Cambrige CXA81
Contents
Cambridge – supplied by Dimex – has shown again in the last few multitests that they are comfortable in their playing field. They have also regularly shown in the past that they make solid stuff. And yes … again they do so with the CXA81.
Along with the Creek and the Arcam, the Cambridge is a favorite. The fact that each author has designated a different favorite shows how taste-sensitive hi-fi is. For your Author it is the Cambridge, for Martijn it is the Arcam and for Yung it was the Creek…. tastes differ. And everyone has different things they care about.
Where the Cambridge gets high marks is fluidity and playfulness in playback. That along with ample control and dynamics in both macro and micro areas gives a very complete picture. The built-in dac is also very finely executed by the way – which appeared to be the case with most amplifiers, fortunately – making this an excellent all-rounder. Without a doubt highly recommended.
Measurements Cambridge CXA81
Cambridge Audio has its act together, we notice. The amplifier has a low noise floor with just very little grass. We measure around -120dB. Neat. However, what the Cambridge has really got right – along with Atoll for that matter – is that volume has much less impact on distortion. Full open does give more distortion; it is not as jarring as with the Arcam or Advance Paris. We don’t see the power promised on paper, by the way. We measure 70 watts (8 Ohms) and 105 watts (4 Ohms).
Crossover distortion is nicely under control, we see in the Residue measurement. Phase idem with only 10 degrees in the bass and treble.
If we measure noise on the mains side, we see a quiet picture. Not the lowest in this test, but nicely even. This is an amplifier that both sounds good and measures well … nice work.
Cambridge Audio CXA81 specifications
| Brand / Type | Cambridge Audio CXA81 |
| Power 8 Ohm | 80 |
| Power handling 4 Ohm | 120 |
| Inputs | 4 x RCA in XLR in (switchable) |
| Outputs | Pre-out Sub out |
| DAC | 2 x optical, coaxial, USB, Bluetooth |
| Price | 999 |