I was considering the cxa81 but didn't get chance to hear it . A friend just bought the 61 and it is also very impressive. I ended up with a pre owned Roksan k3 amp, got it 250 pounds cheaper than the 81 . Happy enough .
Just ordered this amp, an SVS 12” sub and KEF q350s … it’ll be my first hi fi audio system, outside of my Sonos Arc surround system. I hope my LG C1 TV does a good job switching back and forth between two different sound systems - The Cambridge stereo via optical and Sonos via EARC hdmi (for movie/game time and atmos music) ..
Great review as always, providing useful, and pertinent info. Sharp looking unit. I like the minimalist front panel design. Not a bad price tag at all. Nice looking build quality. Nice rear panel layout, with plenty of inputs. Like seeing that sub out, and those pre-outs. Makes some great usage flexibility. Have a great day everybody!
One of the better reviews. Though I would say integrated amps around this price tend to deliberately leave out an internal phono stage, so they can put that cost into improvements elsewhere. Not a reason to lose marks. Jus sayin’ :-)
Nice review. I own this amp and I concur that you have to run it in for a while. The treble was a bit bright when I first bought it but smoothed out over the first 2 weeks of listening.
Hi I have a CXA81 in my mainroom with QAcoustics 3050i and the sound is sublime. In my office at work i have the CXA61 paired with the QAcoustics 3030i. I sold a Rotel Ra12 and my B&W 684 to make some nice money and then i bought these new equipments. And i´m loving the sound of the two sistems. My source is roon with tidal masters from my laptop. Keep safe Congratz from Portugal
João, poderia por favor contar sobre as diferenças entre o cxa61 e cxa81 ? Oque você achou do som, é mais frio analitico ou mais "quente" , sobre suas impressoes . Obrigado!
@@praia2010 Olá.O som do CXA81 é mais analitico em relação ao CXA61,tem uma melhor separação entre canais mas é um amplificador com um som quente.Dá muito gosto de ouvir e tem tambem muita potencia.É na minha opinião um amplificador completo de grande qualidade sonora.O CXA61 é um amplificador energico,com ritmo e tambem com excelente palco sonoro.Eu não os tenho ligados ás mesmas colunas pois o CXA61 está no escritório mas o som é muitissimo bem controlado com uma tonalidade muito boa. O CXA81 é melhor mas adoro os dois e o CXA61 não lhe fica muito atrás.
How did the CXA81 pair with your Klipsch specifically? RP600M’s? I’m looking to replace my PSAudio Sprout 100 and I’m close to pulling the trigger on this integrated. Unfortunately the Sprout doesn’t pair great with my RP600M’s. I enjoy the sound well enough but I find it gets fatiguing after a while. Looking for something to smooth them out.
my favourite reviewer ! still the easiest to listen to......i have just recently purchased the Wharfedale EVO 4.4 and really stuck on what amp i have narrowed it down to the audiolab 6000a OR the Cambridge Audio CXA81 what one do you think i should be purchasing?
I'm in the same situation. I'm planning on buying the Wharfedale 4.4 speakers so I asked Wharfedale if they thought the CXA60 at 60 watts was powerful enough for my floor plan (medium sized room but opens out to the dining room and kitchen). Wharfedale recommended 80 watts so I'm thinking this CXA81 would be a good choice.
I really like your reviews. Great cadence and content. I also like the Cambridge style. One thing I cannot find an answer to is whether or not this can power a center channel speaker. I have a Polk S35 center channel with binding post and what seems to be missing on the rear of the CXA81 are center channel outputs. I have Q acoustics 3030i for left and right speakers. Thanks for any input you have.
Thanks for watching and don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already. 😁 Unfortunately this is made for a 2 channel stereo system. Can it power a center channel? Yes, but it would be sending either a left or right speaker sound so it wouldn’t sound correct. Hopefully this helps! 😁
I have a question: Is digital sound (Spotify for example) going to improve and surpass the quality of the DAC? I am looking at upgrading my amp and wondering if the DAC will ever become obsolete like computers, phones, etc).
QUESTION: you mentioned in your review you had a TV connected (presumably via Optical) my question was how was the sound , good ,average or great stereo imaging? I know it’s not an AV receiver so I'm not expecting full fledged Surround sound but other than streaming music I want to hook it up to TV for better audio for Netflix , movies and cable TV. "Will be using KEF q150's and a sub as well.
I was a little disappointed because I had to change cables due to the brightness of the sound but after 2 months of use this amp sounds better and less treble l love it
Hi. I am looking for some help to decide what to do? I have an old, but very good, Rotel RSP-1098 AV processor connected to two RMB-1066 amplifiers. However, my system lacks HDMI support, Dolby digital Plus, TrueHD and Dolby Atmos. I cannot afford a top Rotel or Marantz up to date processor. So I am not sure if I should look for a HDMI multi-channel DAC with 7.1 analog output to connect to 7.1 analog input of my processor or to replace the RSP-1098 for a Marantz SR-5014 or Yamaha Aventage RX-A880, both in my budget. Any suggestions?
I'm thinking go with the Marantz/Yamaha because you'll get the audio processing (Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, etc.) and 4K UHD pass through of HDR signals (HDR 10, Dolby Vision, etc.). A dedicated DAC with HDMI may not have all those features.
I haven't tried the Arcam so I can't say for sure to be honest. On a personal note I'd like to try the Arcam so I may be inclined to get that but at ~$1200 that's a pretty big gamble so on the safe side I'd go for the Cambridge. Sorry I can't give you a better answer.
I am really considering to buy this Cambridge but the lack of tone controls is holding me back a little. I've got a pair of old Mission 753s and worry that if I crank up the volume the bass and treble might be a little too high for them and I wont be able to lower them. Do you think it will still sound great? Cheers :)
Honestly I can’t say, I enjoyed the sound on the speakers I tried but I didn’t try any 753s. I guess my recommendation would be to get something with a tone control that way you never have to worry. Hope this helps 😁
I am listening to mine right now. Sounds nice but at every pause I hear annoying transformer buzzing, almost 3 meters away. Quality is still “China”. Can’t recommend.
I got mine yesterday. It sounds incredible already.
Awesome! Not sure how I missed this comment, I was hoping you liked it! Sorry I wasn't able to do a chrome cast comparison, I don't own one.
Perfect Amp. Got IT with aeromax 6 and the CD player. Really great
Nice!
@@HomeTheaterHobbyist thank you
I was considering the cxa81 but didn't get chance to hear it . A friend just bought the 61 and it is also very impressive. I ended up with a pre owned Roksan k3 amp, got it 250 pounds cheaper than the 81 . Happy enough .
Just ordered this amp, an SVS 12” sub and KEF q350s … it’ll be my first hi fi audio system, outside of my Sonos Arc surround system. I hope my LG C1 TV does a good job switching back and forth between two different sound systems - The Cambridge stereo via optical and Sonos via EARC hdmi (for movie/game time and atmos music) ..
Nice!! Let me what you think once you get it.
Brilliant review, explained all the connections too. Good job.
Thank you 🙏🏾
Great review as always, providing useful, and pertinent info. Sharp looking unit. I like the minimalist front panel design. Not a bad price tag at all. Nice looking build quality. Nice rear panel layout, with plenty of inputs. Like seeing that sub out, and those pre-outs. Makes some great usage flexibility. Have a great day everybody!
It's a great amp! Highly recommended!
One of the better reviews. Though I would say integrated amps around this price tend to deliberately leave out an internal phono stage, so they can put that cost into improvements elsewhere. Not a reason to lose marks. Jus sayin’ :-)
Thanks!
Nice review. I own this amp and I concur that you have to run it in for a while. The treble was a bit bright when I first bought it but smoothed out over the first 2 weeks of listening.
Thanks for sharing!
are you still enjoying the CXA81? thanks
@@andrehb yes I am. It's the amp I use in my home office. I have the CXN also. I use this with 2 Fyne Audio bookshelves. It's an enjoyable listen.
Thanks for your honest review maybe I will consider The Cambridge man we are being bombarded by so much expensive gear again thanks
Hi
I have a CXA81 in my mainroom with QAcoustics 3050i and the sound is sublime.
In my office at work i have the CXA61 paired with the QAcoustics 3030i.
I sold a Rotel Ra12 and my B&W 684 to make some nice money and then i bought these new equipments.
And i´m loving the sound of the two sistems.
My source is roon with tidal masters from my laptop.
Keep safe
Congratz from Portugal
Nice setups! I’m loving the CXA81!
João, poderia por favor contar sobre as diferenças entre o cxa61 e cxa81 ? Oque você achou do som, é mais frio analitico ou mais "quente" , sobre suas impressoes . Obrigado!
@@praia2010 Olá.O som do CXA81 é mais analitico em relação ao CXA61,tem uma melhor separação entre canais mas é um amplificador com um som quente.Dá muito gosto de ouvir e tem tambem muita potencia.É na minha opinião um amplificador completo de grande qualidade sonora.O CXA61 é um amplificador energico,com ritmo e tambem com excelente palco sonoro.Eu não os tenho ligados ás mesmas colunas pois o CXA61 está no escritório mas o som é muitissimo bem controlado com uma tonalidade muito boa.
O CXA81 é melhor mas adoro os dois e o CXA61 não lhe fica muito atrás.
How did the CXA81 pair with your Klipsch specifically? RP600M’s? I’m looking to replace my PSAudio Sprout 100 and I’m close to pulling the trigger on this integrated. Unfortunately the Sprout doesn’t pair great with my RP600M’s. I enjoy the sound well enough but I find it gets fatiguing after a while. Looking for something to smooth them out.
I think it’s the klipsch speakers. I have the cxa81 and the rp600m and it sounds harsh. I returned the klipsch and went focal.
my favourite reviewer ! still the easiest to listen to......i have just recently purchased the Wharfedale EVO 4.4 and really stuck on what amp i have narrowed it down to the audiolab 6000a OR the Cambridge Audio CXA81 what one do you think i should be purchasing?
I'm in the same situation. I'm planning on buying the Wharfedale 4.4 speakers so I asked Wharfedale if they thought the CXA60 at 60 watts was powerful enough for my floor plan (medium sized room but opens out to the dining room and kitchen). Wharfedale recommended 80 watts so I'm thinking this CXA81 would be a good choice.
@@twichian cool,what you bought bro? Im on wether this cx81 or magnat 900ma (2x200) for evo 4.4 ?? How they sound ?
Thanks for the detailed review. I need to get me one of those cool t shirts.
Thanks! Yea that shirt is a favorite!
The best integrade amp for the price trust me !!!
It is an excellent amp!
I really like your reviews. Great cadence and content. I also like the Cambridge style. One thing I cannot find an answer to is whether or not this can power a center channel speaker. I have a Polk S35 center channel with binding post and what seems to be missing on the rear of the CXA81 are center channel outputs. I have Q acoustics 3030i for left and right speakers. Thanks for any input you have.
Thanks for watching and don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already. 😁 Unfortunately this is made for a 2 channel stereo system. Can it power a center channel? Yes, but it would be sending either a left or right speaker sound so it wouldn’t sound correct. Hopefully this helps! 😁
Thanks for your review
My pleasure
I thought it has pre out??
Great review for an epic amp
Glad you think so!
I have a question: Is digital sound (Spotify for example) going to improve and surpass the quality of the DAC? I am looking at upgrading my amp and wondering if the DAC will ever become obsolete like computers, phones, etc).
This model is mainly an amplifier but if your DAC can decode 24 bit 192KHz you'll probably be good for a long time.
QUESTION: you mentioned in your review you had a TV connected (presumably via Optical) my question was how was the sound , good ,average or great stereo imaging? I know it’s not an AV receiver so I'm not expecting full fledged Surround sound but other than streaming music I want to hook it up to TV for better audio for Netflix , movies and cable TV. "Will be using KEF q150's and a sub as well.
I think that setup would work very well. Mainly due to the q150s.
@@HomeTheaterHobbyist Thanks for the reply
Hi, i love your channel!! Great job man! CXA81 or HEGEL H-90?
Thanks, I haven’t tried the Hegel so I can’t say for sure.
Hi, nice review! I’d really love to hear one about Cambridge’s streamer CXN (V2). Be great if you could do one. Thanks!
Working on it now, I just published the unboxing: ua-cam.com/video/XAK97sEWZok/v-deo.html
I agree with your ratings!
Thank you!
I was a little disappointed because I had to change cables due to the brightness of the sound but after 2 months of use this amp sounds better and less treble l love it
Hi do u stream music through it . Cheers.
Is this good match with Wharfedale Evo 4.2?
Hi. I am looking for some help to decide what to do? I have an old, but very good, Rotel RSP-1098 AV processor connected to two RMB-1066 amplifiers. However, my system lacks HDMI support, Dolby digital Plus, TrueHD and Dolby Atmos. I cannot afford a top Rotel or Marantz up to date processor. So I am not sure if I should look for a HDMI multi-channel DAC with 7.1 analog output to connect to 7.1 analog input of my processor or to replace the RSP-1098 for a Marantz SR-5014 or Yamaha Aventage RX-A880, both in my budget. Any suggestions?
I'm thinking go with the Marantz/Yamaha because you'll get the audio processing (Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, etc.) and 4K UHD pass through of HDR signals (HDR 10, Dolby Vision, etc.). A dedicated DAC with HDMI may not have all those features.
@@HomeTheaterHobbyist Thank you. I really appreciate your help.
Hello, i want to buy CXA81 with B&W 603 S2. What is your opinion abouth this set ?
I haven't tried the 603s but the CXA81 should work well with them. Enjoy!
Bro, this vs. Arcam SA20. Which one would you get? The SA20 just dropped down to the same price as cx81!
I haven't tried the Arcam so I can't say for sure to be honest. On a personal note I'd like to try the Arcam so I may be inclined to get that but at ~$1200 that's a pretty big gamble so on the safe side I'd go for the Cambridge. Sorry I can't give you a better answer.
Home Theater Hobbyist if I get it I’ll hit you up!
I am really considering to buy this Cambridge but the lack of tone controls is holding me back a little. I've got a pair of old Mission 753s and worry that if I crank up the volume the bass and treble might be a little too high for them and I wont be able to lower them. Do you think it will still sound great? Cheers :)
Honestly I can’t say, I enjoyed the sound on the speakers I tried but I didn’t try any 753s. I guess my recommendation would be to get something with a tone control that way you never have to worry. Hope this helps 😁
Look into the Cambridge AXR 100, save $700.
Rotel ra 1572 mkii.
How about the bass?
Do you think the Schiit Mani is a good phono preamp for the CXA81
I assume so but I haven’t tried their hardware.
I have this combination it sounds great when your set the mani at 48db (gain1 = H g2 = L) it sounds more 3 dimensions beautiful sound
Hi, I have already cxa80, do you think its worth it to upgrade ??
Put it this way , i had the cxa60 , a friend just bought the cxa61 and its totally better in sound and better spec too .
hi! does cxa81 support ht-bypass?
Not that I'm aware of.
I do miss an earc connection
eARC is nice!
I am listening to mine right now. Sounds nice but at every pause I hear annoying transformer buzzing, almost 3 meters away. Quality is still “China”. Can’t recommend.
I need to some how talk my wife into one of these😁
It's an excellent amp, maybe promise her you'll play some of her music every so often. 😀