It is a big Bull Terrier of an amp. Cambridge CXA81 MKII Punches above its weight. It has big balls.
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
- CXA81 Mk II is effortless, poised and sophisticated. At 80 watts per channel it has complete authority over your music. It has the power to drive almost any speaker.
If you wish to purchase any Cambridge Audio or Advance Paris products, or any vinyl from Skylabs online store, please click here: shop.skylabsau...?sca_ref=6609663.MTejnTqC6497
Recordings featured in this review:
• Special EFX "Double Feature": tidal.com/brow...
• Tedeschi Trucks Band "Signs": tidal.com/brow...
• Fritz Reiner, Chicago Symphony Orch. Tchaikovsky: "Symphony No. 6": tidal.com/brow...
Please understand that all of my reviews are completely subjective. They are my opinion and not to be taken as criticism or as negative. I can only share my feelings and personal conclusions.
If you wish to join the channel and become a member please click here: / @oldguyhifi
*DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below contain affiliate Amazon links. If you purchase with those links, I do receive a small commission but, it doesn't affect your price or your ability to return something. Thank you for supporting the channel.
Current audio equipment list:
Amplifiers:
• Cambridge AXR-100 Receiver: amzn.to/3MFZuVN
• Cambridge EVO150: amzn.to/3UTJowI
• Cambridge CXA81 MkII: amzn.to/4dIfnGq
• Douk Audio A100: amzn.to/4eiWFpk
DACs:
• Schiit Bi-Frost Multi-Bit DAC with Unison USB
• Geshelli Labs J2S Socketed AKM4499 DAC: geshelli.com/p...
• Geshelli Labs DAYZEE DAC: geshelli.com/d...
• S.M.S.L SU-1 AK4493S Hi-Res DAC: amzn.to/3XGp5UK
• FiiO K9 Desktop Headphone Amp/DAC - AKM Edition: amzn.to/3ZeGTYp
• HIFIMAN EF400 Desktop R2R DAC W/Balanced Headphone Amplifier: amzn.to/4giWWdD
• Douk Audio DAC-Q11: amzn.to/4gnjzxt
• Neohipo DC-10: amzn.to/4gk25SO
Speakers:
• Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Speakers: amzn.to/3WberDp
• Elac Debut 2.0 F-62 Speakers: amzn.to/3Jy6eUc
• Elac Debut Reference 62 (DBR62) speakers: amzn.to/3VyQzcu
• Neil Blanchard Designs MLTL-6 Stand mount speaker: www.nbdesigns....
Streamers:
• Cambridge MXN10: amzn.to/3XEWkb1
• WiiM Mini: amzn.to/3XqOf8s
Analog:
• Fluance RT-84 turntable: amzn.to/4aMuZrt.
• Audio Technica AT540ML: amzn.to/4diAyzy
• Cambridge Audio Alva Duo Phono Preamp: amzn.to/3XG1nbj
• Schiit Lokius EQ.: amzn.to/3Tn5oyP
Accessories:
• Android Tablet, 10.1 Inch Android 12 Tablet, 6GB RAM 64GB ROM: amzn.to/3KswX50
• iFi AC iPurifier: amzn.to/3UWb4ko
• All line level cables are from World’s Best Cable. I primarily use Mogami 2964 Wire and Amphenol ACPL connectors: amzn.to/3JWCDE9
• My main streaming source is a small format PC: amzn.to/3yhCoAI
• I also use a remote-controlled line level switcher amzn.to/3w8IZwL
My desktop gear:
• FiiO K11 R2R DAC/Headphone Amp: amzn.to/3YmlMTy
• Ayima A07 amp: amzn.to/3V969LQ
• FLEXISPOT E6 Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk 48"x24" Bamboo Top: amzn.to/3XIlO
• FLEXISPOT OC6 Big and Tall Mesh Ergonomic Office Chair, Heavy Duty High Back,Lumbar Support,Tilt Function,and 360°Swivel Wheels(Light Grey): amzn.to/3zFiGzX
Headphones:
• Sennheiser Mass-Drop HD6XX headphones: amzn.to/3wVNvz7
• Sony MDR-V6 Headphones: (current version) amzn.to/4aJMTdB
• FiiO FT1 Closed-Back Over-Ear Wired Hi-Fi Headphones: amzn.to/3B2gvqC
• HIFIMAN HE400SE Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones: amzn.to/4d9Lazn
Email: oldguyhifi@gmail.com
Tidal Playlists:
• Old Guy Hifi Test Tracks Vol. 1: tidal.com/brow...
• Old Guy Hifi Test Tracks Vol. 2: tidal.com/brow...
• The Fahrenheit Project by Ultimae Records (ambient electronic music): tidal.com/brow...
• Electronica for Audiophile: tidal.com/brow...
• My Classical playlist: tidal.com/brow...
Spotify:
• Classical Weekend: open.spotify.c...
• 80’s Patio Mix: open.spotify.c...
Qobuz playlist:
• "Audiophile Electronica": open.qobuz.com...
• "Vivaldi": open.qobuz.com...
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
CXA81 Mk II is effortless, poised and sophisticated. At 80 watts per channel it has the power to drive almost any speaker. If you wish to purchase any Cambridge Audio or Advance Paris products, or any vinyl from Skylabs online store, please click here: shop.skylabsaudio.com?sca_ref=6609663.MTejnTqC6497
Not a fire 🔥 breather 😮
Really twisting my ear here. If I keep listening, I will no doubt own some Cambridge equipment soon.😂 Thanks very much for sharing this with us all.
You are welcome my friend.
I like that Cambridge printed on the back panel upside down, too. It makes connections so much easier. Great review, Ed
Thanks John.
Ed, another great video. You’re getting really good at this review stuff. Not only do I learn about the product, I also learn more about how these pieces work, or how the sausage is made. I was an acft maintenance instructor in another life and I appreciate your ability in explaining these things. You seem to create objectives and stick to those objectives throughout your videos. Great speed in explaining complex systems while not offending those of us less knowledgeable, yet also complimenting those of us with advanced understanding. That’s not always an easy task while keeping a diverse audiences attention. Thanks brother.
Wow. Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate it very much.
Another great review.
I owned the OG CXA81 for many years. It’s an excellent amp. I had it paired with a CXNV2 streaming DAC. The CXA81 has plenty of power, a decent DAC, and a smooth effortless delivery..
The CXA81 anchored my system through the Covid years and is responsible for my decent into the audiophile rabbit hole.
The CXA81 is always my recommendation for integrated amps in the $1000 USD range.
Thanks Errol. I think the only real difference is the DAC. What until you see the new models. Thx.
I have same setup and i really enjoy it.What speakers did you pair it with?
@@ramin3080 If you are asking me, Wharfedale Diamond 12.4.
@@ramin3080 I used mine with Triangle Comete EZ, RSL CG25 and Buchardt s400 mkII. All were very good with the CXA81/ CXNv2 stack.
Is this a good choice for a pair of Dynaudio Evoke 10s? They need some good power, I’m told
As usual, great review with a lot of useful information. I've owned a CX-A80 for several years and it's been a rock solid performer. Connected to a pair of B&W 685 S2s with an MXN-10 streamer, it has given me many hours of listening joy. The Tedeschi Trucks Band fan (and Old Guy DJ in me) needs to mention, though, that the male vocalist for the band is Mike Mattison. Just want to make sure he gets appropriate credit for those who decide to give them a listen after watching the review. Thanks!
Thanks for that correction. I always thought it was Derek.
Hey Ed - really great review of the CXA81 Mk II. I bought the CXA81 (previous model) a couple of years ago when the Adcom preamp I had owned for a long, long time finally died, and have not regretted buying it for one minute. Seems that Cambridge is really coming out with some great audio equipment. Love the style of your reviews.
Cambridge is at the top of their game right now. They will be announcing the new models on Wednesday so watch my "Community" post for the press release. Very cool stuff. Thank you so much for watching.
You doing a great job at describing how things sound. That description of how the mallet was hitting the bass drum…that has much more weight than the other more vague descriptions.
Thank you. I am trying to describe the sound and the feeling I get when I listen. To me how I feel when I listen is more important than specific sonic characteristics. Does that make sense? Thanks so much for the view and comment.
Thanks for the informative and helpful review of the camebridge Amp, very beautiful component. I'm grateful for that. Go on with your good work, I like your videos. Thanks again, sir. Greetings 😊
Thank you for the kind words.
Thanks for another wonderful video. I own the CXA 81 and was pleased to learn that it has a semi-dual mono setup. I'm sure that's one of many reasons I love it so much. I can sit and listen to it for hours through my Elac DBR 62 speakers without experiencing any fatigue at all. The room I use isn't the best as far as setup. My only wish would be if I could listen to my equipment in a better room. I have a feeling...
I hope you get the room sorted out. I really loved the CXA81 MkII on the Elac DBR62s I own. Thx for watching.
@@OldGuyHifi Well, the good thing is I enjoy it as it sits. There's always that "what if" question.
Great review Ed! I enjoyed songs in Apple Music of the bands you have mentioned in this review on my CXA MK2 and Dali Z7. Loved it!! 🎉
Nice system. Thanks for the kind words.
Very detailed review as usual, Ed. The CXA81 MK II costs almost twice as much as the AXR100. Soundwise, I’m going to assume they are not that far apart.
They do sound similar as they both have that Cambridge house sound. The CXA81 MkII is ballsyer and a bit better detailed.
@@OldGuyHifiThanks, Ed. After I posted, I did see you answered pretty much answered the same question to a couple others.
@ No worries. Thanks.
Your very good and concise at describing what it sounds like, i trust your ears even if they are not the youngest ones
Thank you Carlos.
Carlitos,
Ouch! I’m 71 but certainly, I can still enjoy music!
Saludos.
Love this brand! - Big player in todays market. I have an Azur 640r that's 16 years old and still competes with 1k plus Integrated amps👍
Great info, Ed! Love that "living Stereo" series.
I have several OG LPs from that series. They are nicely done. Thx.
Bull terriers are the best! I've had a couple of them and they will rock you.
Hi Ed. You sure do a great review! Wish I had an endless supply of money and could buy all these great pieces you’ve been reviewing.
Always wondered what the story was behind the “Living Stereo” albums! Thanks for the story. My dad and my uncle had a few of those. I’m going to have to look, I think I may have some myself!
Sure would love to see you get a hold of a Dayton Audio HTA-200 so you could listen to it and share your thoughts! Ah! So much nice equipment out there.
Thanks for the wonderful reviews. Keep them coming!
Ralph my friend thank you for the kind words. I will see about the Daytons.
Many Thanks. This was an educative review. Love from Bangladesh.
Thank you. Welcome to the channel. I hope you enjoy the content. Please share a playlist of your favorite music. Thank you.
Hey, Old Guy. New subscriber here from Wookey Hole, UK, and just wanted to say thanks for posting such an interesting and detailed review. Your review (and a few others that I read and watched) helped me to decide on buying this lovely amp, and I'm delighted with it. The sound is almost as good as my old Naim Superuniti and is a powerful combo with my new Wiim Ultra. Warm regards, Paul
Paul, Thank you so much for the kind words and subscription. My Mum's side of the family is all from Cornwall and my Dad's is from Dorking. My kids tell me that's why I am a dork! Lol. I hope you enjoy that amp and it brings you much pleasure. Thanks again for becoming a part of the channel.
Another great review Ed.
Thank you so much.
It does sound very very good indeed. But what is worrying is the fact that there are already so many quality complaints. My best mate is working for a well known retailer and apparently these are one of their top items on the warranty claims list. After hearing a demo in their shop I was so close to buying one, luckily I decided to wait for a special offer and eventually ended up paying double for a well known welsh brand.
I'm not saying all CXA81 will fail, any manufacturer will have "a bad batch" and as always the fails would surely represent a very small percentage of their sales. Thanks for this great video.
That's a shame. I have not heard that here in the US. I hope it is not a common issue. You know what they say, even Mercedes makes a lemon once in a while. Thx for tuning in and commenting.
I have had this amp gen one since may of 2020. It sounds fantastic using Martin Logan Motion 60XT towers and feeding from a Node2I streamer usually using the dac from the amp and occasionally the one from the Node.
Very nice set up. I bet it sounds very good. Thx for returning to the channel and sharing your set up.
Good stuff there Ed. 👍
Thank you sir.
Another great review!
Great review.
Thank you.
Awesome review Ed! I have a CXA81, not the mkll, but the og. I absolutely love mine. I’ll likely never get rid of it! I wanted an amp that was warm enough that would reign in the highs on my 78 heresy’s, and it did its job wonderfully!
Also, if you haven’t heard the Tedeschi Trucks live album Layla Revisted, check it out! Love the reviews! Keep it up.
I think the only difference is the DAC. What until you see the new models next week. I post the press release on the community page. Thx.
I’ve had mine since about the same time as yours. Have you ever had it just up and shut down on you? Mine just suddenly went silent. I emailed Cambridge to see it there was a push button reset and three days letter I got an answer on how to reset it and it worked perfectly. I’m old and every once in a while I double tap the power button on the remote and that takes a simple walk to the unit and simply power off then back on to reset that issue.
@@jamesschneider3828 I actually have had that happen. Only once though, and I just thought, “well that was weird” and turned it back on. If I remember right, when I walked over to it, all the lights on the front were flashing. I think I just hit the power button twice, and it was fine. I have had very little trouble with this amp, and we listen to music A LOT!
Well done sir. 🎉❤😊
Thank you.
Nice review. I bought a CXA61 a few years back and love it. It was a toss up between that and an 81. They had the 61 in stock so I went with that. But I always wonder what, if any, the difference in sound the CXA81 would have been.
Sonically they both have that Cambridge "House" sound. Smooth and detailed. I think only at the highest output levels would you detect a difference and then only in power. Thanks for tuning and commenting.
Stopped by Skylabs on our way through to CT and listened to the Paris A10 with the Lintons. ALL I can say OMG 🤯🤯🤯
The sound was incredible. Even my wife made the comment that this sounds amazing balls.
So my question to you, how does the Cambridge measure up against the A10?
I'm sure it's apples to oranges but thought I'd ask.
Thank you
It is a bit of Apples to Oranges. I have only heard the A10 at shows or at Kevin's. I have reviewed the X-i75 and am currently listening to the A7 from Advance Paris (AP). AP amps have their own sound. Very smooth and leaning warm. The CXA81 is smooth but has a more neutral sonic signature. Truth is, I could live with either for the rest of my life. They are both great, just different. I am glad to hear you got to stop and see Kevin. He is a great guy and a good friend. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
@@OldGuyHifi thanks for your input
I currently am using a Marantz 2270 for my 2 channel analog setup. I recently added the Wiim Pro to it because I got tired of flipping albums. The bottom line am I really going to gain anything? There's nothing wrong with the 2270. It's been thoroughly gone through in recent years. But when your wife notices the sound in the store it really makes you start to think.
@@MW-ou5yt The door may be opened? In truth, I would always go for new well built gear like the Advance Paris or Cambridge. I was talking to Kevin last night and we both agreed that those two brands will have longevity like the old vintage gear because the were designed to be repairable.
Vintage Hifi is wonderful & nostalgic but it is like a classic car: beautiful to look at, brings back good memories but, you wouldn't want to drive it everyday. Does that make sense?
I do think you would gain a lot in sonic performance. A lot depends on how bad the itch is. Thanks again for sharing.
@@OldGuyHifi I just watched your video on the X-i75
I like your description of the phono stage and DAC
The main thing that disappoints me about the Cambridge 81 is there's no phono stage.
And the digital input for my Wiim and use the AP DAC entices me
I guess I have some more thinking to do
I bought the CX81 MK2 about a month ago. New to the vinyl world so bought a record player and some Dali Spektor speakers. I'm still waiting the delivery of a cabinet to house it all but have had few sessions through blue-tooth/ Spotify and so far so good. Can't wait to get it all set up properly 😁
Can the axr100 run 4ohm speakers.? Thanks keep up the great reviews 👍
Thank you. I ran 4 ohm speakers all the room with no issue. Thx.
Thank you very much for your review. I watched your review on AXR100 and bought one to replace my vintage Acoustic Research Receiver Model AU which needed TLC. Now after seeing this review I am thinking replace my other system which has a Acoustic Research Receiver Model W which has too much white noise. How do your compare AXR100 with CXA81? The price is almost 2X. I love and used to AR's almost tube like warm and close sound. I listen to classical music mostly. The speakers I use are AR3a and AR4X. Thank you inadvance.
They both have the Cambridge house sound but the AXR100 is a bit warmer and smoother. I like them both but, I own the AXR100. Let me know what you decide. Thx.
@@OldGuyHifi Thank you. This has tilted to the AXR100.
OK new sub! Haha I like how you gave male appendages to the amp!
But does it have a giant hotdog...
like Mikey Oh Bahh Maaaa! ??(i couldn't resist lmao!)
Anyhow I'll check out all yer vids maaan for BIG cajone MONO BLOCKS
lets efffin goooooo!
Welcome to the channel. I have some serious mom blocks heading my way soon. Thanks for subscribing.
How is the sound quality when playing songs via Bluetooth and is there a tone control option for adjusting bass and treble plz reply thank you for your wonderful geniune review ❤
Bluetooth sounds fine. No tone controls. Thx.
@OldGuyHifi ok thank for reply 🙏
Great review, man! Are any Emotiva reviews coming up?
You never know.
Great take Ed. Yet another great product from Cambridge. Was that 28,000 fared per channel or total. Thanks my friend.
Total. They do some interesting things with rail switching. I am trying to get more info on that, especially since I think there are some new models coming out soon.
Hello! First off great job with the reviews, thank you for the work. I was wondering to ask, is that a Teac deck behind you? And if so what model? I'm eyeing the Cambridge amp for some time, but waiting for the holiday season, also looking at some decks and I've been interested in the Teacs, but not sure about them. Thank you.
It is a Teac turntable. It is very nice. Review soon. Check out the Cambridge eBay refurb/open box offerings. You may find a deal. That's how I bought my AXR100 a few years ago. Thx.
My one arrived last Friday and I am impressed with the sound but not the hum from the Toroidal transformer which I could even hear over listening to your review. Now the hassle of getting a replacement :(
From a design point of view, the dot on the motorised volume knob could do with backlighting so you know the very directional remote is operating it (remote only works well if you are in front of the amp and don't have it at your side).
I am sorry to hear that. I am sure Cambridge or the seller will help you with that. I agree about the volume control. Thanks for watching. Keep me posted.
It’s digital and may be able to solve the issue like I did with mine by emailing Cambridge and they sent back a sequence of button pushes that fixed the problem. Mine was push and hold the speaker selector button until the light flashes then moved over to the digital button array and pushed in order
D1 then D3 then D4 and finally D2 in a U pattern and bingo it came back to life. You might try emailing them, they could have the same type fix for your problem.
Did you notice that it is totally quiet at idle?
No hiss or whoosh in the tweeters!
Dead quiet in my system.
Thanks as always for the great review Ed. Given all the Cambridge amps you've tested, if money was no issue, which of the Cambridge amps would you choose? I'm including the streaming amps in this as well.
Daz, The easy answer is, I own an EVO150. I have the Edge A in for review and oh my is that good. It should be for $6k. I love the EVO and I will always have a special place in my heart for the AXR100. That's the piece that got me back into the hobby and starting the channel.
@@OldGuyHifi So if you had to pick one, it would be the Evo150?
@@dazza1976 Sorry Daz. Yes. As a complete package i.e., feature set, sound, ease of use, appearance and the fact my wife really likes it, yes. The EVO150 is my choice.
@@OldGuyHifi Thanks Ed. I love the looks of it.
So did my wife. That's how I got the go ahead.
Hi! I just found your channel and I love it! Question, I am about to purchase the Wharedale LINTON heritage speakers. I have a $1.5k/2k budget for an integrated amp, do you think this amp would be best for the speakers? If not, are there anymore recs you may have? Thanks!
I would look at the Cambridge CXA81 MkII. That is a great combo. Ballsy amp smooth speakers. Made in heaven. Let me know what you decide. Thx.
@ thank you for the reply. Another couple questions for you, I am also planning to hook up a turntable to the integrated amp. The Cambridge doesn’t have a phono input right? Is there a good turntable pre amp you recommend that I can connect via “line in” input? Lastly, I just watched your video reviewing the Advance Paris Xi-75 integrated amp, and I thought it looked great and had great features. Would you still recommend the Cambridge over the AP to power the Wharfedale’s Thank you again :)
The X-i75 is a truly great unit. It might be a bit too warm for the Lintons. Are you doing MM or MC cart? If it is just an MM cart I like the Schiit Mani. For both, I like the Project Tube Box S2. I hope that helps. Thx.
@ I am going to buy the Dual CS 429 Turntable. It’s have a preamp built in, but I don’t trust it lol. Thank you much, will look into both and snag the Cambridge. You ROCK!!!!
Hi ed! Sound seems funny for like a week or so now😢 sounds sibilant on my phone today. Still great video content then.
Probably my false teeth. Lol.
@@OldGuyHifi lol!
Hello!. Can you please tell me in 81 MK2 the sound control from the remote control is +1 dB or +5? They say that the remote control adjusts by +5 dB and this is a very strong jump in volume.
I don't know the exact specs but I did think it was a bit touchy. Thx.
Hi Ed,
Enjoyed watching your review.
After watching a few of your videos I could sense you have a great depth of knowledge about audio! Thanks for sharing it with us!
I am thinking of getting a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 300 7G for Netflix and youtube [music].
Will the CXA 81 MKII make the high frequencies too piercing/ detailed/ harsh? [like too much of a good thing?]
Would something like Arcam A15 be a better fit? What's your recommendation for pairing with the silver 300?
My room is about 5x4x2.8 meters.
Cheers
The CXA81 MkII would be a good match. I have an Arcam A25 in for review and I would stick with the Cambridge.
@@OldGuyHifi Ed, do you have any experience with the Yamaha RN1000A amplifier? I wonder how it will compare to the CXA 81 mk2.
Cheers
@@kevinlai2822 A bit , yes. Yamaha builds some very good gear. No question. They are one of the last original audio companies. They haven't been bought or sold a dozen times, or aren't currently in acquisition limbo ,i.e., Marantz, Pioneer, Onkyo, Denon, etc. To my ear the Yamaha house sound is very clean but kind of sterile and I feel it lacks a bit on dynamics. It is just my opinion. Seriously, if you don't want to spend a lot of money, the AXR100 would sound very good on the Monitor Audios. I loved the sound of the Silver 100s on my AXR100. Very pleasing and a ton of fun. Keep me posted on what you decide. Thx.
@@OldGuyHifi hi Ed, there are too many good choices which makes the decision tough haha. I considered the rn1000a because i can connect tv to it via hdmi and it has Ypao room acoustic correction for audio novice like me! Will keep you posted!
Excellent Video, how this integrated amp comp to the Cambridge RX100 receiver, you review couple weeks ago?
Thanks
They are both very good but different in performance. The AXR100 is warm and smooth but not as ballsy and detailed as the CXA81 MkII. They share the Cambridge house sound with differences. The AXR100 is half the price so You can't expect it to have the refinement the CXA81 has. That said it is not far off. They are both easy to listen to in slightly different ways. The CXA81 lacks the AXR100's tone controls, a phono preamp and obviously a tuner. It depends on what sound you are going for. Tell me more please. Thx.
I'd be interested to know how it compares to the Cambridge AXR-100, which I believe you have in house.
They are both very good. The AXR100 is a bit warmer and a smidge less dynamic. The CXA81 MkII is a better unit on all fonts and for twice price it should be. I will always own the AXR100 I have a sentimental attachment to it. Thanks for asking.
Excellent review! I have one question do you think the Cambridge CX81 amplifier would pair well with the KEF LS50 speakers? I'm particularly concerned about finding an amplifier that won't push the KEF's treble response, as I want to maintain a balanced sound. What are your thoughts on this pairing?
I might recommend a different amp. The KEFs can be bright and the CXA81 is very neutral and clean and that might exacerbate that bright tendency in the KEFs. I would pair them with something like the Advance Paris Xi-75 which has a warm character and can tame the KEFs. I hope that helps. Thanks so much for watching.
A actually actually purchased the AXR100 from your review. How would you say these 2 compare?
@@angelohanafey874 I have the same curiosity!
The AXR100 has a warmer sonic character while the CXA81 MkII is neutralish. They are both good but the AXR100 is the one that got me back into the hobby. I will always own that unit. It is one of my best friends. Thanks for asking.
@@OldGuyHifi I agree, I have the AXR100D, and the overall sound is right up my street, slightly warm which is important to me, the digital radio is excellent performer too, though mine had a cut-out problem after about 20-30 minutes of running it, it would start to cut out intermittently. but CA picked it up the very next day and is in the process of being fixed under warranty, I was considering upgrading to the CX81, but probably won't because of the sonic nature of the AXR100, maybe I will consider buying a separate phono stage instead, because I managed to purchase a Roksan Attessa Turntable for just £399 ( around $499) on a special offer, usually sells for $1000 + dollars here in the UK, so was thinking of upgrading the phono stage and by-passing the built-in unit, what external phono stage would you recommended to go along with AXR100D amp please ?
@@Colin623 I have the Cambridge Alva Duo phono pre and it is very good. If you don't need the option for moving coil carts then the Alva Solo may fit the bill. At $229 it seems to be a good option. I did use the Schiit Mani with my AXR100 but never felt is was a big upgrade over the built in pre. Let me know what you decide. Thx.
FYI for long term reliability I'm not a fan of placing heatsinks close to the power transformer or large electrolytics. The power amps should have been turned 180 degrees & vented at the left & right side of the chassis (just like my Adcom amp). Cheers!
Thanks for sharing
I don't understand why you don't just use the on board dac for the review.
I did and it sounded fine. I thought I mentioned that. Sorry
Would this pair nicely with the KEF R3 meta?
I have not reviewed the KEFs so I can't render an opinion. Sorry. Thx for tuning in.
@OldGuyHifi no worries!
Great review. I have recently taken delivery on the new ELAC Debut 3s. I LOVE them. They are for my secondary system, and put out some impressive bass and dynamics. My question is...I am looking heavily at the AXR100 (given the price) to power my new ELACs. Is it worth paying twice the price to get the CXA81? I am a bit confused if that jump to the 81 is really worth it. In my situation would you get the AXR100 or the CXA81?
He wrote this below: "They are both very good. The AXR100 is a bit warmer and a smidge less dynamic."
If the Elac is dynamic and you like that, the CXA81 may accentuate that a bit more. If you feel more of that dynamic sound is a bit much and if the upper mids are a bit too much, the warmer (could just mean a bit less energetic sounding/more rounded detail/treble/less sharp edges) amp could do. The AXR100 I believe is currently $600 and the older CXA 81MK1 is being phased out and still available for $900. The older CXA 81 compared favorably against the Rega Elex-R too.
There is a Polish site I use that measured the Specs, the AXR100 tops out at 110/190 watts at 8/4 ohms with a damping factor of 70. The CXA81 mk1, measures 95/134 watts at 8/4 ohms with a damping factor of 49. Typically, a higher damping factor better controls the bass and the difference could be perceived as faster vs slower, tighter vs looser. The CXA81 may be a bit more refined with sharpness in music (it may handle that better) and resolution and transparency (details coming through). But the performance on your speakers may not differ that much other than a bit warmer and perhaps tighter bass vs the other. No specs were given on the new MKII version so I don't know how it deviates. There have been sale discounts during the holidays too as were getting close. Hope this helps.
Also, the distortion levels are a bit better on the CXA but both are pretty low and doubt the difference would be noticed on those speakers even at louder levels. Which plays better at lower volume I don't know as we don't listen loud all the time. I think either would do well.
I will always own the AXR100. It works so well with my ELAC speakers. Both are great. The CXA81 is a bit ballsyer and more neutral. The AXR100 is lush and warm at the expense of a bit of detail. I hope that helps. Thx for watching and commenting
Does it allow you to adjust the base and treble?
Unfortunately it does not. I typically don't use tone controls so it wasn't much of an issue for me. However, I do understand that many people like having the option. Thx for the view and for coming back to the channel.
@@OldGuyHifi thanks!!🙏
That was the issue when I got my first gen CXA81 but I figured I could try and return if I didn’t like it but it’s prettier neutral and the sound is fantastic and after nearly 3.5 years I’m still happy and plan on keeping it as my end game integrated amplifier. I am going to hook up my WiiM pro streaming dac with the 10 band equalizer through the analog inputs and see what that does to effect the tone controls. It works great through my ifi Zen signature 6XX headphone amplifier.
How does the internal DAC compare to the Geshelli J2S 4499?
The DAC in the CXA81 is quite good but it doesn't sound as good as the Geshelli. As with most manufacturers in this price range, they put a decent performing DAC in for buyers looking for an easy, and good sounding solution. With Geshelli, because they are a small company they have to build a terrific sounding product to earn their reputation and build a customer base. I hope that helps.
@@OldGuyHifi Thanks. You confirmed my suspicions.
Did you buy the Edge? How many Amps do you need but hey, I am the wrong person to judge hahaha
Tha Edge A is on loan from the folks at Cambridge. I wish I could afford to buy one. Review soon.
@@OldGuyHifi awesome, and dont forget the harman!
I won't, I promise. Thx.
what beats this by a wide margin at lowest price? :)
Not much. I mentioned the Advance Paris X-i75 which is now $995. That is a very good unit. A bit warmer and smoother but not as detailed or punchy as the CXA81. I really like them both but for slightly different reasons. I did a review of the Advance Paris unit if you are interested.
You can skip the AI music bumper. Get back to all killer and no filler.
I’m a new subscriber. I think your discussions would be better if you edited your scripts to the essentials. I’m not saying, make the videos shorter - I tend to like longer videos.
A constant stream of talk can be fatiguing. More pauses and better editing with an emphasis on the main points and supporting details is more enjoyable and productive.
Thank you for the suggestions. I don't do scripts it is all stream of conscience. I do make some bullet points but that's it. I will try to be less redundant. Thank you.
no HDMI
Mr. Kendall, What is it with you and HDMI? It is not that big a deal. Thanks for watching.
I have kinda mixed feelings about this series. Plenty of useless stuff at the back while it is missing phono pre amp. For me it is crucial. CA wants us to spend more and get one of their external phono stages. I am not a fan of thi kind of economy.
I understand. Thx.
I guess you need an old guy to not call it an M-K-2
That is what Cambridge calls it. I just followed their lead. Thx.
"has the power to drive almost any speaker"
Verbiage. It is underpowered. Another stingy amp manufacturer
Then don't buy one. Please reply. It helps the algorithm.
Now I am curious.. what amperage would you like to see?
@@Tempest-ec2nn I haven't checked, most companies lead with watts per channel. But I've had Rega, Creek, Arcam and Cambridge Audio amps with claimed power outputs of from 80 up to 120 wpc with the Arcam.
All claiming to be able to "drive most " speakers on the market.
I'm sure some of them were even referred to as "high current"
Until recently I had fairly standard Ruark acoustic Templar claimed 88db sensitivity and 8 Ohm. These were replaced with Neat motive SX1 claimed 87db and 6ohm. ( Therefore 2 very ordinary run of the mill speakers)
On vinyl CD or streaming I just kept running out of power / into distortion with an Arcam a39 ( that would , naturally, "drive most speakers" on the market)
Then a friend brought round a very powerful amplifier 350wpc and everything fell into place.
Didn't really bother with the amperage of his amp.
I've now got 600wpc via monoblocks and they drive my speakers beautifully .
If Amp manufacturers were car manufacturers they would give you a Rolls Royce chassis and a fiat 950cc engine then tell you it will "effortlessly "cruise at 120 mph.
Still, advertising is just legitimised lying isn't it? .
🎧🎵🎸
@@Tempest-ec2nn Most don't publish amperage figures. And I suspect advertising is " loose" around the truth.
All my regas creeks and arcams around the 80 -120 wpc seemed "weak" A friend brought round a 350 wpc amplifier and it all fell into place.
Got 600wpc monoblocks now and they will drive any speaker I will buy.
excellent review !
Thank you so much.