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Audiophile-quality mini-systems |
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| Over the years we've had so many requests for small systems like this that we've lost count. Up till now there really wasn't anything that we could recommend for the purpose: either a true high end secondary system that doesn't take up much space or a great starter system (for dorm rooms, etc.) that really makes music come alive. Now, with perfect timing, here's Cambridge Audio with a real recession-buster, the Sonata series. Though this line is only comprised of three components, all bases are cleverly covered. Because the Sonata AR30 receiver is a true 2.1 machine it can be set up as a dedicated 2-channel system with the Sonata iPod dock (controllable via the Sonata remote) or CD30 CD player, or as a 2.1 home theater setup (adding a subwoofer) with the DV30 DVD player. The compact footprint (all models are 10.5"W x 2.5"H x 11"D) means you're not giving up much real estate on your shelves (and, yes, they are made to be stacked!). Your mp3 player isn't an iPod? No problem - there's a front panel input on the receiver that you can plug into. If your player has digital outputs, both the DV30 and CD30 have S/P DIF (coaxial) and Toslink (optical) inputs that allow use of their excellent DACs. As a system, both the DV30 and CD30 turn on automatically when the appropriate input is chosen on the receiver. Have I peaked your curiosity yet? Keep reading! (Oh, and for info on the amazing Sonata NP-30 Network Player, we've given it its own page HERE.) |
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Above is the Sonata AR30 receiver from the front and back. Notice that, unlike other 2-channel receivers, the AR30 has both an input and output for a subwoofer, meaning you can take the subwoofer output directly from the Sonata DV30 for watching your movies in true 2.1 sound. Next to those on the rear panel are three 12-volt trigger inputs for the Sonata DV30, CD30 and an auxiliary trigger to interface with the receiver. The 9-pin socket for the iPod dock is in the center. |
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| Oh, and speaking of the iPod dock, Cambridge has taken pains to help squeeze out every bit of music from your portable collection including a prorietary noise-cancelling technology. Of course, you could also take the output from your Apple Airport Express and hook it directly into the receivers Aux input, thereby delivering the music on your hard drive wirelessly to the system. Aside from the RCA inputs for DVD, CD, and Aux, there's even a set of outputs to send to a recording device! The front panel is simple and well-laid out with the controls you'll need and nothing else to clutter things up. Headphone output? Of course! Oh, and did I mention that it's Sirius satellite Radio-ready? As if that weren't enough, this little wonder has an honest 40 Watts per channel, so it can drive any moderately-efficient speaker with ease. All in all, we think that Cambridge has put an enormous set of features into this little box - it's truly a component for the digital age. Cambridge Sonata AR30 receiver: $499.00 (silver or black). |
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And here's the Sonata CD30 on the left. Don't let it's diminutive stature fool you - there's lots going on behind that petite faceplate. The CD30 features a high-quality Wolfson DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) to get the most out of your CDs. The sound is detailed and vivid, with excellent image presentation. Even the CD drive itself is not your usual DVD-ROM-derived design - it's an entirely new servo transport system. Just another engineering detail that helps keep Cambridge a step ahead of everyone else! The CD30 comes with its own, easy-to-operate remote control or, if it's connected to the AR30 receiver, it can be controlled by the receivers full-function remote control (and vice-versa). The Cambridge Sonata CD30 is $329.00 (in silver or black). |
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Like the other Sonata components, the DV30 is packed with the latest technology. For those wishing to get the best experience from their DVD library without resorting to the complexities of a full multi-channel setup, this little guy is hard to beat. A subwoofer output allows the DV30s LFE channel to be routed via the receiver for true 2.1 performance from movies (using a stereo LPCM or downmix from Dolby PLII/IIx and Dolby Digital 5.1/EX 6.1). Video outputs include composite, S-Video, Component, as well as HDMI with scaling/deinterlacing to 480p, 576p, 720i, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. providing you with the best picture possible regardless of source. The DVD30 supports a variety of formats including CD, DVD-V, CDR/RW, DVDR/RW, DVD+R/RW, DivX, and MP4. The DV30 is only $259.00 and is available in silver or black. |
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