By way of an update! Quite a bit to filter down, so here goes.
1. Cambridge Audio A1 Amp. Gave her a good clean with the deoxit, and she sings! More below.
2. CA SX50’s. They arrived, connected to the A1 and everything works as it should.
3. Now the key bit.. I started slowly, connected the Tangent CD2 to the A1 and played a well known CD. I’d give it 5/10. A bit flat and lifeless. Volume to drive the SX50’s was 30/40% so the A1 is plenty enough it seems.
4. Next, sat the Topping E30ii between CD player and A1. Noticeably better sound, I’d say 6-7/10, probably highlights the poor DAC in the tangent?
5. But lastly, I decided to try my cloud based music (Qobuz for this test) just using IPhone and lightning to the USB port on the Topping. The result, unbelievably good. The sound and clarity was amazing. The SX50’s totally transformed and the A1 is delivering a wonderful sound with just a hint of treble increase on my part to get my preferred sound.
6. My conclusion today, listening to CD redbook only will be ok, but the massive uptick in sonic pleasure listening to the cloud based music is so far ahead I’m going to struggle to get this particular CD player to excite me.
Finally, thanks to all those that suggested I give the A1 a fair trial, she sounds wonderful for a 25 year old amp, she’s staying for now, no question.