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Cambridge Audio CXA81 Review
Cambridge Audio CXA81

Main Features

  • 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • USB Input
  • 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
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Cambridge Audio CXA81 Review

The CXA81 is an Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC by Cambridge that delivers 80 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 120 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the CXA81 compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. Thanks to its built-in ESS Sabre ES9016 K2M DAC, you can play digital sources directly without the need for an external DAC unit. Cambridge Audio CXA81 has an MSRP of 1299$.

There are 7 Cambridge amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.

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


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my 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 CXA81 is rated at 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms. Cambridge 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:

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

When pairing the Cambridge Audio CXA81 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 CXA81 Amplifier good for?

An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Cambridge Audio CXA81 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:

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

Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the Cambridge Audio CXA81, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers. Cambridge Audio CXA81 has total of 5 Analog inputs .

Cambridge Audio CXA81 Back View
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 5
  • 2 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB-B(Connect to your PC for playback of stored files)

Cambridge Audio CXA81 connection
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Connections

Outputs
  • Stereo RCA, Sub Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output

Bluetooth Connectivity

Cambridge Audio CXA81 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 1299$ - Compare w/ CXA81
  • Audiolab 6000A - MSRP 1299$ - Compare w/ CXA81
  • Rotel A12 MKII - MSRP 1299$ - Compare w/ CXA81
  • Cambridge Audio CXA81 - MSRP 1299$ - Compare w/ CXA81
  • Cambridge Audio CXA61 - MSRP 1299$ - Compare w/ CXA81

Cambridge Audio CXA81 supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:

  • AptX HD
  • AptX

Phono Input

Cambridge Audio CXA81 doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, Cambridge Audio CXA81 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 CXA81 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 CXA81 amp and your speakers.

DAC and Digital Music

The Cambridge Audio CXA81'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 CXA81 is the ESS Sabre ES9016 K2M, and supports resolutions up to 32-bit, 384KHZ.
 Handheld Remote
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Handheld Remote

Cambridge Audio CXA81 External Dimensions and Weight

Cambridge Audio CXA81 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 8.68kg / 19.1lbs.

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 CXA81 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 (19.10lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~1594.7cm2 / 247.2inch2
  • Volume: ~18.3 liter / 4.8 gallon

Available colors

Cambridge Audio CXA81 is available in Lunar Grey and Black color options.

What's in the Box of Cambridge Audio CXA81?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of CXA81:
  • 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 CXA81, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for Cambridge Audio CXA81

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Cambridge Audio CXA81

    Warranty

    3 Years of parts warranty and 3 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the Cambridge Audio CXA81 by the manufacturer.

    Cambridge Audio CXA81  Lifestyle
    Cambridge Audio CXA81 Lifestyle

    Cambridge Audio CXA81 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Cambridge
    Full Model Name Cambridge Audio CXA81
    Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
    Performance
    Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 80 watts
    Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms N/A
    Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms 120 watts
    Frequency Bandwidth 20-20k
    THD 0.02%
    Minimum Impedance 4
    Signal to Noise Ratio 105 dB
    Digital Music
    Built-in DAC Yes
    DAC Specs ESS Sabre ES9016 K2M
    Bluetooth Yes
    WiFi N/A
    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 Yes
    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 (19.10lbs)
    Available Colors Lunar Grey,Black
    OTHER
    Parts Warranty 3 Years
    Labor Warranty 3 Years
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