Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier Review

SECRETS reviewer Taps Das continues his look at affordable stereo integrated amplifiers. Today he gives us his thoughts on the Cambridge Audio CXA81 Stereo Integrated Amp.

[@Firebottleman]

Hey Taps. +1 on TONE CONTROLS. I just sold my Audiolab 6000A because I was sick of hearing a good portion of my music that is recorded '' hot''. These companies should be able to design a proper set of tone controls that do no harm. I bought a Creek Evo 50 integrated, and it's funny how good it sounds with them engaged as opposed to bypassed. As far as I'm concerned, I don't want amplifier companies dictating how I listen to my music. At the very least, give us consumers the choice, even if there's a small cut in resolution. Some recordings really need less resolution. They also need to stop chasing numbers with their flat specs, and make modern musical amps that are meaty, resolute and sweet. Thank you.

[@0102studio]

It's an interesting discussion at the very least! Maybe the "entry level" products could include consumer features vs the 'Audiophile' ones, and then higher end products could cater more to audiophiles. Also I agree with the resolution comment. Try playing early Wu tang Clan on a good system it is not awesome lol.

[@caroldelaney4700]

I like the idea of an equalizer.retro and fun.I have just purchased my new cxa81.thanks for this help and info.

[@RobertMurray-m8h]

As ever a lucid,clear insightful review !! Many thanks

[@Firebottleman]

I did it again! I shouldn't comment without watching the whole video. We said the same things. We're on the same page bud. One thing I am going to add on tone controls though. Why don't these companies show us their engineering chops by properly designing good eq/tone settings. Put your money where your mouth is. Good work Taps. Keep em' coming.

[@Colin623]

I have a Ampapa A1 where I can add tone controls via that, the A1 has two inputs, one for a CD and one for a turntable, I can alter the sound via this method, it costs around £120 !

[@umbrollo]

Great amp. No complaints. Just works , Just does the job

[@umbrollo]

I bought the evos to match them.

[@clivepacker]

I have the CXA81 paired with the Monitor Audio Silver 500 7Gs, with an Emotiva ERC-4 CD player also acting as a DAC for my TV. I am totally in my happy place with this setup, the Monitor Audios having replaced some PSB Imagine X2Ts a few months ago.

[@MrZekToR]

Hi. I have the CXA81 too - currently used with the Monitor Audio Bronze 5G's from circa 2016. The MA speakers are fantastic, and I'm considering upgrading to the MA Silver 300 7G's. The model down from your 500's. The MA website suggests that the minimum recommended amplifier output is 80-watts. Which is right where the CXA81 is for maximum output. So, interested to learn how well your 500's perform on the CXA81. My current Bronze 5G's (5.25-inch drivers) are very, very loud at the 11 o'clock position on the volume dial. So, how far do you need to turn the dial with the 500's to get more than plenty loud enough performance? Also, does it still feel like the amplifier still has plenty of power in reserve for these speakers? Lastly, what do the speakers sound like at lower volume? ...still a well rounded performance at both the bottom / top end? Thanks.

[@clivepacker]

@@MrZekToR So there are two answers, because since I posted that I have upgraded everything... So part 1, with the Emotiva and CXA 81 setup, everything performed great. I never felt the amp was struggling at all, and I was probably around 10 o clock on the dial for most listening. I was very happy, based on the source I was operating with, either the CXA internal DAC or the Emotiva. That said, my Emotiva CD player developed a mechanical fault which sent me hunting for a new CD player / DAC device. I ended up with the Rotel DT-6000 which is in a different league from the Emotiva. A much more resolving source component. With the DT, it became clear that there was bass information coming off discs or digital inputs that the CXA just couldn't quite realize. So that sent me on the hunt for a new amplifier. I was looking at the RA-1592 but ended up with a Rotel RA-6000 floor model for the same price as the RA-1592. Again, in a different league. So it's really about finding a level and everything at that level working together. The Rotel is much better, but it's also three times the price of the CXA81... So, with your setup I would say yes, the Silver is a very logical next upgrade. They'll sound great with the CXA but they won't be embarrassed by a much better amplifier down the road.

[@madcrabber1113]

No tone controls no sale. Love "oommppff" hate neutral.

[@Colin623]

But he said it wasn't neutral ! I have a Ampapa A1 where I can add tone controls via that, the A1 has two inputs, one for a CD and one for a turntable, I can alter the sound via this method, it costs around £120 !