Review: Cambridge Audio Sonata 2.1-Channel Stereo Home Theater System

The compact components and speakers in the Sonata system are a refreshing departure from the room-dominating receivers, components and speakers found on most store shelves. The system takes little space, it can fill a room with music and has movie sound quality that engages the viewer and I recommend it as a stereo or home theater system for performance-conscious buyers who also want simplicity and ease of use.

On a critical note, the AR30 receiver lacks virtual surround sound and a backlit remote control but offsets these shortcomings with excellent music and home theater performance and general ease of use.

The components and speakers are sold separately and are available in black or silver finish and the S30 speakers and subwoofer are available in Natural Oak or Black.

In North America, Cambridge Audio products are distributed by Audio Plus Services.

• Power output: 40 watts per channel into 8 ohms
• THD: <0.05%, 20 Hz – 20 kHz @ 80% maximum power
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 50 kHz +/- 1 dB
• Signal to noise ratio: >80 dB
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 10.6" x 11.2" x 2.6"
• Weight: 8.6 lbs.
• Price: $549

• Digital to analog converters: Wolfson WM8746 24-bit/192 kHz
• Audio Outputs: 2.1 channel stereo + subwoofer, stereo LPCM or downmix from Dolby Pro-Logic II/IIx, Dolby Digital 5.1 or EX 6.1
• Video Outputs: component video (CVBS, YCbCr or YPbPr), S-video, SCART (stereo audio and composite video)
• HDMI output: Scaling/deinterlacing to 480p, 576p, 720i, 720p, 1080i or 1080p
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 20 kHz +/- 0.3 dB
• Signal to noise ratio: <-90 dB
• THD: <0.003% @ 1 kHz
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 10.6" x 11.2" x 2.6"
• Weight: 5.0 lbs.
• Price: $299

• Sensitivity: 90 dB
• Frequency response: 55 Hz – 20 kHz
• Nominal impedance: 4-8 ohms
• Drivers: Woofer: 4.5" mid-bass, Tweeter: 1" soft dome
• Recommended amp power: 100 watts
• Magnetically shielded: yes
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 8.9" x 6.3" x 9.25"
• Weight: 8.3 lbs.
• Finishes: Natural Oak or Black
• Price: $259 per pair

• Power output: 70 watts
• Frequency response: 35 Hz – 180 Hz
• Crossover: continuously variable
• Driver: One 8" long-throw woofer
• Magnetically shielded: Yes
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 11.8" x 11.8" x 13.1"
• Weight: 23.6 lbs.
• Finishes: Natural Oak or Black
• Price: $350
• System Price as tested: $1457.00
• Contact information: North America: www.audioplusservices.com
• International: www.cambridgeaudio.com