aspect of consultation, design, cabling, installation, and coordination.

Genesis Audio Limited only installs quality solutions with the brands we know, guided by decades of experience, by people you can trust.

Testimonials

Genesis Audio Ltd
4.8
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Pam ConradPam Conrad
18:08 27 Jun 22
Excellent customer service, knowledgeable advisors. Genesis Audio set up my home theatre and entertainment system and all my devices in 2016 and I've relied on them ever since.
Butch MartinButch Martin
22:40 15 Feb 22
These people are great folks with wonderful knowledge of their business. Will use them and their products in the future as I have the last twenty or so years . Thank you!
Michael DavisMichael Davis
03:49 01 Jan 22
I value high standards and expect the same from the goods and services, I purchase. Let me share with you my experience with Genesis Audio. I was in the market for a high end HiFi system, and I lacked product knowledge, product compatibility, and whether I wanted a two or multi-channel system. I had an idea, and since Genesis Audio is a distributor for so many of these high-end brands, my decision to discuss my goal with them was easy. I met with Don of Genesis Audio, and he assisted me in my decision process. Besides being a great resource, Don helped me clear up that decision that a two-channel system was the better way to go. I purchased the system, and another great service Genesis Audio provides, is the installation. These folks are very professional, courteous, and hold their selves to a very high standard. I kindly, encourage you to give Genesis Audio a call, and a visit. Look at their website and see all of services they provide. It is so good to have a company care about their customer. My experience tells me companies that do just that are here to stay.Sincerely,Michael D.
James WynnJames Wynn
15:06 14 Dec 21
I have always appreciated the high quality of products that they carry, along with their willingness to demonstrate and share values within my budget.
Tara BhattTara Bhatt
01:28 19 Nov 20
We have hired Genesis for our A/V systems in 2003, 2008 and 2020. Each time, they have done a wonderful job in helping us pick the right components and in installing these components. During our most recent (Nov. 2020) installation, Kyle Johnson and his staff did a professional and admirable job in picking and installing the A/V components, in patiently explaining the wiring connections and other installation details, and in providing us with detailed user instructions. We would definitely recommend Genesis for A/V system needs.
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