Cambridge Audio Alva Solo MM Phono Preamplifier
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Cambridge Audio Alva Solo MM Phono Preamplifier
A Compact, Budget-Friendly MM Phono Stage
The Cambridge Audio Alva Solo is a phono preamplifier built specifically for moving magnet cartridges. It's the entry point in Cambridge's Alva phono lineup, sized to sit almost anywhere on a shelf.
This is the MM-only Solo, distinct from Cambridge's pricier Alva Duo, which adds moving coil support. If your cartridge is a moving coil type, the Duo is the model to look at instead.
Simple to Set Up, Solidly Specified
Gain is fixed at 39dB, with a fixed 47 kOhm input impedance and 100pF capacitance. RIAA accuracy is rated within ±0.65dB from 30Hz to 20kHz.
Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 90dB, with THD+N under 0.0025% at 1kHz. A built-in subsonic filter helps tame rumble from worn or warped records.
It weighs just 0.68kg and measures 48 by 176 by 132mm, with an auto power-down feature that shuts it off after 20 minutes of silence.
Who Is This Preamp Best For?
- Anyone stepping up from a receiver's basic phono input. Dedicated RIAA correction and a quiet noise floor outperform most built-in phono stages.
- Owners of a moving magnet cartridge. Fixed gain and loading are tuned specifically for MM output levels.
- Shoppers on a tight budget. It's priced well below most standalone phono stages without skipping RIAA accuracy or a subsonic filter.
- Anyone short on shelf space. Its compact footprint tucks in beside a receiver or turntable with room to spare.
- Not the right fit for anyone with a moving coil cartridge. Cambridge's own Alva Duo adds MC support that this MM-only model doesn't have.
How Does It Connect to Your System?
Run your turntable's phono cable into the Alva Solo's RCA input, then connect its RCA output to a line-level input on your amplifier or receiver. Power it on and start listening; there are no settings to configure for a moving magnet cartridge.
Pairs Well With
Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Cambridge Audio Alva Solo:
- Turntables without a built-in phono stage
- Moving magnet phono cartridges matched to its fixed gain
- Interconnect cables to connect its output to your amp
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work with a moving coil cartridge?
No. This model is built for moving magnet cartridges only. Cambridge's pricier Alva Duo adds moving coil support.
Are gain and loading adjustable?
No. Gain, input impedance, and capacitance are all fixed at values suited to typical moving magnet cartridges.
What's the warranty?
Cambridge Audio covers the Alva Solo with a two-year warranty when purchased from an authorized dealer, extendable to three years with product registration.
See It in Action
A closer look at the Alva Solo, unboxed:
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Learn More
Want to learn more about matching a phono preamp to your cartridge, setting up your turntable correctly, or getting the most from your vinyl collection? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.
- Dedicated phono preamplifier for moving-magnet cartridges
- 39 dB of phono gain
- Low-noise switch-mode power supply operates outside the audible range
- Surface-mounted circuit-board design creates a short signal path
- Built-in subsonic filter reduces rumble and record-warp energy
- Rear-panel channel-balance control with center detent
- Turntable grounding terminal helps minimize hum
- Greater than 30 dB overload margin
- Greater than 85 dB channel separation at 20 kHz
- Automatic standby after approximately 20 minutes of inactivity
- Automatic Power Down may be disabled
- Less than 0.5-watt standby power consumption
- Universal 100–240V AC power compatibility
- Compact aluminum and steel construction
- Lunar Grey finish
- Cartridge Compatibility: Moving magnet only
- Gain at 1 kHz: 39 dB
- Nominal Output: 300 mV
- Input Sensitivity for Nominal Output: 3.35 mV
- Input Impedance: 47k ohms
- Input Capacitance: 100 pF
- Equivalent Input Noise: Approximately 0.09 µV, A-weighted
- RIAA Accuracy: ±0.65 dB from 30 Hz–20 kHz
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Greater than 90 dB from 20 Hz–20 kHz; greater than 96 dB A-weighted
- THD+N at 1 kHz: Less than 0.0025%
- Overload Margin: Greater than 30 dB
- Crosstalk at 20 kHz: Greater than 85 dB
- Subsonic Filter: -3 dB at 15 Hz; 12 dB per octave
- Input: One stereo RCA phono input with ground terminal
- Output: One stereo RCA line-level output
- Maximum Power Consumption: 10 watts
- Standby Consumption: Less than 0.5 watt
- Power Requirement: 100–240V AC
- Dimensions: 6.9" W × 1.9" H × 5.2" D
- Weight: 1.5 lbs.
- Finish: Lunar Grey
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