Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII Review

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

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[@0956y]

I love the invisible man footsteps on the carpet

[@Diploization]

Love your reviews and sense of humor.Keep them coming.

[@geraldoram2453]

I have the CXA61 version 2 which also has an earphone socket. Very pleased with it. Also it was reduced by £100. Definitely worth a review.

[@Norman-bone13]

I knew you’d love the sound of the CXA-81 MKII. 🎶 According to Cambridge Audio, the focus of the CX Series is the sound quality, so they left phono pre out. Same w/tone controls. Looking forward to your detailed review. I bet you keep it. Sell the Leak 230 unless it’s special to you. Again, you cracked me up when out of the blue you started singing the wheels on the bus go round & round. I believe now you’re as crazy as I am. 👍🏼😎🎶👊🏽

[@Niels133]

Don't want no FB. Like the YT. Looks great, the Cambridge.

[@AlexanderG-mi7ip]

I am so glad you've got a Cambridge amp. I've had the all analogue Cambridge AXA35 for a year now, and it works like a beast...

[@ianyates7742]

I have quite a selection of Cambridge components from speakers, CD, amps, and dvd player and I’ve got to say it’s really good gear and it’s all staying put 😂❤

[@jonatiptop1209]

Hello, your reviews are good and fun 👍 the first review I watched you did was the Marantz pm6007! I have a Marantz pm6007 and was wandering if the cxa81 would be a significant jump up in sound quality in your opinion? Thanks for the fun reviews 😂👍

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

It would be better but not really significant. What speakers do you use?

[@jonatiptop1209]

@ hello,thanks for replying 👍 I have some Dali opticon 2 mk 2. We are Fortunate enough to have a small music listening room that the wife let me sound treat too lol and got the perfect seating position 👍 but I can’t help but think Im Missing out on some extra sparklyness! I wouod Look at the cx streamer too maybe 🤔

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

If you're thinking of getting an amp and streamer it may be worth checking out the Yamaha R-N1000A?

[@RanTausi]

Take care ❤️. I will stick with my ADCOM GFA 555mk 2 for me it is beast of an amp , plenty of power and sound damm Good 👍

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

That is a bit of a monster! 😄

[@arliecrumpler3213]

I believe it has tone and balance control. Try pressing the menu button located between the volume control/ fwd/back buttons. The display window should show bass, treble, and balance. You can adjust each setting up or down, or left and right 2db at a time. That's how it works on my AXR85. I think it's a standard feature since it doesn't offer knobs for adjustments.

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

Not on this model unfortunately.

[@andrehendrik]

all things considered the more affordable CXA61 (now discontinued) was one of those rare bargains for quality hifi

[@Norman-bone13]

Agree 💯%. I was fortunate to snag one after they were discontinued. It was an Open Box Deal/return item for $509. No regrets. I’m in a smaller space now and don’t need 80w. The 60w of the CXA-61 is plenty for my space. I feel I got a great bargain for price to performance. I’m happy with the sound paired with Wharfedale Diamond 225s. I’ve gone all British with amp & speakers. 🎶😎👍🏼

[@gianlucabassi8853]

Cxa60 is the best

[@GeirRssaak]

Nice to see a box!

[@jeffjefferson7384]

Cambridge Audio kit always looks gorgeous to me.

[@Panslapper]

Got a 20 years old Teac AH-500i arriving today, loads of knobs on it!

[@Jack96993]

Glad you found the invisible man to help you unbox the Cambridge 😅

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

Hope I can find him for the next unboxing!

[@Jack96993]

Must say very well done indeed!!

[@alanjipy55]

I have the original cxa81.. I dont have a problem with the inputs, just use the remote.. I dont think you'll be tempted to send it back lol.

[@koodongs]

Hello. I'm also using Cambridge cxa81 mk2. The led on the power button is bothering me. I think it's too bright when it's in stand-by mode. from Korea

[@Setright]

Me too. Well, same light on my MXN10 streamer.

[@kevinsheppard6085]

cannot wait to see what you think of it and how it compares to the Leak

[@livium75]

Hello! How did the leak 230 sound compared to the Cambridge? An opinion before making the video? It's interesting what the first impression is.

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

I need to do a little more A/B testing before I can form an opinion. Please bear with me.

[@GeirRssaak]

Your unboxing is amazing!

[@chrisnunya7171]

Hey bud, hope you feel better soon. I forgot to tell ya I'm from Ohio, U.S.A. in my Facebook post on your page. By the way, that's a VERY nice piece of equipment! A bit above my pay grade. 😅

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

It's above min e too but I need to find a way! 😄

[@alistermccallum]

The Cambridge AXR-100 has a MM phono stage if someone wanted the phono stage in a similar form factor, it also has a bit more power. Would love to hear some sound demos with your Diamond 220s powered by the CXA.

[@xsamitt]

Love your Channel!

[@tonyhall8947]

I reckon you will keep your Leak amp. Leak looks nicer (goes well with lintons) has Phono stage and tone controls. Looking forward to see what you think in next vid. 👍

[@jamesschneider3828]

I have first gen CXA81 and am disappointed that the new series two still doesn’t have HDMI arc input and they really need to put a tiny led on the volume knob so when using remote from across the room you can see where your at. Too bad. I’ll keep my first gen as it has served me well for four years.

[@aj8ky]

Looks awesome mate, very pleased for you! I bet it sounds wonderful with those Lintons,…just don’t accidentally punch it. 😂😂😂 Your amplifier cost nearly as much as my entire Chi Fi that i just put together for my last bday in June! 😂😂😂 All the best fella!

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

What Chi-Fi kit do you have?

[@sbwlearning1372]

Dont let cost fool you I stuck a £100 classD amp ( BRZHIFI X10 )against my arcam a39 £1300 driving vintage Ruark acoustic templars. Was stunned to find there wasn't much in it regarding sound quality so sold the Arcam to invest in a valve preamp on the audio journey My Dac is xiang sheng OB5 - II Lovely sounding. Been using the BRZHIFI X10 every day for around 3 years in the bedroom with vintage monitor audio speakers. Sounds fab. There is a lot of ridiculous redundant snobbery in the audio world. ( As well as snake oil salesman) 😁

[@aj8ky]

@@UTILITARIANTVUK It’s just an EDIFIER active speaker system with WiiM streamer and mojo2. It consists of: EDIFIER S3000MKII (updated S3000pros) with matching stands. Chord mojo2 DAC + Headphone Amp (Arrived Faulty waiting for replacement to arrive) WiiM mini S.M.S.L PO100PRO USBC to Optical/Coaxial/12S Digital to Digital Converter. Audioquest cinnamon 1.5 meter usbc cable Audioquest cinnamon 1.5 meter optilink cable Audioquest golden gate 1.0 meter 3.5mm jack to RCA cable ISO acoustics isopuck mini x 8 Tidal connect (I can’t afford to start buying CDs or Vinyl again) To be honest though, it sounds so much better than i thought, it blows my old systems out of the water, especially being a WiFi (no speaker cables) active speaker system. It’s probably the last system I’ll be able to buy so tried to get it all straight away, I’m disabled now and soon to be unemployed. I decided to go minimalistic (aesthetically) and build it all into the active speaker and stand. So all the components are attached to the master speaker stand with picture hanging strips. I’m probably around £1300 all in. I just hope I don’t regret buying an active Chi Fi speaker system, as I now realise if it breaks the whole system dies rather than just individual components. All the best!

[@aj8ky]

@@UTILITARIANTVUK It’s just an EDIFIER active speaker system with WiiM streamer and mojo2. It consists of: EDIFIER S3000MKII (updated S3000pros) with matching stands. Chord mojo2 DAC + Headphone Amp (Arrived Faulty waiting for replacement to arrive) WiiM mini S.M.S.L PO100PRO USBC to Optical/Coaxial/12S Digital to Digital Converter. Audioquest cinnamon 1.5 meter usbc cable Audioquest cinnamon 1.5 meter optilink cable Audioquest golden gate 1.0 meter 3.5mm jack to RCA cable ISO acoustics isopuck mini x 8 Tidal connect (I can’t afford to start buying CDs or Vinyl again) To be honest though, it sounds so much better than i thought it would, it blows my old systems out of the water, especially being a WiFi (no speaker cables) active speaker system. It’s probably the last system I’ll ever be able to buy, I’m recently disabled and soon to be unemployed. I decided to go minimalistic (aesthetically) and build it all into the active speaker and stand. So all the components are attached to the master speaker stand with picture hanging strips. I’m probably around £1300 all in. I just hope I don’t regret buying an active Chi Fi speaker system, as I now realise if it breaks the whole system dies rather than just individual components. All the best!

[@aj8ky]

@@UTILITARIANTVUK I don’t use Bookface, but I’m happy to send you some pics another way.

[@Panslapper]

Get well soon mate!

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

thanks 💪

[@JosephTongret]

I see you're into a lot of the "chi-fi" dacs and other moderately priced value gear. Have you considered getting a Minidsp Flex or similar and running it as your preamp directly to a power amp? I ask because I considered it for a long time and a few months ago I finally ordered one. I've been impressed with the improvements I've heard with just a little eq through the low end to eliminate peaks. Since I use subs in my stereo setups, I don't think I'll ever want to not have dsp capability in the chain going forward. Also, I just discovered your channel in the last few months and I really love your content man!

[@TheNorliss]

Hey mate, what's the thinking here? To replace the Leak with this? Or to use it as a power amp, because you mentioned running the pre outs from the Leak into the Cambridge. Enquiring minds want to know!

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

I cant afford to keep it unless I sell the Leak 230. So I'm going to do a lot of A/B testing over the next week to determine whether to keep it or send it back?

[@TheNorliss]

@@UTILITARIANTVUK Fair enough. Both quite different in terms of design ethos but it'll be interesting to see how much of a difference there is in sound...

[@Jack96993]

I don't have a Facebook page but I could send you a link to a KZbin vid I made a while back of my stereo rig, if you like All my equipment and speaker position are in the description Oh, I bought the VAC tube amp and ARC LS15 tube preamp back in 1996

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

Sure, post the link here.

[@Jack96993]

Some Sax playing on my stereo system kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJmYn2qYmbB3qa8si=rzl2qaZ06ZL-ffWN

[@Jack96993]

@UTILITARIANTVUK I sent one with Sax jazz but through a female voice can be tricky Hope you don't mind kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKDJn3Z5jtqFaposi=-gDlQ_OFZHZvhyf_

[@davejones538]

Posting on Facebook now gets you arrested 🤣 and I definitely don't want DWP seeing my hifi 🥊🥊🥊

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

Just had the cops at the door asking after you! Don't worry. I'm no grass. 😂😂😂

[@gwine9087]

Nice, but I never listen to FM anymore, so a receiver is a waste. I am looking at their integrated amps along with Rega and Arcam.

[@ropeburn6684]

You want "endgame" for even less money? SMSL DO100 DAC (2xES9039Q2M, XLR out) for 200 moneys, plus Hypex NC252MP based power amplifier (XLR input, 2x250W) for 500-700 moneys. Puts this Cambridge to shame in every aspect - detail, resolution, flatness/neutrality, bass control, and especially power. They Cambridge advertised "hefty 2x80W" are a bad joke compared. Let's not even talk about other things like power efficiency. Then it gets real bad for this class AB dinosaur doubling as a space heater.

[@christee2908]

@ropeburn6684 Energy prices are something to take into account these days. But this remains a hobby and every hobby costs money, sometimes lots of money. Have you ever listened to a real class-A amplifier compared to those energy efficient class-D. You would be amazed at how much better and more musical, a class-A sounds. This Cambridge is a class AB, this is somewhat more energy efficient than a purely class A amplifier, but still very much better sounding than a class D. Let us be realistic that Cambridge remains Mid-Fi equipment and not High End, studio or whatever, and in this class it is absolutely still among the best.

[@ropeburn6684]

@@christee2908 Have you ever made properly set up ABX/double blind tests to confirm your "amazingly superior musicality" statement? No? So haven't I. So both of us have exactly zero objective basis for any claim we make about the highly subjective sound difference between amplifier classes and models, beyond mere psychological bias.

[@Raymondey]

I’m still rocking Cambridge Azur 851A 😎

[@alanjipy55]

Cool. I took the chance and bought a second hand one just over a week ago. I also have the cxa81😊

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

120 watts per channel!

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

@alanjipy55 How does it compare to the cxa81?

[@alanjipy55]

@@UTILITARIANTVUK The cxa81 has a warmer sound due to quite a bit of mid bass, it's a little brighter. The 851a has more detail, a sweeter treble, deeper layers of resolution.. A better match for my speakers, Tannoy XT-8F.

[@joc1016]

I'm not on Facebook

[@gianlucabassi8853]

The Big C. Audio LIE... no tone controls has Always been our philosophy.....this amp could be the best just adding tone controls. C.A. has had a ton of Amps with tone controls. Cxa séries included...Lie...lie..lie

[@michaelvincent8306]

Now you have a dilemma to go with the chest infection both painful but in different ways a grand for an amp who would have thought it you best go lay down mart

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

Too pricey for me

[@lextr3110]

ES9018K2M dac hahaha put a quad rohm dac and I might be interested...

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

Meh

[@alstonmaccow9386]

Don’t like the look. So wont be watching the review

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

Me or the amp? 🤔

[@johnstump2433]

@@UTILITARIANTVUK Lol

[@joc1016]

Just give an email address

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

There's an email address in the about section of my channel page.

[@dmvinyl8326]

This hobby is very expensive 😁

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

I may need to sell a kidney!

[@aj8ky]

Is that an option a richer sounds? I’ve still got a kidney i don’t think I’m using much anymore!