A Review of The Cambridge Audio CXA-81 Integrated Amplifier!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 พ.ค. 2020
- Built for unpretentious listening fun.
Intro music by: Snake City - 'The Thought of You'
Cambridge CXA-81 Product Page:
www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en...
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Speakers used in the Evaluation
Dynaudio Evoke 10
www.dynaudio.com/home-audio/e...
Triangle Trio
www.trianglehifi.com/en/produ...
Triangle BRO3
www.trianglehifi.com/en/produ...
ELAC DBR62
www.elac.com/series/debut-ref...
System Audio Legend SA-5
system-audio.com/product/sa-l...
Klipsch Heresy IV
www.klipsch.com/products/here...
Harbeth P3ESR
harbeth.co.uk/hifi-speaker/11...
Q-Acoustics 3030i
www.qacoustics.com/3030i-book...
Totally the opposite as to what Andrew Robinson said of the CXA81. He said if you have speakers that are already "bright", the CXA81 will be a great fit because of its laid back, warmer sound. I have no idea who to believe and really don't want to spend $1,300 to find out myself.
I had this amp on review for a couple of weeks, I desperately wanted to like it but it was so dry in the mid range and curtailed in lower bass and upper treble. The imaging was very two dimensional and very little width/depth. I also had the Arcam SA-20, it ran rings around the CA but was so boring without any 'bounce' or boogie factor. I'm still looking but so far ruled out after listening because they were too fierce/thin/bland: Rega Elicit-R (initially fun then thin, harsh and needs to be pushed) nasty), Roksan K3 ( more meat on it's bones but very grainy in upper mid and ragged top end). My search continues...
Please Mr Zero review the Cambridge Edge A Integrated
Dear Sean, I have purchased and been listening to the CXA81 for 2 weeks, based on your review and recommendations. I wanted to thank you for your take and I must say that I am experiencing most of what you described. You are a very good reviewer. You've made a man happy, sir!
Audiolab 6000A... thoughts compared to the Cambridge?
$1299 Made in China.
When listening to a review it's very important to listen or read the whole thing. Just don't skip to the part where they say thumbs up or thumbs down, you have to listen to what qualities the equipment has. Does it have qualities and a "flavor" that you find appealing?
It seems kind of strange that you would do a review but not review the streaming just because that's not your preferred method of listening. Makes the review pretty incomplete, no?
Dali Oberon 3 speakers for CXA amps. Can’t recommend enough. Punchy bass, clear midrange and crispy higher frequencies.
Hello, thank you for your work. As you maybe noticed there are many forum about Cambridge cxa61/81 versus Audiolab 6000a. I had many ampligiets in the past and I find Audiolab 6000a impressive for its price. It's quality is incredible, options and so on. It is used with Tannoy revolution xt8f and xt6f. I cannot describe the sound I listened to. It would be interested to add audiolab 6000a to the comparison even if it is not in the same category. If you can , try audiolab and tannoy...
Thank you for all your speaker pairing with integrated amps segments. Big help, and great advice. Stay safe and healthy.
Great review. The comparison section... wow... makes you top of your game! You know your stuff! Most of all, it gives the audience a clear "grading" of the amp you are reviewing. I'm battling with myself on whether I should a streamer and dac... the amount of money people spent on it to make sound good is insane! Love to hear your recommendations.
Nicely produced piece Sean! Loved the music clips and vanity shots. Well done sir.
A lot of useful information here! You laid out the features, sound quality, and comparisons really well.
Un applauso alla cambridge!! Suono raffinato e dettagli medio alti ben presenti!!! 👏👏🥇🥇🏆🏆
I ran one of these while I was shopping for a new Luxman. Had just sold a McIntosh MA6600 and using this to fill in for a few weeks. Speakers used were the Harbeth 30.1. Have to admit I was very impressed with most this had to offer.
I have the AXR100 and truly enjoys it. You just convinced me to get the CXA81. Cheers!
Like i said many times. You let us know right expectations.
Another great review, Sean...and a couple of helpful and informative comparisons at the end to boot! It's interesting that CA chose to tip up the treble with this unit, as traditionally their equipment carry more of a balanced sound...I own one of their phono preamps, and it has that traditional CA smooth and balanced sound.
Hey Sean! I really like the minimalist design of the front panel. I have had really good luck with my Cambridge Audio products. I think my DAC, and phono preamp are going on six years now. Nice rear panel layout, with plenty of inputs. I love the size of the toroidal transformer.