Product Information
Connect to your entire system, including wireless and digital, without compromising on the thrill of music, with the deeply impressive Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II.
Building on success
The first CXA81 was a talented all-rounder with a string of awards to its name. The new Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II takes all that’s great about the original and refines it to perfection. At the heart of the latest model is a reference grade ESS ES9018K2M SABRE32 DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor). Combined with a thorough re-engineering of the critical signal path, including the fitment of premium components from end to end, sound quality is purer and more three-dimensional than ever.
Still a powerful performer
Although the DAC and circuitry have been improved, the high spec power supply remains – and it’s just as impressive as ever. The toroidal transformer is a low noise, high efficiency and premium quality device that delivers ample headroom. The over-sized transformer gives the CXA81 Mk II a powerful, dynamic sound and a hefty 80W per channel power output - enough for ‘party level’ sound when the mood takes you.
Connect your digital devices
With its new, reference standard ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC, the CXA81 Mk II optimises the sound from your digital 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.
Wireless HD Bluetooth
It's easy to link to a range of wireless music sources with Bluetooth onboard. Connect to your smartphone and stream from your favourite music streaming services. Alternatively, the high quality wireless link makes an ideal connection for the Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 turntable. 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.
Hi-Res Audio via USB
If you enjoy Hi-Res sound, you’ll love the CXA81 Mk II. 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 24bit/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 Mk II boasts balanced XLR inputs. When connected to a suitable source, such as the Cambridge Audio CXN100, this gives a fully balanced connection for the ultimate analogue signal quality. Balanced connections are also less susceptible to signal loss, meaning you can run longer lengths with less distortion.
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.
Roon Tested and install ready
A wide range of control sockets make the CXA81 Mk II ideal as part of a more complex home installation. RS-232C, IR input, trigger in/out sockets and Control Bus RCA phonos mean the amp is more than happy to work with a wide range home automation control systems. Plug in a PC or Mac via the USB and you’re also ‘Roon Tested’ for seamless connectivity.
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.
Iconic finish
Cambridge Audio’s Lunar Grey finish is quickly establishing itself as a signature colour and makes the perfect match for other Cambridge Audio components. The distinctive tear-drop profile gives the CXA81 Mk II a contemporary look and makes it the ideal partner for the CXC CD transport and CXN100 network player.
Make the best possible connection for all your sources and speakers, with the Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II.
Specifications
Offers
Reviews
Building on success
The first CXA81 was a talented all-rounder with a string of awards to its name. The new Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II takes all that’s great about the original and refines it to perfection. At the heart of the latest model is a reference grade ESS ES9018K2M SABRE32 DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor). Combined with a thorough re-engineering of the critical signal path, including the fitment of premium components from end to end, sound quality is purer and more three-dimensional than ever.
Still a powerful performer
Although the DAC and circuitry have been improved, the high spec power supply remains – and it’s just as impressive as ever. The toroidal transformer is a low noise, high efficiency and premium quality device that delivers ample headroom. The over-sized transformer gives the CXA81 Mk II a powerful, dynamic sound and a hefty 80W per channel power output - enough for ‘party level’ sound when the mood takes you.
Connect your digital devices
With its new, reference standard ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC, the CXA81 Mk II optimises the sound from your digital 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.
Wireless HD Bluetooth
It's easy to link to a range of wireless music sources with Bluetooth onboard. Connect to your smartphone and stream from your favourite music streaming services. Alternatively, the high quality wireless link makes an ideal connection for the Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 turntable. 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.
Hi-Res Audio via USB
If you enjoy Hi-Res sound, you’ll love the CXA81 Mk II. 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 24bit/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 Mk II boasts balanced XLR inputs. When connected to a suitable source, such as the Cambridge Audio CXN100, this gives a fully balanced connection for the ultimate analogue signal quality. Balanced connections are also less susceptible to signal loss, meaning you can run longer lengths with less distortion.
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.
Roon Tested and install ready
A wide range of control sockets make the CXA81 Mk II ideal as part of a more complex home installation. RS-232C, IR input, trigger in/out sockets and Control Bus RCA phonos mean the amp is more than happy to work with a wide range home automation control systems. Plug in a PC or Mac via the USB and you’re also ‘Roon Tested’ for seamless connectivity.
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.
Iconic finish
Cambridge Audio’s Lunar Grey finish is quickly establishing itself as a signature colour and makes the perfect match for other Cambridge Audio components. The distinctive tear-drop profile gives the CXA81 Mk II a contemporary look and makes it the ideal partner for the CXC CD transport and CXN100 network player.
Make the best possible connection for all your sources and speakers, with the Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II.
