Cambridge Audio CXA80 & Azur 851A

[@julesfrenay9619]

A year later now and I do not regret my upgrade from Cxa80 to Azur851A. I could get one second hand for 800 euro. More stereo distinction, more refined, more body and liveliness, combined with cxnv2 and Dali Rubicon2 standmounters. 🎼🎼👍 enjoy !

[@elthamlad468]

If you can stream direct from the CXN v2 to a standalone DAC you owe it to yourself to upgrade. The DAC in the CXN v2 is mediocre and you will be shocked at how good your 851A can sound fed a very good signal. If you thought going from the CXA to the Azur was a big improvement you'll be shocked again at what a decent DAC can do.

[@julesfrenay9619]

@@elthamlad468 thanks! In the meantime I bought a 2nd hand Azur851N streamer/DAC modified by a German expert Hoerwege. Sounds awesome and much better than cxnv2!

[@elthamlad468]

@@julesfrenay9619 indeed, huge improvement. Enjoy

[@fredsan73]

Thanks for the great review, finally got the CX80, CXN2, CXC paired with Monitor Audio Silver 300 speakers, Mogami bi-wire 2972 speaker cables and Mogami XLR, QED RCA and digital cables...sound is just getting awesome (2-3 months of use)

[@TostiTostelli]

Having those amps on a turning platform for the video is a nice touch dude!

[@rachelpydiah4186]

Fantastic review - very well laid out and really in depth. 10/10

[@julesfrenay9619]

A very complete and detailed comparison! For me it’s still the cxa80 combibed with CA CXNv2 and Dali Rubicon 2 speakers. The Azur might be a good more audiophile upgrade. Thanks

[@arthurwatts1680]

Fantastic to see you reviewing more 'hi-fi' gear. I've been lucky with CA gear but its clear from the comments here and on Amazon that many haven't been so fortunate : Cambridge really needs to start plowing more of its profits back into quality assurance before the gear hits the shelves. Emotiva - another company that was heavily criticised for being one of the first to offshore manufacturing - have had similar issues over the years, but they seem to have improved in this area at least FWIR. I've owned fantastic gear designed and made in China - Auralic being a prime example - but one way or another we pay for quality. Thanks for the video.

[@alejandropayro4676]

Really great review, mate! And just the information I was looking for, so really relevant for me!!!

[@jasonlsimmons]

Wonderful review! Sehr gut! I borrowed a CXA80 from my local dealer. They also recommended a Rotel A12, but decided to take the CXA80 home for a demo. So glad that I did, because it makes my Wharfedale Reva 3 speakers sing! A noticeable improvement over the Outlaw RR2160 that I was using.

[@luciancosneanu7582]

Hi, I own Reva 3 + CXA60 .....all was changed when I replace cable with Audioquest Red River, Type 4 and nrg 3 cables.😀

[@Firebottleman]

Hi Damir. I just bought an Azur 851A that has been totally gone through by an audio tech. It looks brand new! I like it as much as my Creek 100P/Schiit Freya+ setup. The Azur is not better sounding, just different. Thank you for this video.

[@GeordieAmanda]

Very comprehensive and informative. Thank you :)

[@anthonysherry2628]

I have had quite a few amplifiers in my time, i am living in a small apartment. I have owned a few japanese amplifiers, NAD pre and Power Amplifiers, Cyrus etc, the best amplifier i have at present, is a T+A Cala. This is the best amplifier i have ever owned, in my experience.

[@Jonzeeeeee]

Great review all in all. For the whole video I was super nervous you'll hit the amps into each other with the turning tables. Haha.

[@fritzbecker6523]

I have the Azur 851A running with a pair of Heco speakers.....vers satisfied

[@NISIROVEDE]

One of the best reviews on the internet. Thank you man. You helped me a lot. With Epos M16 + M22 combo A+B (QED XT and Cardas Crosslink 1S cables) works like a dream. Very clear and defined sound. Neutral... I bought the CXA because of connectivity options (digital inputs). Also the Bluetooth option, this was crucial. My friend has the Azur 851. They are similar in sound but the Azur is obviously more muscular. But for this class you can't go wrong with either. If you want connectivity go for the CXA, if you want just an amplifier, go for the Azur. To pay or not to pay few hundreds more for less connectivity options but on the other side for more power is on you. The CXA80 for me works SUPERB. Ideal combo will be Azur power + CXA connectivity. XD

[@clasvirhodes4969]

I have owned a Cambridge Azur 751R2 amp/receiver and the matching Azur 752 BD player for 6 years . Both are fantastic. I use PSB Image T6 towers. I feel the weakest link is the PSB T6's. Only complaint I have with Cambridge is the cheap remote controls. They have very short lifespans. Been thru 4 remotes for my amp and 2 for my BD player.

[@crys_o]

The problem these days is spending a lot of money doesn't guarantee long term reliability. You only have to look at all the reports of CA products failing soon after warranty expires. It isn't restricted to their low end products, it goes all the way up to their flagship products. Gone are the days when you could buy a high end product expecting to get 10+ years out of it. We live in a disposable society and companies don't seem to give a shit and cut as many corners possible to increase profit margins. Cambridge Audio gear is brilliant when it's working, it just sucks that they're plagued with so many quality control issues and engineering oversights due to cost cutting.

[@GT-je5nv]

My musical fidelity B1 still going strong after 35 years with my Lentk s4 speakers great sound both are made in England cheers

[@Moebius-m2c]

This is not entirely true because CXA models are very reliable.

[@kroneditor9266]

An excellent comparison! Very informative well presented - many thanks!

[@1968leg]

To sum this up. The 851a is very revealing. If you throw a poor recording at it, it will be quite painful to listen to. But, put a good quality recording through it and you will hear heaven. If you love old music, just make sure it's remastered.

[@jpdrsn33]

I believe Audiolab has some integrated amps in this price range. Some of them could be extended with a power amp later if you upgrade speakers or something.

[@1968leg]

Great review dude! Point about Rock on the 851 spot on. Really lose the sound stage with Rock or Dance music. But play acoustic or chillout music and I have to say it's the most amazing sound stage I've actually heard. I've heard so many more expensive amps but for those genre's. This 851a is outrageously good.

[@prathanw7091]

I have CXA80. Absolutely agree with your review on CXA especially on soundstage and focus. Read so many reviews but no one comment on this. Great job 👍👍👍 Noted that I paired CXA80 with KEF R700. Sound is great!

[@hclandscapes]

Those speakers would sound a lot better with more power, i don't think the cambridge CXA80 would get the best out of those speakers

[@carlosmendes6732]

@@hclandscapes do you think the Azur 851a is a good amplifier for Klipsch rp280f speakers? Or, with the same price, you recomends annother? Thanks.

[@Moebius-m2c]

@@hclandscapes This performance is more than enough. Cambridge gives a real 80 watts.

[@FEGTTTSDH]

Awesome review, I enjoy my CXA80 with Kef LS50

[@crimsonite5]

FEGTTTSDH how is the bass on this set up?

[@wuchinshan133]

I owned a 851A int amp a few years ago. Sound was very good. But the machine died after about 2.5 years. It wasn't just a blown fuse either, something more serious. I've heard very mixed opinions about quality/durability of CA products in general. Should have listened, will never buy CA again.

[@Music_time82]

Wu Chin Shan they are shit amps.

[@Moebius-m2c]

@@Music_time82 You are stupid for it

[@Moebius-m2c]

CXA models are very reliable. Just because you bought a bad one doesn't mean they're all bad. I and my spacious environment never had a problem with them. Don't project your problem onto someone else. It's a peasant thing.

[@BigPoppa-t3z]

Arnold knows his shit.

[@jeffrichards4399]

Have a 851A with PMS Twenty Five 23. A good amp, but always seems to have that extra bit missing.

[@systemawarrior]

What do you mean by extra bit?

[@GodfreyMann]

Great review. Have you heard the new CXA81 and if so how does it compare to the Azur? I’d rather have an amp without built-in DAC, but with the Azur being an old design is it unable to compete sonically?

[@MrOutlawDave]

Cx80 vs Marantz 6006?

[@GT-je5nv]

Congratulations nicely done cheers

[@nikemac84]

AWESOME!!!!!! These are the two main integrated amps I'm considering. I wanted to see what the difference in sound quality. In the U.S., they cost $999 (CXA80) and $1500 (Azur 851A), so you guys (Europe) are paying MORE. Also, you didn't mention that the Azur 851A came out in 2012!!!!!!!! They are VERY old. I called Cambridge Audio when it would be updated or replaced but they said they DIDN'T know!!!

[@BigMacEnjoyer3000]

So if something is old, it is bad? I don't understand this logic.

[@reaality3860]

I would choose whichever one puts the most stable current into a 4-ohm load.

[@TheNitpicker]

azur over cx80 but by now cxa81 over both of them, but i noticed there are so many great amps out there, makes it very hard to make the best choice

[@reaality3860]

@@TheNitpicker, Look into Outlaw Audio. They have reasonably priced amps willing to push a 2-Ohm load.

[@TheNitpicker]

Why should I care about 2 ohm load or those kind of values anyway. I noticed those don't mean much of anything anyways, maybe on paper. most speakers are 4 or 8 anyways and I'm reviewing quite a bunch of amps these days anyways. Outlaw audio isn't a brand easy to get here in Europe.

[@reaality3860]

@@TheNitpicker, It may be just a matter of opinion, and I might be wrong, but current into lower ohm loads reflect an amp's 'headroom'. In my experience, the more headroom an amp has the more precise control of speaker drivers and the more accurate the reproduction of sound.

[@TheNitpicker]

Well I guess you're wrong then. Whst you're saying sounds off, every speaker has a fixed set ohm, if it's 4ohm, why are you asking what's better for 2 ohm, like said almost no speaker uses 2ohm. Also more headroom doesn't automatically mean better sound, sounds logical in theory but in audio theory and reality are often miles apart. You can't just choose by numbers on spec shits alone, there's so many more factors to it

[@maxrider2887]

Please suggest me which one better in sound quality. #Little bit clean tight punchy #bass liker. # i am recently using a Yamah R-N602 . ### is it worth to upgrade with those 👇🏼 amp? Cambridge Audio Cxa61 Vs Audiolab 6000A Thanks in Advance

[@stofferrussell]

If you add an Azur 851N network streamer, it also is a great DAC and preamp with digital inputs. Also the remote controls both the network player and the amp.

[@TheNitpicker]

Yes but at this point in time the CXN80 V2 would make more sense, it's the way faster and better streamer

[@stofferrussell]

@@TheNitpicker ok. I love my Azur 851N so I can only speak from my own experience. The sound is amazing, especially with Tidal and local FLAC files.

[@benkrake3678]

With my next system, I’m looking for what I call the “WOW” effect, something that will blow me away, and let me hear my favourite music like I have never heard it before. Sometimes that can be a really hard challenge to find a system that can do that. Sure enough if you find a really good amplifier, but then you have to find a good set of speakers that will work well with the amplifier and the room you’re putting it in to. It also unfortunate that where I live, there’s not too many high end HiFi store close to me. One store that I’d like to check out is on the other side of town to where I live.

[@yippie6862]

I don't like the idea of a DAC added to integrated amps. They usually aren't the best quality, they raise the price of the amplifier, a built-in DAC can introduce noise into the amplifier, and the DAC becomes outdated after a few years time. The amp itself will last you 10-20 years while DAC technology will be surpassed within 5 years forcing you to buy a new DAC. Better to just buy a separate DAC.

[@FEGTTTSDH]

The DAC inside is good, and is 192khz capable. If you want DSD you need another DAC. But yes a standalone dac like my Chord Qutest is a massive upgrade in quality

[@alphaniner3770]

I agree with you Yippie. I also wonder what happens to a DAC if it gets heated up in the AMP all the time. - I still use a CD-player - and I can use the DAC of that one. An AMP without a DAC is an advantage IMO.

[@AverageNiceGuy]

Thank you

[@cosmoshfa88savant66]

i just got the Azure a few days ago to replace my old pioneer,,,WOW such a difference,,,,Geil,,, :-)

[@vicg5323]

That’s funny no volume indicator. My As2100 has the same problem. I used a white marker to fix.

[@silvionovais2504]

Hello Friend! What are the dimensions of the cabinet without the feet? I'm doing a little hack.

[@edshipe2555]

Great review. They now have the CXA81 available for 1300 US. I'm thinking of get it my living/dining room may need some forgiveness. TY

[@TheNitpicker]

Yes the CXA81 sounds really good for the price, unfortunately my contact to the brand was kinda cut off so I can't say for sure

[@Aguaterolimon]

Hello! What about the cxa with speakers focal chora 806?

[@oozle1884]

great review!! does the cx80 have a processor mode to drive the front of an AV set up?? i know the Azur does.

[@ricardoalexandreteixeirada6264]

Hi. How are you doing? I would like to know about the sound quality when you connect headphones. Is it a good quality? Thanks!

[@Najstefaniji]

good review, tnx

[@sgtjenko]

Are you saying you don't need a Dac with the Cambridge CXA80 is that because it has digital inputs?

[@TheNitpicker]

The cxa has a Dac built in, how else would the USB work

[@sgtjenko]

@@TheNitpicker - No idea that's why I asked the question

[@cnoboa]

Every amp with digital inputs (optical, coaxial or USB) has a DAC inside.

[@sgtjenko]

@@cnoboa - Every device has a DAC inside, otherwise it wouldn't work, even your phone.

[@riku5168]

I need an integrated amplifier with 3 balanced inputs. Digital inputs are extra (not necessary). I was looking at the 851A but it has only 2 inputs. Any recommendations?

[@TheNitpicker]

I've never seen an amp with 3 balanced inputs, definitely not one that's halfway affordable. Balanced is a bit overrated anyways

[@axlpam]

Great video, thank you very much! I am between the CXA80 and the marantz HD-AMP1. Which one should I choose in your opinion? Thank you in advance!

[@TheNitpicker]

never got to use the Marantz, can't say

[@axlpam]

@@TheNitpicker ok, thanks for your answer

[@ufarkingicehole]

If you are more concerned with sound... CA. If your more concerned with features.. Marantz Both sound pretty good with similar signatures

[@pounceonyou1958]

Thanks, and could you please review the Rotel RA-12.

[@TheNitpicker]

No access to rotel, and it won't change since no one watches my audio content which won't make it any easier to get more access

[@pounceonyou1958]

Please continue, you do very good informative reviews, and was wondering which is better between Elac B6.2 and Cambridge Aeromax 2?

[@TheNitpicker]

Sorry don't know the elac

[@carlosmendes6732]

@@TheNitpicker do you think the Azur 851a is a good amplifier for Klipsch rp280f speakers? Or you recomends annother amplifiee with the same price? Thanks.

[@TheNitpicker]

At this point the 851A is simply too old, a successor is even supposed to come this year. I'd rather go for the CXA81, at the momentan I'd go for the project DS2 series which sounds pretty good.

[@sayers1984]

Brilliant review really in depth, I own the azur851a I find you have to turn volume up to almost 70% they say it's because it's digital I find it odd considering boasting of its power, however apart from that the sound is great paticularly the treble is clean withought distortion and instruments seem nicely seperated I will be keeping this for years to come.

[@dockfork6446]

Hi ! Its possibly to use it like preamp ?

[@TheNitpicker]

Yes but why would you get such an expensive amp just for the pre amp

[@sunand777]

Cxa80 or azur 851a , which one is better for Tannoy xt8f ? i listening all type of music..

[@TheNitpicker]

I don't know the tannoy but the Azur is the higher end one after which is audible

[@sunand777]

@@TheNitpicker I am in dilemma in selecting cxa80 or 851a, please suggest me...

[@TheNitpicker]

Didn't I just do that, I said Azur

[@sunand777]

Azur 851A is good for EDM, Pop and Enigma type music?

[@TheNitpicker]

Sure

[@thedownunderverse]

Great review! Very curious to know how the CXA-60 compares to the CXA-80. Many believe the CXA-60 is more musical. I’ve got a pair of B&W CM5s2’s, each rolling off to a pair of REL T5i subs (2.2 stereo setup) and wanting to pick the DAC/Amp to compliment that distinctly British “neutral but warm” sound

[@TheNitpicker]

can't say since I never used the 60

[@MartinTeerly]

Is this better than Denon PMA 1600 ?

[@TheNitpicker]

Didn't use a denon stereo amp yet, maybe soon

[@MartinTeerly]

why marantz 8006 is more expensive than this ??

[@nenotek7870]

Its not.infact marantz is cheaper than 851.

[@MartinTeerly]

@@nenotek7870 Marantz is over 1000gbp and Cambridge audio cax80 is 600 quit my friend

[@nenotek7870]

@@MartinTeerly where in EU is cx80 less than 1000euro?

[@MartinTeerly]

@@nenotek7870 in UK today it cost £600 and refurbished by Cambridge audio on eBay £480

[@AndresYatesCohen]

Great Video, - I have an issue with my Azur 551R the OSD menu doesn’t appear on my tv screen. Just reset it , but still without success. Any suggestions on how to solve the issues? Thanks.

[@Music_time82]

I had the cxa80. It was ok sound but didn't make sense. Zero sonic 3d sound. Have you ever tried auralic merak mono blocks? If not you need to try. Makes the cambridge sound like a 100 dollar amp.

[@FEGTTTSDH]

a 2000 euro mono amp? you need another 2000 mono amp and a preamplifier too... Awesome logic

[@Moebius-m2c]

Try a Cambridge audio Edge A and throw away the monoblocks you use at home. 🙂

[@tannoy6155]

Comparing apples and pears , 851 A wins hands down

[@TheNitpicker]

How's 2 amps with comparable tech apples vs pears. I really doubt you know what the expression actually means since those 2 ARE totally comparable especially since it wasn't at all simply about one winning, the other one losing, which you obviously didn't get

[@tannoy6155]

Now if you compared the cx 80 and the cx 60 , you know full well the cx80 wins , the 851 beats the cx80 on every specification , the only difference is it has a inbuilt DAC , the 851 A with a decent seperate dac is way above the cx80s capabilities , on sheer wieght alone , pointless video , compare the cx80 with the 651 A

[@JPWinters]

@@tannoy6155 Have you been drinking?

[@blxtothis]

But why buy CA amps in the first place?

[@FEGTTTSDH]

Because in my country Naim or Luxman is much much more expensive...

[@geoffreybaker937]

Sound in the 70 was not that great sorry, a good recording and dreadful one we have move on. as amp's are newer better build etc.

[@yurgleshmurgle]

My mum say are you married?

[@DukeoftheBlackSea5408]

only Azur851A

[@jan.t.600]

Good sound but terrible build quality

[@bendermi]

So Cambridge is bad? Does anybody have a test or review?

[@alphaniner3770]

@@bendermi If you read enough reviews and tests you will notice that 'not ideal quality control' is a problem that many UK designed HIFI-products have. If you don't like it, it is better to go US or German. The trick with this I guess, is only to buy it from a seller that has good customer service and use it a lot during the warranty period. Most problems will surface rather sooner than later.

[@bendermi]

@@alphaniner3770 Wikipedia writes it's high end . I've earlier heard I should leave my hands of it but the guy couldn't tell me the reason why .

[@alphaniner3770]

@@bendermi - yes - if someone cannot tell why the argument becomes pretty weak. So 'good sound but terrible build quality' is not a very useful comment, because terrible build quality can never give good sound. I guess 'terrible quality control' is what Jan was trying to say. I can only share my experience. I recently gathered a lot of info because my components after about 20 years of service start falling apart. I want my next system to be a significant improvement in sound quality - but I also want it to last for a long time. Forums where people write/ask about problems with certain models are pretty useful. For example I was digging into the Roksan Caspian AMP and CD-player - then I found that many people write about breakdowns on forums. The same apparently with some other UK brands, unfortunately.

[@bendermi]

@@alphaniner3770 I listened to his advice because we agreed on other products . Sorry to hear about the build quality in the UK i all ways thought they made well designed equipment , my NAD amps never let my down .

[@Siriusblck55]

Hei dude, don't need speak to fast.

[@Larsen-xn4qn]

Это не усилители а полное дерьмо не советую к покупке не одному вменяемому человеку !!!

[@dannyoblomov3017]

что можете посоветовать. бу до 85 тыс? спасибо

[@Larsen-xn4qn]

@@dannyoblomov3017 Как вариант TEAC Ai-2000 редко но всплывает, есть и другие ему аналогичные.. Если нужен усилитель с регуляторами тембра тут всё обрастает нюансами поскольку такие усилители почему-то карявенько выполнены.

[@dannyoblomov3017]

@@Larsen-xn4qnтемброблок не нужен. А что по поводу Densen 110/120LE/130, CA azur 851a, exposure 3010s ,nad 388 (класс D), sugden 21a (класс А)? Может сталкивались

[@Larsen-xn4qn]

@@dannyoblomov3017 851 у меня был, ни рыба ни мясо звук мертвый и всё, ещё и часто ломаются сборка отвратительная если честно ... Над не стану советовать. Остальные вами перечесленные имеют право на жизнь в системе

[@dannyoblomov3017]

@@Larsen-xn4qn спасибо большое. Склонялся к densen и sugden как раз. Но от класса А откажусь, думаю. На энергичных жанрах АВ интереснее должен быть.

[@victoralexander848]

what a shame cambridge gone from a one time a really good british amp to turning out such rubbish, you will be disappointed

[@mnpinball]

China

[@EliasTheHunter]

No, he sounds German.

[@Moebius-m2c]

Just like BMW, Tesla or other brands. You know nothing about China.