A Review of The Cambridge Audio CXA-81 Integrated Amplifier!
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
- Built for unpretentious listening fun.
Intro music by: Snake City - 'The Thought of You'
Cambridge CXA-81 Product Page:
www.cambridgea...
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Speakers used in the Evaluation
Dynaudio Evoke 10
www.dynaudio.c...
Triangle Trio
www.trianglehi...
Triangle BRO3
www.trianglehi...
ELAC DBR62
www.elac.com/s...
System Audio Legend SA-5
system-audio.c...
Klipsch Heresy IV
www.klipsch.co...
Harbeth P3ESR
harbeth.co.uk/...
Q-Acoustics 3030i
www.qacoustics...
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
I have the CXA81 I can’t recommend it enough. Solid. Just works , sound is great and keeps getting the better the more you use it.
Dear Sean, I have purchased and been listening to the CXA81 for 2 weeks, based on your review and recommendations. I wanted to thank you for your take and I must say that I am experiencing most of what you described. You are a very good reviewer. You've made a man happy, sir!
Are you still enjoying your CXA1? I am considering getting it but am also considering the marantz pm8006 and even the Yamaha as801. I play music through streaming, CDs, and vinyl.
@@aggonzalez8096 Yes I am! I have been able to compare its DAC to a Chord Qutest and it can defend itself, even if it is not at the same level. I don't know the PM8006, but if you use digital sources, I can tell you the CXA81 is pretty good. Hope it helps
@John Bravo Nope I ended up getting the yamaha AS801. I mostly use CDs but also vinyl and the Yamaha seemed to fit my needs and I got an open box deal for a great price. It sounds great, maybe not quite as much punch as I imagine other amps might provide, but it sounds beautiful when listening to something pretty and gentle (acoustic folk, or some downtempo electronic) and overall everything sounds good. Very easy to listen to amp that I have going almost all day on the weekends or off work.
The DAC in it sounds good with my CD transport, but streaming through it sucks. The streaming software loses connection to something (???) every ten minutes. Its pretty much unusable. So for streaming you would need another DAC.
I know you are not asking about the Yamaha just providing additional info about my experience with the amp I went with. I am still so curious about the cambridge products and the "cambridge sound" and may still end up getting on the next spree haha.
since I like buying second hand, I am debating between the AXR100 for $420 and/or CX81 for $920, all units 18months or younger - any sensible advice?
@@utube321piotr I don't know the AXR but you could get that AND a decent external dac and you would still spend less than the CXA
Thank you for all your speaker pairing with integrated amps segments. Big help, and great advice. Stay safe and healthy.
I ran one of these while I was shopping for a new Luxman. Had just sold a McIntosh MA6600 and using this to fill in for a few weeks. Speakers used were the Harbeth 30.1. Have to admit I was very impressed with most this had to offer.
I had a phono preamp hooked up so I could run my turntable.
The imaging was surprisingly good at this price point, the bass was deep and tight. The only thing I noticed was when you rolled off the volume the sound sort of went flat. But from about 9:00 or 10:00 on the dial she comes alive.
The build quality is stellar.
Overall for the $ especially on the used market this can’t be beat.
I bought the best budget amp out there- AXA35 . Super smooth with power- at its price, very happy with it thank God!
Great review. The comparison section... wow... makes you top of your game! You know your stuff! Most of all, it gives the audience a clear "grading" of the amp you are reviewing. I'm battling with myself on whether I should a streamer and dac... the amount of money people spent on it to make sound good is insane! Love to hear your recommendations.
I love my Cambridge cx81, it pairs with Dali Opticon mk2. I agree, the sound is warm, very pleasant to listen to music for hours. I recommend it.
You need to continue like this Sean.
You’re the best I know on yt
Nicely produced piece Sean! Loved the music clips and vanity shots. Well done sir.
Really glad to see this review. I've been using the CXA60 for a few months now, with the Triangle Borea BR03 speakers, and I really enjoy this combination. While the CXA60 is the previous version, the guts are essentially the same (amp section) as the CXA61, the little brother of the CXA81. Thanks for your candid review, as always!
I tried the same combo with both the cxa60 and cxa80 but just couldn't get it to sound good, was thin and a little rough sounding. Tried with the internal dac and node 2i. I finally found bliss with the parasound 275v2 amp, another one of seans recommendations. Sounds much fuller/dynamic and smoother than the cxas. Didn't want to return the cxas since the refurbs are such good deals :(
@@babupranav Triangle Borea BR03 have these speakers as well. With the parasound 275v2 amp - what pre amp are you using? Looking for a good pair for my speakers.
When listening to a review it's very important to listen or read the whole thing. Just don't skip to the part where they say thumbs up or thumbs down, you have to listen to what qualities the equipment has. Does it have qualities and a "flavor" that you find appealing?
I have the AXR100 and truly enjoys it. You just convinced me to get the CXA81. Cheers!
Hello, thank you for your work. As you maybe noticed there are many forum about Cambridge cxa61/81 versus Audiolab 6000a. I had many ampligiets in the past and I find Audiolab 6000a impressive for its price. It's quality is incredible, options and so on. It is used with Tannoy revolution xt8f and xt6f. I cannot describe the sound I listened to. It would be interested to add audiolab 6000a to the comparison even if it is not in the same category. If you can , try audiolab and tannoy...
A lot of useful information here! You laid out the features, sound quality, and comparisons really well.
Good review, Cambridge Audio has been making good quality products since Henry Kloss got it going. Enjoyable as always
Wrong about Henry Kloss, another company, after Advent and KLH
The reason for the confusion is Kloss cofounded Cambridge Sound works and manufactured speakers and table top radios. Anyone interested in the history of audio should look him up.
Wrong company. Cambridge Audio started out as a British manufacturer.
Donald DeOrio
Actually they have not, a lot of their prior units have been rather disappointing. This has finally brought them back into the game. Very respectable. I bought this amp all prepared to return it, but this amp truly is a keeper.
I recently just found out how amazing a 70s receiver can sound when paired with modern speakers!
What receiver?
Kevin. I couldn't agree more. I just bought before this goofy pandemic, a vintage Mitsubishi DAA15DC dual mono block amp and DP 9 preamp. Man, the construction is Mmm NICE, and the sound, wow: Neutral and clean and muscle. I am waiting for stores to open to get speakers and am looking at either Klipsch Hersey IV, or JBL Studio 590's, or Fyne Audio speakers 503's: all horns, but I dig horns. If you ever get a chance to see the Fyne, check them out, there look great and outstanding reviews. Stay safe and healthy. Peace.
Welcome
@@4991544 I'm currently using a super low powered Sansui with my super-efficient Focal 806s. It sounds amazing!
@Fat Rat In my experience modern speakers tend to outclass vintage ones. Vintage amps on the other hand just crush it!
Like i said many times. You let us know right expectations.
I have the predecessor. CXA80. It is versatile and sounds very British, a perfect balance to my brash American Klipsch Forte II speakers. The CXA80 has additional features, bass and treble tone controls, which I do not us. But the balance control comes in handy for some troubleshooting situations.
Great review. I’ve had the 81 for 3 months now, paired with PSB Alpha T20s and Emotiva ERC-4 CD player - using the balanced analog in on the 81. I love the wide and tall soundstage and the sense of presence of a live orchestra, being able to place instruments. The PSBs are a warm side of neutral so that probably makes them a good match for the detail of the 81. I had a Marantz PM6005 before and I would never have called that “muddy” but the 81 makes it seem like it was. It really works for me but I can see it may not for everyone.
Sounds like you're diggin it! Thanks for sharing.
Is the sound too forward, in your face?
Saquib Hussain I don’t find it so. But the PSBs are a relaxed loudspeaker. A bright and forward speaker would not be a good match.
Is the treble harsh?
The treble is detailed but I don’t find it harsh. Since I posted this I’ve upgraded to a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 500 7Gs which are detailed speakers but even so I don’t find it too forward. It’s not fatiguing to me like some setups can be.
Thank you so much for the review! I am considering the amp... question: how would it perform with a pair of KEF R3 Meta or LS50 Meta?.
One of the best audio component reviews I've seen. Helpful to experts (me) and beginners alike.
THANK YOU !!
Great review! As the owner of a CXA-80, I was surprised to hear that the treble is boosted on the CXA-81. The CXA-80 is a warm sounding amp that pairs well with bright speakers, like my LS50's. I would imagine that Cambridge changed the sound signature a bit to offset the decision to remove tone controls. The tone controls on my CXA-80 have come in handy with poorly recorded albums.
Diatonic5th
Quality amps should not have tone controls. Bad recordings are bad recordings, they should not be corrected with tone controls.
@@ralex3697 Technically you are right, for the most pure audio path. Still I happen to disagree. There are bad recordings that still contain very good music, music that I want to listen to. If I can sweeten a bad recording with a littleEQ I will happily do so. If the recording is good, then I like to be able to bypass the tonal controls for a direct path.
All amps needs tone controls. Some recordings will definitely need tweaking. Manufacturers began removing them to make room for Bluetooth, usb, etc.
@@funkaholic1972 Well said.
@@ralex3697 "Quality amps should not have tone controls." Tell that to Ken Ishiwata
I was at my local Cambridge Dealer and I listened to both the CXA81 and the AXA35 (I was choosing between the AXR100D and the CXA61, but they were both not available for presentation). The CXA81 just sounded more effortless and a little bit more relaxed. Listening to „Leave“ by R.E.M., the AXA35 just wasn‘t able to present all the dynamics when the track got busy, but the 81 just kept on going. It also offered a much more defined Soundstage as the 35. In the End, I decided to buy the AXR100D because 450€ Price Difference (with the Solo Phono Stage added to the 61) is too big for me to justify right now. Nevertheless, I would’ve still bought the CXA61 if I already had better Speakers etc. I will definetly revisit the CX Series in a couple of years.
Great amplifier. Connected to dynaudio excite x18, it sounds great. The best amp i have owned. Much better than Yamaha, nad, rotel. Only speaker connectors are too close for wiring, banana plugs are recommended.
What about tone controls?
@@gokhanersan8561 i was also afraid to miss tone control, especially the bass knob. However with good speakers, tone control is not needed. Besides, tone control only induces distortion and speaker damage if you play too loud. Trust me, the amp plays perfect without tone control.
Some CA integrated amps need a long time to 'burn in' (which is not a myth but has little to with heat) and generally level out to A to B.
As they have to tone controls as such and alteration of frequencies benefits from using a simple analog mixer or equalizer at either end of the IN/OUT signal journey.
What was probably happening in the brand new 81 being tested was that the op-amps would tend to, as it were, "run rich" but when components settle to typical voltages from source there is a settling down.
Oddly, the large sound stage is not an affect of this process but is a genuine feature of CA equipment going back decades and it comes from high quality design and engineering. Not everyone likes "the Goldilocks Zone" in hi-fi but can buy something else or swap about other items. The fact that I still use the selfsame CA Dacmagic, transport and sometimes an amp now as I bought nearly 40 years ago speaks volumes because I have always been a tinkerer with speakers and sources. This amplifier will drive moody and demanding speakers as well as such as B&W traditional ones and never seem to age.
thank you; one of very few that tells how the stuff sounds...
Nice info, since no tone controls, someone needs to make a review showing the Schiit loki introduced into the mix! Another fine vid.
Great review as always. The comparisons of the components is priceless. I considered this Integrated amp but purchased the Cambridge AXR100 receiver about a week ago based on your review of that receiver because I was looking for more of that laid back sound rather than a brighter top end unit.
Give the AXR100 some time. Its not very impressive out the gate. But if all goes well, you'll notice that you end up listening to the music more than the gear.
Man, it's like you are reading my mind. I'm about to pull the trigger on this amp and your review couldn't have come at a better time. Thanks buddy.
Randi Jackson
I purchased this amp and it is really impressive.
@@ralex3697 sweet i just pulled the trigger on it. It arrives on tuesday. Cheers.
Un applauso alla cambridge!! Suono raffinato e dettagli medio alti ben presenti!!! 👏👏🥇🥇🏆🏆
wow what a great review of a reasonably priced unit. Nice work man, I think this would pair well with my Wharfedale 12.3 towers
It should. My CXA61 sounds great with my Wharefedale 12.1’s.
Audiolab 6000A... thoughts compared to the Cambridge?
Every review I've seem for this on RUclips interprets the characteristic differently. I've seen it described as warm and cool, as having a large and a shallow soundstage, that it's dynamic and that it's laid back. I've also seen reviews that you should bring your own DAC, or as you say, the inbuilt DAC is fine.
I agree with you on that. A salesperson told me it was on the cooler side of neutral. Mixed reviews for sure.
I use this with the CXN V2 and I find it a warm but clear amp. I find the sound stage to be excellent, wide and deep enough for me. The articulation is impressive. I've heard it with Tannoy's XTF8s, Fyne Audio 500s and DALI Opticon 8s. It works best at 90dB /W at 1m sensitivity. I'm also thinking it would kick ass with Canton Vento floorstanders so that's my late spring /early summer experiment. I've seen some great deals on the CA CX set of the CXC CD transport, CXN V2 streamer & CXA81 integrated amp. This is a hugely versatile setup. Find the right speaker for your tastes and you'll have an extremely well built and matched system that will make you want to relisten to your favourite music for the joy of discovering nuances.
@@sdemosi Thanks, I actually purchased the amp. I’m using the Bluesound node 2i as a source, and the CXC on order. It works well with the Kef LS50s, which was my main reason for interest.
@@simianinc Hi, So u got CXA81 with KEF LS50 (NOT the Meta), correct ?
how does it sound ? do u play low/medium/high volume ?
thanx for your answer if u have time.
@@Xavman54 I enjoy the sound on the original LS50s. When there's no one else around, I tend to like playing around 75-80dB, which in my room is about 10 o'clock on the dial (so about a third). I have added a sub-woofer, as the Kefs don't give a deep enough bass for my taste - thankfully, the CXA81 has a subwoofer out
Another great review, Sean...and a couple of helpful and informative comparisons at the end to boot! It's interesting that CA chose to tip up the treble with this unit, as traditionally their equipment carry more of a balanced sound...I own one of their phono preamps, and it has that traditional CA smooth and balanced sound.
Cheers!
"It's interesting that CA chose to tip up the treble with this unit" - This is not surprising. Did you hear the CXA60 / 80? Trebles are a big issue for some speakers. They had to do something about it.
Thank you for your great and informative review.
Which one do you find better? The Cambridge cxa 81 or the marantz pm 7000n?
Mostly in sound not the features.
I have currently hoked up css torii on it and css has sparkly trable, they do not have it pronaunced as much as focal of course, but sparkly they are (as also mentioned in some reviews of css), and combination with cxa81 regarding trable is absolutly great. I love it. What I do not love that much is the wormth in midrange but I have to say I am also using r2r dac musician pegasus which can also "help" to make midrange a bit lush. Bass is strong and resolution dispite that wormth is also very good. So as I am using small server with external powersupply to stream the music I installed eq apo and cutted smoothly starting at about 500 Hz going down to 150 Hz (deepest place with about -2db) and on 50 Hz I am back on 0db. The sound is now realy good, to my ears. For rock music is just what I want, but I catch my self listening anything on that combo. Sounstage depth is there also and those are 350 bucks speakers.
I am looking for speaker where I do not have to use this -2db atenuation, any recomandations very apreciated.
I bet this amp and the Elac Debut Reference bookshelves would be a nice little system for $2Gs. Especially if you already had a subwoofer laying around.
You better have one cuz you will never be able to adjust any treble or bass if needed. If you like the pure only ok. Better get sub.
Totally the opposite as to what Andrew Robinson said of the CXA81. He said if you have speakers that are already "bright", the CXA81 will be a great fit because of its laid back, warmer sound. I have no idea who to believe and really don't want to spend $1,300 to find out myself.
Simple answer. Believe this guy. Forget Robinson.
@@ZeitdiebXhaha. Cant stand Robinson either..
If you have many different speakers than you can test for your self I would take my set up to richer sounds and have a listen and I was impressed with the new Cambridge gear ......it's all about taste and if your speakers pair well other wise just save up and my a mac
@@mobeatz0113There are so many factors to consider when it comes to great sound. Gear, room acoustics, interconnects, speaker placement.
I tested my CXA 81 with three sets of speakers. An older ELAC model, very dynamic and on the brighter side of things at higher volume levels, my big floor standing speakers Magnat Signature 707 and Wharfedale Evo 4.2. the typical Cambridge sound with the slightly rounded treble and the very roomy, wide mids comes through on all of them. Very involving sound. Alive. Not flat and more on the analytical side of things like most B&W or KEF.
I wouldn’t pair the 81 with Focal, though. That could be a bit too bright. But most speakers work great.
It’s a slight warm sound. Solid bass. Drives hard and solid. High quality build
The prior version of this amp didn't have a phono stage either.....I bought the CXA80 (prior version) because having tone controls was something I still prefer. My amp sounds awesome as does this new version, great review.
Does the CXA80 have any bass management for integrating with subs? Just got the CXA81, q350s and an SVS sb-1000 sub… sounds great using the sub’s Lowpass filter but I feel like it would be even better if I could set crossover for the speakers.
@@AdamsBrew78 no there isn't any bass management on the CX80 to the best of my knowledge. If it does have that it may be listed in the manual section that I have not read, as I do not use any subwoofers in my setup.
Great review thanks. If the ESS DAC is so much better than the Wolfson I hope they upgrade the 851 series next and I'll be upgrading my 851n/w streamer and power amp
i plan on pairing this amp with the focal 826 and stream via bluesound node i2, listened to this set up and loved the presentation about it.. wish me luck :p
I have Martin Logans Motion 40i paired with this amp - gorgeous sound. The only complaint about the amp is its remote - it's huge! And 90% of the buttons you won't use. They make the same remote for all of their products. Out of 48 buttons, (48!!) you'll use maybe 5. Plus the remote uses an odd number of batteries: 3, so you'll always have an extra battery laying around.
@Barefoot The pair, speakers and amp, are insanely loud. Honestly I haven't pushed it all the way yet, as it is very very loud. Probably did about 70-80% of the full volume and it gets to an unbearable point where the whole house is shaking. I was concerned with not enough bass, as the 40i, on paper, don't go as low as you would think, but I was mistaken, bass is sublime, I ended up not needed a separate sub. Internal dac works perfectly fine. One thing I would recommend is bi-wiring, this amp and these speakers are setup for that. One thing you will love about this setup is the highs, I personally do not like listening to vocals or any music with a lot of highs, that is until I got these speakers, the tweeter is a completely different design, it brings vocals and high notes to life, it literally feels like somebody is there in front of you singing or playing a guitar.
Have you considered testing rega components, Sean? Rega elex-r would be a competitor to this Cambridge, I think.
According to you’re pairing suggestions the KEF R3 should be be great with them. But even though they’re having theire sensitivity at 86dzb ?
I would love for someone to review the outlaw audio rr2160mkII. Most liked the first version so I am very interested in the mark2. Great review!
Nice review Sean , I have seen alot of great comments on cambridge audio here lately , i been eyeballing their CXCv2 cd transport only no built in dac , I like that idea less is more
And yes I still love my CDs/SACD/HDCD, Streaming is convenient and yes i stream also ,but spining the silver disk is my number 1 go to for sound quality playback 😆
What turntable and cartridge you would suggest paired with this one? I'm considering Technics SL-1200 GR2 or 1500C, but choosing a cartridge is just impossible. Under 1000 there's so many of them. No way I can listen them all
I wonder if this amp will power Elac uni-fi 2.0 speakers and if the amp is too bright for them?
It's such a great time for electronics and how competitive the game has become. You can find quality at any price point. Cambridge still prices themselves slightly on the outside but I have heard this unit and I am glad you made a point of the latest DAC upgrade. It may be the singular item to help make it a top 3 or 4 in this price range when comparing with other units.
and...in the late 80s there weren`t quality at low price?
Hey Sean! I really like the minimalist design of the front panel. I have had really good luck with my Cambridge Audio products. I think my DAC, and phono preamp are going on six years now. Nice rear panel layout, with plenty of inputs. I love the size of the toroidal transformer.
Superb review Sean. Would be awesome if they'd send you their top o' the line EDGE series. I have yet to see a review on those. (Except for the one done by a Russian guy, in Russian, that I don't speak). Thanks!
Hi do you think the Cambridge CXA81 sounds good with KLH model five?
Really love the way you review stuff. I own a Yamaha a-s501. Would it be possible for you to review the Yamaha R-N803 receiver? Just curious, how would to rate the sound signature of the Yamaha A-s series (warm, neutral) etc. Thanks.
Sean, I'm more than happy to hear your opinion of any component, but personally I take anything from WHF with a bucket of salt. I've had several CA amps and they've all performed well for the price, but WHF are blatant shills IMO. Thanks for the review.
Cambridge Audio is a real bargain. I bought two years ago a topaz am10 (last version) and a separate pre phono CP2 and they sound great. It has a two lm3886 ic power stage and it is pretty good. I bought it for 160 euro and the pre phono for the same price, all brand new and I love them.
Dali Oberon 3 speakers for CXA amps. Can’t recommend enough. Punchy bass, clear midrange and crispy higher frequencies.
Great review, I think you described the sound signature well. I tried it with my Klipsch Rp 600m and it wasn’t for me but I can see why it is liked. A little too much detail/ treble for me I think
That's why I am going with the Iota VX amp and later stack. I have Klipsch speakers and they are very we hat do they say... Tilted forward. And with the music I listen to, that's probably just too much
Interesting, vocals seemed too laid back on my Elac UniFi 2.0s, thought it might pair better with Klipsch.
The RP600 has a little too much treble with just about anything unless your listening to only vocals
@@errorsofmodernism9715 yeah I agree I changed to a different speaker now 👍
Wow, everyone's hungry for what amp pairs well with what speaker! I wonder why that isn't a thing on these platforms?
Because people serious about audio don't subscribe to snake oil crap.
Him talking about the massive soundstage makes me think CA are doing DSP shenanigans.
Great review as always. Since you are reviewing British designed amps, it would be interesting to hear what you think about the Audiolab 6000A which was also highly rated by Whathifi in comparison to the Cambridge.
Yes, good shout!
I have the audiolab 6000a and the 6000 CDT and it sounds great, I would also be interested to hear a review of the 6000a.
Great review as usual.
Hie, thank you. I think you would be surprised by testing the audiolab 6000a.
Would like to see this reviewed too. I got the CXA61 over the 6000A
Rhodri Matthews
Good choice, Audiolab very boring and unmusical
@@ralex3697 not agree with you. I compared the audiolab, Musical fidelity m2si and cam ridge cxa80. It was clear for me, audiolab and mf m2si
Carlos Carlos please try Iotavx Sa3
@@maxrider2887 yeah but not bypass . Do it cannot be used with homecinema amplifier.
Cambridge always Made good products. Had a lot of fun with their azure 851 streamer and power amp. And heared the edge combination a few times at shows. So much music for that kind of money... hard to find elsewhere
Stijn Vanderlooy
Very solid muscular amps, always very musical sounding.
The CA AXR100 with the CA DACMagic 200m sounds excellent. I also use power filtration.
Hi I'm your new suscriber. Youre doing very good job, explaining in that manner that most people will understand❤ There is new model of this one on market. Should I buy this discounted or new one is better?
I’m actually facing a dilemma, good one😀. I have an entry level marantz pm5005, which is ok, playing my emotiva erc3, a network player and my music hall mmf5.1. Speakers are monitor bronze. I’m considering to upscale my amp, because I’m happy with my components in general. This Cambridge looks very sweet, I’m willing to go for it. Could it be s good fit for me? Any other amp to consider? I’m so confused.... thanks!
NIce! UBR62's are supposed to be a bit laid back on top. Hope this complements them nicely. Though there is the brutally low sensitivity of 83.3ish dB too...
Enjoyed your review sir like always. Enjoy the weekend bro. Peace
Hi. Cambridge makes gear that last for a very long time, in the best British traditionel way, as the likes of Audiolab & Exposure. Rock solid affordable products, were a natural sounding amp is the key, and they have all done a pretty good job doing so for decades. My first "audiophile" products back in the days, were the very first Audiolab 8000A saw the light. Since then iv'e owned several British amps, and has always loved the simplicity and kind of "no bullshit", and nothing happens behind the curtains here. As for the lack of phono stage inside this new unit, i guess they thought about their own affordable phono stages, for your choice to mix/match? The amp is looking great btw. Cheers from Denmark
Would you pair the 81 with wharfesale linton? Playing with Marantz pm6006 and bot happywith the results. Layed down, timing and detailing is not Perfect and on general the bigger the band the more lost it gets. Messy. Having to use built in dac as pc is a source- foobar and FLAC files.
Brother great video! But I would just save up a little bit more money and buy a used parasound halo integrated. It has more power, features and reliability is better than CA. I have a Cambridge Audio Aruze 851 integrated amplifier that developed a volume knob issue that comes and goes, and apparently I am not the only owner with this issue. My parasound halo on the other hand is going strong and no issues so far. I picked up the halo used, and the 851 brand new. They both sound very nice!
The Hint 6 is such a great all-around piece. You'll be making a solid choice.
I fixed the volume issue in 5 minutes by spraying some contact cleaner behind the volume knob after removing the top cover. It's literally just dust on the sensor.
Will Vandersteen 2C speakers sound good with the CXA81???
Excellent review as always
Will the KEF R3 might complement the higher treble on the CXA81?
Great review! Own pair of B&W DM603 1st edittion, in your opinion, will the Cambridge Audio CXA81 get the best of my speakers or should I consider different amp? All of it knowing my budget around 1000$ max, prefare streaming abilitys and consider replacing my old B&W's in the future?
I just got a pair of Polk 703s at a price I couldn’t pass on. (Not a big Polk fan). Was thinking about the Cambridge 81 but now wondering if I should go with the Iotv stack instead.
How would it pair to vintage 1970s JBLs? I use those on a vintage amp, but when the amp gets beyond reasonable repair, I start thinking of 21st century options.
I have the Denon 3700H AVR, Tekton Lore Jr. towers and Elac uni-fi UB5 bookshelfs....I want a DAC and a bit more power to drive the front Tekton's. Running 4.1 system (not a fan of the Elac center speaker). Doesit make sense to add the Audiolab 6000A Play? I want a Phone input, too.
So I need to get some new Bookshelf Speakers and was very seriously considering the Klipsch RP600M , however you bring up a really excellent point about the bass port...in my application I have two issues....1) the shelf is only 9 1/2 deep and I most likely will have to have the speakers back up against the wall.....What do you think? Again, floor standing is NOT an option
Sounds like you'll need something that can work well against wall boundaries. Jamo is having a sale on the C93 II that may be worth looking into. Q-Acoustics has the 3020i. Triangle has the BRO2. Cant tell you which to buy. Just laying down some options that should work in that environment at the same general price-range.
@@ZeroFidelity I have the Borea BR03 and I really enjoy them. I cannot imagine that the Borea BR02 would be a bad listen. That said, I have not heard the Q acoustics or Jamo.
Ken, you might look into Kef Q-100's. They have a front port and come with port dampers in case you need them. They even come with wall brackets mounted on them, telling me that Kef isn't afraid to have them near a wall.
You'll want a sub with them for low bass.
I have them in my secondary listening area and Maggie 1.6's in the main room. They hold their own, with great mid & upper range detail. Reviews I've seen tend to place them above the Q-150's.
They are now discontinued, but there are a few places offering them at really good prices.
Good luck!
Ken Reiff
Not a fan of rear ported speakers, very unnatural bass. The reason why I sold off my Kef LS 50s
How does it compare with the more expensive 851A? I plan to use it to run the Buchardt S400. Which would be a better choice? If not these two could you suggest any alternatives? (Up to USD2000) Thanks!
Thanks for another great review. Why don't more decent amps have two sets of speaker outputs like this Cambridge? I don't want to use two pairs of speakers at the same time, just switch between two sets, which I'm sure is a need a lot of audiophiles have.
Can i play music on 2 room at the same time since has 4 terminal or just 2 speakers
Hey Sean!
Can you please tell me your opinion, which one will pair better with Triangle Borea BR08?
CXA-81 or Marantz PM 8006+Topping E30.
Thanks for your comment, greetings from Turkiye.
Thanks Sean! Do you believe that the 81 would be a good match for the Boreas? Got the BR08 recently as my first audio gear and see the CX series as a potential next step.
Judging from my temporary setup in my living room, I enjoy them being full sounding and engaging, and would say that they need something to bring clarity in the mid-range and control over the ample bass that comes with them.
Further, is there any chance that the cxa81 would be a little too bright when combined with the Bros' top end?
Have you found anything ? I got the borea 02 and want to buy the cxa61 , I dont know how they pair
@@lucianvictorgudiu8926 Unfortunately not yet. I would be leaning towards the CXA61 or the Audiolab 6000A, but local distributors are negative to the idea of home equipment trials, thus we can just wait for the pandemic to fade out or buy on our own risk.
sir have you heard of the creek 5350se intergrated amplifier because i sold a few of those from 1999 into 2000s they had a very warm musical sound
Hi, I like to know something from users of this amp. Is the treble of the amp roll-off or boosted? There are mixed reviews and comments on youtube videos. I like thumping bass and sparkling treble (but not fatigue) . I am thinking to pair with a Triangle bro3 bookshelf speaker. Need your thoughts. TIA
is cambridge CXA-81 sound good for pairing with wharfedale evo 4.4 ?
Thank you for the review. - Does it have Theater bypass?
I have this brand new amp and everything working well when I listen music, but when I don't listen and touching anything on amplifier then turn off every time sfter 20 minutes 😢
Great review! 👍🏻I’m trying to decide between this Amplifier and the Nad C-388. Which one would prefer out of these 2. Thanks
Same dilemma here. I have had many NAD amps and hey are more neutral and warm. His comments about the high ends tend to define the main differences I think.
Do you think it would be well matched to the wharfedale lintons?
Great in depth review. Any thoughts on pairing it with wharfedale Evo 4.2 speakers?
Hi..glad you mentioned NOT pairing with my Monitor Audio Gold GS 20's, I was really going to buy the 81....so give me some recommendations!
If you had to pick a DAC to as an additional option to pair with the CX81 what DAC would you pick?
CX81 has DAC already
How did the Cambridge sound with your Dynaudio speakers? I'm considering one of these amps & am wondering how they might pair with my Dynaudio Audience 52 speakers. Thanks for any thoughts
Scott Purchas I run my new CXA81 with my old Dynaudio Audience 70 speakers. Admittedly I have not compared it on any other speakers, but I think they sound excellent together! Relaxing powerful sound, great presence, and fantastic imaging! I think only my listening room is the biggest limitation to hearing the potential of this combo now before I turn to possibly upgrade the speakers. Very happy with the Cambridge. Bought the Alva turntable as well, and it really sounds great also via Bluetooth.
@@dlilliehook Thanks very much for your reply, that's helpful. I wrote to Cambridge Audio and they also said they should work well together.
I was thinking of replacing my luxman reference stack with the cxa81, but you're comparing it to the iota so I guess it is not in the same league. Too bad, it sounded very promising and I love the way it looks
This sounds better than the iota.
I’m interested in this amp but IDK about the lack of tone controls. I wonder if it has more bass than my Marantz Pm7000n o. Pure or tone defeat.
Would you see these as a good pairing to the bowers and Wilkins 703 s2?? If not what would you recommend as a good pairing?
You do good reviews, thanks!
Anxiously waiting for your Yamaha review on the updated product.
haha Nothings landed yet!
Man me too.
PLEASE URGENT!!!! SHAWN YOU HAVE TO REVIEW THE Anthem STR integrated ASAP
Fan of your work Sean!
Do you think this amp will be ok to drive Dynaudio Emit M20/Evoke 10/ Evoke 20?
What is the difference between integrated and pre-amplifier,still new in this field,thank you!
An integrated amplifier has a pre amp along with the power amp..
Whereas, A sepreate pre-amp is an amp which controls the input selection and frequency!