Cambridge Audio Components at Totally Wired

Cambridge Audio components make a great start for anyone interested in better sound on a tight budget. They are a fantastic alternative to the big mass market brands because they genuinely try to make better sounding models and forget about feature overload and grossly overstated claims. Their no–frills approach reaps dividends in both ease of use and reliability. Smart manufacturing choices keep the prices low and the sound quality above just about any comparably priced product. In fact when it comes to building up matched component systems, they are almost impossible to beat.

Reviewers all of the planet can scarcely hold themselves back when it comes to telling us how highly they rate Cambridge Audio in the value-for-money stakes. Just do quick Google search to find out

Cambridge Audio is the perfect solution when unexpectedly having to replace older components – you can be frugal but still know you are getting a quality product that is going to be better than any ailing CD player or amplifier from the 80s or 90s. If you are looking to get the kids into a better class of system than the ghetto blasters and ipod systems that line the shelves of the Hardly Normals and other chain stores then Cambridge Audio is the perfect start for a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

They also have some excellent niche components – the new DacMagic is a high value Digital to analogue converter that features USA, Coax AND optical inputs, not to mention balanced outputs how cool is that for an under $1000 component? Matched with the Wadia iTransport it forms the ultimate iPod replay system. The 640P phono stage deserves particular mention for analogue enthusiasts, being a serious proposition for both MC and MM cartridges. The 540D DVD player which is a complete multi-format machine with 24 bit, 192kHz six channel crystal DAC, capable of delivering both crystal clear picture and sound - which given all the doubt surrounding Blu Ray makes far more sense.

Did you know you can get all Cambridge components in a choice of Black or Silver finishes – just the ticket when matching with pieces in an existing system.And that the warranty perios has recently been extended to two years? As you can see, Cambridge Audio are doing everything possible to make sure they cover all the bases for you.

Cambridge Audio are at their best at the really sharp end of the fiscal scale. The 340 models – CD player, Amplifier, Tuner and home theatre receiver amp have no real competition when it comes to sound on a tight budget. Without forgoing the 21st century essentials of remote control or a decent number of inputs. The latest 340Ase amplifier at $699 defines the entry level for real stereo amplification

And then come the models that seem to get the lions share of the good press, the 640 series which hover around the magical grand. There is nothing too surprising in this as if you give an audio designer a bit more budget, they can do a lot since all the fixed costs like the packaging, front plates and remote control are the same for any model and with Cambridge it all goes into better sound

And would you like a Dolphin with that?

We may not be the only people to sell Cambridge Audio in New Zealand, but we are the only ones who’ll give a worthwhile donation to the World Wide Fund for Nature’s Hectors Dolphin program when you buy your Cambridge from us. And you’ll get a cute and furry little dolphin to sit on top of your Cambridge to remind you that you have helped a good cause. We promise it will make the system sound even better.

The best selling models are...

340SE Integrated amplifier with remote – NZ$ 699
340C CD player – NZ$ 599
340T Tuner – NZ$ 549

640A Integrated amplifier – NZ$ 999

640C CD player – NZ$ 999

540D DVD player – NZ$ 699
540R V.3 AV reciever – NZ$ 1399

640P Phono stage – NZ$ 299
DacMagic – NZ$ 799

2 year warranty

Do Cambridge Audio have it all their own way? Almost, but not quite. If you want an integrated amp with a built in phono stage, the Rotel RA04 and RA05 are our alternative option - we'll let you work out which you think is best for you. If looking for a full system the Arcam Solo range manages to pull everything together in a sleak, comprehensively featured package that works at the level of the 640 series components. The Pro–ject USB Phono Box is the same price as the Cambridge and while it gives away a smidgen of resolution, it does allow you to record your vinyl onto disc or iTunes.

And above a grand, the competition gets much tougher with Rotel’s new 15 series upping the performance ante, Quad’s 99 series giving you a taste of a 70 year heritage and the new Audio Analogue models from Italy being something you'd naturally team with you Sonus fabers . Not to mention our own NZ made specialists – Perreaux.

That said, Cambridge Audio are what it's all about when it comes straight value for money and performance that you aspire to but simply may not be able to otherwise afford - something every aspiring audiophile should be happy with. Drop us an e mail if you'd like a full catalogue sent to you or call into the shop to hear find out for yourself

Direct Contact

John Ransley and Carolyn Guytonbeck are the principals behind Totally Wired. It’s our own business and we take pride in building something worthwhile.

If you want to contact us directly per mail:

• John Ransley
• Carolyn Guytonbeck

Related links

• Rotel
• Arcam
• Pro-ject turntables
• Quad
• Image Loudspeakers