Cambridge Audio's CXA81 Integrated Amplifier is the heart and engine of a modern system. With 80 watts of power per channel, built-in AptxHD bluetooh support, and plenty of digital inputs, just add speakers and sources for powerful, pristine stereo sound.
- 80 watts per channel – power to drive the most demanding speakers
- Class AB Amplification – for balanced & efficient performance
- Toroidal Transformer – for incredible sound-staging
- High Quality ESS Sabre ES9016 DAC – to realise digital music at its best
- Digital inputs – TOSLINK, Coaxial & USB Audio Input (up to 32-bit/384kHz & DSD256 digital files from Mac/PC)
- Balanced XLR inputs – for premium connection
- Bluetooth aptX HD input – connect wirelessly to devices, incl. Alva TT V2
- A/B Speaker Zones – power 2 sets of speakers
Rewarding Performance
Cambridge Audio's CXA81 integrated amplifier builds on the foundations laid by the first CX Series, and over 50 years of experience in building amps. It offers a progressive perspective – effortless, poised, and sophisticated. 80 watts per channel give CXA81 complete authority over music, to reveal every emotion and nuance from your whole music collection – be that streamed or on disc.
Your World’s a Stage
The thing that hits you when you hear CXA81 for the first time is just how detailed everything sounds. You’ll pick up instruments, subtle shifts in tone, and harmonies you’ve previously missed. Close your eyes, and you’ll be able to place every musician in the soundstage. Once you’ve experienced CXA81, there’s no turning back.
Return on Investment
Cambridge Audio's engineering team in London invested hours researching, developing, experimenting, and above all, listening to ensure that CXA81 was right. Their goal: to make the most accomplished and absorbing integrated amp in its class. Every component is selected and decisions are made based on the desire to deliver the most complete musical picture possible.
Effortlessly Musical
At the heart of CXA81 beats a Class AB power amplifier stage with optimized capacitor values. It takes the musicality of Class A and blends it with the efficiency of Class B. The amp’s short signal path is efficient, leaving little opportunity for interference. The resulting sound is pristine while delivering the emotional impact the artist intended.
Power with Control
Thanks to a generous toroidal transformer, CXA81 delivers a prodigious 80 watts of power per channel. Dual taps into the left and right of the amplification board mean that, in effect, each channel has its own power supply – resulting in a vivid sound stage. Dynamic shifts in music – like those loud then quiet moments – are handled with ease.
Get the Message
Designed to bring your music to life, CXA81’s state-of-the-art digital circuit board includes the cutting-edge ESS Sabre ES9016 digital-to-analogue convertor (DAC). This means digital audio files, up to a heady 32-bit/384kHz or DSD256, are energised – with every subtle detail delivered in full. CXA81 combines unparalleled accuracy with vivid musicality, doing so beautifully.
Get Connected
CXA81 has connectivity covered. As well as digital optical, coaxial and USB Audio, it features stereo RCA inputs, balanced XLR sockets plus wireless hi-res connectivity via Bluetooth aptX HD – perfect for Alva TT V2. You can even connect a second set of speakers, to hear your music in another room.
Designed for Life
Thanks to the relentless dedication of Cambridge Audio's team in London, CXA81 is a complete solution. Its combination of versatility, power and audio excellence means it can form the centre of your musical experience for many years to come. Its elegant, minimalistic lines, crafted from aluminium and steel, will endure both physically and aesthetically.
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Stereo Amplifier
Tech Specs
POWER OUTPUT
80W RMS into 8 Ohms, 120W RMS into 4 Ohms
DAC
ESS Sabre ES9016K2M
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
<5Hz– 60kHz +/-1dB
ANALOGUE AUDIO INPUTS
1x balanced XLR, 4 x RCA
DIGITAL AUDIO INPUTS
1 x S/PDIF coaxial, 2 x TOSLINK optical, 1 x USB audio, Bluetooth (integrated)
COMPATIBILITY
TOSLINK optical: 16/24bit 32-96kHz PCM only, S/PDIF coaxial: 16/24bit 32-192kHz PCM only, USB: audio profile 1.0/2.0 (default 2.0), up to 24-bit 384kHz PCM, up to DSD256 or DoP256, Bluetooth: 4.2 A2DP/AVRCP supporting up to aptX HD (24bit 48kHz)
BLUETOOTH APTX HD RECEIVER BUILT-IN
Yes
ROON TESTED
Yes
OUTPUTS
Speakers A+B, 3.5mm headphone, Preamp Output, Subwoofer Output
REMOTE CONTROL
Yes
MAX POWER CONSUMPTION
750W
STANDBY POWER CONSUMPTION
<0.5W
DIMENSIONS (H X W X D)
115 x 430 x 341mm (4.5 x 16.9 x 13.4”)
WEIGHT
8.7kg (19.1lbs)
BOX CONTENTS
CXA81 Integrated Amplifier, Power Cable, 3 x AAA Batteries, Remote Control, Control Bus Cable, Bluetooth antenna, Quick Start Guide, Safety Guide