Is the Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II Worth It in 2026?
The Quick Take: The Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II is a class-leading integrated amplifier for digital-first audiophiles. It earns a 4.8/5 rating for its exceptional ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC and neutral, high-resolution sound. It is the best choice for systems under $1,500 that prioritize clarity over features like built-in phono stages or Wi-Fi.
We’ve revisited our popular review of the Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II to see how it stands in today’s increasingly competitive integrated amplifier market. With updated listening notes and a fresh competitor comparison, the conclusion remains clear:
The CXA81 Mk II is still a phenomenal amplifier.
Not because it chases trends or flashy features, but because it delivers something far more enduring—clarity, control, and confidence in how it reproduces music.
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Is the Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II Worth It?
The Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II is worth it for listeners who want a clean, neutral, and highly detailed integrated amplifier with excellent digital performance. It is ideally suited to small-to-medium rooms and systems built around quality digital sources, prioritizing accuracy, dynamics, and long-term listening comfort over added warmth or coloration.
This is an amplifier for listeners who value truth in sound.
Design & Build: Familiar, Refined, and Purposeful
At first glance, the CXA81 Mk II looks very similar to earlier CX-series amplifiers dating back to 2014. The elegant Lunar Grey chassis remains unchanged, and the overall aesthetic is understated and timeless.
One visible difference is the removal of the tone and balance controls from the front panel—a move that reinforces Cambridge Audio’s purist intent. The design is now cleaner, simpler, and more focused on signal integrity rather than adjustment options.
Build quality is excellent. The amplifier feels solid, well-damped, and confidence-inspiring, with thoughtful layout and robust terminals throughout.
Does the CXA81 Mk II have a phono stage or Wi-Fi?
A quick look at the rear panel reveals a comprehensive array of connections:
- Four RCA analogue inputs
- One balanced XLR input
- Coaxial S/PDIF input (up to 24-bit/192kHz)
- Two optical Toslink inputs (up to 96kHz)
- USB Audio input
- Preamp output
- Subwoofer output
- Speaker A/B terminals for bi-wiring or dual-zone setups
Notably absent is a built-in phono stage, but vinyl lovers can easily add an external phono preamp. Cambridge Audio’s own Alva series would be a perfect match.
There’s also a 3.5 mm headphone output on the front for convenient personal listening.
Sound Performance: How does the Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II sound?”
From the very first notes, this amplifier grabs your attention with its energetic, dynamic, and incredibly detailed sound.
What makes the CXA81 special is its confidence; it handles fast, punchy rhythms with precision, shifts smoothly between loud and soft passages, and keeps the music exciting from start to finish. The midrange is rich and expressive, letting melodies shine while keeping everything balanced.
The bass is powerful yet controlled, handling deep grooves with ease, while the highs stay crisp without ever becoming harsh.
Some might say the CXA81 has a straightforward sound, but it also works beautifully with softer, more intimate music like a solo piano or a small string ensemble, where it reveals a more delicate and refined side.
What sets it apart is its stunning clarity. Compared to rivals like the Rega Elex-R, the Cambridge sounds cleaner and more precise, making the competition seem a little muddy in comparison. Matching its rhythm and dynamics is tough enough, but finding an amp with a smoother, more nuanced sound would be something truly special.
Balanced Sound for All Music
If we had to find a small flaw, the CXA81 doesn’t add extra “warmth” or color to the sound like some amplifiers do; it stays clean and accurate. But this makes it work brilliantly with all kinds of music, from big orchestral pieces to simple acoustic tracks.
Play a solo piano song or a small jazz group, and the CXA81 shines differently, highlighting every delicate note and emotional detail. It’s like the amplifier adjusts perfectly to whatever you throw at it.
How Does the CXA81 Mk II Compare to Its Rivals?
The Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II is a dominant force in its category, but it’s not the only player on the field. The world of integrated amplifiers is filled with different philosophies and sound signatures. For listeners in Bahawalpur and around the globe, choosing the right amp often comes down to system synergy and personal taste.
Here’s a look at how the CXA81 Mk II stacks up against some of its closest competitors in 2025.
Comparison Table
| Feature | CXA81 Mk II | Rega Elex-R | Marantz PM7000N |
|---|
| Sound Signature | Neutral, detailed, dynamic | Warm, rhythmic | Smooth, warm |
| Digital Capability | High-end ESS DAC | Limited | Built-in streaming |
| Phono Stage | No | Yes (MM) | Yes (MM) |
| Streaming | No | No | Yes (HEOS, Wi-Fi) |
| Best For | Digital purists | Vinyl-focused systems | All-in-one convenience |
Detailed Breakdown
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II As we’ve discussed, this amplifier’s strength lies in its stunning clarity and control. The high-quality ESS Sabre DAC makes it a digital powerhouse, and it focuses on being a pure, high-performance hub for the external sources you already own and love.
Rega Elex-R The Rega Elex-R is a legendary competitor, and for good reason. Where the Cambridge is about analytical precision, the Rega is about infectious rhythm and timing. It has a slightly warmer, more energetic presentation that makes music sound incredibly fun. Its biggest advantage is the inclusion of a truly excellent moving magnet (MM) phono stage, making it a near-perfect all-in-one solution for vinyl enthusiasts.
Marantz PM7000N The Marantz PM7000N represents a different approach entirely: it’s a fully-featured streaming amplifier. While it also sounds fantastic—delivering that classic warm, rich, and smooth Marantz sound—its main draw is the built-in HEOS streaming platform. This allows you to play music directly from Spotify, TIDAL, AirPlay 2, and more over your Wi-Fi network, all controlled by an app. It also includes a phono stage, making it a true “just add speakers” system. You can read our full Marantz PM7000N review.
The Bottom Line: The choice comes down to your system philosophy. For the purist who prioritizes the performance of their separate sources, the Cambridge CXA81 Mk II is the champion of clarity. For the vinyl lover seeking rhythm, the Rega Elex-R is a top contender. And for the listener who wants the ultimate convenience of an all-in-one streaming system with a warm, inviting sound, the Marantz PM7000N is the clear choice.
Who the CXA81 Mk II Is For: And Who It Isn’t
Ideal For
- Listeners who value neutrality and detail
- Digital-first systems
- Small to medium rooms
- Long, fatigue-free listening sessions
Consider Alternatives If
- You need a built-in phono stage
- You prefer a warmer, more romantic sound
- You want integrated Wi-Fi streaming
Final Verdict: Still a Class Leader
The Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II remains one of the most compelling integrated amplifiers in its category. Its combination of transparency, control, and digital excellence makes it a standout choice for serious listeners who care more about sound quality than feature overload.
It doesn’t shout for attention. Instead, it earns it—slowly, convincingly, and over long listening sessions.
In a fast-changing hi-fi landscape, great sound never goes out of style.
And the CXA81 Mk II proves it.
Price & Availability
The Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II will be available from May 2024 in the Cambridge Audio web shop and authorized dealers for $1,199 / £999 / €1,199.
Specifications Cambridge Audio CXA 81 Mk II
- Power Output: 80W RMS into 8 Ohms, 120W RMS into 4 Ohms
- DAC: ESS Sabre ES9018K2M
- Frequency Response: <5Hz– 60kHz +/-1dB
- Analogue Audio inputs: 1x balanced XLR, 4 x RCA
- Compatibility: TOSLINK optical: 16/24bit 32-96kHz PCM only, S/PDIF coaxial: 16/24bit 32-192kHz PCM only, USB: audio profile 1.0/2.0 (default 2.0), up to 24-bit 384kHz PCM, up to DSD256 or DoP256,
- Bluetooth: 4.2 A2DP/AVRCP supporting up to aptX HD (24bit 48kHz)
- Bluetooth APTX HD Receiver Built-in: Yes
- ROON Tested: Yes
- Remote Control: Yes
- Max Power Consumption: 750W
- Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
- Dimensions: (H X W X D) 115 x 430 x 341mm (4.5 x 16.9 x 13.4”)
- Weight: 8.7kg (19.1lbs)
- Lastly, Inside The Box: CXA81 Integrated Amplifier, Power Cable, 3 x AAA Batteries, Remote Control, Control Bus Cable, Bluetooth antenna, Quick Start Guide, Safety Guide
Find A Retailer For Cambridge Audio CXA 81 Mk II
Check out some of the authorized dealers near you.
