Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II is a surprising replacement for two Award-winning stereo amplifiers

[What Hi-Fi?]

The Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II is an updated model with "re-tuned" sound, replacing both Award-winning CXA61 and CXA81 integrated stereo amplifiers.

Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II is a surprising replacement for two Award-winning stereo amplifiers : Read more

 

[Gray]

'Will the CXA81 Mk II's re-tuned sound make all the difference?'

I'll take a wild guess at yes 🤨

 

[nopiano]

The old expression ‘if it ain’t broke…’ might apply here, especially trying to replace two models with one.

It would be good to do a bit of journalism and find out the background. Changing availability of parts would be my guess, given the very good performance already offered. What’s better for under a grand, I wonder?

 

[manicm]

The old expression ‘if it ain’t broke…’ might apply here, especially trying to replace two models with one.

It would be good to do a bit of journalism and find out the background. Changing availability of parts would be my guess, given the very good performance already offered. What’s better for under a grand, I wonder?

It has a much newer DAC chip - I don't think that's just due to availability of parts. Other amps still use significantly older DAC chips from ESS or others.

 

[manicm]

I'm disappointed the DAC has no MQA support.

 

[nopiano]

It has a much newer DAC chip - I don't think that's just due to availability of parts. Other amps still use significantly older DAC chips from ESS or others.

Sure, but there must be more to it than that? Ime, not much wrong with older DACs. I can’t hear another 2dB quieter when already -115dB or something!

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

I wonder if its worth me upgrading my 2 month old CXA81 Mk1

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

Well. I got mine today. I decided to do the swap with Richer Sounds and it’s burning in as I type.
First impressions are its very wide soundstage and slightly brighter but will need a bit of use and critical listening to decide the difference.
If I can at all.

 

[Honza]

Well. I got mine today. I decided to do the swap with Richer Sounds and it’s burning in as I type.
First impressions are its very wide soundstage and slightly brighter but will need a bit of use and critical listening to decide the difference.
If I can at all.

Hello. So does it make sense to buy a Mk2? Is the difference such that it is worth a new investment? What are the changes?

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

Hello. So does it make sense to buy a Mk2? Is the difference such that it is worth a new investment? What are the changes?

not too sure; I had bought the new CXN100 at the same time as the Mk1 , then a few weeks later theMk2 was released.......
Some of the promo and release information suggested [naturally] that the CXN100 would be well paired with the Mk2, so I had have it to be honest.
Richer Sounds did me an absolute solid, so I was happy to pay the small difference to get the newer amp.
I've spent only an hour or so listening to it, will get round to it once the weather goes back to normal [i.e. rubbish] later this week !

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

short update; had an hour or so's listening "properly" this morning.
the sound signature is very similar, but the 3 dimensional, wider soundstage is noticeably improved.
it still may sound slightly more bright, but not yet tiring nor shrill.
paired with my PMC P5s I really do think, as a "budgetary" set up, the valuator money seems superb.
I'm pretty glad I went for the Mk2 as it future-proofs my CA purchases for a number of years to come.