Cambridge Audio CXA81 MKII – First Look
All Image Credit: Cambridge Audio
Cambridge Audio have just announced the CXA81 MKII Integrated Stereo Amplifier. It retains the same dimensions and minimalistic aesthetics of its predecessor the CXA81, but under the hood there are some real technological changes.
Cambridge Audio has installed a new DAC chip—the ESS ES9018K2M SABRE32 which can decode up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256 files, and we are also told that their engineering department has “re-tuned and greatly refined” the CXA81 MKII sound by improving the signal path and the addition of “ten new premium components” to the circuitry.
Its Class AB amplification together with its chunky toroidal power transformer provides 80W RMS into 8 Ohms and 120W RMS into 4 Ohms, supporting a frequency response of <5Hz– 60kHz +/-1dB.
The MKII continues to maintain the same rear panel connectivity as its predecessor and includes; 4xRCA and 1xXLR inputs for analogue sources, 2xTOSLINK, 1xCoaxial and 1xasynchronous USB type B for digital connections and there are separate preamp and subwoofer RCA outputs. Bluetooth and aptX HD is also built in for high-quality wireless listening. Control is available using RS232, IR, the control bus or trigger I/O. Dual speakers or speaker bi-wiring is supported by the dual pairs of speaker binding posts.
Features At A Glance:
- 80 watts per channel – power to drive the most demanding speakers
- ESS ES9018K2M SABRE32 DAC – reference level digital/analogue conversion
- Class AB Amplification – for balanced & efficient performance
- Toroidal Transformer – for incredible sound-staging
- Digital inputs – TOSLINK, Coaxial & USB Audio Input
- Balanced XLR inputs – for premium connection
- Bluetooth aptX HD input – connect wirelessly to devices
- Roon Tested – connect a PC or Mac over USB
Specifications:
- Power output: 80W RMS into 8 Ohms, 120W RMS into 4 Ohms
- DAC: ESS Sabre ES9018K2M
- Frequency response: <5Hz– 60kHz +/-1dB
- Analog audio input: 1x balanced XLR, 4 x RCA
- Compatibility:
- Toslink optical: 16/24bit 32-96kHz PCM only
- S/PDIF coaxial: 16/24bit 32-192kHz PCM only
- USB: audio profile 1.0/2.0 (default 2.0), up to 24-bit 384kHz PCM, up to DSD256 or DoP256
- Bluetooth: 4.2 A2DP/AVRCP supporting up to aptX HD (24bit 48kHz)
- Bluetooth aptX HD receiver built in
- ROON tested
- Max power consumption: 750W
- Standby power consumption: <0.5W
- Dimensions (H X W X D): 115 x 430 x 341mm (4.5 x 16.9 x 13.4”)
- Weight: 8.7kg (19.1lbs)
- Box contents: CXA81 Integrated Amplifier, Power Cable, 3 x AAA Batteries, Remote Control, Control Bus Cable, Bluetooth antenna, Quick Start Guide, Safety Guide
MSRP:
- US: $1,199.00
- UK: £999.00
- EU: €1,199.00
Read the press release here.
For more information visit the US Cambridge Audio web site.
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