Cambridge Audio release their first micro hifi

Posted - 2010

Cambridge Audio have announced their entry into the lucrative integrated hifi market. Since their creation in the last 1960's the company has resisted the urge to venture into this sector.

For a good deal of time it's only been possible to buy Cambridge Audio audio appliances from the Richer Sounds chain of budget stores. Publications like What Hifi magazine have always given favourable reviews of their products. Their A1 budget amplifier has continued to sell well.

The name of their new integrated micro hifi is 'Fusion', and will be priced in the region of three hundred pounds. The system will include an iPod dock, radio for both DAB and FM signals, compact disc player, and a 2.1 amplifier producing thirty watts per channel. It will also contain inputs for USB and an SD card.

As the image above displays, the Fusion is a bespoke looking system. The price and quality of the Fusion will certainly be aimed to compete with the Denon DM37. The iPod dock will be a selling point, one which Denon's system fails to include. The Fusion's integrated support for digital music is lacking from many of it's competitors. However, the Fusion does not currently support either the iPhone or iPod Shuffle.

The Fusion's aesthetics certainly benefits from it's front black aluminum panel, and solid chassis. The width measures a total of 215 mm wide. Appearing more like a slim downed version of their amplifier or CD player separates, it's cool and sophisticated looks will appeal to both hifi enthusiasts and your average consumer.