Cambridge Audio CXA81 MK II Integrated Stereo Amplifier with Built-In DAC and Bluetooth

Brand: Cambridge Audio | SKU: CXA81MKIILunaGrey | UPC:

1 review
Price
$1,199
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Cambridge Audio CXA81 MKII Product Showcase

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Cambridge Audio CXA81 MK II Integrated Stereo Amplifier with Built-In DAC and Bluetooth - Safe and Sound HQ

Cambridge Audio CXA81 MK II Integrated Stereo Amplifier with Built-In DAC and Bluetooth

Price
$1,199
  • 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 (to CXN100 etc.)  
  • Bluetooth aptX HD input – connect wirelessly to devices, incl. Alva TT V2
  • Roon Tested – connect a PC or Mac over USB

Rewarding Power
CXA81 Mk II builds on the success of its multi award-winning predecessors. We haven’t looked back since making our first integrated amplifier in 1968, always looking for new ways to improve your listening experience – while recognizing that great sound never goes out of fashion.

CXA81 Mk II is effortless, poised and sophisticated – only more so. 80 watts per channel give it complete authority over your music, to reveal every emotion and nuance contained within it. 

Raising the Standard
How do we improve on CXA81, an amplifier regarded by many as the standard-bearer at its price point?

Focusing on the all-important signal path, we re-engineered it with premium components end to end, plus an upgraded DAC and a whole load of listening and tuning; all part of a relentless drive to deliver new clarity and depth.

The outcome? Audio performance that goes way beyond expectations.

Your World’s a Stage
What hits you first when you hear familiar music through CXA81 Mk II, is just how detailed everything sounds. You’ll pick up instruments, subtle shifts in tone, and harmonies you’ve previously missed. Close your eyes, and you’ll be able to place every musician in the soundstage. 

Once you’ve heard CXA81 Mk II, there’s no turning back.

Effortlessly Musical
At the center of CXA81 Mk II lies a custom-designed Class AB power amplifier stage with highly optimized components. It takes the musicality of Class A and blends it with the efficiency of Class B. The amp’s short signal path is super-efficient, leaving little opportunity for coloration.

The result is a detailed sound that connects you to the emotional power of your music.

Power!
Thanks to a chunky toroidal transformer, CXA81 Mk II delivers a generous 80 watts of power per channel. Dual taps into the left and right of the amplification board mean that, in effect, each channel has its own power supply – resulting in a vivid soundstage. 

Dynamic shifts in music – like loud then quiet passages – are handled with ease.

Digital Love
Designed to bring your digital music to life, CXA81 Mk II features the upgraded ESS ES9018K2M DAC (digital analogue converter) in its dedicated circuitry. This means that digital audio files, up to a heady 24-bit/384kHz or DSD256, are unpacked – with every subtle detail delivered in full. 

CXA81 Mk II combines unparalleled accuracy with vivid musicality, doing so beautifully.

Get Connected
CXA81 Mk II has connectivity covered. As well as digital optical, coaxial and USB Audio (from computers), it features stereo RCA inputs, balanced XLR sockets plus wireless hi-res connectivity via Bluetooth aptX HD – perfect for our Alva turntables. 

You can even connect a second set of speakers, to hear your music in another room. 

Total Control
Designed to work with carefully matched kit of a comparable quality, CXA81 Mk II isn’t festooned with switches and dials – to keep the signal path clear. Its minimal aluminum fascia has a power button, input selectors and a beautifully smooth volume control. 

It’s also supplied with a CX Series remote control, which you can use with other products in the series.

Designed for Life
With elegant, minimalistic lines, crafted from aluminum and steel, CXA81 Mk II will endure physically and aesthetically. There should be no reason to change an amplifier for many years, if at all. 

Making products that last is just one of the ways that we can minimize our impact on the planet and maximize your listening pleasure.

Brand Cambridge Audio
Model CXA81 MK II
Power Output (Watts)/ THD Stereo 4 Ohm 120
Power Output 8 Ohms (Watts) 80
Damping Factor > 110
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.02%
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB) 105
Amplifier Class Class AB
App Control No
HDMI Inputs 0
HDMI Outputs 0
ARC, eARC No
Analog Inputs 4
Analog Outputs 0
Phono Preamp No
Optical/Coaxial Digital Inputs 2 / 1
Subwoofer Outputs 1
Preamp Output Yes
XLR Inputs 1
XLR Outputs 0
Home Theater Bypass No
Bluetooth Yes
Streaming No
DAC ESS Sabre ES9018K2M
AM/FM Tuner No
Room Correction No
Dimensions -No Antenna H x W x D (inches) 4 1/2" x 16 15/16" x 13 7/16"
Weight (lbs) 19.1
Warranty 3 Years

FAQ

What is your return policy?

Returns are accepted for products purchased within the last 30 days. You must call us to initiate a Return Authorization 800-820-6460.

You are responsible for return shipping costs.

Products MUST be in LIKE NEW Resalable condition.

You MUST have the ORIGINAL BOX and PACKAGING MATERIALS.

You MUST have all of the original accessories, manuals etc.

Your package should be INSURED for the FULL VALUE for your protection during return shipping.

Products that arrive not in original packaging, missing accessories, without a Return Authorization or damaged will be refused. Refunds are credited using the original payment method and they are usually credited within 10-15 business days upon receipt of your return.

Return & Exchange Limits
While we completely understand some products just don't fit the build or hit the mark we have a limit of 2 returns or exchanges per household in a 12 month period.

Order Cancellations
If your order has shipped, it cannot be cancelled. Once your order has left our warehouse it cannot be cancelled. If you would like to setup a return on this item please call us at 800-820-6460 and request a Return Authorization. Do not refuse your order as you will then be subject to shipping cost both ways.

If you wish to cancel an order placed during business hours, please contact us by phone by 3PM EDT on the same business day your order was placed. Any cancellation requests received after this time will be examined on a case-by-case basis. We offer no guarantee that your order will be able to be canceled after this time period. If your order is placed outside of business hours, you must contact us by 1PM EDT on the following business day. Again, cancellation requests submitted outside this time period are NOT guaranteed, and are examined case-by-case.

All shipping, processes and freight charges are non refundable.

Must receive a confirmation email from sales@safeandsoundhq.com to ensure your cancellation is complete

Orders placed cannot be cancelled by email. Please call us for order cancellations. Safe and Sound will not be responsible for lack of cancellation

Refused Shipments
Orders that are refused at the time of delivery are subject to the original and return shipping fees unless otherwise approved by Safe & Sound.

Return Policy Exclusions

Items marked as FINAL SALE, USED TRADE-IN are nonreturnable

Vehicle specific Car Audio/Video products such as wire harnesses, dash kits, interfaces and other installed components are nonreturnable once opened. Vinyl Albums are nonreturnableItems such as phono cartridges, record brushes, alignment tools and cleaners are nonreturnable Special order, non stocking items are nonreturnable


If you have any questions regarding our return and order cancellation policy, please feel free to contact us- 800-820-6460.

Is Shipping FREE?

We offer FREE Shipping on ALL orders over $99 with the following Exclusions:

Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Alaska shipments DO NOT qualify for Free Shipping. Prior to placing your order, please call us at 800-820-6460 to request a shipping quote to your address.

Where are you located?

We are located at 675 Fuller Road in Chicopee, Massachusetts 01020

Do you ship internationally?

We can only ship within the United States

Do you offer Repair Services?

We do not offer repair services currently

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Price
$1,199.00
$1,399.00
$1,499.00
$1,499.00
$1,600.00
Rating
1
Brand
Cambridge Audio
NAD Electronics
NAD Electronics
Arcam
Marantz
Model
CXA81 MK II
C 379
C 368
A25
Model 60N
Power Output (WATTS)/ Stereo 8 Ohm
80
80
80
100
60
Power Output(WATTS)/ Stereo 4 Ohm
120
80
80
165
80
Damping Factor
> 110
> 300
> 300
100
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.02%
0.02%
0.03%
.5%
0.02%
Signal to Noise Ratio
105
95
98
106
113
Amplifier Class
Class AB
Class D
Class D
Class G
Class AB
App Control
No
No
No
No
Yes
HDMI Inputs
0
1
0
0
1
HDMI Outputs
0
0
0
0
0
ARC, eARC
No
Yes, eARC
No
No
Yes, ARC
Analog Inputs
4
2
2
3
3
Analog Outputs
0
0
0
0
0
Phono
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
OPTICAL/COAXIAL DIGITAL INPUTS
2 / 1
2 / 2
2 / 2
1 / 2
1 / 1
Subwoofer Outputs
1
1
1
0
1
PRE-AMP Output
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
XLR Input
1
0
0
0
0
Home Theater Bypass
No
No
No
Yes
No
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Streaming
No
No
No
No
Yes
DAC
ESS Sabre ES9018K2M
ESS Sabre ES9028
Burr Brown PCM1795
ESS Sabre ES9280A PRO
ESS Sabre
AM/FM Tuner
No
No
No
No
No
Room Correction
No
Dirac Live Optional
No
No
No
Dimensions No Antenna (H x W x D)
4 1/2" x 16 15/16" x 13 7/16"
3 15/16" x 17 1/8" x 15 7/16"
4" x 17 1/8" x 16 5/8"
3 5/16" x 17 1/16" x 14 5/16"
5 1/8" x 17 7/16" x 17"
Weight (lbs)
19.1
19.1
17.2
19.84
28.1
Warranty
3 Years
2 Years
2 Years
5 Years
5 Years
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