Cambridge Audio CXA61 £749
It’s a duo of three-peats for Cambridge Audio this year, as two of their amps have taken their category yet again.
Part of the CXA61’S secret is an ESS Sabre SE9010K2M DAC, which makes the amplifier compatible with 32-bit/ 384khz PCM files and up to DSD 256 data streams. There’s also a USB (type B) port alongside the usual coaxial and optical digital inputs on the rear panel. Bluetooth is built-in too, and we’re happy to report it’s of the better, aptx HD (24-bit/48khz) variety.
Cambridge also courts the homeinstall market that this price point starts to merit by providing an RS232 port and trigger inputs that can be used to help integrate the CXA61 into an automated system.
The power output is quoted as a solid 60W per channel and the amplifier has four line-level stereo RCA inputs on the back, and a 3.5mm jack for portable music players on the front. While the basic analogue circuit design isn’t terribly different from that of its predecessor, the CXA60, Cambridge’s engineers managed to improve sound quality by honing the circuit and improving the quality of the components in the signal path. Those were crucial adjustments.
While still recognisably related to its predecessor, this revised model sounds more transparent and playful. It’s simply more fun to listen to, regardless of the input you’ve chosen.
This integrated amplifier sounds firmly in control, has enough in the way of scale and authority to work well with grand orchestral movements, and offers plenty of punch when required. We love the composure on show and the CXA61’S refusal to sound confused or stressed when the music gets demanding.
Throw into the mix a well judged tonal balance, impressive stereo imaging, a whole load of detail and great dynamic subtlety, and you have a rare gem of an integrated amp.