CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CP1

Pre owned, in excellent condition, free from obvious signs of wear. Supplied with original packaging.

The Cambridge Audio CP-1 is a phono preamplifier designed to bring out the very best from vinyl playback, delivering a clean, natural and highly detailed sound reproduction. Specifically intended for turntables fitted with Moving Magnet cartridges, the CP-1 plays a key role in any hi-fi system by amplifying the very low-level signal from the turntable with extreme precision and bringing it to an ideal level for the main amplifier, without introducing noise or unwanted coloration.

Cambridge Audio’s design philosophy focuses on absolute signal purity, reflected in the use of high-quality components selected for their accuracy and tonal fidelity. The Class A gain stage, combined with audiophile-grade passive RIAA equalisation, preserves the integrity of the original recording, delivering all the musicality, dynamics and warmth that vinyl is known for. The use of discrete transistors in the input stages, rather than common integrated circuits, allows for more refined signal control, while the balance control helps correct minor cartridge imbalances.

The CP-1 also stands out for its solid construction, featuring a robust, acoustically damped all-metal chassis and a thick brushed aluminium front panel, solutions that help reduce vibrations and interference. Installation is quick and straightforward, requiring only a single audio connection, and delivers an immediate and noticeable improvement over built-in phono stages, with greater clarity, definition and soundstage depth.

Technical specifications:

• Maximum power consumption: 5 W
• Gain at 1 kHz: 39 dB
• Nominal output level: 300 mV; sensitivity for nominal output: 3.35 mV
• Total harmonic distortion (THD) 20 Hz–20 kHz: less than 0.009%
• RIAA curve accuracy: within ±0.65 dB from 25 Hz to 20 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio (measured with Audio Precision): greater than 85 dB with RIAA-1 input and grounded inputs
• Input impedance: 47 kOhm; input capacitance: 220 pF
• Overload margin: greater than 30 dB
• Crosstalk at 20 kHz: greater than 76 dB
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 46 x 215 x 133 mm
• Weight: 0.8 kg