Cambridge Audio CXA81: Integrated amplifier with enhanced functionality

The Cambridge Audio CXA81 integrated amplifier has a similar design to the previous CXA80 model, but has enhanced functionality. The device is made in a metal case with a thick aluminum front panel, on which all the necessary controls are located, as well as convenient indicators. There are also jacks for connecting headphones and a portable signal source, and in addition to adjusting the volume, you can also adjust the stereo balance and sound timbre in the low and high frequencies.

The Cambridge Audio CXA81 operates in classic class A/B, and its output stages generate quite a lot of heat. To effectively remove it, there is a large ventilation window on the top panel of the amplifier, covered with a protective mesh. Both channels of the Cambridge Audio CXA81 are mounted on separate boards to eliminate crosstalk, including the use of individual cooling radiators (the “dual mono” principle). The amplifier's power supply contains a large toroidal transformer, the design of which is optimized for use in audio equipment. To power each channel, separate secondary windings are used here, with their own rectifier diodes and filter capacitors. The amplifier circuit boards are routed in such a way as to reduce the length of audio signal transmission circuits.

The Cambridge Audio CXA81 has four line inputs (in addition to the one on the front panel) and also has preamp outputs for connecting an external power amplifier and subwoofer. A special feature of this device is the presence of a built-in DAC on the ESS Saber ES9016K2M chip, and three digital inputs: two optical, coaxial and USB. The latter operates in asynchronous mode and is designed to receive a digital stream with parameters up to 24 bits / 192 kHz. In addition, the Cambridge Audio CXA81 has a built-in Bluetooth module with support for the aptX codec. The amplifier has balanced inputs, boasts a double set of output terminals that facilitate bi-wiring, and adjustable outputs: one for the subwoofer and separate from it, stereophonic for system upgrades or bi-amping.

Soon after turning on the system, it becomes clear that the developers' desire to improve the sound of the new series has been crowned with success: the bass has become more powerful, the rhythm is more clearly expressed. But what the Cambridge Audio CXA81 does particularly well is, in the parlance of fellow Hi-Fi journalists, “the authenticity of the presentation” – such a lively and exciting recreation of music cannot fail to impress the listener. Experiments with various speaker systems suggest that in most cases the amplifier power is more than sufficient: the large Cambridge Audio CXA81 floorstanding speakers drive with the same aplomb as compact stand-mounted models.

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