CXA81 MKII Integrated Stereo Amplifier - Key Features ◊ Class AB Amplification — Refined Class AB design delivering 80 W per channel (8 Ω) with rich dynamics and low distortion. ◊ Integrated High-Performance DAC — Advanced ESS Sabre ES9028Q2M DAC for detailed, transparent digital-to-analog conversion. ◊ Versatile Digital Connectivity — Includes USB-B, optical, and coaxial S/PDIF inputs for computers, TVs, and digital sources. ◊ Balanced & Unbalanced Inputs — Offers XLR (balanced) and RCA (unbalanced) analog inputs for flexible source connections. ◊ Bluetooth aptX HD — High-quality wireless streaming from phones, tablets, and laptops. ◊ High-Current, Low Noise Design — Stable drive capability and robust power delivery to handle demanding speakers. ◊ Wide Frequency Response — Extends beyond audible range for detailed, nuanced sound reproduction. ◊ Solid Build & Reliable Engineering — Quality components, shielding, and thermal management for long-term performance. ◊ Front-Panel Display & Control — Clear information readout and intuitive control interface for ease of use. Great(er) Sound Dual Mono Design The entire internal layout of the CXA81 Mk II is designed to minimise left and right interference (crosstalk) and provide astonishing stereo separation so you can virtually place each instrument in your room. It has symmetrical and separate transformer taps for the left and right channels, twin rectifiers and separate PSUs. When combined together these ‘dual mono’ features deliver incredible presence and depth to your music and a wide, enveloping soundstage that’s normally only available in amplifiers costing many times more. 300va Toroidal Transformer In 1968, Cambridge Audio were the first audio company to use a toroidal transformer in an integrated amplifier – the now iconic P40. Toroidal means doughnut shaped and it’s this shape that makes toroidal transformers an audio industry standard – mainly due to exceptionally low levels of electro-magnetic interference when compared to traditional transformer designs. Powerful Speaker Output Capable of outputting 2x 80W into 8Ω and 2x 120W into 4Ω, the CXA81 has huge power reserves and can be paired with a wide variety of speakers. Digital Mastery ESS SABRE DAC The inspiration for CXA81 Mk II came from the possibilities offered by the ES9018K2M DAC and an injection of new talent into our London workshop, who asked the question “why not?”. This choice of DAC offers better channel separation than its predecessor. This increases efficiency inside the amp and makes your digital music sound better too. With a new DAC, new thinking, ten new op amps, and a whole lot of listening, we’ve delivered the focus CX Series was looking for; CXA81 Mk II. Apt X Hd Bluetooth Built-in For users who want convenient wireless connection to their system, CXA81 Mk II features an aptX HD Bluetooth receiver built in. Bluetooth makes good sense from a convenience point of view. Offering a complete connection solution for all your media. Bypassing the often poor digital to analogue converters used in phones and laptops, it also allows you complete control from the comfort of your armchair. CX amplifiers connect using aptX HD Bluetooth when available, offering CD-like quality playback at 24bit/48kHz. If your transmitting device doesn’t offer aptX HD Bluetooth support, then the receiver will automatically switch down to either aptX or standard Bluetooth bandwidth. Asynchronous USB From CD-ripped WAVs to 24bit/384kHz FLAC files and DSD 256, the CXA81 Mk II’s internal DAC handles them all when you connect direct to a PC or Mac using the asynchronous USB socket. A Design for Life Timeless Design CXA81 Mk II has the same, timeless design as our AX and CX series equipment. It is Lunar Grey, 430mm wide and has the same wedge-shaped foot as the rest of our hi-fi equipment. Clear Connections Who else has struggled to read an input label while crouching over a piece of Hi-Fi equipment? As a clever touch, the rear connectors on all CX Series Hi-Fi components are labelled upside down as well as the correct way up. Easy-to-read Front Panel 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 aluminium fascia has a power button, input selectors and a beautifully smooth volume control.
