Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII - 80 Watt Separate Integrated Stereo Amplifier HiFi System Featuring Bluetooth aptX HD and ESS Sabre DAC - Lunar Grey

The second-best of 2025.

Coming from a 1980s NAD amp and Mordaunt Short speakers, this amp with a pair of cambridge audio speakers was a quantum leap. Closing my eyes you could easily imagine a piano was being played right in the room. Amazing sound. My issues with the amp were mostly minor - there's a very large remote control that comes with it including a segment with play, pause etc controls, but it doesn't operate the Cambridge Audio CD player; perhaps slightly more notably, the amp can connect to a computer using bluetooth which should be a really useful HQ audio source. However the hardware implementation of bluetooth in the amp is the 2014 version 4.2, not the latest 2021 version 5.3. This means reduced bandwidth but more notably a less solid connection in environments with a lot of 2.4GHz traffic. My M2 Mac Mini (not renound for its bluetooth reliability) frequently loses connection with the amp. Unfortunately switching to v. 5 bluetooth would be a HW upgrade so no upgrade from v. 4 through firmware seems likely.

I’ve got this amp paired with Goldenear BRX stand mount speakers and it sounds wonderful.Detailed but not harsh, very smooth and relaxed but plenty of oomph for the low end.It actually took about 2 days before it broke in and now it is wonderful.Not cheap, but worth the investment.

The media could not be loaded. La primera impresión fue la escena sonora la separación de instrumentos y potencia, lo conecte a unas monitor audio silver 100 7g, perooo carece de claridad y eso hace una experiencia algo extraña, creo que no lo tendré mucho tiempo y optare por un amplificador con regulador de tono. ( Nota si en el vídeo se escucha claro fue por equalizador del Streamer.)

This is an excellent amplifier. The performance is excellent.

No complaints but basic and looks like a grandpa’s amplifier. It’s kinda bulky.

I use this amp with my CXN100. The two share the same remote and cell app. The power and clarity is the best I have ever owned. Pair it with high quality CD player and streamer, like the CXN100, and use proper digital cables, the sound quality will astound you. Like most Cambridge Audio gear, this amp lacks EQ control. That takes some getting used to. Also makes your speaker choice very important.The audio quality top notch . I/O includes XLR. But I use digital for everything. The remote controls entire system if Cambridge. You may find alternatives for less money. But nothing else I tested matched the sound.

I emailed customer service about it, but they say it is not a problem. I guess they don't own one, at least that they paid for.