Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier w/ DAC & Bluetooth

An 80 Wpc punchy, detailed amp with Sabre DAC and lots of digital and analog inputs

Half a decade after the CX range redefined performance at its price point, it was time for Cambridge Audio to reimagine, reengineer, and invigorate. The all-new CXA61 and CXA81 integrated amplifiers build on the foundations laid (and the Awards won) by CXA60 and CXA80, but with a fresh and progressive perspective.

The CXA81 is 80 watts per channel of punchy and upfront sound, with lots of detail and precision. The onboard DAC uses an ESS Sabre ES9016 K2M chip, offering up to 384/32 and DSD256.

An oversized toroidal transformer gives the CXA81 a muscular 80 watts of power for each channel, with super-low levels of distortion and supreme electrical efficiency. The result is an amplifier with limitless reserves of power, ready to maximize the dynamic potential of any loudspeakers and able to play at any volume level without stress or distortion.

Note, the CXA81 is Roon Tested, but not yet Roon Ready. This means that it will be recognized over USB by a Roon server, but does not offer the full integration and sonic benefit of using Roon’s RAAT streaming protocol.

Features 

• 80 watts per channel with Class AB amplification for detailed and powerful audio performance
• High-quality DAC. Connect digital sources directly via TOSLINK and Coaxial
• Bluetooth aptX HD built-in for wireless playback
• USB audio input accepting up to 32 bit/384 kHz, and DSD 256 digital files from Mac or PC

Specifications 

Power output (8 ohm, 4 ohm): 80 W, 120 W

DAC chip: ESS Sabre ES9016K2M

Inputs
Analog: 4 x stereo RCA, 1 x balanced XLR
Digital: 1 x S/PDIF coaxial, 2 x TOSLINK optical, 1 x USB audio, Bluetooth 

Sampling Rates
TOSLINK optical: 16/24 bit 32-96 kHz PCM only
S/PDIF coaxial: 16/24 bit 32-192 kHz PCM only
USB: Up to 32 bit 384 kHz PCM, up to DSD256 or DoP256
Bluetooth (4.2 A2DP/AVRCP): Up to aptX HD (24 bit 48 kHz)

Outputs: Speakers A+B, 3.5 mm headphone, preamp, subwoofer

Dimensions (WHD): 16.9″ X 4.5″ X 13.4″

Weight: 19.1 lb