Cambridge Audio CXA81 with Cambridge Audio CXN V2 (Lunar Grey) & Wharfedale Evo 4.4 (Walnut)

”More than justifies the outlay once more.” ’What Hi-Fi?’ 2022 Product of the Year.

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.

”This remains the best music streamer around at this price.” ’What Hi-Fi?’ 2022 award-winner.

Powerful processor
The V2 version of the CXN features a faster processor for a richer Internet radio experience and a greater level of playback control. Introducing mpeg-DASH and HLS compatibility, the CXN V2 makes the most of Internet radio. BBC radio stations now sound better than ever when available at 320 kbps.

A sound emphasis
As ever, the CXN V2 puts sound quality first. Using twin Wolfson WM8740 DACs (Digital to Analogue Convertors), each channel has its own DAC to process its own information. This gives a more precise and accurate sound quality with improved stereo imaging. When combined with the 2-Pole Dual Differential Bessel filter, the DACs help give the CXN V2 outstanding levels of clarity and transparency of sound.

AFT2 Up-Sampling for the ultimate detail and least jitter
The Cambridge CXN V2 improves sound quality still further with an Anagram Technologies AFT2 24 bit/384 kHz up-sampling circuit. ATF (Adaptive Time Filtering) up-sampling 'stretches' the music to give the highest resolution possible. Up-sampling sound gives a smoother, more relaxed sound quality with added detail. You'll hear every detail, including every deep breath, squeaky chair and flutter of sheet music; in short, it's like being there for real.

What is ATF Upsampling Technology? Click here to learn more.

Stream all your stored music - including Hi Res files
With UPnP (Universal Plug n' Play) compatibility it's easy to connect the Cambridge CXN V2 to your home network and stream from your NAS drive, hard drive, PC or laptop. The CXN V2 accepts a wide range of files, including many Hi Res formats. ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+ and OGG Vorbis are all supported, making this a highly flexible streamer.

Connect to Internet radio and Spotify Connect
In addition to supporting over 20,000, easy to access Internet radio stations, the CXN V2 is compatible with the most popular music streaming services. Spotify is the world’s most popular streaming service and the CXN V2 has Spotify Connect built-in (requires Spotify Premium account). If you subscribe to Spotify Premium, you can control the Cambridge with the powerful Spotify Connect app on your phone or tablet. The CXN V2 also supports Napster, BBC iPlayer Radio, Aupeo! Pandora and Rhapsody.

AirPlay 2 and optional Bluetooth
In addition to comprehensive streaming capabilities over LAN, Wi-Fi and USB, the CXN V2 is also compatible with Apple's AirPlay 2 streaming. Use it with your iPhone, iPad PC or Mac and wireless stream your iTunes library or other compatible music services. Connect the optional BT100 dongle and you'll be able to stream your music from any smartphone, tablet or other device with Bluetooth built-in.

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 CXN V2.

Pro connections
When it comes to connecting up, the CXN V2 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 CXA81, these connections give the ultimate analogue link possible, with greatly improved resistance to interference.

Quad USB interface
Added to this there are no fewer than four USB interfaces. The front-mounted socket is ideal for connecting devices such as a USB media stick. At the back, two interfaces take care of a more permanently connected media device plus the optional Bluetooth dongle port. A Type-B asynchronous USB input gives direct connection to your PC or Mac. This makes the ideal connection for hooking up your computer as it effectively 'controls' the PC's output for the best sound quality possible – with greatly reduced jitter.

Digital in and out
Optical and coaxial digital sockets are provided for both inputs and outputs. This lets you connect other digital components and take advantage of the quality DAC built into the CXN V2. It also means you can plug the CXN V2 into your AV receiver or digital stereo amp. Analogue phono outputs are also standard.

New Stream Magic app*
For the best streaming experience with your CXN V2, simply download the free Stream Magic app on your Android or Apple iOS device. Developed exclusively by Cambridge Audio, this bespoke app offers a customisable hub for fast access to the streaming features you use the most.

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 CXN V2 is part of the refreshed CX-Series 2. The distinctive tear-drop profile gives the CXN V2 a contemporary look and makes it the ideal partner for the CX digital amplifiers, CD transport and also a great match for the Cambridge Audio AX range. The Lunar Grey front panel contrasts with the black top and sides and blends well with both black and silver separates.

For a comprehensively equipped network streamer that puts sound first, the Cambridge CXN V2 is still the one to beat.

*Please note that the Stream Magic app is not compatible with the Amazon Kindle Fire tablet.

Read about the Cambridge Audio CXN V2 on the Richer Sounds Blog

”Wharfedale's Evo speakers remain unbeaten.” ’What Hi-Fi?’ 2022 award-winner.

Ideal for front AV speakers or stereo sound in a larger room
Standing well over 1 metre tall, the EVO 4.4 speakers suit medium-sized to larger rooms. They can either be used as they are, in stereo, or as part of an EVO AV speaker system, with matching centre and rear speakers available.

High technology from a heritage brand
Wharfedale are one of the UK’s best-known and widely respected speaker brands. The EVO 4.4 pays homage to Wharfedale’s rich heritage, without being shackled by it. Grown out of the extensive research and development that went into the reference ELYSIAN range, the EVO 4.4 has a technical spec well above most of its rivals. With its Air Motion Transformer tweeter, soft dome mid-range unit, twin Kevlar bass cones and SLPP bass reflex system, the EVO 4.4’s spec matches many speakers costing twice the price. Let alone its own.

Air Motion Transformer tweeter for super-detailed treble
The highly advanced AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter delivers class-leading detail and precision through its high-tech design. By squeezing the air between sound plates, the EVO 4.4 offers a highly consistent and precise top end that’s fast to respond to all types of music – making your favourite tunes sound more believable than ever.

Dedicated mid-range unit delivers sumptuous vocals
Usually found only on speakers costing in excess of four times the EVO 4.4’s price, the dedicated, soft dome mid-range brings vocals to life. With a top quality drive unit, dedicated to the mid-range, vocal reproduction is more accurate than ever with every breath (sometimes literally in some recordings) clearly defined. Other instruments in the mid-range, such as guitars, also benefit through higher resolution.

Powerful bass response
With twin, woven Kevlar bass cones, the EVO 4.4s certainly don’t lag when it comes to bottom end. Combined with a large cabinet, the drivers shift plenty of air, meaning you hear the deepest notes from your favourite movie soundtracks and music. Downwards firing bass ports integrate better with your room and also make the speakers easier to position as they don’t have to be quite so far away from the rear wall.

Sleek cabinets that sound as good as they look
Available in black, walnut and white finishes, the curved cabinet blends smoothly into your room. More than just enhancing the looks, however, those sensuous curves help enhance the sound quality, too. Curved sides help break internal standing waves for lower distortion. Internal bracing and composite damping also help in reducing distortion and in keeping the sound as smooth and accurate as possible.

Hear these award-winners for yourself and be prepared to hear a whole new layer of music.