Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII
Stereo integrated amplifier featuring a high-resolution ESS Sabre DAC and aptX HD Bluetooth, to drive demanding speakers without additional electronics.
Description
The CXA81 MkII is a stereo integrated amplifier from Cambridge Audio, designed to centralise all the listening sources of a home system. It combines a power section capable of driving demanding speakers with a comprehensive digital board, allowing it to serve both as a conventional amplifier and as the digital heart of a hi-fi system.
Its output power reaches 2x120W RMS into 4 ohms, a level that allows the driving of low-impedance speaker pairs without the amplifier showing any signs of strain. The frequency response extends from less than 5 Hz to 60 kHz at +/- 1 dB, a wide range that far exceeds the audible spectrum and guarantees faithful reproduction across the entire sound register, from deep bass to the finest treble.
Digital-to-analogue conversion relies on an ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC, capable of processing files up to 32-bit/384 kHz as well as DSD256, allowing the use of high-resolution audio files stored on a computer, NAS or USB drive directly via the USB audio port. Wireless connectivity relies on Bluetooth with aptX HD, offering wireless streaming of better quality than standard Bluetooth.
On the wired connectivity side, the unit offers a balanced stereo XLR input, four stereo RCA inputs, a coaxial S/PDIF input and two optical TOSLINK inputs, in addition to a preamplifier output and a dedicated subwoofer output. This variety allows the connection of a turntable fitted with an external phono preamplifier, as well as a CD player, a TV or an external DAC.
This model is aimed at enthusiasts who wish to build a versatile hi-fi system around a single unit, capable of handling both analogue and digital sources without additional electronics. The A and B speaker terminals also allow two pairs of speakers to be connected, a configuration useful for multi-room listening or for comparing speakers.
Technical specifications
| Output power | 2x120W RMS 4 Ohms |
| Frequency response | < 5 Hz – 60 kHz +/- 1 dB |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 115 x 430 x 341 mm |
| Weight | 8.7 kg |
What to check before buying used
The motorised potentiometer on the front panel deserves testing across its full range: crackling or a channel imbalance at low volume indicates track wear. Also check that the ESS Sabre DAC board is properly recognised by the computer via USB, as some units have undergone questionable firmware updates. Finally, a check of the protection relays and power supply capacitors is advisable after several years of use, as a hum or a cut-out at start-up may indicate their wear.
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