VINTAGE Sound, MODERN Tech! Cambridge Audio CXA81 Review

► SHOP THE CAMBRIDGE CXA81 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER REVIEW

► COMPARABLE AMPLIFIERS


► TESTING THE CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXA81 AMPLIFIER


► RELATED CAMBRIDGE AUDIO PRODUCTS


► REVIEWING THE CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXA81 REVIEW (Vintage Sound, Modern Tech)

Setting up a home audio system using the Cambridge Audio CXA81 home stereo integrated amplifier with built-in DAC capability is a great way to enjoy modern streaming music with hints of vintage sound.

► ANDREW ROBINSON REVIEWS

► MY REFERENCE AUDIO AND HOME THEATER SYSTEM

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LOUDSPEAKERS

SPEAKER STANDS

TURNTABLES & ACCESSORIES

TVs

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ON OUR TURNTABLE

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#HIFI #STEREOAMPLIFIER #CAMBRIDGEAUDIO

[andrewrobinsonreviews]

★ *QOTD: What is your favorite integrated amplifier of all time, and what integrated amp should I look at in 2020?*
★ *COMMENT RULES:*
- No outside URLs, YouTube links or email addresses
- Keep it civil. It’s okay to disagree, just don’t be a jerk about it.

[dwindeyer]

Is it really OK for you to be testing all this stuff as a recovering audiophile?

[EricDanger]

I liked how you listed the specs without talking about them. Secondly your description was what I was looking for. Sadly this isn’t for me but I’ll keep looking!

[nexttvc]

I just received this Amp, and WOW. I Love it. I tried NR1200, the Amp has more features, but the sound was horrible. Marantz is not even near this. This Amp Blow my mind. Thank you.

[ramin]

I switched from the AXR100 to the CXA81, both of which are connected to the CXN V2. The difference between the two seems like night and day.
The CXA81 + CXN V2 + Monitor Audio Bronze 500 is fantastic.
Everyone is shocked to hear that sound.
I am really satisfied with this setup.

[judgegixxer]

I had a Siberian Husky from pup to when he died of old age at 17years. The hair must be a full time job in such a sano magazine cover living space. My pup left a contrail of fuzz everywhere he went.
I always get a kick out of the ending blooper reel. Thanks for putting those in.

[ralexbee]

I own it and at this price point it has no competition. I also own the CXN. In all honesty, I had given up on Cambridge, but they have come back with a solid line. My next purchase is the CD transport, not because I need it, but because I want to own all three pieces. Aesthetically the units are beautifully crafted. Lunar grey is also a really nice finish.
Connected to my PMC’s, sounds very musical, highly recommend.

[sam-gbpb]

I got the CXA81 when it came out in Jan 2020 and I think it's superb.
My set up is as follows
Rega P8 (new version) turntable with Origin live Encounter tonearm and Hana ML cart.
Rega Phono Aria preamp.
KEF LS50 speakers or Sennheiser Momentum MK II headphones.
The sound i get through my speakers and headphones is phenomenal for all types of music, I'm not sure why some people have commented that heavy rock will not sound good on this amp, the opposite is true, my RL Hot mix of Led Zep II and ACDC Back in Black vinyl sound incredible as does heavy rock from cds or digital files, same goes for electronic music.

For cds and data discs I use a Sony UHP-11 Blu ray player as it reads every type of cd/dvd/blu ray disc plus a usb port, the sound wasn't great using rca cables so I changed to using a single digital cable bypassing the dac in the Sony player and using the dac in the amp, the upgrade in sound is unbelievable and is the best I've ever heard cds sound, I've even started buying cds again now that I have such good sound with this method.

My PC is also hooked up to the CXA81 through usb and again the sound is stunning especially using foobar 2000 to play SACD files.

Don't be put off by the people saying heavy rock won't sound good on this amp, they obviously have never heard it and are making false claims without evidence, the only issue I had with it was it sounding a little bright for the first couple of weeks but then a full sound emerged with a glorious bass and soundstage.

[joeythedime]

Thank you for the excellent review. I was wondering what are your thoughts in comparing the Cambridge Audio CXA81 to the NAD C368 or C388? I am looking for and integrated with A/B speaker capability, built-in BT, built in DAC with at least 3 digital inputs. The price of the CXA81 slots between the NAD C368 at $999 and the NAD C388 at $1, 700.

[EcoHouseThailand]

Thank you for the helpful review of the CXA81 and CXN V2, they are both on my list. Unfortunately for me, I have had a demo of the CAMBRIDGE AUDIO EDGE-NQ streamer and EDGE-W power amp, I was blown away by the sound but also by the price! So I am looking for more reasonably priced options.

[thomasward]

I'm in love with my new Cambridge setup, AXA 25 with SX50 speakers.... Love it

[SeanSisco]

It's interesting that you call out the addition of a DAC because people will likely use an external or the CXN V2 if they have it, but then also lament the absence of a built in phono stage. An internal DAC and/or Phono preamp will always be inferior to an external at this price point so if you're mad about either being included but simultaneously upset about the other NOT being included, that makes no sense. Otherwise, appreciate the review as always.

[GovtMulo]

I bought this integrated amplifier and the Dali Opticon mk2 speakers: this combo is amazing.Thanks for your tips.

[andrewk]

Would love to see a review of the schiit Mani phono preamp. Loved this and all of your videos!

[Vercus]

Came for the integrated, stayed for the dog. There's a lovely animal. You should definitely include him or her more often.

[TxZick]

The CXA81 is strong, detailed, very good speaker driver control, the sound stage & depth is as described by Andrew. The sound was what I was looking for, like the very slight roll-off of the highs for Monitor Audio speakers. Analogue play-back sounds like audiophile integrated amps of the 70-80's. Pairing with the CXN v2 is wonderful. I prefer no phono preamp added cost.
Better sound (run flat) than the newer Yamaha A-Sxxx models, their sound controls are nice features, but slightly too bright for my taste. Chose the CXA81 over the Denon PMA-1600NE for cost savings but the Denon sounded very good.
It does compete with my reference system- Emotiva XMC, XPA system for 2-ch in some ways, especially vocals- very clear, precise, and natural. Bass is controlled and deep for an 80 watts amp.

What it lacks- would like to have a simple remote control for the amp and the remote volume control is too sensitive-increasing volume level is aggressive, no DAC or volume level read out.

Too many commenters never heard the CXA81, ignore them. The amp is well built, quality parts and it's overwhelming highly rated by most buyers

[michaelmettler]

Dear Andrew, you should definitely have a go at the Yamaha A-S801 ! It makes great power, has a great DAC and phono stage integrated and goes for a very competitive price. I really like the retro styling and I’m sure so would many of your viewers. I think a review of the Yamaha would fit your channel nicely. Keep up the great work !

[erikquinn]

I'd love to see the Rotel RA 1592 integrated amplifier reviewed. I haven't seen many if any Rotel integrated amplifiers reviewed. Thank you.

[giacomocesari]

what are the amplifiers with a faster attack, better control down low and finesse at the same price?

[sdemosi]

A good friend who sells CA equipment told me most people buy the CXA81 as part of a bundle with the CXN V2. Sometimes they'll upsell a CXC CD transport but a lot of buyers are now pure streaming. They don't even own CDs or vinyl. An integrated amp makes perfect sense in that context. I heard these driving a smooth pair of Tannoy XT8Fs and it blew me away. Great timing, superb detail and just the right amount of vintage AB warmth. It sounded like a much more expensive system.