Cambridge Audio CX-A81 Integrated Amplifier * HiRes Audio * Bluetooth * Remote

An excellent centerpiece for an audiophile-grade system

The Cambridge Audio CXA81 is a great fit for a high-quality two-channel sound system. Its oversized toroidal transformer means it can deliver 80 watts per channel of pure, dynamic power to your speakers. This amp build on the foundation its predecessor — the CXA80. The new model adds Bluetooth® with aptX® HD encoding for high-quality music streaming from compatible devices.

A variety of connections

The CXA81 offers a convenient blend of analog and digital connections for your music sources. There are two Toslink optical digital inputs, a coaxial digital input, and a Type-B USB port for connecting a computer. Analog components can be connected to one of four unbalanced stereo RCA inputs or the balanced XLR input. There's a mono subwoofer output, and a stereo RCA line output for passing signal to another amplifier.

Real power for the real world

Cambridge Audio's conservative power rating of 80 watts per channel only tells part of this amp's story. Those watts are generated by a power supply that employs an audiophile-grade toroidal transformer for plenty of steady, low-noise current. The transformer is centrally located inside the chassis to minimize interference with sensitive preamp circuitry, and surrounded by hefty extruded heat sinks for cool, efficient operation. The result is an amp capable of handling the heavy demands of 4-ohm speakers as well as all the dynamic peaks in music that make it sound real.

Product info:

• Featured in our article: Best integrated amplifiers for 2026
• 80 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (120 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms)
• 4-ohm capability allows use with a wide range of speakers
• THD: 0.02% (20-20,000 Hz at 80% of rated power)
• built-in high-performance ESS Sabre SE9016K2M DAC
• toroidal power transformer for low noise and high-current output
• Bluetooth® wireless connectivity for streaming music from compatible smartphones, tablets, and computers
  • aptX® HD encoding provides high-quality music streaming from compatible devices
• Class AB amplifier design
• full-metal casework with thick, brushed aluminum front panel and acoustically damped chassis for enhanced resonance control
• remote included

Connections:

• two Toslink optical digital inputs
• coaxial digital input
• USB Type-B input for connecting a computer
• four unbalanced stereo RCA inputs
• balanced XLR left and right input
• mono RCA subwoofer output
• stereo RCA preamp output
• switchable A+B speaker outputs with binding-post connectors
• control bus input and output
• 12-volt trigger input and output for automatic synchronized on/off with compatible Cambridge Audio components
• IR input
• RS-232C data port

Dimensions:

• 16-15/16"W x 4-1/2"H x 13-7/16"D
• weight: 19.1 lbs.