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Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II
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Professional Reviews 94/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Build Quality
90/100
Features Connectivity
95/100
Value for Money
95/100
The CXA81 Mk II pairs muscular, controlled bass with an open, finely detailed presentation, bringing convincing scale, precise imaging and effortless dynamic swing to everything from jazz trios to full orchestras. Sound Advice highlights its graceful speaker control, while What Hi-Fi? applauds its expressive timing, clarity and generous digital connectivity.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Open, highly detailed sound with superb soundstage focus and precise image placement.
Powerful, agile bass and confident dynamics remain controlled at both low and high listening levels.
Extensive connectivity includes balanced XLR, USB high-resolution playback, digital inputs and aptX HD Bluetooth.
&
Cons
One review found classical piano and cello recordings could lack colour, contrast and instrumental separation compared with its rock and pop performance.
No built-in phono stage, so turntable users will need an external phono preamp.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
Reviewers consistently describe an open, highly detailed and controlled presentation that combines substantial bass with smooth, fatigue-free treble. It is particularly convincing with rock, jazz and large-scale music, while one review found its handling of classical music less colourful and contrasted than its best performances.
Transparency Resolution
95/100
Sound Advice calls the presentation direct and revealing, with detail preserved even in complex mixes, while What Hi-Fi praises clarity that makes rivals sound slightly cloudy. Reviewers also note an open, clean character, expressive vocals and strong retrieval of room and instrumental detail without harshness.
Tonal Balance Musicality
92/100
The CXA81 Mk II is widely heard as neutral yet smooth, weighty in the bass and full-bodied through the midrange, with a treble that remains refined at higher levels. Sound Advice found it equally at home with chamber music, jazz, rock and orchestral works, though The Ear felt some classical material could lack colour and contrast.
Dynamics
95/100
Reviewers repeatedly praise the amplifier's authority, control and freedom from compression, including at demanding volume levels. What Hi-Fi highlights assured rhythmic shifts and convincing loud-to-soft contrasts, while Sound Advice and Old Guy Hifi report ample power, punch and excitement even when listening quietly.
Soundstage Imaging
95/100
Sound Advice describes superb soundstaging and image focus, with realistic orchestral scale and tangible instrumental timbres. The Ear and Old Guy Hifi likewise report precise placement, a stable centre image, strong depth and a notably wide, high and deep presentation.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
90/100
Reviewers praise the quality of the casework, finish and precisely operating controls, and one inspection describes the amplifier as very well constructed. The substantial aluminium chassis and carefully revised internal circuitry support the impression of a thoughtfully executed mainstream component.
Features Connectivity
95/100
The CXA81 Mk II is unusually comprehensively equipped for a conventional integrated amplifier, with four RCA inputs, balanced XLR, optical, coaxial and USB digital inputs, aptX HD Bluetooth, a headphone output, subwoofer output and pre-out. Its ESS DAC supports high-resolution PCM and DSD playback, while dual speaker outputs, remote control and Roon Tested status add practical system flexibility.
Value for Money
95/100
At roughly $1,200 to $1,700 depending on market, reviewers regard the CXA81 Mk II as a particularly compelling buy among similarly priced integrated amplifiers. Sound Advice says it can challenge much pricier models, What Hi-Fi finds little to fault at the price, and Old Guy Hifi calls it a product that punches above its weight.
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 3mA Audio — online and in-store — Houston, Texas, United States (website)
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- AES — in-store — Mitte, Hessen, Germany (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- Alpha Audio Pte — online and in-store — Singapore, Singapore (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alpha Stereo — in-store — Plattsburgh, New York, United States (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
and 215 more verified dealers