Best Cambridge Audio Solo Alternatives
Things to consider when looking for the best Cambridge Audio Solo alternatives
When comparing reviews for products, these are the top things reviewers talk about:
- Sound quality: 184 mentions
- Gain: 20 mentions
- Power supply: 15 mentions
- Soundstage: 13 mentions
- Price point: 13 mentions
- Features: 9 mentions
- Frequency response: 8 mentions
- Connectivity options: 8 mentions
- Price/performance ratio: 5 mentions
- Compatibility: 3 mentions
Based on 42 reviews
The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.
- Great for a cheap good sounding preamp
- Smooth and even sound quality
- Easy to use
Based on 37 reviews
The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.
Verdict
The U-Turn Audio Pluto 2 receives high praise for its solid state preamp design, ease of use, and compatibility with various turntables and speakers. Many reviewers recommend it as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive preamps, and some even offer to give it away for free. However, some caution that it is important to ensure proper cartridge input capacitance for optimal sound quality. Overall, the U-Turn Audio Pluto 2 is highly recommended for those in need of a reliable and affordable preamp.
Based on 47 reviews
The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.
Verdict
Overall, the Behringer PP400 receives mixed reviews. Some users find it to be a great value for the price, with clear sound and easy setup. Others, however, report issues with hum and poor sound quality. It is recommended as a budget option for those in need of a phono preamp, but some suggest investing in a higher quality option for better sound.
Based on 117 reviews
The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.
Verdict
Overall, the Ifi Zen receives high praise for its sound quality and features at its price point. Users appreciate the improvements in sound compared to their previous setups and the ability to adjust VTA and EQ. The built-in phono preamp is also well-regarded, with some users preferring it over their vintage or underwhelming options. However, there are some complaints about the build quality, particularly with the power button and patch cable. Despite this, the Ifi Zen remains a popular choice for those in search of a good DAC-AMP combo or phono preamp.
Based on 38 reviews
The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.
Verdict
Overall, the U-Turn Pluto 2 receives mostly positive reviews for its simple design, ease of setup, and improved sound quality compared to built-in preamps. Some reviewers note issues with loose parts or dull sound, but these seem to be less common. The Pluto 2 is often compared favorably to other preamps in its price range, such as the Schiit Mani or Art DJ Pre II. Some reviewers also mention using the Pluto 2 with other U-Turn products, such as the Orbit turntable or Ethos speakers. It is recommended to check the input capacitance of your cartridge and choose appropriate cables for optimal sound quality. Overall, the Pluto 2 is a good choice for those looking to upgrade their turntable setup without breaking the bank.
Based on 29 reviews
The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.
Verdict
Overall, the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo receives positive reviews for its sleek design, outstanding sound quality, and versatility. Many reviewers praise its ability to improve their vinyl setup and beat out other phono preamps. However, some reviewers note issues with the headphone amp, such as low volume and hissing. Despite this, the Alva Duo is still considered a top-notch phono preamp at an affordable price.
Based on 33 reviews
The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.
- Great for the price
- Rubber legs to not mar furniture
- Clear to a point
- Needs to be turned past 8 but then the sound goes all fuzzy
- Background hiss is detectable at high gain
Based on 47 reviews
The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.
- Great for those who want a more analytical and clear sound
Based on 41 reviews
The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.
- Great for people who have an old turntable
- Good value for the price
- Easy to set up
- Some features are not adjustable
- Not good for people who want to speed up or slow down their records
Based on 38 reviews
The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.
Verdict
Overall, the Rega Fono Mini A2D receives positive reviews for its build quality and sound improvement over built-in phono stages. Many users recommend it for digitizing vinyl records with its USB output. Some suggest pairing it with a higher-end turntable cartridge for even better sound quality. The lack of adjustable gain and power switch are minor drawbacks mentioned by some users. The iFi Zen Phono and Cambridge Audio Solo are suggested as alternatives for those willing to spend more.