Bookshelf Speakers for Cambridge Audio CXA81

[PianoGeneve]

Hello All,

I'm in the process of finding new bookshelf speakers for CA CXA81. So far I've just tried the relatively new B&W 606 S3 and I really enjoyed the pairing of the two. Also tried the Kef LS50 Meta but sounded too analytical, flat for my liking. Budget would be between 700 and 1200 GBP.

Thinking on trying the q acoustics concept 30 (I owned the 20s in the past and loved them paired with a different amp.) Not sure if this would be a good match for the CXA81

Any advice from members would be appreciated.

 

[manicm]

Hello All,

I'm in the process of finding new bookshelf speakers for CA CXA81. So far I've just tried the relatively new B&W 606 S3 and I really enjoyed the pairing of the two. Also tried the Kef LS50 Meta but sounded too analytical, flat for my liking. Budget would be between 700 and 1200 GBP.

Thinking on trying the q acoustics concept 30 (I owned the 20s in the past and loved them paired with a different amp.) Not sure if this would be a good match for the CXA81

Any advice from members would be appreciated.

Try the new Q Acoustics 5 series too. It may be a better match than the Concept 30.

 

[Fandango Andy]

I heard a pair of Wharfdale Lintons a few weeks back, they sounded fantastic, quite a deep and warm but totally effortless sound. they were paired with a Leak Stereo 130, no idea how they will go with your amp.

 

[Al ears]

Hello All,

I'm in the process of finding new bookshelf speakers for CA CXA81. So far I've just tried the relatively new B&W 606 S3 and I really enjoyed the pairing of the two. Also tried the Kef LS50 Meta but sounded too analytical, flat for my liking. Budget would be between 700 and 1200 GBP.

Thinking on trying the q acoustics concept 30 (I owned the 20s in the past and loved them paired with a different amp.) Not sure if this would be a good match for the CXA81

Any advice from members would be appreciated.

What's your room size and are these going to be placed on decent stands away from walls!
You really need to audition speakers in your own home as they are crucial to a decent set-up.

 

[daytona600]

PMC prodigy1 , Bowers & Wilkins 707 S3 , Elipson Planet L , ProJect Speaker Box S2

 

[Rodolfo]

Consider Martin Logan. I love my LX16s with their remarkable FoldedMotion tweeters. Current option probably also reproduces and looks beautifully.

 

[PianoGeneve]

What's your room size and are these going to be placed on decent stands away from walls!
You really need to audition speakers in your own home as they are crucial to a decent set-up.

Room quite small, 6m x 5m. No more than 1 to 2 ft max away from the wall , on stands yes

 

[njprrogers]

If you found the meta's analytical, I would second a demo of the Linton's. I got mine a couple of months ago and am enjoying them. They got a lovely relaxed, natural sound.

 

[Gray]

Currently £300 above your budget....but with discount / trade-in??
The new Wharfedale Aura 1 might be good.
One of those nice tweeters 🙂 and downward firing bass ports - which might aid things in your room (rear ports have ruined things for me....even when on stands).

 

[PianoGeneve]

Many thanks to everyone for their contributions. I will take these suggestions and see if I can audition these ideas. I'm not blessed with an abundance of hifi retailers here in Geneva which forces me sometimes to take a chance on a product before listening to it. This time I will be patience and test the suggestions out in person. As for auditioning equipment in my room before purchasing it - not a chance in Switzerland. The customer is certainly not king in the country.

 

[twinkletoes]

auditioning equipment in my room before purchasing it - not a chance in Switzerland. The customer is certainly not king in the country.

Not in any country, but money is. If they wont accommodate you, simple say to there faces, "oh well amazon it is then" (nearly all the brands mentioned above can be had on amazon) they'll soon change there tune if they don't then there not worth shopping with its completely there lose not your's

 

[matthewpianist]

The Lintons need more space than you can give them to sound their best.

 

[PianoGeneve]

Not in any country, but money is. If they wont accommodate you, simple say to there faces, "oh well amazon it is then" (nearly all the brands mentioned above can be had on amazon) they'll soon change there tune if they don't then there not worth shopping with its completely there lose not your's

Its not as easy as that. Switzerland isn't in the EU and shipping via amazon is only possible with certain products. This closed market means that resellers feel like they don't need to make any effort . I've found ways to get round the market restrictions but as I said, it often means purchasing without testing first (hence the need to do my research thoroughly.)

 

[gasolin]

If you don't want it to bright look,listen at the new dynaudio emit 10,20,30

They have a warm sound and might be a good match for the in some cases bright sound from the cxa 81

Wharfedale EVO 4.4 can be had within your budget

Wharfedale Evo 4.4 review

What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winner. Wharfedale shows it can mix with the best premium speakers

www.whathifi.com

 

[matthewpianist]

I'd recommend investigating the Mission QX-3 MkII's. The QX-series is brilliant at striking a great tonal balance across a wide range of music.

 

[Cent Anni]

Its not as easy as that. Switzerland isn't in the EU and shipping via amazon is only possible with certain products. This closed market means that resellers feel like they don't need to make any effort . I've found ways to get round the market restrictions but as I said, it often means purchasing without testing first (hence the need to do my research thoroughly.)

Did you buy anything?
I have the original setup you mentioned. CXA81 with QA Concept 30. For me they are a knock out combo so go for it. The concepts are not fatiguing/analytical which is a plus for me too!

 

[manicm]

Where I am hi-fi shops have closed, and the mainstream ones now sell online. So auditioning is dead, I have to go to reviews and my common sense.

It's all very well telling someone to hear before they buy but sometimes that's not possible, so that kind of advice is not helpful really.

There are still a few showrooms, but these retailers service high end equipment, often with home automation.

 

[nopiano]

Where I am hi-fi shops have closed, and the mainstream ones now sell online. So auditioning is dead, I have to go to reviews and my common sense.

It's all very well telling someone to hear before they buy but sometimes that's not possible, so that kind of advice is not helpful really.

There are still a few showrooms, but these retailers service high end equipment, often with home automation.

Where are you? Not in the UK, presumably?

 

[Al ears]

Did you buy anything?
I have the original setup you mentioned. CXA81 with QA Concept 30. For me they are a knock out combo so go for it. The concepts are not fatiguing/analytical which is a plus for me too!

You are not likely to get a reply as the OP hasn't been seen since 30th Dec 2023