Cambridge Audio Introduces CX Series 2 Hi-Fi Components

New gear from Cambridge Audio

Full press release:

Cambridge Audio today unveiled the CX Series 2, a major update to its CX range of hi-fi components. The CX Series 2 range is available from October 2019.

In the five years since its launch, the original CX Series has gained widespread acclaim for its modern, digital-first approach, impeccable performance, modern styling and value for money; but with technology marching onwards, Cambridge Audio’s engineers felt it was time for a hardware refresh.

Enter the CXA61 and CXA81, a pair of integrated amplifiers that, while they use the old CXA60 and CXA80 models as starting points, are fully reimagined, reengineered and reinvigorated for 2019. Setting a new level for performance for the price, both amplifiers are designed to appeal to hi-fi fans and newcomers alike, bringing full-fat hi-fi into the home at an affordable price.

Cambridge Audio CXA61

Integrated Stereo Amplifier

Price: $999/£749

Availability: From October 2019

Built for excitement, the 60 watts per channel CXA61 will draw listeners into the heart of the music they love. Equally at home with pounding stadium rock or refined classical music, this new integrated amplifier features a wide range of digital and analogue inputs and several major changes over the CXA60 model it replaces.

The older model’s DAC has been replaced with a cutting-edge ESS Sabre ES9010K2M, and there’s now a USB input compatible with sources up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD256 in quality. Additionally, aptX HD Bluetooth is integrated, allowing music lovers to stream wireless audio in stunning quality, up to 48kHz 24Bit.

Cambridge Audio CXA81

Integrated Stereo Amplifier

Price: $1299/£999

Availability: From October 2019

Exemplifying Cambridge Audio’s famous “Great British Sound”, the CXA81 is an uncompromising integrated amplifier designed to be the very best product of its type in this price bracket. With each of its carefully selected components and engineering decisions all pointed to one goal – delivering a complete musical picture – this 80 watts per channel amp is poised to delight the most demanding of listeners.

Rebuilt from the ground up, the CXA81 offers several new features over its predecessor the CXA80, including a superior ESS Sabre ES9016K2M DAC, improved USB input supporting 32bit/384kHz and DSD256 quality and integrated aptX HD Bluetooth receiver, allowing users to stream from their mobile device direct to the amp at up to 48kHz 24Bit quality.

Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) and CXC

Two familiar components round out the CX Series 2 range: the highly acclaimed, class-leading CXN (V2) network audio streamer ($1099/£799), available from October) and CXC CD transport ($599/£399, available from October) are now both finished in a Lunar Grey color to match the CXA61 and CXA81 integrated amplifiers.

New Stream Magic app

The CX hardware isn’t alone in getting a refresh. Cambridge Audio’s popular Connect iOS and Android app, compatible with the CXN (V2) and the company’s other network audio streamers, has been given a major feature overhaul and rebrand. Built from the ground-up by Cambridge Audio’s in-house team of app developers, the new Stream Magic app offers smoother network performance, a customizable Hub tab giving fast access to the most-used features and an improved interface.