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Cambridge Audio CXA61 Review
Cambridge Audio CXA61 - Image 1

Main Features

  • 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Class A/B
  • Minimum impedance: 4 ohms
  • Built-in DAC (ESS Sabre ES9010 K2M)
  • Bluetooth v4.2
  • Weight: 19.10 lbs / 8.68 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):4-1/2 x 16-15/16 x 14-9/16 inch
MSRP: $999 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›

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Cambridge Audio CXA61 Review
Cambridge Audio CXA61 Cambridge Audio CXA6...
Check price atAmazon›

The CXA61 is an Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC by Cambridge Audio that delivers 60 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 90 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. It was released in 2019. Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the CXA61 compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. Thanks to its built-in ESS Sabre ES9010 K2M DAC, you can play digital sources directly without the need for an external DAC unit. Cambridge Audio CXA61 has an MSRP of 999$.

There are 10 Cambridge Audio amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.

Cambridge Audio Integrated Amplifier Series
Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Bluetooth
Cambridge Audio CXA81
Compare
80 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge Audio AXA25
Compare
25 watts8-ohmsNoNo
Cambridge Audio CXA61
60 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge Audio AXA35
Compare
35 watts8-ohmsNoNo
Cambridge Audio Evo 150
Compare
150 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge Audio Evo 75
Compare
75 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge CXA81 II
Compare
80 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge EXA100
Compare
100 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge Audio Edge A
Compare
100 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge Audio Evo 300
Compare
300 watts4-ohmsYesYes


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Performance Specs

One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements.The Cambridge Audio CXA61 is rated at 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms. Cambridge Audio provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.02% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).

Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:

  • 60 watts into 8-ohms (20 Hz-20 kHz) at 0.02%
  • 90 watts into 4-ohms
  • 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
  • 105dB Signal to Noise Ratio

How loud will 60 watts actually play in your room? →

Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →

Which speakers suit the Cambridge Audio CXA61?

60 W into 8 ohms, 90 W into 4, rated down to 4 ohms. We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current delivery.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery — not just watts.

When pairing the Cambridge Audio CXA61 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels. Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.


What size of room is the Cambridge Audio CXA61 Amplifier good for?

An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Cambridge Audio CXA61 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:

Listening Environment Suitability
Near-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the Cambridge Audio CXA61, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers. Cambridge Audio CXA61 has total of 5 Analog inputs .

Cambridge Audio CXA61 Back View
Cambridge Audio CXA61 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 5
  • 2 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input

Cambridge Audio CXA61 connection
Cambridge Audio CXA61 Connections

Outputs
  • Speaker Outputs (A/B switchable)
  • Stereo RCA, Sub Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output (1)

Bluetooth Connectivity

Cambridge Audio CXA61 features built-in Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops.

Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:

  • Audiolab 7000A - MSRP 999$ - Compare w/ CXA61
  • Denon PMA-900HNE - MSRP 949$ - Compare w/ CXA61
  • Audiolab 6000A - MSRP 899$ - Compare w/ CXA61
  • Arcam A15 - MSRP 999$ - Compare w/ CXA61
  • Rotel A11 Tribute - MSRP 800$ - Compare w/ CXA61

Cambridge Audio CXA61 supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:

  • AptX HD
  • AptX

Phono Input

Cambridge Audio CXA61 doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, Cambridge Audio CXA61 has to be paired with a Phono Preamp that is MM (Moving Magnet) or/and MC (Moving COil) depending on your cartridge type.

Subwoofer Output

Cambridge Audio CXA61 has a dedicated subwoofer output which can be used to connect it directly to a powered subwoofer via an LFE(Low Frequency Effects) cable.
Check our Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with Cambridge Audio CXA61 amp and your speakers.

DAC and Digital Music

The Cambridge Audio CXA61's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC. The DAC chip that is used in the CXA61 is the ESS Sabre ES9010 K2M, and supports resolutions up to 32-bit, 384KHZ.
 Handheld Remote
Cambridge Audio CXA61 Handheld Remote

Cambridge Audio CXA61 External Dimensions and Weight

Cambridge Audio CXA61 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 4-1/2inch x 16-15/16inch x 14-9/16inch (115.0mm x 431.0mm x 370.0mm ). The unit weighs 8.68 kg (19.1 lbs).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of the Cambridge Audio CXA61 is approximately 1594.7cm2 / 247.2inch2.

  • Width: 431.0mm (16-15/16")
  • Height: 115.0mm (4-1/2")
  • Depth: 370.0mm (14-9/16")
  • Weight: 8.68 kg (19.1 lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~1594.7cm2 / 247.2inch2
  • Volume: ~18.3 liter / 4.8 gallon

Available colors

Cambridge Audio CXA61 is available in Lunar Grey and Black color options.

What's in the Box of Cambridge Audio CXA61?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of CXA61:
  • Integrated amplifier
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • 3 AAA batteries
  • Bluetooth antenna
  • 39-inch mono-RCA control cable
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Cambridge Audio CXA61, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Cambridge Audio CXA61

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Cambridge Audio CXA61 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for Cambridge Audio CXA61

Warranty

3 Years of parts warranty and 3 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the Cambridge Audio CXA61 by the manufacturer.

Cambridge Audio CXA61  Lifestyle
Cambridge Audio CXA61 Lifestyle

Cambridge Audio CXA61 Detailed Specifications

General
Brand Cambridge Audio
Full Model Name Cambridge Audio CXA61
Release Date 2019
Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
Amp Class Class A/B
Amplifier Technology Solid State
Performance
Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 60 watts
Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms N/A
Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms 90 watts
Frequency Bandwidth 20 Hz-20 kHz
THD 0.02%
Minimum Impedance 4
Signal to Noise Ratio 105 dB
Digital Music
Built-in DAC Yes
DAC Specs ESS Sabre ES9010 K2M
Bluetooth Yes
WiFi
Ecosystem
Apple AirPlay No
Apple AirPlay2 No
DTS Play-Fi No
Chromecast built-in No
Roon No
HEOS No
BluOS No

CONNECTIONS
Total Analog Inputs 5
Phono Input No
Optical Digital Inputs 2
Coaxial Digital Inputs 1
USB Input No
USB Type USB-B(Connect to your PC for playback of stored files)
Preamp Outputs Stereo RCA, Sub
Pre-out / Main-in Loop No
Headphone Output 3.5mm
Subwoofer Output Yes
Removable Power Cord IEC 3-prong
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height 115.0mm (4-1/2")
Width 431.0mm (16-15/16")
Depth 370.0mm (14-9/16")
Weight 8.68 kg (19.1 lbs)
Available Colors Lunar Grey,Black
OTHER
Parts Warranty 3 Years
Labor Warranty 3 Years
Cambridge Audio CXA61 Alternatives in No Streaming Amplifiers
Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Phono Stage
Audiolab 6000A
Compare
50 watts4-ohmsYesMM
Cambridge Audio CXA81
Compare
80 watts4-ohmsYesNo
Rotel A12 MKII
Compare
60 watts4-ohmsYesMM
Denon PMA-900HNE
Compare
50 watts4-ohmsYesMM,MC
Cambridge Audio AXA35
Compare
35 watts8-ohmsNoMM,MC
Yamaha A-S801
Compare
100 watts4-ohmsYesMM
Rega Brio
Compare
50 watts4-ohmsNoMM
Denon PMA-600NE
Compare
45 watts4-ohmsYesMM
Frequently Asked Questions about Cambridge Audio CXA61

How much power does the Cambridge Audio CXA61 have?

The Cambridge Audio CXA61 delivers 60 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 90 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. It increases its output into 4 ohms, so it has some headroom for harder-to-drive speakers.

Does the Cambridge Audio CXA61 use vacuum tubes?

No. The Cambridge Audio CXA61 is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.

What amplifier class is the Cambridge Audio CXA61?

The Cambridge Audio CXA61 uses a Class A/B amplifier design. Class A/B is the traditional linear design: it runs warmer and is less efficient than Class D, but it is long valued for its natural, low-distortion sound.

Does the Cambridge Audio CXA61 have a built-in DAC?

Yes. The Cambridge Audio CXA61 has a built-in DAC (ESS Sabre ES9010 K2M), so you can feed it a digital source directly without buying a separate converter.

Can I connect a turntable to the Cambridge Audio CXA61?

No. The Cambridge Audio CXA61 has no phono input, so a turntable needs an external phono preamp (or a deck with one built in) before it can be connected.

Does the Cambridge Audio CXA61 have Bluetooth?

Yes. The Cambridge Audio CXA61 supports Bluetooth (Bluetooth 4.2 and the AptX HD,AptX codec), so you can stream straight from a phone, tablet or laptop.

Can I connect a subwoofer to the Cambridge Audio CXA61?

Yes. The Cambridge Audio CXA61 has a subwoofer output, so you can add a powered subwoofer to extend the low end below what your main speakers manage.

Does the Cambridge Audio CXA61 have a headphone output?

Yes. The Cambridge Audio CXA61 has a 3.5mm headphone output on the front panel for private listening.

How much does the Cambridge Audio CXA61 cost?

The Cambridge Audio CXA61 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $999.

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