Description
Cambridge Audio P40 Mk. 2Stereo Integrated AmpliferFor Spares or Repair Specification The P40 first appeared in 1967. This is the Mk. 2 version with a more modern, minimalist design, and a CD input. Cambridge Audio knew what they were doing, knew the importance of a clean power supply and used a toroidal transformer. It was a lovely sounding 20 watt/channel integrated amp. Features include a phono stage supporting both moving magnet and moving coil cartridge types (with gold plated phono plugs!) , CD, radio and auxiliary inputs and tape in and out. There were switches on the front panel for mono and for listening to either the tape input or output. This is suitable for UK 240V 50Hz mains supply only.There is no voltage selector to change input voltage on this particular model. History I bought this after reading reviews glowing with praise from the Cornflake Shop in Windmill Street, London, in December 1986. It powered my first serious hi-fi system, together with an entry-level Linn LP12 and Monitor Audio MA-252 speakers. It sounded great. I loved it. In 1997, I replaced the P40 with Linn Aktiv amplifiers. The P40 was relegated to become part of an early television surround system, providing stereo for the front pair of speakers, while a Pioneer VSP-200 provided the necessary decoding and grunt for a centre speaker and surround pair. This solved a problem that I wanted the sound track to sound really musical, and yet with an isolated speech channel and surround effects as well. It worked well until it was replaced again, this time with a Linn Classik Cinema, in 2002. The P40 was duly placed back in its box and stowed away in the attic, in case it was useful again. Cosmetic Condition Build quality was not great. The power button kept popping off, one day for ever, either swallowed by the vacuum cleaner or confiscated by the cat. RCA and speaker connections became unsoldered, causing me to be in and out of the inner workings to repair things. Current cosmetic defects are: Missing power button (the switch still works);Paint abrasions around side panel screw holes (from constant removal);Scratches and chips, mostly to the top edge of the front and rear extrusions;Missing owners manual. Ive highlighted these in the photographs. Functional Condition After 20 years in storage, and problems Id had with build quality, I didnt expect it to work ... but it did. I removed the end plates and top plate, checked for any visual signs of heat or decay, then switched it on. I expected a cap to fail, or a resistor with a little curl of smoke, but nothing happened. No evidence of anything untoward. I connected it to a recently serviced Dual CS 506-1 (see my other auctions) and the MA-252 speakers and it sounded really good: punchy and sweet-toned, with super vocal quality and a nice sense of space and depth. The trouble was: thats all I could test. The input selector switch had lost its detent, somehow. The disc position worked fine but I hunted around for other positions without much success. It needs at least three replacement parts: a selector switch, a power knob and a manual, plus a service and a bit of TLC. Reason for Sale The attic floor is groaning under the weight of stuff kept in case it came in useful again. Im having a clear out. For someone who really knows and loves these amps (and, at risk of repeating myself, they do sound lovely) this could be a bargain. International Post To any international buyers, I am relying on eBays Global Shipping Program for international post. This is where I simply post it to a UK warehouse and eBay take responsibility for the entire shipment from that point on: customs declaration, customs fees, shipping and delivery. I dont get to see or calculate those prices or delivery dates, but you do. I will simply promise to despatch it within 2 days of receiving payment in full.
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