Cambridge Audio Alva Solo Review & Unboxing

Can the CA Alva Solo compete with the mighty Schiit Mani 2?

Schiit Mani 2 Vs Rega Fono MM Mk5 Sound Comparison

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[TTVEaGMXde]

The Schiit Mani 2 has two dual op amps of the type OPA1612, which are perfectly adequate for MM without real high-end ambitions. The OP07 is much too slow for audio, and is certainly not in the signal path. However, it can be used for an anti-DC servo circuit at the output. I found a photo of the Cambridge on the Internet, which shows that the op amp between the blue film capacitors is also a NE5532 from TI. However, even better dual op amps were developed after 1979. The ones at the back could perhaps be replaced with OPA1612 (super low noise) and the middle one with LM4562. Then I would measure whether the op amps generate + or - offset voltage at the output, and replace the bipolar axial electrolytic capacitors for crossovers with normal low ESR electrolytic capacitors (ChemiCon KY or LXZ or Panasonic FR-A series). Since the TL072 has a diode very close by, it is probably not responsible for audio. All my Opinion😉

[kevinsheppard]

Interesting review looks like I will be saving my pennies for the Schiit, thanks for the look inside that was great gives us a lot more insight of the product, I think the Schiit had no shielding as the power supply is in the the plug so it's not needed, where as the Cambridge just has a mains lead as the power supply is inside the box, hence the shielding. The Cambridge actually looks better made inside, which just goes to show how you think it's gonna sound is not always how it does. Fab review, (£40.00 quid though wish I had seen that first 😊😊)

[scottbaylor]

It’s funny. These two products are in my consideration set. I’ll probably get the Mani 2 as I think it’s a little cheaper here in the states.

[petervlaminck]

I’ve got both preamps as well and to my humble opinion, the solo is wat above the shitt mani. The solo gives a beautifull clean sound, Great dynamics and big soundtage. The mani is Too bright and harsh sounding and looks and feels very cheap.

[AmazonasBiotop]

The solo is not a scaled down duo without a headphones out.

The solo measure worse than the duo. So if you are out after the one with the best sound quality then the duo is the way to go (and don't bother with the headphones out but maybe nice to have the whole system off beside the TT front end and use headphones.)

[calvinnapier]

After you play about 40 records through the Cambridge Solo, then come back and tell us what you think. I'm a firm believer in break in time 👍 Also the Audio Technica AT-PEQ30 phono preamp is flying under the radar of a lot of people. It's $199 US dollars, I'm considering giving it a try.