Cambridge Audio Edge high-end Hi-Fi system announced

gadgetynews (49)in #audiophile • 7 years ago

Cambridge Audio has just announced the Edge series. This new high-end Hi-Fi system represents the culmination of 50 years of audio engineering expertise and sets a new standard for design and performance.

Cambridge Audio celebrates its 50th birthday this year and is treating us to something very special - their new flagship Edge system.

If you are wondering why it is so special, Cambridge Audio tells us that,

Every component has been selected for its sonic merit through blind auditions – not price, specs nor measurement".

Cambridge Audio pushed engineering boundaries to keep the signal path short across the series. Only 14 components feature in the signal path of the Edge W power amplifier. Furthermore, they have done away with capacitors altogether.

Edge is a completely new design that has taken over three years for the dedicated, nine-person, in-house engineering team to complete.

Cambridge Audio Edge

The new series builds on Cambridge Audio’s driving principles of creating products that bring the ‘Great British Sound’ – a pure, unfiltered audio experience – into the home. It also offers the company’s most accomplished system to date.

The series is named for Professor Gordon Edge, one of Cambridge Audio’s founders and inventor of the company’s first product, the P40 integrated amplifier.

Edge design

The separate units that make up the Edge series are connected by a shared engineering and design philosophy. Three simple principles true to each unit:

Firstly, components within Edge were chosen for their ‘sonic merit’ alone. Price, specs, measurements, etc. were all disregarded in favour of what genuinely sounds best. This listen first, measure later approach resulted in the best possible sound.
Secondly, Cambridge Audio’s engineers were fanatical in their efforts to keep the signal path short. Doing so has ensured the final sound is as pure and unfiltered as possible.
Finally, it was imperative Edge featured a beautifully simple exterior. This was achieved through a ‘ground-up’ design process, resulting in hi-fi separates with a unique look.

Innovative technology

Edge features some of Cambridge Audio’s most innovative audio engineering to date including short signal paths across the series, with the Edge W comprised of just 14 components in the signal path. Additionally, the unique Class XA amplification technology shifts the crossover point out of audible range. This, we are told, offers the sound quality of Class A but with more efficient performance. Finally, there's the opposing symmetry twin toroidal transformer design that cancels out stray electromagnetic interference.

The Edge Series

The Edge series will consist of:

Edge A

An integrated amplifier that offers incredibly detailed sound with the effortless power to match. It promises a wonderfully balanced sound with clarity audible with every note.

Edge NQ

A versatile pre-amplifier and network player. StreamMagic, the streaming module that powers NQ, has been improved, allowing Edge to play music from virtually any source. And Edge NQ’s printed circuit board and meticulous engineering reduces interference to ensure a clean sound.

Edge W

Last, but by no means least, is the best power amplifier Cambridge Audio have ever made. Furthermore, it boasts just 14 components in the signal path (where other similar products may have 30-40). According to Cambridge Audio, Edge W delivers breath-taking, pure, unfiltered British Sound with incredible power: nothing added, nothing taken away.

StreamMagic

Cambridge’s proprietary streaming platform, StreamMagic, has been updated to offer improved compatibility. This means that you will be able to stream audio from a host of sources. Naturally, this includes AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Chromecast built-in. Additionally, Edge supports Bluetooth aptX HD.

Words

Stuart George, Managing Director, Cambridge Audio said:

Edge has been a project of passion for Cambridge Audio. With our 50th anniversary approaching we saw an opportunity to push the boundaries of our abilities to create something truly unique, something truly inspirational. We removed all limitations during development of Edge – anything goes so long as it’s in pursuit of the best system we’ve ever made. The results speak for themselves. Edge is sublime.”

Price and availability

Edge will be available from June from selected Richer Sounds stores.

Integrated amplifier Edge A - ERP: £4,500
Preamp and streamer Edge NQ - ERP: £3,500
Power amp Edge W - ERP: £2,500

You will have the opportunity to experience Edge ahead of its launch with Cambridge Audio demoing the system at major audio shows across the globe in early 2018.