Audiolab 7000a or Cambridge CXA81 MKII

[Micholas]

So I’ve recently been on the hunt for the perfect amp for my ears! I’m running the amp with a pair of Mission 753’s (which I won’t part with). I’ve gone through a few vintage amps and I didn’t think they had the power, presence or wow factor that I was looking for. So I’ve now moved on to modern more expensive equipment. This started with the arrival of the Audiolab 7000a. I read so much good stuff about it, but I have to say I was somewhat disappointed. It was very clinical, but left me feeling cold. The clarity was exceptional, as was the instrument separation etc. but the bass felt very timid, and there didn’t seem much of soul to the sound.

Over the weekend I popped in to my local richer sounds store and the chaps behind the counter really weren’t fans of that amp either. They told me there’s much better out there for that sort of money, and both recommended the Cambridge CXA81 MK 2. One even owned the Cambridge and swore by it.

They’ve actually let me borrow a unit to audition with the 753’s and my Denon DCD1500 CD player (connected via Toslink). I’ve been playing both to the point where I don’t know if I’m coming or going anymore. There’s no question that the CXA81 has more of the type of sound I appreciate. Fuller, warm, with a bit more bass. But it still feels like something is missing! Or maybe it’s not, maybe I’m just losing my mind! I won’t be playing the music at really high volumes as it’s not my style, plus we have a baby.. I just wonder if I’m sending myself on a wild goose chase and I should just settle with the Cambridge. I do appreciate the sound stage and in a few weeks I’m sure it’ll grow on me even more.

What’s everyone’s thoughts?

 

[Shrek]

From what i have heard of Audiolab from a friend they lack bass and and are clinical.Try a Marantz .

 

[Integralista]

Hi, Mission 753 columns have treble spectrum very detailed and full of energy. A bit too much for some people. Combined with more analytic tuned amp like Audiolab it can bee just too much. I saw some hobist was using them with old Pioneer A400, and was very satisfied. This is no powerhouse. Character of this Pioneer amp is more like Cambridge Audio CXA81. I think that combo with CA amplifier will be more to your liking. BR.

 

[daytona600]

Roksan Attessa
NAD C 3050
Naim CI-Uniti 102
Elipson Performance I300

 

[manicm]

The Audiolab 7000a can sound brilliant with the right speaker like the Wharfedale Linton.

 

[skinnypuppy71]

I'm sorry to say, I'd be parting with the mission speakers before discounting the quality amplifiers you seem to be thinking are poor....mission in the 90's were very poor speakers in my opinion...poor qc, poor build quality and the sound wasn't that great either...yes I owned a few....and moved on.

 

[RoA]

I'm sorry to say, I'd be parting with the mission speakers before discounting the quality amplifiers you seem to be thinking are poor....mission in the 90's were very poor speakers in my opinion...poor qc, poor build quality and the sound wasn't that great either...yes I owned a few....and moved on.

I can't speak for all Mission's of the 90's but the 752's I have are superb. Saw out speakers up to £5k, the latest of which was a Sterling LS3/6 BBC Reference Ltd Editions. I also had actives from B&W, Kef and other speakers.

Build quality; High quality cast chassis bass unit and silk dome tweeter. No wood screws, bolt into threads. High quality veneer (inside and outside). Crossover is simple and of decent quality.

Newer is certainly not always better.

 

[Micholas]

I can't speak for all Mission's of the 90's but the 752's I have are superb. Saw out speakers up to £5k, the latest of which was a Sterling LS3/6 BBC Reference Ltd Editions. I also had actives from B&W, Kef and other speakers. Build quality; High quality cast chassis bass unit and silk dome tweeter. No wood screws, bolt into threads. High quality veneer (inside and outside). Crossover is simple and of decent quality. Newer is certainly not always better.

Agreed. I’ve never heard anyone say the 7 series of the 90’s were bad speakers. The 753’s were renowned for their build quality.

 

[matthewpianist]

In the end, go with your ears.

I don't find my 6000A MkII at all clinical, paired with any of the speakers I have to hand - Wharfedale Diamond 12.3, Dynaudio Emit 10, PSB Imagine B50, Rogers LS2a/2 (currently playing), JPW Sonata and Mordaunt-Short MS10i - but it's possible the 7000A leans slightly more in that direction and/or it isn't the best match for the Missions, especially their tweeter.

The Cambridge is a good amp, but be careful not to be persuaded by RS, who are the sole UK distributor of Cambridge Audio, and commercially related. Let your own ears decide.

 

[Micholas]

In the end, go with your ears.

I don't find my 6000A MkII at all clinical, paired with any of the speakers I have to hand - Wharfedale Diamond 12.3, Dynaudio Emit 10, PSB Imagine B50, Rogers LS2a/2 (currently playing), JPW Sonata and Mordaunt-Short MS10i - but it's possible the 7000A leans slightly more in that direction and/or it isn't the best match for the Missions, especially their tweeter.

The Cambridge is a good amp, but be careful not to be persuaded by RS, who are the sole UK distributor of Cambridge Audio, and commercially related. Let your own ears decide.

Yes agreed. I guess there’s people who are looking for the truest and cleanest representation of the original recording.. and then people who just want something that sounds good to their ears. I’m in the later group. The problem with that is it’s all subjective. So whilst I can definitely appreciate the 7000a, and I think a true audiophile will probably much prefer it. For me, it lacks personality/depth to my ears. I do much prefer the warmth in the Cambridge sound I have to say. I’d like a bit more bass, but they do sell a small sub (Minx X301) that compliments the sub out on the amp. So there’s a thought.

 

[Gray]

I guess there’s people who are looking for the truest and cleanest representation of the original recording..

You guess right 👍
Because what you've given above is, surely, the definition of HIgh FIdelity.
If the recording sounds bad, the recording is bad.... but good / excellent recordings are never compromised.

PS I was happy with my little Mission 700s in the 80s.
The internal build quality of many modern speakers is a lot better - but I doubt my Missions were much worse than others of the time.

 

[RoA]

The internal build quality of many modern speakers is a lot better - but I doubt my Missions were much worse than others of the time.

Watch GR research and a few others and you might change your mind 😉

 

[nopiano]

Yes agreed. I guess there’s people who are looking for the truest and cleanest representation of the original recording.. and then people who just want something that sounds good to their ears. I’m in the later group. The problem with that is it’s all subjective. So whilst I can definitely appreciate the 7000a, and I think a true audiophile will probably much prefer it. For me, it lacks personality/depth to my ears. I do much prefer the warmth in the Cambridge sound I have to say. I’d like a bit more bass, but they do sell a small sub (Minx X301) that compliments the sub out on the amp. So there’s a thought.

Just to be clear, subs designed for music are not meant for ‘more bass’, but extended (deeper) bass and hence less effort needed by your main speakers. A ‘small sub’ isn’t really ideal there, as it’s more for an AV system to enhance explosions etc!

More generally, your Missions will have a particular character which obviously you enjoy. (I chose Missions in the 1990s for similar reasons, as I needed a smaller system for a studio flat). The Cambridge is by repute indeed warmer than the Audiolab, and RS gave you a good steer there.

However, what has ever sounded better, as you’ve not said? What did you use when you chose the Missions? Maybe you’re chasing an imagined ideal, which frankly is beyond the Mission speakers. Currently, you are risking choosing two rather coloured devices which won’t serve you well as and when you upgrade. Are there any modern pairings you like, even if they’re currently out of reach?

 

[My2Cents]

Personally, I would be looking to replace the speakers. Both those amps should produce great results with compatible speakers in a good room. If it was 1992 I wouldn't be using speakers designed and built in 1958... even the current Klipsch Heresy is not the same speaker that it was in 1958. The 753's are notoriously power hungry and if you listen to music at modest volume levels you're probably never going to get the sound that you seem to be craving. Don't know what music you listen to or what type of source you use (vinyl, streaming etc.)? or how big or well treated your listening room is... hopefully it's big and well treated.
There's no doubt that Mission were pushing the boundaries in the late 80's and early 90's producing cutting edge products, but IMHO technology has come a long way since then, especially with regards to speaker design.
Perhaps get Richer Sounds to lend you a pair of speakers and see what you think. As you own a pair of vintage Mission's it would be interesting to compare them to a pair of LX -6 MKII's... See how far technology has actually come?

 

[DougK1]

RS will obviously push Cambridge Audio, they own the brand 🙂

 

[RoA]

RS will obviously push Cambridge Audio, they own the brand 🙂

They did when I bought my Audiolab. He tried hard. I had none of it.