Cambridge Audio CXA81

[housetech]

I reimagined our outside A/V center on the Partio. My first unit for music streaming & TV sound was the Denon DRA800H, I had two units that failed- first had a bad channel, second just crashed and wouldn't reboot. So I went shopping for a Cambridge Audio AXR100 Stereo Receiver. It has most of what I wanted, the audio quality was good, really, it was good- better than anything in the $450-650 price range. The AXR100 sounds better than units costing more, it's a bargain, not great but very respectable.

Then I listened to the Cambridge Audio CXA81 integrated amp, hub of the CX line- streamer & CD transport. The Streamer CXN (V2) is tempting but I'll wait. WOW the amp is impressive.

I'm not going to review the amp, you can read the same reviews I did.

www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/hi-fi/cx-series-2/cxa81



After comparing it to other integrated amps costing +/- $200- Cambridge CXA61, Marantz, Denon, Yamaha, NAD, Rotel (I liked, clean & strong- no stock), Audiolab & some class D, the CXA81 sound stayed in my mind. It's that 'British Sound'. Is it flat or neutral, I've never seen anyone scope it out 20 to 20khz, but what it is to me is "natural" in sound to my ears and everything I listened to sounded good. Each speaker pair I connected @ home sounded good (Not T2+ yet).

Watched Andrew Robinson's review last night and he said B&W and Monitor Audio are not a good match, WHAT??? It's British, it's NOT too bright, w.t.h. is he talking about?! (Kristy like it).

The unit will be in a cabinet and has an I.R. input which was a 'must have'. It is a well built and has USB Audio Class 2 (up to 32-bit/384kHz) input for a server.



Did I blow my budget at 2x the price? Not really, the unit's box was destroyed in shipping, re-boxed and I got a good deal, can't find a single cosmetic flaw. BUT, when I turned it on the first time, after about an hour (normal volumes) it was as hot as a class A amp, "oh s***". The next day and ever since, it's been normal temp and works perfect. I've got a 30 day return, just in case. It's a keeper and wife approved. Glad I kept walking pass the Mac MA12000, it wouldn't fit the the cabinet. lol

[housetech]

Some dislikes of the amp-
Volume control is motorized and very sensitive using the remote, does not seem to adjust in 1/2 or 1 db increments. Manual volume adjusting seems more precise. No read-out of the volume or any function, just function LED off or on. I do prefer XMC volume control- manually and remote.
Since the amp will be in a cabinet a read-out is not an issue, but if it was in a rack or on a TV stand shelf, would prefer VFD type display.

I've been hoping Emotiva would make a high quality 2-ch integrated amp (X Series) for a couple years. The TA1 is not there for me, they could do much better.

[housetech]

We spend the weekend listening exclusively to the CXA81- both our outside & indoor main system.
For an integrated amplifier with a high quality DAC, it punches above the price point. I don't recall any 75-100 watt amp (even class A) that has such control of the speakers better. The DAC is better than most DACs I've listened to. I was concerned the amp is "direct only"- no tone controls or balance but I don't feel I need them. I found myself listening to the XMC-1 in direct mode also for some reason.
The subwoofer output seems 'hot' to me, have to run the sub about 20-25% volume.
I'll repeat what I said above, wish Emotiva would have made an integrated amp, oh well...

[creimes]

Look like a nice amp for sure, would be something I am interested in for a second system but up here it's $2000 which is more than what my used XMC-1 and new Outlaw 7000X amp cost me haha, it seems any decent 2ch integrated has a high cost to it, I do agree that Emotiva does need an X series integrated, the Outlaw integrated seems to be a nice piece but the looks can be hot or not haha.

Chad

[LuisV]

I purchased a AXA35 for our son and then a CVN v2 for me, both from their eBay store, they look brand new, worked perfectly and sound great... zero regrets.

www.ebay.com/sch/cambridgeaudiousa/m.html?item=254491621753&hash=item3b40e1f979%3Ag%3A19UAAOSwMY9eKyAo&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

[housetech]

Nov 22, 2021 19:30:01 GMT -5 LuisV said:

I purchased a AXA35 for our son and then a CVN v2 for me, both from their eBay store, they look brand new, worked perfectly and sound great... zero regrets.

www.ebay.com/sch/cambridgeaudiousa/m.html?item=254491621753&hash=item3b40e1f979%3Ag%3A19UAAOSwMY9eKyAo&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

Darn, no phono preamps
That CXA81 @ $999 is a bargain, Cambridge has stepped up their game. They were never on my radar.
How does he like the system? Nice.

[housetech]

Nov 22, 2021 18:43:15 GMT -5 creimes said:

Look like a nice amp for sure, would be something I am interested in for a second system but up here it's $2000 which is more than what my used XMC-1 and new Outlaw 7000X amp cost me haha, it seems any decent 2ch integrated has a high cost to it, I do agree that Emotiva does need an X series integrated, the Outlaw integrated seems to be a nice piece but the looks can be hot or not haha.

Chad

Want me to find you one & ship it? lol

[LuisV]

Keep an eye on their store as they add products all the time... basically weekly.

He loves the AXA35 with his Wharfedale speakers; he's using a Rega P2 and a Pi with a Schiit Modi DAC for streaming.

[creimes]

Nov 22, 2021 20:45:29 GMT -5 housetech said:

Nov 22, 2021 18:43:15 GMT -5 creimes said:

Look like a nice amp for sure, would be something I am interested in for a second system but up here it's $2000 which is more than what my used XMC-1 and new Outlaw 7000X amp cost me haha, it seems any decent 2ch integrated has a high cost to it, I do agree that Emotiva does need an X series integrated, the Outlaw integrated seems to be a nice piece but the looks can be hot or not haha.

Chad

Want me to find you one & ship it? lol

After my three million percent exchange rate probably doesn't make a difference hahaha