---
product_id: 57635003
title: "Cambridge Audio Alva Solo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet Turntable"
brand: "cambridge audio"
price: "€ 486.65"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
category: "Cambridge Audio"
url: https://www.desertcart.nl/products/57635003-cambridge-audio-alva-solo-phono-preamp-for-moving-magnet-turntable
store_origin: NL
region: Netherlands
---

# 10W max power consumption ~0.09uV equivalent input noise 39dB gain @1kHz Cambridge Audio Alva Solo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet Turntable

**Brand:** cambridge audio
**Price:** € 486.65
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎵 Elevate your vinyl game with Cambridge Audio Alva Solo — hear every groove, skip the noise!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Cambridge Audio Alva Solo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet Turntable by cambridge audio
- **How much does it cost?** € 486.65 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nl](https://www.desertcart.nl/products/57635003-cambridge-audio-alva-solo-phono-preamp-for-moving-magnet-turntable)

## Best For

- cambridge audio enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted cambridge audio brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Compact Powerhouse:** Sleek machined aluminum design packs high performance in a lightweight 1.5lb chassis.
- • **Plug & Play Upgrade:** Perfect for amps without phono preamps or as a superior replacement, delivering warmth and clarity with less distortion.
- • **Rumble-Free Listening:** Subsonic filter and balance control eliminate low-frequency vinyl imperfections for a flawless soundstage.
- • **Vinyl’s Best Friend:** Dedicated moving magnet phono preamp engineered for pristine analog sound.
- • **Clean Power, Clear Sound:** Switch mode power supply and surface mount tech minimize noise and hum for ultra-pure playback.

## Overview

The Cambridge Audio Alva Solo is a precision-engineered moving magnet phono preamp designed to extract the finest detail from your vinyl collection. Featuring a low-noise switch mode power supply, 39dB gain, and a subsonic filter, it delivers warm, clear sound with minimal distortion. Compact and lightweight, it’s the ideal upgrade for any amp lacking a dedicated phono stage, ensuring your records sound their absolute best.

## Description

Enjoy every last detail from your vinyl collection with our highest quality moving magnet phono stage, the Solo Phono Preamplifier. TECH SPECS MAX POWER CONSUMPTION 10W GAIN @ 1KHZ 39dB NOMINAL OUTPUT 300mV SENSITIVITY FOR NOMINAL OUTPUT 3.35mV EQUIVALENT INPUT NOISE (A-WEIGHTED) ~0.09uV RIAA CURVE ACCURACY +/- 0.65dB 30Hz-20kHz SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO GROUNDED INPUTS REF. 1V OUTPUT (20HZ-20KHZ BW) >90dB THD+N 1KHZ (20-20KHZ BW) 30dB CROSSTALK @10KHZ >85dB DIMENSIONS (H X W X D) 48x176x132 (1.9x6.9x5.2”) WEIGHT 0.68kg/1.5lbs

Review: Sounded Better At First Then Lost the Sparkle... - I am using a current Rega Planar 2 with Carbon cartridge and a Rega Brio-R integrated amplifier as my connected sources and this MM-only phono preamp is fantastic. It is simply THERE at every point...highs, mids, lows, sparkle, shine, thump...magnificent achievement for under the $200 price point. Read up on this unit...the power supply is strong and clean and, importantly, uses a standard power cable not a wall wart. You can really tell the difference, too. I upgraded to a Pangea 14SE MKII power cable and it sounds great with very little burn in time. Try finding any other combination of outstanding circuitry and power handling at this price point and you will not get far. Thank you, Cambridge, for a well thought out design and lovely fit and finish. This is a tight, heavy little machined aluminum box that really fit the bill for me and I couldn't be happier. UPDATE 4/19 - After a few months this started sounding very congested and just not right somehow. The sparkle is gone and it’s kind of a mess overall. No idea what caused this to happen but YMMV. Plan on trying to sell mine off because it cannot compete against like anything else I have. Weird. And what is up with the name adding Alva? Like Thomas Edison? Apart from that why would anyone name anything Alva. Sounds very unattractive.
Review: Quality product. Way above expectations - This is by far the best addition to my stereo. The sound quality and noise suppression is far beyond what i’d hoped for. Cant go wrong with Cambridge audio products.

## Features

- ✓ DESIGNED FOR VINYL – Cambridge Audio’s Alva Solo is a dedicated moving magnet phono preamp designed to give you a superb sonic experience from your favorite record collection using its switch mode power supply and surface mounted circuit board.
- ✓ ATTENTION TO DETAIL – The Alva Duo's switch mode power supply and surface mount technology delivers short signal paths and a faster response with precision and lower background noise so you don't hear a hum over the vinyl's low-level signals.
- ✓ SUBSONIC FILTER & BALANCE CONTROL – The Alva Solo will even work if your vinyls are a little worse for wear. The subsonic filter and balance control eliminate low frequency rumbles from imperfections in your vinyl for an accurate soundstage.
- ✓ GREAT ADDITION TO ANY AMP – The Alva Solo is a perfect for your amp that doesn’t have a phono preamp built in or a great upgrade for your amp with one built in. You will notice more smoothness and warmth with less distortion and background noise.
- ✓ TECH SPECS - MAX POWER CONSUMPTION 10W, GAIN @ 1KHZ 39dB, NOMINAL OUTPUT 300mV, SENSITIVITY FOR NOMINAL OUTPUT 3.35mV, EQUIVALENT INPUT NOISE ~0.09uV, RIAA CURVE ACCURACY +/- 0.65dB 30Hz-20kHz, DIMENSIONS (H X W X D) 1.9x6.9x5.2”, WEIGHT 1.5lbs

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B0793363RG |
| Best Sellers Rank | #106,021 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #58 in Audio Component Preamplifiers |
| Brand | Cambridge Audio |
| Brand Name | Cambridge Audio |
| Customer Reviews | 4.3 out of 5 stars 217 Reviews |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 81337102590500 |
| Item Dimensions | 6.9 x 5.2 x 1.9 inches |
| Item Weight | 1600 Grams |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 6.9 x 5.2 x 1.9 inches |
| Manufacturer | Cambridge Audio |
| Model | C11026 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Output Power | 10 Watts |
| UPC | 813371025905 |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Cambridge Audio
- **Item dimensions L x W x H:** 6.9 x 5.2 x 1.9 inches
- **Manufacturer:** Cambridge Audio
- **Mounting Type:** Surface Mount
- **Number of Channels:** 2

## Images

![Cambridge Audio Alva Solo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet Turntable - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Kx6PLKcGL.jpg)
![Cambridge Audio Alva Solo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet Turntable - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81iyIpT4dHL.jpg)
![Cambridge Audio Alva Solo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet Turntable - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71isEbNTHiL.jpg)
![Cambridge Audio Alva Solo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet Turntable - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91qI7GasbtL.jpg)
![Cambridge Audio Alva Solo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet Turntable - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81PNJYRaDhL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Why are there two power cords included?**
A: Good Morning - it is also European rated. DEDICATED AUDIO

**Q: Am i correct in assuming that this preamp should not be plugged into the 'phono' input on my technics receiver?**
A: Hello and thank you for contacting Cambridge Audio. 

You are correct - you will want to plug this into a standard line in aux input. 

If you plug this into your phono input, you will experience a higher level of amplification and there for, distortion. 

If you have any more questions please feel free to reach out to us through our support site!

**Q: Can I run a cable from this into a Sonos 5 if I get an red white converter cable for the jack?**
A: Hello,

Thank you for contacting Cambridge Audio.

You should be able to run the Solo preamplifier's output into the 3.5mm jack of the Sonos 5 to playback records through this speaker. The type of cable needed would be a stereo RCA connection that changes to a 3.5mm connection, and this is often described as an RCA to 3.5mm "Y" splitter.

Best Regards,

Cambridge Audio USA

**Q: Anyone tried it with pro-ject tt? personally i have the x1**
A: Thanks for your question. The Alva Solo is an outstanding phono preamp that will enhance the sound quality of most fine cartridge / turntable systems.
World Wide Stereo is 43 years old and a proud authorized Cambridge Audio dealer.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sounded Better At First Then Lost the Sparkle...
*by C***E on May 2, 2018*

I am using a current Rega Planar 2 with Carbon cartridge and a Rega Brio-R integrated amplifier as my connected sources and this MM-only phono preamp is fantastic. It is simply THERE at every point...highs, mids, lows, sparkle, shine, thump...magnificent achievement for under the $200 price point. Read up on this unit...the power supply is strong and clean and, importantly, uses a standard power cable not a wall wart. You can really tell the difference, too. I upgraded to a Pangea 14SE MKII power cable and it sounds great with very little burn in time. Try finding any other combination of outstanding circuitry and power handling at this price point and you will not get far. Thank you, Cambridge, for a well thought out design and lovely fit and finish. This is a tight, heavy little machined aluminum box that really fit the bill for me and I couldn't be happier. UPDATE 4/19 - After a few months this started sounding very congested and just not right somehow. The sparkle is gone and it’s kind of a mess overall. No idea what caused this to happen but YMMV. Plan on trying to sell mine off because it cannot compete against like anything else I have. Weird. And what is up with the name adding Alva? Like Thomas Edison? Apart from that why would anyone name anything Alva. Sounds very unattractive.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Quality product. Way above expectations
*by M***L on July 19, 2025*

This is by far the best addition to my stereo. The sound quality and noise suppression is far beyond what i’d hoped for. Cant go wrong with Cambridge audio products.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ You don’t have to break the bank to treat your ears
*by S***E on February 19, 2021*

I recently purchased a new turntable and decided that the old Behringer preamp had to go. There are plenty of cheap options and even more expensive ones so I was pleased to find the solo at a little under $200. I also looked at a slightly less expensive model from Schiit which got a lot of great reviews but there was also mention of some issues with quality control so I decided to go with the more established company and bought the solo. Shipping took a bit as it came from the U.K. But that was expected. Within ten minutes of the UPS driver leaving it at my door I had it hooked up and running. The difference in sound quality was immediately noticeable. Instrument separation and clarity was drastically increased and the low end became clean and powerful. About three weeks later however the brilliance seemed to vanish and I noticed a hum when the turntable motor was powering up. I had read a review which mentioned the loss of sound quality and got a bit depressed, believing I may have a faulty unit. Before trying to box the thing back up and starting the warranty process I decided to try something. I unplugged the turntable from the power strip that the solo was also plugged into and ran it to a strip connected to a different outlet. Oh happy day, the hum is gone and the sound is vibrant once again!! Perhaps my next investment will be power management gear but that’s for another day. I guess my only gripe (now that the first issue is resolved) would be the power indicator. When it’s on it’s slightly bright. When off it’s slightly less bright and doesn’t change color. Not the end of the world and not at all relevant to the fantastic sound quality so I’m giving this unit all the stars.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Cambridge Audio Alva Solo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet Turntable
- Monoprice 1.5ft Premium 2 RCA Plug/2 RCA Plug M/M 22AWG Cable - Black
- CableDirect – 3ft RCA/Phono Cable, 2 × 2 Plugs, Stereo Audio Cable, Practically Break-Proof & Flawless Sound Quality (coaxial, subwoofer/amp/HiFi & Home Cinema/Blu-ray, Analog & Digital)

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*Product available on Desertcart Netherlands*
*Store origin: NL*
*Last updated: 2026-02-26*