Cambridge Audio CXA81 & CXC (Lunar Grey)

”Sets a new baseline for integrated amps at this price.” ’What Hi-Fi?’ 2021 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.

"If you've already got a good DAC, the Cambridge CXC transport is a no-brainer." 'What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine'. 5-star review.

Transport-only design
The Cambridge CXC is a CD transport only, so inside you'll only find 'half' of what's usually inside a CD player. Although this may sound unconventional, it has many benefits. The most obvious of these is cost effectiveness, but there are sonic benefits to be had, too. Without an onboard DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor), the power supply only has to drive the CD transport. By being dedicated to this task it can provide a clean, stable power supply for the highest performance possible at its price.

Pair with your choice of DAC
Another advantage is increased flexibility. Chose to match with one of the Cambridge CXA digital amplifiers or use your own choice of DAC entirely. By starting with such a high quality transport design, the CXC could see you through many system and DAC upgrades without being in the least bit out of place.

S3 servo
Rather than using 'off the shelf' CD software, Cambridge uses its own S3 servo processor. Dedicated to CD music playback rather than the multi-purpose disc readers, the CXC maximises the full potential of your audio CDs. With state-of-the-art error correction your CDs simply sound more realistic, more dynamic and more detailed than with other players.

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 CXC is part of the refreshed CX-Series 2. The distinctive tear-drop profile gives the CXC a contemporary look and makes it the ideal partner for the CX digital amplifiers, network player 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.

Dedicated to the finest sound from CD possible, the Cambridge CXC CD transport redefines CD playback quality at its price.