Cambridge Audio AX C35
Hi-fi CD player fitted with a Wolfson WM8524 digital-to-analogue converter and a digital coaxial output, for playing CDs through an external amplifier.
Description
The AX C35 is a hi-fi CD player designed to play compact discs and pass the audio signal to an external amplifier. It houses a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) responsible for converting the digital information from the disc into an analogue signal usable by the hi-fi system. A digital coaxial S/PDIF output also allows the raw digital stream to be sent to an external DAC or amp-DAC, providing an alternative output option.
The heart of the conversion relies on a Wolfson Microelectronics WM8524 chip, paired with a bipolar Butterworth filter. Frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-0.4 dB), with total harmonic distortion (THD) below 0.01% at 10 dBF and 0.006% at 0 dBF at 1 kHz, reflecting a faithful reproduction of the original signal. The A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio of 93 dB and contained crosstalk (below -98 dB at 1 kHz and -95 dB at 20 kHz) limit interference between channels and background noise. The line output impedance (< 50 ohms) and S/PDIF impedance (< 75 ohms) comply with hi-fi standards for connection without level loss.
The casing follows the style of Cambridge Audio's AX series, with an aluminium front panel and a compact chassis 430 mm wide, a classic hi-fi width that makes it easy to integrate into an existing system. Standby consumption remains below 0.5 W, with a maximum operating consumption of 15 W.
This player is aimed at music lovers on CD who wish to keep or build a separates hi-fi system, pairing the AX C35 with an amplifier or external DAC of their choice.
Technical specifications
| D/A converter | Wolfson Microelectronics WM8524 |
| Filter | Bipolar Butterworth filter |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-0.4 dB) |
| THD at 1 kHz at 10 dBF | <0.01 % |
| THD at 1 kHz at 0 dBF | <0.006 % |
| Signal to noise ratio, A weighted | 93 dB |
| Crosstalk @ 1 kHz | <-98 dB |
| Crosstalk @ 20 kHz | <-95 dB |
| Line output impedance | < 50 ohms |
| S/PDIF output impedance | < 75 ohms |
| Mains voltage | 100-240V AC - 50/60Hz |
| Consumption in maximum mode | 15 W |
| Consumption in standby mode | < 0.5 W |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 75 x 430 x 305 mm |
| Weight | 4.3 kg |
What to check before buying used
The optical drive is the most heavily used component on this type of unit: a playback test across several discs, including at the start and end of tracks, confirms that the laser reads without skipping or freezing. The tray also deserves close attention, checking that it opens and closes smoothly and quietly, without jerking or noise from a worn mechanism. Checking the audio outputs (line and coaxial) by ear ensures there is no unwanted noise or missing channel.
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