Flexible and fearsomely musical, the CXA81 is a significant step up from the amp it replaces.

Cambridge Audio CXA81 Review ★★★★★

• DAC Playback up to 32-bit/384kHz. • Power 80W per channel

✔ Extensive spec. ✔ Understated looks. ✔ Thoroughly enjoyable and convincing sound

❌ Ordinary remote. ❌ No phono stage

It’s one of the best amps at its price class You should buy if

You shouldn't buy if There’s plenty of competition from the likes of Rega and Arcam, and the Cambridge pips them for performance

It’s about to be replaced

The CXA81 will be replaced by the CXA81 MkII in May 2024, so you may want to hold off on a purchase

You’re not short of options with efforts from other brands such as Rega and the Arcam both engaging and persuasive amps. Rega’s Elex-R, for example, has plenty to entice. However, it lacks for both power and digital compatibility next to the Cambridge – there’s no DAC, no Bluetooth and, ultimately, it can’t quite compete with the CXA81 when it comes to across-the-board fidelity. Simon Lucas Read more