Cambridge Audio CXA61
Cambridge Audio’s CXA61 has a tough act to follow. Its direct predecessor, the CXA60, was a multiple Product of the Year winner and long remained one of our go-to recommendations, despite the emergence of superstars such as the Rega Brio and Audiolab’s 6000A.
At first glance, it looks like Cambridge may have been a little over-ambitious with the price here. The previous generation launched at £599 back in 2015 and, despite all the issues over currency fluctuations and economic uncertainty, as well as general inflation over the past four years, at £749, this current price tag looks a tiny bit steep.
The amplifier looks remarkably familiar, and apart from the absence of the original’s balance and tone controls on the front panel, there’s little to separate them. While we mourn the loss of these (occasionally) useful features, we’re pleased to note that the CXA61 remains a solid and classy piece of kit.
Chip upgrade
Cambridge’s engineers have opted for the ESS Sabre SE9010K2M DAC rather than the Wolfson 8740 of the previous model. This means the CXA61 is compatible with 32-bit/384khz PCM files and up to DSD 256 data streams. That’s pretty comprehensive and likely to cover just about any file most people will use.
Power output is a solid 60W per channel and this integrated has four line-level stereo RCA inputs on the back and a 3.5mm jack for portable music players on the front. There’s a USB (type B) alongside the usual coaxial and optical digital inputs on the rear panel, and Bluetooth is built-in too – it’s even the better aptx HD (24-bit/48khz) variety.
We’re pleased to report that the last round of revisions on this amplifier, in 2019, paid off. While that hefty price suggests that the CXA61 might struggle against more affordable rivals, it doesn’t take long to realise Cambridge’s has done good work here. While still recognisably related to its predecessor, this amp sounds more transparent and playful. It’s simply more fun to listen to, regardless of input chosen.
We’re pleased by the amplifier’s lively nature through the line-level connections. We play a range of music from Hans Zimmer’s Gladiator OST and Living Room Songs from Ólafur Arnalds, right the way through to Prince’s 3121 and the CXA61 handles it all with skill.
Composed and controlled
This integrated sounds firmly in control, regardless of whether we use B&W’S 606s or our reference ATC SCM50 speakers. It has enough in the way of scale and authority to work well with the Gladiator OST. There’s plenty of punch when required, the amplifier thumping out the album’s numerous dynamic peaks with conviction. We’re pleased with the composure on show and the CXA61’S refusal to sound confused or stressed when the music gets demanding.
It has a nicely judged tonal balance that walks that delicate path between attack and refinement. This is the kind of presentation that works well across a wide range of speakers and musical genres. There’s spaciousness here too, and the kind of outright clarity that sets a high bar for the price.
Stereo imaging is impressive, with the amp able to place sounds and instruments with precision and stability.
It’s an expansive soundfield and one that’s nicely layered, provided the rest of your system is suitably talented. Once we spend a decent amount of time listening, it becomes clear that few rivals have the resolution to challenge the CXA61. It digs up low-level details with ease and renders them with care and conviction.
This is made clear when we listen to the Ólafur Arnalds set, which relies on the system having a high degree of subtlety. It’s easy for an amplifier to sound ham-fisted when playing this recording, but it’s a trap the Cambridge avoids. Instead it is confident and composed, but never overplays its hand.
This Cambridge is a rhythmic performer too, delivering Prince’s 3121 with verve. There’s plenty of entertainment to be had here from thumping basslines to intricately shifting rhythms with Prince’s distinctive vocals at the centre. The CXA61 ticks all the hi-fi boxes without forgetting that all the detail and tonal neutrality in the world doesn’t matter if the emotional content of the music is ignored.
Great combination of abilities
We think £749 is a weighty price tag, yet the CXA61 has the equipment and sound quality to compete at this level. Just as importantly, it justifies the price premium over rivals such as the Audiolab 6000A and Rega Brio by delivering a combination of sonic ability, features and build quality even those fine amps struggle to match.