Cambridge Audio Cxa81 Review – [2024]

The first time I heard about these amplifiers from Cambridge Audio, I was sure I would purchase them. This decision was backed by all the features that the company promised it had, and I do not regret my choice one bit.

Upon receiving my amplifier within the due date, I was already pleased with the service. However, the quality of the product mesmerized me, and I am still in awe of the sound quality that this amplifier produces.

If you have been an audiophile, you are already familiar with Cambridge Audio. The CX series has always been the consumer’s favorite, refurbished by the company as CX series 2.

Cambridge Audio Cxa81 Review & Specs!

• Power Output: 80W RMS into 8 Ohms, 120W RMS into 4 Ohms
• DAC: ESS Sabre ES9016K2M
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: <5Hz– 60kHz +/-1dB
• ANALOGUE AUDIO INPUTS: 1x balanced XLR, 4 x RCA

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The CX series 2 features a CXA81 Integrated Stereo Amplifier, which has been an absolute success in terms of audio technology. This high-end amplifier has so much to offer and does not disappoint anyone, even with the highest expectations.

Reliability:

Cambridge Audio has always been a trusted manufacturer. Their reliable products have always delivered their best in terms of service, quality, and experience.

Even though the previous models have not portrayed premium quality, they were quite ahead of their time. Even then, the quality and technology were far better than any other similar product in the market.

It will not be unfair to say that the company has gracefully carried its legacy forward with the CX81 series. The amplifier provides a long-term solution for audiophiles, which may remain unmatched for years to come.

Overview:

The following features of the amplifier make it exceptional:

• Class AB functions with a power output of 80 watts per channel. The 80-watts-per-channel output is ample.
•  For optimum sound staging, the left and right channels are separated. The left and right channels determine the quality of the staging.
• Low-noise interference is ensured through balanced XLR inputs.
• Incredible connection is ensured through DAC, USB, and Coaxial inputs. Both Mac and PC users may benefit from high-quality USB audio.

All of this makes these the best amplifiers on the market. You will not be disappointed no matter which speakers you want to connect to them.

Infrastructure:

The amplifier is constructed in a classy and subtle manner. When analyzing its predecessors, it is evident that there have not been a lot of changes in the CX81 on the outside.

One of the most apparent changes is the removal of balance and tone buttons. This might be a little confusing for you, but believe me, the amp does not require any tone and balance adjustments.

Another feature that is easily noticeable is the lunar grey chassis. Rest, many things have been kept the same, for instance, the basic analog circuits. However, there have been certain upgrades, for example, the op-amps.

The company’s specialists have overhauled most of the operation amps in the sign way. Additionally, the capacitors in the pre and power enhancer stations have been tested. As you may as of now have envisioned, there is such a lot of execution astuteness.

It is simply that the data sources have additionally been overhauled. Inside is a prevalent ESS Saber ES9016K2M DAC and further developed USB input. Presently, you can play sound music of up to 32-cycle/384kHz and DSD256 quality records.

The Ess Saber ES9016K2M is better to such an extent that it has upgraded the presentation of different capacities also. Previously, the separate dongle led to a higher price, which is now fixed.

Streaming has also been made more accessible by including an aptX HD Bluetooth receiver. A viable connection can be made with any compatible device of 24-bit/84kHz.

Cambridge Audio Cxa81 Features:

The physical connections and the digital sources are really the crux when it comes to CX81 amplifiers. It should be acknowledged that the company has really put in the efforts to cater to the individual needs of the consumers.

The USB connection, which was improved in comparison to the previous models, is a great example of how they have managed to cater to the needs of the population.

The four RCA-ins allow you to experience your music like never before. Along with that, a balanced XLR keeps the sound quality high.

S/PDIF coaxial inputs were boosted to handle files up to 24bit/192kHz, which doesn’t stop there. With a Toslink optical connection, the files can be maximized up to 96kHz.

The amplifier is exemplary in its digital input, being a front panel output. The amplifier also allows a pre-amp output and a subwoofer output for better performance.

Not only do they cater to speakers, but they also cater to a 3.5mm headphone jack. Listening to music on your headphones has never been better before.

Another amazing feature of the amp was that it accompanies space for two sets of speakers. I took a stab at playing the speakers independently and as one, and it functioned admirably on both records.

The only limitation I have ever felt is the need to attach a separate Bluetooth dongle. This feature has been a part of the predecessors and would have been awesome if given in this amplifier.

CXA81 Sound Quality:

My previous experiences with Cambridge Audio had already given me high expectations before I even tested the product. I can say with full clarity that the sound quality has not disappointed me at all.

The sound had a powerful presentation, which was also a little punchy. The tunes were detailed, as I had expected. The clarity of the sound gave me one of the best listening experiences of my life.

The primary thing that hits you is the trust in the amp. At the end of the day, working out of the staccato rhythmic pattern was unbelievably fulfilling.

I could feel with guaranteed conviction that the organization has put resources into the item. It snaps exactly with flawless timing and permits the master treatment of high-pitched as well as low-sounding tunes.

Not only that, but the mid-range sounds are also perfectly handled and played. The amplifier allows you to listen to a rich and balanced sound.

This strong and consistent amp might be low-end, yet lean and coordinated to the point of creating market-standard bass lines. The high pitch includes a lot of room, without an excess of sharpness or harsh edges.

The sound produced by this amplifier is mature and consistent, does not fatigue, and is as straightforward as possible. Getting such a mature performance at these prices is just fantastic.

Functions:

The amplifier is outfitted with a Class AB amp segment that drives speakers from 4 ohms, conveying 120W per channel RMS, and 80W-per-channel into 8 ohms. At the end of the day, it makes sure that you drive the best speakers available to their maximum capacity.

Comparing this amplifier with other integrated ones has proven to me, every time, how exceptional this amplifier is. This applies to the Bluetooth section as well.

The plug and play amplifier has a spacious USB, which is more in-depth. The design is acceptable to both newbies and experienced audiophiles.

The flexibility of the amplifier is ensured by enabling it to have 4RCA channels and a balanced XLR. Other than all of this, the amplifier is also Roon Tested.

Limitations:

There are certain functions that are not available in the CXA81 amp. This includes the buttons for fine-tuning, a screen, a menu, or tone control. Another thing that the amplifier lacks is a DAC filter setting

For some listeners, such as myself, these are rare points of concern. However, for some, they can be a deal-breaker. If you are only into good music and do not care much about other stuff, get yourself a CXA81 amp.

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