There is no doubt there are a lot of affordable amplifiers available on the market. But how many affordable audiophile amplifiers are there? If you were looking for a real hot performer, but features such as remote control, switchable speaker outputs and a hundred different inputs, played second fiddle to your main wish - good quality audio performance - where would you look? Good question...

Well perhaps the Cambridge A1 integrated amplifier may be the answer to your dreams. The engineers at Cambridge put sound quality and performance as their number one considerations, then they work out how to do it at an affordable price.

So although the A1 may be keenly priced, it is more than capable of bringing out the best in all ancillary equipment. The A1 is a simple unit to use even though there is no remote control. Four line inputs, one of which can be fitted with an optional phono module, one tape loop and a single set of speaker terminals adorn the unit. I am not really much of a one for remote controls, I tend to mislay them anyway so the fact that the A1 is remoteless is not the end of the world for me.

The fascia, which is finished in black with white lettering, is rather businesslike, with numerous rotary selectors providing control over the unit's functions. A single green LED indicates all is ready, while one can also mute the unit, as well as bypass the tone control for purest possible sound.

The volume control did puzzle me a bit initially, as the control not only adjusts the level output, but also provides a balance function. You can adjust the left and right channels independently by grasping one half of the control and turning the other. When returning the level to a position where both channels were equal, a little effort is required. I would have preferred the balance control to have been separate.

The A1 is rated at 30 watts into 8 ohms, and this was more than substantiated when connecting it to various speakers. Although it is a slim unit, this has no reflection on its power or the control which it imposed over the associated speakers.

From the first moment the A1 impressed: all the dynamism and enthusiasm of the music is expressed. It is designed to make music, and that is what it does. Involving, exciting, and compelling performances are always enjoyed.

So here I was listening to the A1, (with no idea of its recommended retail price) and thinking, why can't all integrated amps be built with the same enthusiasm that the A1 has? I have no idea what designers think prior to fine tuning their amplifiers, but ultimately any good amplifier should also be enjoyable.

The Cambridge A1 is a quick sounding amp, and its pace is spot on. Its rhythm is fine, not as good as its pace, but still pretty good, and excellent in comparison to other 30 watt amps on the market.

So from the start the Cambridge has the edge, is full of life, and the music sort of bursts out of the speakers. Using both the B&W CDM2 and Sonus Faber Concertina, I was amazed by the system's ability. The A1 is partial to good quality loudspeakers; lesser performers tend to sound awkward.

The A1 is a good amp, period, and makes music throughout the frequency spectrum. Bass performance is especially impressive: tight, rhythmic and defined. Treble performance is a little forward, but very open and detailed, with no fatigue in evidence.

Perhaps the tops are not as grain free as those of the Harman/Kardon HK1400, or Copland Integrated, but then look at the price difference and the life that the A1 pumps into the music. Now that is not easily replaced at anywhere near the price. Sure it lacks a bit of finesse, but it makes up for this with its transparency and dynamism.

The Cambridge reflects acceptable build quality, sturdy speaker terminals, and in the months that I have been using it, performed faultlessly.

The A1 is all about offering a lot more sonic potential than any other amp at its asking price. It's not everyman's amp, unless of course you're looking for a musically kickass package. Forget the lack of remote control, take a listen, and boogie down.