Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amp Review

[@gregs8685]

Just bought one of these from Audio Advice, along with a Cambridge AXC35 CD player. Will pair with B&W 606 speakers.

[@DominikZalewski85]

I've been using CXA61 with pair of KEF Q150s for past week and love it

[@antonioinacioconceicaoreis9004]

Have a good bass?

[@josemariovazquezvazquez3257]

What is the THD.of this amp

[@michaelcudia3439]

Thank you for this review and for all of them, it was part of my research as I recently upgraded to the CXA81

[@AudioAdvice]

Awesome, glad we could help!

[@babalawoifaomaomooddun3769]

I think keep my CXA80 because it has *tone control* and I have the opportunity to adjust the bass and treble to my liking. (CXA80-AEROMAX 6)

[@mgsamps]

I agree, I'm fed up with poor recordings when one track I listen to has overwhelming bass then another track where there is none or way too much treble. Cambridge could have implemented a simple led panel where the tone controls used to be and done it electronically as in their cheaper AM10 amp, it could then be adjusted with the remote control and included other info such as input selection & DAC filters etc. Also this is just too much of a price increase just for a few upgraded chips and capacitors which really don't cost that much, they have already saved ££ by removing the tone controls anyway especially when there are other excellent amps like the Audiolab 6000 with DAC and BT for much less that perform way beyond their price point.

[@jackryder6732]

I am hearing fantastic news about this model. I was looking into parasound but now looking into this with more features with fantastic sound

[@floydhayes]

I'd love one of these, the problem is the A1 MK3 I bought 20 years ago for about $100 is still in perfect working order! It's been lugged around the world, stuck in storage (which flooded) and sat in a freezing cold shed in the Catskills for years. Still works as new! So yeah, their stuff lasts and lasts.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for sharing, yes, Cambridge gear is built to last for decades!

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Thats alot of electronic componetes in one box glad cambridge keeps power ratings real !! But i dont believe in watts. Its misleading with alot other audio companys i go by gain/voltage because i been mislead to many times great job cambridge ! Thanks for the review

[@gideonobeng9143]

I like the bluetooth HD addition but would go for the YAMAHA A-S801. Great natural sound and power. Fantastic midrange with tonal controls. Great Bass and treble.

[@AudioAdvice]

Both are good products who care about audio. Thanks for sharing and watching

[@mattfenton3806]

I have been using an AXR 100 for a couple of years now and love that unit! So after some upgrades to my system the AXR became my weakest link. So i thought i would give the CXA 81 i try. After living with it for a couple weeks i have to admit i do not like it at all! Yes the dynamics and detail are really great! However to my ears this comes from a treble boost that is to forward and fatiguing! Midrange is kinda scoped and bass boosted. I understand why tone controls were not added but for me with this unit it would of be welcomed. In the end i return the CXA 81 and went back to my AXR 100! The CXA 81 is a really good amp but sadly it was not to my liking!

[@AudioAdvice]

Interesting, it is a little more detailed than the AX series. Thanks for sharing

[@mattfenton3806]

I totally agree however i get listening fatigue within 30 minutes with the CXA to where i feel the AXR is more laid back in it's sound! I have a set a Klipsch Rp 8000f's with a crossover upgrade from GR Reasearch so i don't know if i just don't have the right speaker pairing. My room is acoustically treated as well. I was told to let the unit burn in and it would smooth out its sound but i sure that would be the case! I am still wanting an amp upgrade and am open to recommendations for a good pairing with my speakers, something with rolled of high frequency but with great detail and dynamics! @@AudioAdvice

[@AudioAdvice]

@@mattfenton3806 Please reach out to our team at www.audioadvice.com to discuss some options.

[@ivanhalbach4076]

A complete Cambridge system is one of the great bridges between the Mark Levinson and ARC affordable gear, and gives a lot more than a glimpse into the heart and soul of music which is what drives those of us who practice participatory listening(not reading, texting etc).

[@DW-ue3fs]

I bought this on all the hype Cxa81 and the the treble was too forward for me. I debated for a week if I should sell it. I did and bought the Denon PMA 1600 me . So happy I did better sound , way better DAC and looks better.😁

[@johanvergote7985]

A great amplifier indeed. Plays fantastic on dynaudio excite speakers ! Start listening to it and you'll find it very hard to stop the music

[@AudioAdvice]

We agree, thanks for your comments

[@high_fidelity_stuff]

I heard one of these recently. It certainly has an exciting sound with impressive stable lows and crisp highs but to me it seemed to be missing something in the mid range. Also, I personally tend to prefer a more rounded off treble and after an hour of listening to it I felt like I needed to listen to something a bit smoother and to my ears the significantly cheaper Audiolab 6000a was more comfortable.

[@gideonobeng9143]

Mid range lover. Have you tried the YAMAHA A-S801

[@MrLemu77]

Sounds good but there is no balance button on this amp, is that possible to adjust the balance somehow? My speakers are not equally distanced towards the listening point.... Couldn't buy it if no balance control is possible

[@jcam552]

Sansui AU-X1 Integrated Amplifiers. Made from 1979 to 1981 used toroidal transformer.

[@markwhite4295]

Ugh! I just bought the CXA80 3 months ago. If had known they were going to upgrade, I would have waited.

[@AndrePrudhomme]

I wouldn’t worry about it - the CXA80 was a well designed and perfectly transparently amp. I guarantee that in a blind test you would be unable to tell the difference between the two.

[@takeshileong9779]

Are the price is same cxa80 & cxa81? Just plan to buy 1

[@carlitosgomez71]

@@takeshileong9779 in the UK the cxa80 is cheaper due to discounts. It's the old model after all, you could be saving over 400£ between the two models. I'm not sure what they actually upgraded because looking at the internal layout they are almost the same.

[@savanp228]

I am looking to invest in a good but audiophile grade integrated amp - so many products out there - Marantz, Arcam, Cambridge and McIntosh - no idea what to choose from.

[@AudioAdvice]

Hi Savan, pop by our site and chat with our Sales and Support team! They can help pick the best one for your ear and system.

[@ralex3697]

McIntosh is not in the same league as the others you mentioned

[@h0ndre]

I have it for a month now. Sounds very nice but for me it has a major flaw, transformer buzzing. I can hear it from my listening position, three meters away. Went to a dealer for a check, CXA61 buzzes too. I installed DC blocker but it helps just a little bit. I thought they use high quality components, for sure transformer is not one of them.

[@ralex3697]

h0ndre Made in China Rega - Made In The UK

[@h0ndre]

Robin Alexander Very true. Stay away from CA.

[@money3ss]

Thank you for the lively presentation. Can you recommend a bookshelf to pair with if I am into classical music. Grateful.

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad you liked it. Please reach out to our team to discuss options.

[@igorstradjot132]

How this compare to Audiolab 6000a. I was just thinking to buy it for Tannox revolution XT 6F. But now this one come out. Whats your opinion...

[@carlitosgomez71]

For the money I don't think you could better than the audiolab 6000a haven't listened to the cxa81 but it's almost double the price and I don't think your getting double the value.

[@AudioAdvice]

If you have any questions about the CXA81, ask them below and our team will be happy to answer them. Thanks for watching!

[@suprememaster1951]

How does it compare to the CXA80? Does it worth the extra 400 dollars to upgrade from the previous model based solely on the sound produced? Thanks!

[@duaneadam]

Do the analog inputs stay all analog or are they converted to digital?

[@nickrich6968]

@@suprememaster1951 There is an absolute improvement in sound and I think it is worth the extra money. It really depends if you are able to use your existing CXA80 on a different system or if you can find a good buyer.

[@nickrich6968]

@@duaneadam The analog inputs stay analog and aren't converted to digital.

[@soulafein32]

Where and when can I buy one in the US?

[@kibreddy]

Is this a good match with the Golden Ear Tritons or is it too bright to pair well with them?

[@NisuUuno]

Is the CXA61 basically the same, but 2x60W? Thanks!

[@AudioAdvice]

The two units are similar. They both use Sabre DAC's but the 81 has improved performance and next level DAC's. Also, the 81 has balanced inputs and additional power.

[@vorogal1]

CXA81 has better DAC

[@NisuUuno]

@@vorogal1 got a IOTAVX instead. Nice amp

[@asarmetta]

How would this pair with Kef LS50 meta?

[@roacharya5872]

I have that exact setup, whilst some stuff sounds okay, other stuff sounds very underwhelming....in fact, disappointing. I'm holding fire until the speakers and amp run in. But at the moment I'm looking to change.

[@arnoldschloss9634]

How does the sound quality compare to a new Yamaha R-N803 Network Stereo Receiver, which has more power, better specs and many more features than the Cambridge Integrated Amp -at a much lower price?

[@gideonobeng9143]

I think the YAMAHA A-S801 would be good value for money

[@ianship5058]

I think Quad fitted a torroidal transformes years ago

[@rudran65]

Hi,Whats the Toroidal trafo VA rating in this amp..?

[@AudioAdvice]

Chat or call with our team at audioadvice.com and they can help you out with this!

[@MrChillywilly7]

I'm want this one or the pm7000n.. Hard to choose! Maby someone has experience with both these amplifiers.. Wich one should you go for..? 🤔

[@antonioinacioconceicaoreis9004]

81

[@marcusvegetarianicus5805]

there is nothing to think about! cxa81 is much better than pm7000n and pm8006 !

[@MrChillywilly7]

Thanks for the reply! But why? Is the 81 better? Is that based on listening experience? Since there both award winning amplifiers, nearly in the same price range....

[@marcusvegetarianicus5805]

Please watch the video carefully on your headphones And you understand why cxa81 is very good, best regards m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/ini4eYOVgbuoqK8

[@ngtflyer]

I am hearing of noisy DACs in the Marantz amps. Sad, because I am in the market and that's a hard disqualify. (They seem to have some other quality issues as well) I would side with the Cambridge as well.

[@kabelomatthews6608]

What speakers would work well with this amp? I listen to jazz and r&b

[@AudioAdvice]

Hi Kabelo! You could use a lot of different speakers with this amp. Come to our site and give us a chat or call, we can help pick out the best pair for you.

[@kabelomatthews6608]

@@AudioAdvice yes but what would you recommend based on the type of music I like?

[@AudioAdvice]

Well, it depends on a lot of factors and I wouldn't say there is an absolute best for those genres in particular. Our team would need to look at your system as a whole to determine what would work best for you and your ear.

[@antonioinacioconceicaoreis9004]

Dali opticon

[@alexthompson2961]

Hey thank you for the review. I have just bought Monitor Silver 500s and am running them on an old Linn Classik, which is 75w per channel at 4 ohms, but the monitors specify 80- 200 at 8ohms. Would you recommend this CA amp instead, or something else? Finding it hard to get a good answer.

[@slay-in-life]

Is the volume knob lit? When muted, does turning the volume knob unmute it?

[@gmamou6862]

How does it sound compared to 851A? Is 851A a better buy or the fresh cxa81 sounds better

[@AudioAdvice]

Hi G. In our experience, the 851A sounds better and has better amp sections but you do lose a lot of features. The 851A does not have DAC's or any digital inputs so if you plan to connect a TV, computer (USB), cellphone, etc; you will need an external DAC. Give us a call or chat in if you would like suggestions based on your system!

[@Александр-х7к6у]

the transformer is buzzing ?

[@shivanksarin6199]

How do these pair with the Sonus Faber Lumina III/Lumina Vs?

[@AudioAdvice]

It would be a fantastic match! Audio Advice recently became a Sonus Faber dealer and we have some Lumina's and more on the way.

[@thepeacetimebookclub3029]

I have Zensor 3 Dali Speakers. They're significantly cheaper than this amp, but they're good. Would this amp work well with them?

[@AudioAdvice]

Yes, the Cambridge can drive them well.

[@syaifulrizalmohamed5997]

Good explanation.. can i connect my iphone direct to usb input?is there any way to connect? Thanks

[@ralex3697]

Syaiful Rizal Mohamed Why would you want to connect a crappy iphone to an audio amp ?

[@syaifulrizalmohamed5997]

Robin Alexander Because most all the songs in my music library😂😂.. alternatively , i can ise my laptop to connect..

[@jackryder6732]

How many speakers and sub it will handle

[@nishantt1160]

How does it perform with audiophile headphones ?

[@Jeff-vp8bn]

I have HD audio on a USB powered external 3TB HDD , how would I connect it to play the files?

[@AudioAdvice]

Jeff, You have several options from DAC's to Streamers with built-in USB connectivity. Please contact us at Audioadvice.com and feel free to call or chat so we can go into the details of your system and make some suggestions. There is A LOT of information to sort through to get you a good answer. Thank you.

[@georgieboy2432]

But they send to China to be assembled?

[@AudioAdvice]

Yes it is made at their plant in China

[@branislavgrujic6687]

Hello,i Just buy this amplifier.I need advice for the spekaers please..Dali Zensor 7 or Dali Orbeon 5?Tnx

[@idlohtrab]

bowers and wilkins 706s2 superb match

[@praia2010]

What did you decide ? Is Cambridge audio and dali a good match ? Thank you

[@branislavgrujic6687]

Divesoul I sell my CA i and by onother for me bether amplifier.Tnx

[@federicomartorella7287]

Is it good with klipsch rp 600?

[@AudioAdvice]

Call or chat with our team at audioadvice.com and they can help you find a perfect match. We think there are probably better options for you. Thanks!

[@dbxlkevsmith787]

Does any company make anything that is this good with a Receiver built-in?

[@rafalobo5308]

Hi, probably you have already found one, in case you have not, have a look on the Denon dra 800h, I've been using it for a few months now and it's very good for the money. Hope it helps.

[@shihchen168]

is BLD connection directly through my iphone?

[@atoz6552]

Is this better than the Quad amp you reviewed a feeks ago?

[@kaybhee6]

how diff in sound..... vs 7000a audiolab....

[@AudioAdvice]

Sorry, we do not have experience with that Audiolab model, but we love the CXA81

[@Gal0Angel]

why it isn’t available anywhere?

[@AudioAdvice]

It is available on our web site. audioadvice.com

[@ynnadk9859]

Is this DAC also good for headphone listening (DT 1990 PRO)?>

[@HumblePeon2]

Will this pair well with my KEFq350s? I intend to connect the amp to my PC via toslink.

[@HumblePeon2]

@Alex Already have my FTM fren :)

[@HumblePeon2]

@Alex I'll check out the TA-100 as well. We're all going to make it anon

[@antonioinacioconceicaoreis9004]

Pm8006 or cxa81,??

[@maxrider2887]

Pm 8006

[@ivandragicevic6786]

NAD C388

[@froidd758]

PM 8006 will take the CXA81 lunch money

[@frankmathiesen1779]

Can i hook up a Tape deck to the Cambridge Cxa81?

[@AudioAdvice]

It can be hooked up to play but there is no tape loop if that is specifically what you are looking for. If you would like more details please feel free to call or chat at audioadvice.com We can help you.

[@patrickduffy4557]

Has anyone paired this with the B&W 685 s2's? I've heard the Cambridge may be too bright for my setup but haven't heard any first hand experiences. I'm currently using an old Yamaha HTR from 2003 to power the B&Ws and use the Pro-ject Debut Carbon with Ortofon 2M Blue as the source. I've been looking to replace the Yamaha for a while but pairing the B&W's seems challenging.

[@jackryder6732]

Can I put front three speakers on this when watching movies

[@SandsOfArrakis]

Bit late reply. But this is a 2.1 amplifier. Not a 5.1 or 7.1. It's not designed to be the center of a home cinema.

[@mk5721]

I have 2 CXA80s and love them. I have just bought a pair of Ohm Walsh 1000s, and I was thinking of the Rotel 1572 to power them, but am now considering this amp. The Rotel puts out 120watts, and the Ohms are rated at 6ohms up to 150 watts. I already have a Rotel 1570 powering another system and it sounds great also. Would this new CXA81 have any troubles driving power into a 6ohm load, or should I go with more power? It seems to me as if the build quality between the Cambridge and Rotel is about equal - that is, excellent.

[@melvinmansatainday5771]

Are you crazy to compare Rotel with Cambridge audio ? Rotel's are high end devices .

[@mk5721]

@@melvinmansatainday5771 Hi Melvin. Rotel is Japanese 'mid-fi', and while nice, they are not considered 'high-end' by anyone in the industry. Under 2K does not get you 'high-end.'

[@DavidLiphshitz]

Did anyone try the cxa81 amplifier with KEF iQ9 ? Is that a good match?

[@sanghera7100]

Is this good match with Monitor Audio Gold 200 4G? Thx.

[@AudioAdvice]

This would be a great pairing with the Monitor Audio Gold 200's. The CXA81 will have enough power to give you dynamics and a good bit of headroom. If you would like to purchase this, come to our website and we will toss in some gift items!

[@ralex3697]

Kamal Sanghera Not good enough, it is average Buy the Rega Elex R, Made In The UK

[@michaelpotoms8396]

How does it compare to the CXA80, is this replacing that model? That would be very quick.

[@rockman22]

Yes

[@20puskinas1992]

Can this power Elac Vela fs 407? Thanks

[@crimsonite5]

Hi, is anyone using these with Kef LS50? How does it sound, especially on the lower end?

[@ralex3697]

crimsonite5 Kef LS50 produce very light bass, not good

[@Canaz73]

Robin Alexander not accurate statement - for their size, and if placed correctly and powered correctly, they are best in class / I have 81 and LS50’s - superb / like any 5 1/4 driver, if you want thumping base you need a sub.

[@Canaz73]

Yes - sounds amazing - The LS50 IMHO need AB higher power. When I changed from my Marantz Class D to this Cambridge 81 - Wow what a difference

[@JuanLega]

Anyone interested in more power, try the Cambridge Audio 851w.

[@AudioAdvice]

Oh yeah!

[@cheech205]

How would this compare to arcam SA 20

[@AudioAdvice]

Hello cheech205, the Cambridge CXA81 and Arcam SA20 are using different forms of amplification. Class A/B in the CXA81 and Class G in the SA20. It really depends on your own personal ear and speakers as to which amplifier would sound better to you.

[@dal2258]

@@AudioAdvice Actually Class G is also A/B, it just switches from A to A/B from a certain load. How does the sound between this amps compares?

[@brettclarke6798]

How would it cope with b&w 702s2

[@AudioAdvice]

Hello Brett, the CXA81 would be a great match with the B&W 702S2's. The CXA81 has a good amount of power and exceptionally low noise.

[@ralex3697]

Brett Clarke I would choose Rotel over this for B&W

[@jackryder6732]

Thank you

[@marcusvegetarianicus5805]

there is nothing to think about! cxa81 is much better than pm7000n and pm8006

[@jackryder6732]

No one bothered to answer my question. Can I use this for front two channel and center channel. I have arcam avr850

[@blue-ck9ns]

No. This amp isn’t for home theater.

[@philgreen1900]

Can I connect an iPod classic to this amp?

[@benjaminqilafku5714]

Sorry dude but a review without any shortcomings it's a bit of too good to be true sort of story. Thanks for letting me see what the inside that amp that I'm seriously considering buying but let me be honest your review looked to me a commercial promo.

[@GamingShiiep]

Removed tone control :(

[@CT-vl3iu]

....only 80 watts,...thats depressing

[@AudioAdvice]

Hi Channa, this is a response that we receive quite a bit but the 80 Watts is high current and is truly stated. These amps also run class AB amplification and tend to have better sound staging than some high power class D amps. Overall, you will be able to drive most speakers with this amp while getting fantastic dynamics and volume.

[@edmundgil6008]

No tone controls? 👎🏽

[@garychait7920]

Yeah, that's disappointing

[@mathtrixmusiclix4248]

Two thumbs down

[@ralex3697]

Made in China, not for me

[@hifitommy]

torroidal---toe-roid-al not torroidial.

[@marcusvegetarianicus5805]

...everybody can read instructions, you talk too much, and where are the examples of music music ?