After five successful years for the CX range, Cambridge Audio is offering a significant upgrade and evolution of its products and is now offering 2 new products: the CXA61 and CXA81 integrated amplifiers.
The Cambridge Audio CXA81 is the more developed integrated amplifier of this range and offers most functions of high-end Hi-Fi products.
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXA81: FRONT PANEL
The titanium brushed-aluminium front panel has been redesigned and offers a finish as well as a manufacturing better than the previous models.
The features and source selectors are on a central panel via push buttons.
On the right side, there is a huge volume potentiometer, and on the left side, a 3.5mm Jack headphone output.
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXA81: BACK PANEL
At the back of the CXA81, there are 4 asymmetrical analogue inputs in RCA and one symmetrical XLR.
In addition, there is one coaxial SPDIF digital input (16/24 bit 32-192 kHz), two Toslink optical digital inputs (16/24 bit 32-96 kHz) and one asynchronous USB digital input (32 bit 384 kHz PCM, up to DSD256 or DoP256).
Cambridge Audio has completed this with a digital wireless Bluetooth aptX HD (24-bit 48 kHz) connection.
This integrated amplifier also offers a SUB output (mono) and a stereo preamp output.
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXA81: CIRCUIT
Once the cover is removed, we discover an architecture based on a toroidal transformer, as well as 4 filtering capacities in the center of the chassis.
There are two amplifier boards on each side, connected to a heat dissipater.
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXA81: TEST AND LISTENING
The set up is pretty simple and quick. Since the very first notes, the Cambridge Audio CXA81 demonstrates a detailed and transparent sound, with beautiful dynamics. The restitution is open and wide. The sound scene is precise but with a surprising fullness.
Like the Cambridge Audio CXA61, we notice that this CXA81 has also lost the dark and colorful side of the previous model. It is much more transparent and lively than the CXA80.
Its tonal balance is very successful and seducing. The Cambridge Audio CXA81 offers a holographic restitution with a 3D feeling! The dynamic is excellent and the speakers control as well. It is impressive on vocals, brass and strings, where you can hear a maximum of detail while remaining textured and full.
In USB connection, the DAC ESS Sabre ES9016 K2M is awesome and allows you to use HD or Hi-Res files with exceptional fidelity.
Although very strongly lower, the Bluetooth connection offers an excellent performance.
Associated to a good phono preamplifier and an excellent turntable, this amp allows you to build a high-level system at an affordable price. The Cambridge Audio CXA81 integrated amplifier is a serious competing product and is certainly one of the best-integrated amplifiers offered by the British manufacturer so far.
An undeniable musicality, complemented by complete and high-performance analogue and digital connection possibilities, justify its price.
Our favorite!
AWARDS:
What Hi-Fi - Best amplifiers 2019
FranckRMS power: 80 W at 8 Ohms, 120 W at 4 Ohms
N/A converter: K2M ES9016 Sabre ESS DAC
Bandwidth: <5 Hz - 60 kHz +/- 1 dB
RCA analogical inputs: 4
XLR analogical input: 1
Coaxial digital input: 1 x SPDIF 16/24 bits 32-192 kHz
Optical digital inputs: 2 x Toslink 16/24 bits 32-96 kHz
USB digital input: 1 x asynchronous 1.0/2.0, 32 bits 384 kHz PCM, up to DSD256 or DoP256
Wireless digital input: Bluetooth aptX HD, 24 bits 48 kHz
Output: 1 x subwoofer
Headphone output: Jack 3.5 mm
Speaker outputs: A and B
Roon Tested: yes
Remote control: yes
Dimensions: 115 x 430 x 341 mm
Weight: 8.7 kg
