AV Magazines

Cambridge Audio has backed up its recent Fusion all-in-one hi-fi release with the announcement of the Sonata hi-fi-cum-home-cinema separates system, which we previewed in our report from the Top Audio show in Milan last month.

At the heart of the Sonata lies a 2.1 receiver capable of delivering 40 watts per channel into 8ohms, available in two configurations with DAB/FM or FM/AM tuners depending on what you'd rather listen to. Alongside the receiver sits a 1080p upscaling DVD player with HDMI hook-up, audiophile CD player with Wolfson WM8716 DAC for the best audio imaging, front mounted MP3 hook-up for portable music players, and of course the ubiquitous dedicated iPod dock with full control from the Sonata remote control, though as with the Fusion it's not yet iPhone compatible.

A trigger-out feature on the receiver switches on the separate DVD or CD player when the source is selected, with micro surface mounting circuit tech promising to deliver improved signal path performance. A subwoofer output allows the DVD player's LFE channel to be routed via the receiver for true 2.1 performance from movies, whilst the receiver can also create a subwoofer channel from stereo inputs if desired.

Not arriving until February 2009, the Sonata will be available in Cambridge Audio's signature black or silver brushed metal with the CD30 CD unit costing £179, the DVD player unit DV30 £179, the AR30 FM/AM receiver £229 and the DAB/FM receiver £299 respectively. Put them together as you see fit.