Cambridge Audio CXA81 & CXN100 (Lunar Grey) with Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 (Black)
The amp that does it all
Engineered to the highest standards, the CXA81 delivers class-leading sound quality. The 80 watt amp is powerful enough for the largest rooms and the most power-hungry speakers. A built-in ESS DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) means you get the best from your digital, as well as analogue sources. Thanks to standard Bluetooth, you can now stream music in top quality aptX HD. All this, plus the Lunar Grey CXA81 looks more stylish than ever.
Powerful sound from the toroidal transformer
Powerful sound begins with the power supply, which is why Cambridge Audio use an audiophile quality, toroidal transformer. Renowned for their low noise, high efficiency and superior sound quality, the over-sized transformer gives the CXA81 a powerful, dynamic sound and a hefty 80W per channel power output - enough for ‘party level’ sound in even the largest domestic spaces.
Digital inputs with top spec DAC for detail
Featuring a reference standard ESS Sabre ES9016K2M DAC, the CXA81 works wonders with your digital audio and video sources. With two optical digital inputs and one coaxial, you can connect up to three digital sources, such as a games console, TV and a CD transport – the Cambridge Audio CXC makes the perfect match.
Bluetooth as standard
Now a standard fitment, Bluetooth offers simple, wireless music streaming from your mobile, tablet or laptop. Stream stored music or popular music streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal and Apple Music. The Bluetooth receiver is compatible with aptX HD, giving the highest quality sound possible from Bluetooth, right up to 24bit/48kHz. You also get the benefit of the sound passing through the ESS Sabre DAC, meaning precise, detailed sound from all your streamed music.
The best from USB audio, with Hi-Res sound
If you enjoy Hi-Res sound, you’ll love the CXA81. Using an asynchronous USB socket at the rear, you can connect up to your laptop, PC or server and stream Hi-Res music, right up to studio-quality 32bit/384kHz and DSD256. As well as improving the sound over your computer’s soundcard, the asynchronous ‘direct control’ link also greatly reduces jitter, for lower distortion and more precise audio.
Professional connection
More usually found on 'reference' hi-fi and professional equipment, the CXA81 boasts balanced XLR inputs. When connected to a suitable source, this gives a fully balanced, hot/cold, connection for the ultimate analogue signal quality.
All for analogue
The Cambridge CXA81 has four line level inputs - enough for all your analogue sources. A pre-amp output is also fitted – ideal for power amp upgrades. Other handy connections include an RCA subwoofer output, headphone socket and connections for two pairs of speakers.
Connected for installs
A wide range of control sockets make the CXA81 ideal as part of a more complex home installation. RS-232C, IR input, trigger in/out sockets and Control Bus RCA phonos mean the CXA81 is more than happy to work with a wide range home automation control systems.
Vibration resistant casing
With rigid, metal construction and low-resonance design, the casing helps shield the player from both mechanical and electrical interference, helping to improve clarity and reduce background noise. Isolating feet help adsorb vibration for a further reduction in distortion.
Sleek new finish
The CXA81 is part of the refreshed CX-Series 2. The distinctive tear-drop profile gives the CXA81 a contemporary look and makes it the ideal partner for the CXC CD transport, CXN V2 network player. The Lunar Grey front panel contrasts with the black top and sides and blends well with both black and silver separates.
Complete versatility meets the finest sound, with the Cambridge Audio CXA81.
Improving on a winner
Winner of a cabinet full of trophies, the previous CXN network player was something of a legend within its own lifetime. Such was its influence that, in 2023, it was inducted into the What Hi-Fi? ‘Hall of Fame’. The Cambridge Audio CXN100 takes this winning formula and uprates the heart of the electronics for even better sound quality and greater Hi-Res music file compatibility.
Best sound quality yet
At the heart of this Cambridge network player is a brand new DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor). The ESS Sabre32 Reference device produces higher resolution sound than before, delivering a sound that’s more lifelike than ever. It also features incredibly low distortion, further reducing background noise and letting you hear detail that might previously have been missed.
Compatible with more Hi-Res music files than ever, including MQA
The CXN100 takes a big step up in Hi-Res music file compatibility. The new DAC and software facilitates file streaming to 32-bit/768kHz (up from 24-bit/192kHz) and DSD512 (up from DSD64). This means that you now get access to the highest quality recordings possible. MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) decoding ensures that you can hear Hi-Res music from a wider range of sources, including TIDAL’s top-tier streaming system.
StreamMagic Gen 4 – for a seamless user experience
Developed for over a decade, the latest StreamMagic Gen 4 module and software takes centre stage in this powerful player. Delivering the ideal combination of no-compromise sound quality, absolute signal stability and intuitive app control, it’s one of the very best streaming platforms in the business.
Premium music services, built-in
The CXN100 has a range of premium music streaming services built-in (subscription services may apply). These include Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz and Deezer. With vast music catalogues and access to high quality audio content, these services make the most of the player’s outstanding sound quality.
Stream your way
Whether you’re an Apple or Android fan, the CXN100 has the platform for you. Apple AirPlay 2 and Google’s Chromecast let you tap into both Apple and Google ecosystems – making this network player a seamless part of your system. Alternatively, for a quick and easy solution, you can now pair with the built-in Bluetooth receiver.
Radio made Hi-Res
Thanks to its MPEG-DASH support and, of course, the top quality audio electronics, Internet Radio sounds better than ever. What’s more, the vast choice of radio stations and podcasts, worldwide, leaves traditional FM and DAB radio floundering to compete. Simply select your choice of station via the StreamMagic app and enjoy radio at its very best.
Multiroom support, including Roon
The CXN100 effortless integrates into a wide range of multiroom systems. Compatible with Google Home and Apple AirPlay, it comfortably sits within a Google or Apple system. The player is also Roon Ready. This ensures that it can be incorporated into a mixed-manufacturer, Hi-Res, multiroom music system via Roon’s award-winning platform.
Wide range of input connectivity
Much more than a just a wireless streamer, the CXN100 has a wide range of inputs, letting you make use of its premium quality DAC with other sources, too. The Type-B asynchronous USB input gives the best possible connection to your PC or Mac. There’s also a Type-A USB interface for local media devices. You can also boost the sound from your compatible games console, CD player, TV or other device, via the digital optical and coaxial inputs.
Built-in digital pre-amp - just add active speakers
If you're seeking quality hi-fi from a minimal system then the built-in digital pre-amp will appeal. Simply add active speakers via the digital or analogue outputs and you'll be able to control the volume and balance via the CXN100.
XLR Balanced connections for studio-quality link
When it comes to connecting up, the CXN100 is in the pro league. The highlight is the fitment of XLR balanced sockets. When used with a compatible amplifier, such as the matching Cambridge Audio CXA81, these connections give the ultimate analogue link possible, with greatly improved resistance to interference. Other outputs include RCA phono, digital optical and coaxial, giving this network player universal appeal.
Top quality style and finish
The distinctive teardrop profile gives the CXN100 a contemporary look and makes it the ideal partner for the CX digital amplifiers and CD transport. With rigid, metal construction and low-resonance design, the casing helps shield the player from both mechanical and electrical interference, helping to improve clarity and reduce background noise. Isolating feet help adsorb vibration for a further reduction in distortion.
Hear all your digital music at its very best, with the versatile Cambridge Audio CXN100.
”A bold step forward, the 606 S3 deliver a large-scaled, spacious and refined sound.” ’What Hi-Fi?’ 2023 award-winner.
Bookshelf with bolder sound
As a larger bookshelf speaker, the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 is the perfect size for most UK living rooms. With its larger size, the 606 S3 not only goes louder but benefits from a deeper, richer sound, too. The speakers are easy to position and work well with a wide range of components. The latest models now come with threaded bases, giving a secure connection to the matching (optional) FS-600 S3 stands.
The best just keeps getting better
For around 30 years, Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series speakers have been at the top of their class. Even before the latest S3 speakers were announced, the previous version were still considered amongst the best in their category. With technology derived from the 700 Series, however, the latest 600 Series S3 speakers move the game on to an entirely new level.
Titanium tweeter for scintillating treble detail
Featuring an all-new titanium domed tweeter, the 606 S3 takes a big step up in top-end detail and refinement. Using materials and technologies from the 700 Series, the more advanced driver teases out detail that could easily be missed with other speakers. Using a tube-loading system, the tweeter is further isolated from cabinet resonances, reducing distortion to vanishingly low levels.
Continuum mid-range cone for incredible realism
First developed for Bowers & Wilkins’ flagship 800 Series, the Continuum woofer design shows exceptional ability for this class of speaker. Improvements to the S3 include a more powerful, lower distortion motor assembly. This further enhances the already impressive vocal response and helps keep the bass timing fast-paced and rhythmic. The 606 S3 has larger drivers than the model below, giving it a deeper, more powerful bass response.
Better on the inside, still handsome on the outside
The 606 S3’s sleek good looks remain largely as before, but inside the cabinet there’s been extensive improvements. Upgraded electronics promote a more transparent and open sound, while the cabinet itself has a new bass port design and is stiffer, both of which reduce resonance.
Choose your finish
Always one of the more attractive speakers in its class, Bowers & Wilkins didn’t need to change the timeless style. All that’s left is for you to choose between one of three distinct finishes. Matte black is the classic choice with the all-white version providing a lighter option. For a more traditional style, go for the oak finish with light baffle.
Enjoy a fuller sound, with the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3.
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