Cambridge Audio CXA81 anthracite grey

How do you improve an integrated amplifier as accomplished as the CXA80, which has been awarded numerous times by the audiophile press, and make it even better? Well, if you’re an engineer at Cambridge Audio, you examine every aspect of performance and then do everything you can to make it “more.” More refined, more precise, more captivating… more musical. The CXA81: it’s everything you loved about the CXA80, but more. Whether in analog or digital, with high-resolution files or not, the CXA81 allows the music to take you where you want to go.

Power and Control

With a rated power of 80 W per channel, the CXA81 has a power reserve for the most demanding speakers. But it’s the way this power is delivered that puts the CXA81 completely out of reach of its competitors. The internal layout of the CXA81 is designed to minimize left and right interference (called crosstalk) and provide astonishing stereo separation so you can virtually place each instrument in your room. It features XLR inputs for the left and right channels, dual diode bridges, and separate power supplies. Combined together, these “dual mono” features offer incredible presence and depth to your music and a wide, enveloping sound that is normally only available in much more expensive amplifiers.

In 1968, Cambridge Audio was the first audio company to use a toroidal transformer in an integrated amplifier, the now-iconic P40. Toroidal means doughnut-shaped, and it is this shape that makes toroidal transformers a standard in the audio industry, mainly due to the exceptionally low levels of electromagnetic interference compared to traditional transformer designs. The custom toroidal transformer in the CXA81 is 50% larger than that in the CXA61 (200 VA), with much larger reserves for truly impressive power and bass.

A New Digital Section

In addition to its four RCA analog inputs and XLR input, the CXA81 is designed to work in perfect harmony with digital sources thanks to its redesigned digital stage. All digital music reaches new heights, reveals new depths, and can be enjoyed like never before.

A digital-to-analog converter (or DAC for short) has a very important function in the signal chain. It reads the data (a series of zeros and ones) from a digital signal and transforms it into an analog waveform, ready to be amplified to drive the speakers. Cambridge chose the ESS Sabre ES9016K2M chip, capable of decoding 32-bit / 384 kHz files as well as DSD256 files, with very low jitter. As a result, the digital information entering the CXA81 is precise, accurate, and perfectly organized.

The CX amplifiers connect using aptX HD Bluetooth when available, offering playback quality similar to a CD at 24bit/48kHz. If your transmitting device does not support aptX HD Bluetooth, the receiver will automatically switch to standard or aptX Bluetooth bandwidth.

One Common Point: The Design

The CXA81 retains the aesthetics of the CXA80, with its sleek design and low-resonance chassis that contribute to improved sound performance. With such a variety of inputs, it’s important to identify the active source at a glance. The front panel lets you know exactly what’s happening, in a clear, discreet, and elegant manner.

Who hasn’t struggled to identify inputs while crouched over hi-fi equipment? For a touch of intelligence, the rear connectors of all CX series Hi-Fi components are labeled both upside down and right side up.

Key Features

• 80 W per channel - the power needed to drive the most demanding speakers
• Class AB amplification - for balanced and efficient performance
• Toroidal transformer – for incredible sound staging
• Exceptional quality ESS Sabre ES9016 digital-to-analog converter
• Balanced XLR inputs – for premium connectivity
• aptX HD Bluetooth input – wireless connection to devices
• A/B speaker zones – powers 2 sets of speakers

• Power:
  • 80W RMS at 8 Ω
  • 120W RMS at 4 Ω
  • Class AB
• DAC: ESS Sabre ESS9016K2M
• Frequency response: 5 Hz - 60 kHz ± 1 dB

Compatibility:

• Toslink: 16-24 bits, 32/ 96 kHz PCM
• SPDIF: 16-24bits linear PCM, 32- 192 kHz
• USB: max 32 bits 384 kHz PCM - DSD256 or DOP256
• Bluetooth 4.2: A2DP/AVRCP aptX HD (24 bits / 48 kHz)

Connectivity

• Analog inputs:
  • 4x RCA
  • 1x XLR
• Digital inputs:
  • 1x S/PDIF
  • 2x TosLink
  • 1x USB Audio
  • 1x Bluetooth
• Outputs:
  • Speakers A&B
  • 3.5mm mini-jack for headphones
  • Preamp out
  • Subwoofer output

General

• Power consumption:
  • Max: 750 W
  • Standby: < 0.5 W
• Dimensions (H x W x D mm): 115 x 430 x 341mm
• Weight: 8.7kg