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Cambridge Audio CXA81 Stereo Two-Channel Amplifier with Bluetooth and Built-in DAC - 80 Watts Per Channel (Lunar Grey)

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 163 ratings

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  • ✓ FOR TRUE HI-FI STEREO EXPERIENCE – CXA81 is designed to be unmatched in sonic ability, on-board features, and build-quality. Its audio is a true and emotional delivery across thumping basslines, syncopated jazz rhythms, or distinctive vocals.
  • ✓ DESIGNED TO BE AN EXPERIENCE – CXA81 has been engineered, refined and finessed with only one objective in mind: to deliver the most thrillingly authentic sound you’ve ever encountered. It brings you closer to the music you love.
  • ✓ PROFESSIONAL-GRADE POWER - Oversized toroidal transformer gives an even, low-noise current without distortion or stress. CXA81 handles 8-ohm and 4-ohm speakers, delivering all the musical peaks and nuances you expect to hear.
  • ✓ CONNECT WIRED OR WIRELESSLY - Bluetooth wireless capability lets you stream from smartphones, tablets, and computers. Improved aptX HD encoding helps enhance audio quality of music streaming from devices.
  • ✓ DIGITAL SOURCE FLEXIBILITY - High Quality ESS Sabre SE9010K2M DAC chip is compatible with 32-bit/384kHz PCM files and up to DSD 256 data streams. Connect digital sources directly via TOSLINK and Coaxial.
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Product Description

Half a decade after the CX range redefined performance, it’s time to reimagine, reengineer and reinvigorate. The all-new CXA81 integrated amplifier builds on the foundation laid (and the Awards won) by CXA80, but with a fresh and progressive perspective. The CXA81 is poised, effortless and sophisticated. Its 80 watts per channel give it complete authority over music, and it wrings every emotional and musical nuance from your whole collection.

CX SERIES 2. THE SOUND OF PROGRESS.

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MAKING THE BEST BETTER

How do you take an admired and successful integrated amplifier, one that’s won respect and plaudits around the world, and make it even better? Well, if you’re a Cambridge Audio engineer, you examine every aspect of the performance - and then you do everything you can to make it ‘more’. More refined, more precise, more engrossing… more musical.

UNCOMPROMISED AND UNCOMPROMISING

All the research, all the development, all the time and effort that’s been expended on the CXA81 has been for one reason alone: to make this the most accomplished and absorbing integrated amplifier ever offered in its class. Every component selected, and every engineering decision taken, is based entirely on the desire to progress. The CXA81 has been designed and specified without compromise, in order to deliver the complete musical picture.

THE WHOLE STORY

The CXA81 is designed to bring your music to life, no matter how it’s stored. So it features an entirely new digital board, including the cutting-edge ESS Sabre ES9016 digital-to-analogue convertor. Which means digital audio files up to a heady 32bit/384kHz, or DSD256, are brought dramatically to life, with every detail and nuance delivered intact and in full. The CXA81 combines unparalleled accuracy with vivid musicality, without sacrificing convenience.

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POWER AND CONTROL

Thanks to numerous improvements and upgrades - and thanks to an overspecified toroidal transformer - the CXA81 delivers a prodigious 80 watts of power per channel. This means the CXA81 has complete authority over even the most demanding speakers, it means big dynamic shifts in music are handled with total control, and it means the whole musical picture is available no matter if you’re playing at discreet background levels or at party-time volumes.

ABSOLUTE FLEXIBILITY

The CXA81 covers all connectivity bases, giving you complete freedom of choice. As well as digital optical and digital coaxial inputs, it features unbalanced stereo RCA inputs alongside balanced XLR sockets - and wireless connectivity via Bluetooth’s cutting-edge aptX HD standard is on board too. So there’s no need to compromise on performance in the name of convenience.

UNMATCHED SONIC INTEGRITY

At the heart of the CXA81 beats a completely reimagined and redesigned power amplifier stage with optimised capacitor values. The resulting sound is pristine but not clinical, with unrivalled musical coherence no matter the source.

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50 Years of Engineering Expertise

For 50 years now, we’ve pursued one simple goal: to engineer products that bring the Great British Sound into your home.

We deliver Great British Sound

We design and engineer in London

We are constantly innovating

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The Soundest Moment, THE Soundest Value

However you listen, whatever your budget, we will give you the best possible sound.

We make award-winning products

We are the UK’s best-selling amplifer brand

We offer a diverse range of audio products

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Music Lovers on a Mission

Everything we do is driven by our love of music. Great things happen when people who love music make audio products

Hi-Fi made by Musicians

We built our own music venue

We support Music Charities

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Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here

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Cambridge Audio CXA81 Stereo Two-Channel Amplifier with Bluetooth and Built-in DAC - 80 Watts Per Channel (Lunar Grey)


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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
163 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the sound quality, appearance and bluetooth connectivity of the audio product. For example, they mention it has a wonderful sonic experience, the built-in bluetooth works incredibly well and the quality build is solid. Customers are also happy with clean power, options, and clarity. That said, some complain about the volume controls. They say the remote doesn't control volume, there are no tone controls and the small volume buttons are annoying.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

29 customers mention26 positive3 negative

Customers generally like the sound quality of the amp. They say it produces a transparent sound true to the original, and it has been a wonderful sonic experience. Customers also appreciate the DAC, Bluetooth, and multiple digital inputs. They mention that the amp has incredible power and sound, a clear, spacious soundstage, and brings out the nuances of the music. Overall, customers say it's the cleanest and most expressive amplifier they've come across.

"...However, after 6 to 8 weeks running, it started to sound really smooth and pleasing...." Read more

"...build with a history of innovative products that produce a transparent sound true to the original...." Read more

"Quality,sound, valueCambridge knocks it outta the park." Read more

"This sounds so clean! One of the best amplifiers I’ve purchased." Read more

15 customers mention15 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the audio or video product. They mention that it is a great looking amp, with a clean design and a remote that is easy to operate. They appreciate the sophisticated design, integrated amplifier, and Bluetooth streaming. Some mention that the product is amazingly well featured and incredibly great sounding. They also appreciate the minimalist front design and say it is beautiful, sleek, and sexy.

"...the return would be so, but I have to say that the CXA81 is a very good value, full feature and great looking amp...." Read more

"...It has to power 4 speakers. It has to have a sound that compliments classic rock and jazz. It has to fit my $1500 budget...." Read more

"This is a very nice integrated amp, but it has a few issue which make it unsuitable for my setup...." Read more

"...Stunning!..." Read more

7 customers mention5 positive2 negative

Customers like the bluetooth connectivity of the audio system. They say that the built-in Bluetooth works incredibly well, and the multiple digital inputs sound great. The amplifier, embedded DAC, and Bluetooth streaming all work well. Some mention that the CXA81 does everything well, but there's something intangible.

"...The amp brings the music to life.The DAC, Bluetooth, and multiple digital inputs sound great as well and are much improved over my prior..." Read more

"...with my setup, this amp is so powerful for 2 q acoustic 3020i, but it match the character of my speakers." Read more

"Sound is nice but the bluetooth keeps disconnecting and disappearing." Read more

"...It’s Bluetooth connectivity is as good as it gets...." Read more

6 customers mention6 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the audio and video product. They mention that it is well-built, has a history of innovative products, and has s solid and polished British sound. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.

"Quality build with a history of innovative products that produce a transparent sound true to the original...." Read more

"Quality,sound, valueCambridge knocks it outta the park." Read more

"...You do need a phono preamp for your turntable. Great piece of equipment overall and very satisfied with it." Read more

"...Versatile inputs for digital sources (USB, optical), and high quality blue tooth processor." Read more

5 customers mention5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the clean power of the amp. They say it provides the needed power to their speakers and has a clear, spacious soundstage. Customers also mention that it's an excellent amp with a sensitive volume control.

"...It is well suited for my B&W towers, with plenty of power and finess. That being said, I'm digging the sound." Read more

"...Nope. Clean power. A clear, spacious soundstage. Really nice emphasis on details. It brings my vinyl to life...." Read more

"Cambridge quality and sound. Provides the needed power to my Focal speakers and the DAC easily connects for streaming...." Read more

"Excellent Amp. Packed perfectly and as described / High end Class AB with APTX-HD BT - All you need!" Read more

4 customers mention4 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the options provided by the audio system. They mention that it has versatile inputs from all audio formats, has great input/output options, and has plenty of analog and digital inputs.

"...Because it checked off all my ‘must have’ boxes. It has to power 4 speakers. It has to have a sound that compliments classic rock and jazz...." Read more

"...Has great input/output options. My only complaint would be the bass expression...." Read more

"Well made unit with plenty of analog and digital inputs..." Read more

"High quality sound system, sleek design, versatile inputs from all audio formats...." Read more

3 customers mention3 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the clarity of the audio or video product. They mention that it has a clear, spacious soundstage, and is crystal clear with no hiss or distortion. Some customers also say that the product is transparent and well balanced.

"...Crystal clear with no "hiss" or distortion even when the amplifier is turned almost all the way up. Has great input/output options...." Read more

"...Nope. Clean power. A clear, spacious soundstage. Really nice emphasis on details. It brings my vinyl to life...." Read more

"Transparent, well balanced (a little aggressiveness on upper mids contributed to some fatiguing for me while listening to rock music)...." Read more

7 customers mention2 positive5 negative

Customers are dissatisfied with the volume controls of the audio system. They mention that the remote doesn't control volume, there are no tone controls, and the buttons are small. Some say that the system has great balance. Overall, most are disappointed with the controls and recommend looking elsewhere for a better product.

"...The remote can be better as it bears too many buttons that are not for the amp but for other Cambridge product family, and turning the volumn up/..." Read more

"...Using the remote to adjust the volume was annoying because it would always overshoot. I couldn't turn the volume up or down just a touch...." Read more

"...I appreciate the volume control from the remote. I have paid this with Elac Debut F5.2 speakers and it easily powers them...." Read more

"...Only complaint is that the remote doesn’t control volume (a very minor complaint indeed)." Read more

Great sound in great value - almost perfect
5 Stars
Great sound in great value - almost perfect
After weeks of research, I pulled the trigger and purchase the CXA81 to pair with my Focal Chora 816 speakers. I was initially not impressed the first two weeks as the mids and highs were on the bright side. However, after 6 to 8 weeks running, it started to sound really smooth and pleasing. By no means my setup is "hi-fi" so I don't expect the return would be so, but I have to say that the CXA81 is a very good value, full feature and great looking amp. The remote can be better as it bears too many buttons that are not for the amp but for other Cambridge product family, and turning the volumn up/down is a big laggy, meaning that it's easy to "overshoot" and adjust the motorized knob on the amp just the way I want it. Yet, this slight shortcoming is not enough for me to take away a point from this review. After all, the CXA81 is definitely on my recommendation list.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2023
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great sound in great value - almost perfect
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2023
After weeks of research, I pulled the trigger and purchase the CXA81 to pair with my Focal Chora 816 speakers. I was initially not impressed the first two weeks as the mids and highs were on the bright side. However, after 6 to 8 weeks running, it started to sound really smooth and pleasing. By no means my setup is "hi-fi" so I don't expect the return would be so, but I have to say that the CXA81 is a very good value, full feature and great looking amp. The remote can be better as it bears too many buttons that are not for the amp but for other Cambridge product family, and turning the volumn up/down is a big laggy, meaning that it's easy to "overshoot" and adjust the motorized knob on the amp just the way I want it. Yet, this slight shortcoming is not enough for me to take away a point from this review. After all, the CXA81 is definitely on my recommendation list.
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2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2024
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Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024
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Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2023
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Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2021
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5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful peace of British kit
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2021
After much consideration and homework I landed on this amp. I’m not an audiophile and a lot of more expensive amps would be lost on my ears. So why the CXa81? Because it checked off all my ‘must have’ boxes. It has to power 4 speakers. It has to have a sound that compliments classic rock and jazz. It has to fit my $1500 budget. I’ve now spent some time with this amp and am in love with the sound. Detailed. The sound stage is impressive. Colored and lively sound that is very engaging. I have listened to records for hours and it leaves me wanting more. The only caveat I have is no phono stage here. But this has allowed me to experiment with some phono preamps. My schiit mani sweetens everything. I have a little Chinese tube preamp from Douk Audio that’s fantastic with my jazz collection. I see myself buying at least one more phono preamp just for fun. So... if you like classic rock, this may be the right amp for you.
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19 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2023
18 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2022
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5.0 out of 5 stars I’m digging The British Sound
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2022
Last month, I replaced a Yamaha R-S500 receiver with a CXA81 amp and a Musical Fidelity V90 LPS phono stage.

Though the Yamaha sounds great (only $350), it can’t compare with the new British combo. The soundstage is wider, deeper, and taller with a rock-solid center image, and I haven’t even upgraded my speakers yet (got my eyes on a new pair of Tannoys or KEFs). Currently, the CXA81 is driving a pair of JBL Studio 590s.

The CXA81 does everything well, but there’s something intangible, I can’t quite put my finger on. The music has life and power I hadn’t noticed before. This amp makes me move. Foot tapping, dancing, singing. The amp brings the music to life.

The DAC, Bluetooth, and multiple digital inputs sound great as well and are much improved over my prior equipment.

The CXA81 does benefit from a run-in period. It sounds better everyday 👍.
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12 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Escéptico...
5.0 out of 5 stars Buen equipo como integrado o previo.
Reviewed in Mexico on March 8, 2024
One person found this helpful
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Eugene Heeger
5.0 out of 5 stars An Integrtaed Amplifier that allows you to FEEL the Music!
Reviewed in Canada on December 18, 2023
Jorge S.
3.0 out of 5 stars Lindo com DAC capenga
Reviewed in Brazil on June 1, 2022
3 people found this helpful
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DrRPM
5.0 out of 5 stars El sonido de los ángeles !
Reviewed in Mexico on January 21, 2024
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DrRPM
5.0 out of 5 stars El sonido de los ángeles !
Reviewed in Mexico on January 21, 2024
Amplificador integrado de muy alta calidad que, acoplado a los parlantes apropiados (alta gama) y a la señal apropiada, me hizo descubrir detalles musicales impensables.
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2 people found this helpful
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Danny
5.0 out of 5 stars Good sound
Reviewed in Canada on October 30, 2023