Cambridge Audio - CXA81 Mk II Integrated Amplifier

The CXA81 Mk II reimagines a multi-award-winning integrated amplifier with 80 watts of Class AB power, an upgraded ESS ES9018K2M SABRE32 DAC and aptX HD Bluetooth.

Cambridge's engineers rebuilt their most decorated integrated amp for new clarity and depth. A custom Class AB amplifier stage combines warmth and efficiency, while a super-efficient short signal path reduces colouration so every note connects you to the music. A toroidal transformer with dual taps supplies the dynamic headroom to handle loud and quiet passages with equal ease — 80W RMS into 8 ohms, rising to 120W into 4 ohms.

On the digital side, the ESS ES9018K2M SABRE32 DAC brings energy and precision to digital sources, with USB audio accepting up to 24-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256. A balanced XLR input joins four RCA line inputs, Bluetooth with aptX HD streams hi-res wireless audio, and the whole package is Roon Tested — all wrapped in Cambridge's minimal aluminium-and-steel chassis.

Features

• 80W RMS into 8 ohms / 120W RMS into 4 ohms, custom Class AB amplification
• ESS ES9018K2M SABRE32 DAC
• USB audio up to 24-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256
• Bluetooth with aptX HD (24-bit/48kHz)
• 1 x balanced XLR input plus 4 x RCA line inputs
• S/PDIF coaxial and TOSLINK optical digital inputs
• Toroidal transformer with dual taps
• Dual speaker outputs
• Roon Tested; remote control included
• No phono stage — pair with an external phono preamp or a turntable that has one

Specifications

• Topology: Class AB
• Amplifier Power: 80W RMS into 8 ohms; 120W RMS into 4 ohms
• THD: Less than 0.002% at 1 kHz, 80% of rated power; less than 0.02% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Frequency Response: Less than 5Hz - 60kHz ±1dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Greater than 93 dB referenced to 1 W into 8 ohms; greater than 105 dB at full power
• Input Sensitivity: 370 mV RMS, unbalanced inputs
• Input Impedance: 50k ohms balanced; 43k ohms unbalanced
• DAC Chip: ESS Sabre ES9018K2M
• Phono Input: None — a turntable requires an external phono stage or a deck with one built in
• Analogue Inputs: 1 x balanced XLR, 4 x RCA
• Digital Inputs: TOSLINK optical 16/24-bit 32-96kHz; S/PDIF coaxial 16/24-bit 32-192kHz; USB Audio Class 1.0/2.0 up to 24-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256/DoP256
• Outputs: Speakers A and B (switchable), preamp output, subwoofer output, control bus
• Headphone Output: Front 6.35 mm (1/4″) socket
• Bluetooth: 4.2 A2DP/AVRCP up to aptX HD (24-bit/48kHz)
• Max Power Consumption: 750W (standby less than 0.5W)
• Dimensions: 4.5 x 16.9 x 13.4 in (115 x 430 x 341 mm)
• Weight: 19.1 lbs (8.7 kg)
• Included: Remote control, 3 x AAA batteries, control bus cable, Bluetooth antenna, US mains lead
• What Changed in the Mk II: A new ESS ES9018K2M SABRE32 DAC, ten upgraded components in an improved signal path, and a re-tuned voicing. Power, chassis and connectivity carry over from the original CXA81