Cambridge Audio CXA61 Integrated Stereo Amplifier - Dreamedia AV

Vendor: Cambridge Audio

Cambridge Audio CXA61 Integrated Stereo Amplifier

Integrated Stereo Amplifier with High-Res Audio

$599.00; $599.00
Unit price: per

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Cambridge Audio CXA61 Integrated Stereo Amplifier

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Unveil the Heart of Your Home Audio Experience

Imagine a centerpiece that brings every note to life, every beat to palpable energy, and every performance to your living room. The Cambridge Audio CXA61 Integrated Stereo Amplifier is not just a device; it’s the conductor of your personal symphony, the engine driving your musical journey, and the bridge between you and audio purity.

The Power to Move You

Whether it’s the delicate strings of a violin or the robust lines of an electric bass, the CXA61 delivers 60W per channel into 8 ohms, ensuring that your speakers are powered with precision. With a frequency response that stretches from less than 5Hz to 60kHz, this amplifier reproduces the full spectrum of sound, capturing every detail with an accuracy that’s almost tangible.

Crafted for the Audiophile

High-Resolution Digital Audio: With an ESS Sabre ES9010K2M DAC chip at its heart, the CXA61 handles digital audio files up to 32bit/384kHz PCM, and DSD256 or DoP256 via USB. This means that whether you’re streaming from a high-resolution audio service or playing directly from your digital library, the CXA61 ensures a pristine conversion from digital to a breathtaking analog sound.
Class AB Amplification: Renowned for its sound quality, the CXA61’s Class AB amplifier topology provides the perfect balance of efficiency and high-fidelity audio, delivering a sound that is as powerful as it is pure.
Connectivity for the Modern Listener: With USB, coaxial, two optical ports, and Bluetooth aptX HD, you can connect virtually any source and enjoy a superior audio experience. The 4 RCA inputs and 3.5mm 'MP3' input ensure your traditional sources are not left behind, while the S/PDIF coaxial, subwoofer output, and preamp output allow for an expanded audio setup.

A Symphony of Features

Dual-Room/Four-Speaker Operation: The CXA61 is more than an amplifier; it’s a multi-room maestro. Connect a second pair of speakers and fill another room with the same high-fidelity audio, or enjoy a different tune in a separate space.
Remote Control: Convenience is key, and with the included remote control, you have command of your audio world at your fingertips. Adjust volume, switch inputs, and control playback without ever leaving the comfort of your seat.
Headphone Amplifier: Dive into a personal listening experience. The built-in headphone amplifier delivers sufficient power to drive various headphones, offering an intimate and detailed audio session whenever you desire.

Designed for Durability

High-Quality Damped Metal Chassis: The CXA61 is housed in a chassis designed to minimize vibration and maximize music purity. This attention to detail ensures that your audio experience is free from unwanted resonances.
Oversized Toroidal Transformer: Power supply is the foundation of audio performance, and the CXA61’s oversized toroidal transformer provides an unwavering electricity supply, maintaining a consistent performance with no audio degradation.

Smart and Intuitive

CAP5 Protection System: Your investment is safeguarded with the CXA61’s CAP5 protection system, which ensures that the amplifier and your speakers are protected from any electrical anomalies.
Auto Power Down: In line with modern energy-saving standards, the CXA61 features an auto power down function, reducing power consumption when not in use and contributing to the longevity of the unit.

The Pinnacle of Musical Fidelity

What sets the CXA61 apart is its ability to articulate every nuance of your music. The neutral output and low noise presentation mean that what you hear is as close to the original recording as possible. The amplifier’s tremendous focus and precision in sound reproduction create an immersive experience that is both powerful and detailed.

Seamless Integration with Your Lifestyle

Dreamedia understands the importance of a system that not only sounds great but also fits seamlessly into your home and lifestyle. With the CXA61, you get an elegant design that complements any decor, backed by the convenience and compatibility of Roon-tested software for easy music management.

Connect and Engage with Your Music

Bluetooth aptX HD: Enjoy high-definition audio wirelessly. The CXA61’s Bluetooth 4.2 A2DP/AVRCP support, along with aptX HD, allows for a 24bit/48kHz streaming experience that rivals wired connections.
Roon Tested: For those who have embraced the world of Roon, the CXA61 is fully tested and compatible, ensuring that you can manage and explore your music library with ease.

The Dreamedia Advantage

At Dreamedia, we don’t just sell you an amplifier; we provide the expertise and support to design the home theater system of your dreams. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you make the most of the CXA61’s extensive feature set, ensuring that your home audio experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

In the Box

CXA61 Integrated Amplifier
Power Cable
3 AAA Batteries for Remote
Remote Control
Control Bus Cable

Embark on Your Audio Odyssey

With the Cambridge Audio CXA61 Integrated Stereo Amplifier, you are not just buying a piece of equipment; you are investing in an experience that will resonate through every corner of your home. It’s time to elevate your audio landscape and immerse yourself in the world of high-fidelity sound.

Our Review

Cambridge Audio CXA61 Integrated Stereo Amplifier Review

Introduction

The Cambridge Audio CXA61 sits at the crossroads of high-fidelity audio and modern digital convenience. As the successor to the highly regarded CXA60, the CXA61 has big shoes to fill, promising enhancements and refinements in both performance and features. Aimed at audiophiles who demand pristine sound without sacrificing connectivity, the CXA61 enters the market with a blend of traditional audio engineering and contemporary digital technology.

Design and Build Quality

Cambridge Audio has always excelled in producing equipment that exudes understated elegance, and the CXA61 is no exception. Its sleek, brushed aluminum chassis not only looks sophisticated but also provides a sturdy housing for the internal components. The amplifier's dimensions strike a balance between presence and discretion, allowing it to fit comfortably into most home theater setups without dominating the space.

The front panel's layout is intuitive, with a central volume knob offering satisfying tactile feedback. However, the absence of a detailed output window for volume levels is a noticeable omission that may irk users who prefer precise visual feedback.

Ergonomics and User Interface

The included remote control simplifies interaction with the device, though its functionality feels somewhat basic in an era where smart device integration is becoming the norm. The front panel controls are streamlined, which contributes to the clean aesthetic but at the cost of immediate access to tone adjustments, which are notably absent.

Features and Connectivity

The CXA61 boasts an impressive array of input and output ports, catering to a wide range of analog and digital sources. The inclusion of an ESS Sabre ES9010K2M DAC is a standout feature, handling up to 32bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256, ensuring that high-resolution audio files are delivered with the utmost fidelity.

Wireless connectivity through Bluetooth aptX HD is a welcome nod to modern listening habits, allowing users to stream high-quality audio from their devices effortlessly. The amplifier's ability to drive a second room or set of speakers adds versatility for those looking to expand their listening experience throughout their home.

Digital and Analog Integration

The CXA61 demonstrates a commendable integration of digital and analog inputs. However, the absence of a built-in phono stage means vinyl enthusiasts will need to invest in a separate preamp, potentially complicating setups for turntable users. The 3.5mm 'MP3' input, while practical for quick connections, may feel somewhat outdated as more consumers move towards wireless streaming.

Performance

The sound quality produced by the CXA61 is characterized by its neutrality and low noise floor, allowing for a clean and precise audio presentation. The 60W per channel power output is robust for most applications, although it may fall short in driving larger speakers in expansive rooms.

The handling of high-resolution audio is exemplary, with the built-in DAC breathing life into digital files, revealing layers of detail that can transform the listening experience. The headphone amplifier is a significant addition, providing ample power to drive a broad range of headphones, though the use of a 3.5mm jack may necessitate adapters for some users.

Soundstage and Acoustics

The CXA61 creates a soundstage that is both focused and expansive, allowing for pinpoint placement of instruments and vocals within the stereo image. However, its dynamic reach can occasionally feel constrained during complex or particularly demanding passages, which may not satisfy all listeners.

The amplifier maintains low distortion levels across the volume range, ensuring that the audio remains clean and uncolored, a testament to Cambridge Audio's engineering prowess.

Usability and Practical Considerations

The dual-room functionality of the CXA61 is a boon for those looking to distribute audio across different spaces. However, the energy consumption peaks at 600W, which, while not excessive for an amplifier of this caliber, is something energy-conscious users may want to consider.

The limitations in remote control usage and the absence of smartphone volume control when connected via Bluetooth are minor but noteworthy drawbacks in an otherwise user-friendly package.

Comparison With Competitors

When evaluating the CXA61 against its competitors, it holds its ground well in terms of sound quality and feature set, particularly with its high-resolution DAC and wireless capabilities. The price point is justified by the amplifier's performance and build quality, although some users may find better value in alternatives that offer more power or integrated phono stages.

Final Thoughts

The Cambridge Audio CXA61 is a formidable integrated amplifier that caters to the modern listener without losing sight of traditional audiophile values. Its strengths lie in its sound quality, connectivity options, and elegant design. While it may not be the ultimate choice for those requiring extensive dynamic range or built-in tone controls, it stands as a compelling option for users seeking a harmonious blend of analog warmth and digital precision. Suitable for both audiophiles and casual listeners, the CXA61 is a testament to Cambridge Audio's commitment to quality and innovation in the realm of home audio.

Specifications