Potato score: 90.5

91%

Cambridge Audio SX80 #1
Cambridge Audio SX80 variant 1
Cambridge Audio SX80 variant 2
Cambridge Audio SX80 variant 3
Cambridge Audio SX80 variant 4
Cambridge Audio SX80 variant 5
Cambridge Audio SX80 variant 6

Cambridge Audio SX80

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  • 25mm silk dome tweeter – for refined presentation
  • 2 x 165mm treated paper cone woofers – for a smooth & even frequency response
  • Precisely optimised crossovers – for a neutral, phase linear, response
  • CAD modelled rigid MDF cabinet – reduces standing waves, keeping internal vibration to a minimum
  • Refreshed clean design – designed to complement today’s interiors
  • Floor spikes supplied – to isolate speakers from external vibration

SX80. Sound Comes First

The first thing that strikes you about SX80 is their confident presence – both physical and acoustic. They deliver an effortless, full-range soundstage that captures the scale and weight of the largest most demanding passages of music, while maintaining the speed and finesse of their smaller siblings. Elegantly simple design, combined with breathtaking performance, at a reasonable price, make SX80 a force to be reckoned with.


Rock Solid Foundations

Hi-fi speaker engineering starts with the cabinet. Computer-aided design (CAD) was used extensively to refine SX80’s internal structures, to ensure that while the drivers are vibrating with your music, the cabinet isn’t. This means that every millimetre of movement from the drivers is directed where it should be – at you.


Sound Reproduction

Each SX80 speaker has two 165mm (6.5") woofers made from treated paper. Hi-fi manufacturers have used it for years, as paper’s impressive strength-to-weight ratio is matched by excellent tonality – so instruments sound rich, well defined, and real. 25mm (1") soft dome tweeters, made from treated silk, take care of the higher frequencies – with the same balance of realism and refinement.


Many Drivers, One Voice

Our team in London took great care and attention when designing the crossovers in SX80 – as they’re responsible for ensuring that each driver receives the correct frequency. Accuracy of timing and stereo imaging depend on (the) phase remaining completely linear, from top to bottom. The result? Your music sounds engaging, energetic and real.


Engineered, Front to Back

Turn SX80 around to see that our attention-to-detail runs from front to back. A rear bass reflex port helps you fine-tune lower frequencies, by adjusting the position of the speakers with the wall. Immediately below, conveniently close to the floor, are a pair of high-quality binding posts (connectors), which can accept thick speaker cable – with or without banana plugs.


Designed for Real Life

New look SX80’s clean, understated design exudes confidence without screaming “look at me”. Leave the grilles on to protect the drivers from little fingers, or to gain acceptance from your interior designer – alternatively take them off to celebrate your great taste in music (and speakers).


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Overall Score 91/100

Rating for [object Object]

Deliciously Crispy

A standout for its smooth tonality and surprisingly tuneful bass, the SX80 delivers clear midrange and poised treble with a broad, engaging stage and an easy-to-drive, refined character. HiFi News and StereoNET note its consistently musical timing, strong imaging and exceptional value, making it an appealing floorstander for budget-conscious audiophiles.

StereoNET United Kingdom

"The best way to describe Cambridge Audio’s SX-80 is self-effacing – a sort of stealth fighter of budget speakers."

Pros

  • Smooth, composed tonal balance and strong midrange presence with good composure.
  • Tuneful, well-controlled bass extension for the price that stays tight without bloat.
  • Wide, well-defined imaging and soundstage combined with exceptional value relative to peers.

&

Cons

  • Not a deep‑subwoofer substitute — limited low‑frequency headroom for club or very bass-heavy material.
  • Stage depth and forward projection can be restrained, and extreme fine detail/treble air can sound slightly softened.

Sound Quality

91/100

Bass

93/100

Reviewers repeatedly praise the SX80's bass extension and tuneful control for the price: 'quite something for a speaker at this price', 'a lot of sub-bass', 'impressive extension that belied its price.' Some caution about not being a 'low-frequency leviathan' and use of the foam port bung tightening but reducing expressiveness informs the ceiling.

Mid

91/100

Midrange described as smooth, musical and composed with good vocal presence ('smooth tonality', 'rich, clear, resonant tone' for vocals). Reviewers also note it is not hyper-detailed ('I didn't get a hugely detailed midband'), so score reflects very good timbre and coherence without top-tier midband resolution.

Treble

89/100

Treble is generally smooth and detailed for the price ('smooth but detailed treble') with good timing, but can render some instruments as slightly processed or opaque ('trumpets and piano can sound a tad processed'), indicating very good refinement but a touch of airbrushing.

Soundstage Imaging

90/100

Strong imaging and width are repeatedly noted ('images well', 'wide expanse of sound'), with instruments well spaced. Depth and forward projection are more limited ('stage depth wasn't great', 'forward projection limited'), so soundstage excels laterally but lacks pronounced depth.

Dynamics

89/100

Good rhythmic timing and punch for many tracks ('love of basic rhythm', 'staccato punch'), and respectable transient behaviour on drums and bass. Not described as having explosive, reference-class slam ('didn't get ... crashing dynamics'), so solid dynamics without extreme headroom.

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Build Quality

90/100

Cabinet engineering and finish punch above the price point ('you could easily mistake the SX-80 for something selling for twice the price', 18mm side walls, 37-litre volume). Some cost-saving details noted (PVC wrap, slightly loose grille fixings), but overall very competent construction for the segment.

Features Connectivity

80/100

Passive baseline applied. Drive complement and basic specs noted (twin 165mm woofers, 25mm silk dome tweeter, 1 front port, 87dB sensitivity, 8Ω nominal) with no bi-amp/contour features mentioned.

Value for Money

95/100

Strong reviewer consensus on value at ~£399/pair ('excellent value for money', 'essential audition', 'accomplished all-rounder'). Performance versus price and suggestion to prioritise source or amplification support a very high value rating.

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