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Cambridge

Cambridge Audio CXA81

Cambridge Audio CXA81

Regular price $1,999.00 AUD
Regular price $2,149.00 AUD Sale price $1,999.00 AUD
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Rewarding Performance 

Our CXA81 integrated amplifier builds on the foundations laid by the first CX Series, and over 50 years’ experience of building amps. It offers a progressive perspective – effortless, poised and sophisticated. 80 watts per channel give CXA81 complete authority over music, to reveal every emotion and nuance from your whole music collection – be that streamed or on disc. 

CXA81 Black Edition

CX Black Edition

We present a 1000-piece limited edition of each CX Series 2 model in a minimalist matt black finish, with discreet gloss black branding. The same award-winning sound as CX, only in black. Why? Because we thought they’d look dead cool. If you want some, please don’t delay – CX Black Edition won’t be here for long. 

Man enjoying CXA81 at home

Your World’s a Stage

The thing that hits you when you hear CXA81 for the first time, is just how detailed everything sounds. You’ll pick up instruments, subtle shifts in tone, and harmonies you’ve previously missed. Close your eyes, and you’ll be able to place every musician in the soundstage. Once you’ve experienced CXA81, there’s no turning back.

Engineer working on Cambridge Audio product

Return on Investment

Our engineering team in London invested hours researching, developing, experimenting and, above all, listening to ensure that CXA81 was right. Their goal: to make the most accomplished and absorbing integrated amp in its class. Every component selected, and decision made, based on the desire to deliver the most complete musical picture possible.
 

CXA81 stack

Effortlessly Musical

At the heart of CXA81 beats a Class AB power amplifier stage with optimised capacitor values. It takes the musicality of Class A and blends it with the efficiency of Class B. The amp’s short signal path is efficient, leaving little opportunity for interference. The resulting sound is pristine while delivering the emotional impact the artist intended.

Close up of CXA81 detail

Power with Control

Thanks to a generous toroidal transformer, CXA81 delivers a prodigious 80 watts of power per channel. Dual taps into the left and right of the amplification board mean that, in effect, each channel has its own power supply – resulting in a vivid sound stage. Dynamic shifts in music – like those loud then quiet moments – are handled with ease. 

Man enjoying CXA81 at home

Get the Message 

Designed to bring your music to life, CXA81’s state-of-the-art digital circuit board includes the cutting-edge ESS Sabre ES9016 digital-to-analogue convertor (DAC). This means digital audio files, up to a heady 32-bit/384kHz or DSD256, are energised – with every subtle detail delivered in full. CXA81 combines unparalleled accuracy with vivid musicality, doing so beautifully.

Connectivity options at rear of CXA81

Get Connected

CXA81 has connectivity covered. As well as digital optical, coaxial and USB Audio, it features stereo RCA inputs, balanced XLR sockets plus wireless hi-res connectivity via Bluetooth aptX HD – perfect for Alva TT V2. You can even connect a second set of speakers, to hear your music in another room.

Button being pressed on the CXA81

Designed for Life

Thanks to the relentless dedication of our team in London, CXA81 is a complete solution. Its combination of versatility, power and audio excellence means it can form the centre of your musical experience for many years to come. Its elegant, minimalistic lines, crafted from aluminium and steel, will endure both physically and aesthetically. 


  • Superb Amp. I Can’t Stop Smiling

    "I bought this amp a week or so ago and cannot recommend it enough. The clarity, soundstage and depth are a giant stride better than my old amp. Everything is so tight and crisp. Digital or vinyl it’s like I’m listening to my music collection for the first time.”

    CXA81 Listener – West Midlands, England

    • THE DETAILS

      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
      DIGITAL AUDIO INPUTS 1 x S/PDIF coaxial, 2 x TOSLINK optical, 1 x USB audio, Bluetooth (integrated)
      COMPATIBILITY TOSLINK optical: 16/24bit 32-96kHz PCM only, S/PDIF coaxial: 16/24bit 32-192kHz PCM only, USB: audio profile 1.0/2.0 (default 2.0), up to 24-bit 384kHz PCM, up to DSD256 or DoP256, Bluetooth: 4.2 A2DP/AVRCP supporting up to aptX HD (24bit 48kHz)
      BLUETOOTH APTX HD RECEIVER BUILT-IN Yes
      ROON TESTED Yes
      OUTPUTS Speakers A+B, 3.5mm headphone, Preamp Output, Subwoofer Output
      REMOTE CONTROL Yes
      MAX POWER CONSUMPTION 750W
      STANDBY POWER CONSUMPTION <0.5W
      DIMENSIONS (H X W X D) 115 x 430 x 341mm (4.5 x 16.9 x 13.4”)
      WEIGHT 8.7kg (19.1lbs)
      BOX CONTENTS CXA81 Integrated Amplifier, Power Cable, 3 x AAA Batteries, Remote Control, Control Bus Cable, Bluetooth antenna, Quick Start Guide, Safety Guide
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