The Cambridge Audio CXA amplifier range has for a long time been an easy recommendation for us at the branch. Let’s see what the CXA81 MKII has to offer.
You need only look at the plethora of awards the series has won over the years to know there are a lot of people from all walks of life who can see and hear the fantastic potential of the Cambridge Audio CXA amplifiers. The latest update to the CXA, range is housed in the same lunar grey chassis as it’s predecessor, making it identical to the eye. So how is it any different on the ear?
The most tangible change under the hood is in the improved DAC; the ESS9018K2M. This is the same DAC included on the revered CXN100 where it’s made a night and day improvement to the sound quality. Our test showed that despite the chip being the same on both the CXA81 MKII and the CXN100, it’s still worth investing in a quality interconnect between the two. This will ensure minimum signal loss using either analogue or digital signal paths. Previous incarnations of the CXA range used inferior DACs in the amplifiers than the CXN streamer, so there’s a giant leap forward here in the CXA81 MKII in this respect. Every component on the Printed Circuit Board has been tested and tuned to ensure their positions are justified and maximised. Quality control is at the forefront of this revision.
Cambridge’s design philosophy is in line with that of the Great British Sound; keep the signal path pure and keep interference out. CXA81 MKII is a full embodiment of this in both design principles and sound reproduction. The former is accomplished by ensuring the signal path is as short and uncluttered as possible. Only the highest quality components are used to maintain a sound that is as accurate a representation of the room it was recorded in as possible. EQs and any other not strictly necessary features are sacrificed in favour of purity of sound. This prevents electrical and radio frequency interference that can get between you and your music.
As with it’s predecessor, at the heart of the CXA81 MKII you’ll find two toroidal transformers with a symmetrical PCB design to ensure the maximum amount of signal isolation for the left and right channels. There’s a comprehensive set of inputs geared towards the digital audio listener in the form of x2 optical, digital co axial, USB type B and Bluetooth making it an ideal choice for TVs, laptops and CD players.Analogue inputs are present, notably in the form of XLRs which is unusual for an amp in this class. XLR connectors are a preferable way of connecting as they help to lower the noise floor, thus letting you hear more of your music and possibly at lower volumes too.
Make the best possible connection for all your sources and speakers, with the Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II..
Turntables are still an option either via an external phono stage like the Cambridge Solo or Duo, or Bluetooth aptX for cable minimalists. Pair it with Cambridge’s Alva TT turntable and you have the option of using both cables and a wireless Bluetooth aptX.
All of this adds up to sound and connectivity that you would usually expect at around double the price.AB testing it with the original CXA81 shows the MKII has more detail in the upper mid and treble ranges that fill in the details the former misses. It sounds as though the gaps have been filled in.
We paired the CXA81 MKII with the CXN100 and a Chord Company Epic Digital Coaxial interconnect, and a set of Dali Opticon 6 speakers with Chord Epic XL cables for our demo.
First up was “Royals” by Lorde, and one of the first things we noticed was new levels of detail in the timbre of the voice. The backing vocals are distinctive and the gong in the chorus which is quite far back in the mix, sizzles with presence. The class AB transistors throw the heavy bass around with ease. It’s nice to hear the headroom it has in this department, even with a demanding floor stander.
We take it back a notch with Tori Amos’ “Father Lucifer”. The airy and delicate piano lines are handled with accuracy and the subtleties of Amos’ vocal and piano performances are revealed with poise.
Next we crack it up with Mark Ronson’s rendition of “Toxic”. The brass shines and bass pumps. These are both areas that amplifiers can struggle with, the complicated wave forms of brass can be a challenge, as can delivering concise bass that doesn’t just boom. It could be an overwhelming combination of treble and bass fighting it out on the soundstage. The CXA81 MKII once again delivers a clear and balanced sound with plenty of headroom.
The CXA81 MKII is a feat of engineering, design and aural excitement. We think it’s fantastic at the branch. However the accuracy of the CXA81 MKII could be a strength and a weakness. Some ears may prefer a more coloured, or warmer sound. In any case I recommend you make an appointment at your local Richer Sounds store to hear the CXA81 MKII for yourself.
Author: Dan, Kingston Store
