Ever since its debut, the Cambridge Audio CXA61 has been garnering awards and rave reviews due to its exceptional sonic prowess and performance. It also comes with a modest price tag and is considered one of the finest integrated amplifiers in its price range. That’s quite a lot of achievements in just a few short years and for such an impressive integrated amp, the Cambridge Audio CXA61 definitely deserves a pair of matching speakers to sound their absolute best.
We are preparing a list of the best speakers to partner with the Cambridge Audio CXA61 integrated amplifier. Finding the right pair of speakers from the sea of loudspeakers will take some time and effort. As we need to learn more about the CXA61 such as its strengths and sound characteristics. Once we have a better understanding of this brilliant amp, we can then match it with compatible speakers which will complement the Cambridge Audio CXA61.
Table of Contents
Sound Characteristics and Important Specifications of Cambridge Audio CXA61
It is quite easy to fall in love with the CXA61 visual design, it is minimal and sleek, a modern amplifier that will fit right into most homes and listening rooms. The Cambridge Audio CXA61 has decent power outputs coming from the Class AB amplification, it is rated 60 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms (RMS) and 90 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms (RMS). The frequency response of the amp is really remarkable which is at 5Hz-60kHz (+/-1dB) easily accommodating most loudspeakers. These specs do enable the Cambridge Audio CXA61 to drive most bookshelf speakers and maybe a few floor-standers that are easy to drive. Fortunately, there is a dedicated subwoofer output, and we can simply add an active subwoofer to supplement the bass performance if you are worried that the stand-mounters won’t have satisfying low frequencies delivery.
The Cambridge Audio CXA61 is also loaded with features and will be befitting for modern-day audiophiles such as a built-in D/A converter (ESS Sabre ES9010K2M) with a USB input supporting up to 32-bit/384kHz resolution as well as playing back DSD256 high-res audio files. Another notable feature will be the built-in Bluetooth aptX HD for high-quality wireless music playbacks. It will be even cooler if there is a phono preamp/stage though. Still, at this price point, the CXA61 is providing plenty of value for its users.
More Info at Amazon – Cambridge Audio CXA61 with Bluetooth and Built-in DAC (Lunar Grey)
It is a very talented amplifier where it will be suitable for all types of music genres, thanks to the Cambridge Audio CXA61’s incredible sonic prowess. It has plenty of attacks and yet has enough refinement to remain composed and organized. The Cambridge Audio CXA61 has a level of enthusiasm where it delivers an energetic music performance filled with excitement. There are a lot of details and subtle nuances been produced as well. Giving us a rich music presentation on an open soundstage with highly defined musicians. The stereo separation and spacing of the CXA61 amp have certainly exceeded our expectations.
When it comes to bass performance, the Cambridge Audio CXA61 provided us with punchy performance and impactful low-ends. The very deep bass delivery is taut and prominent with an impressive amount of weight. It is really entertaining to listen to your favorite tunes via the CXA61, there is a wide dynamic range, and has so much liveliness in its music delivery. The overall sound reproduction is neutral and forward sounding, doesn’t go overly bright on us when pushed. It is capable of producing a high-resolution music presentation with precise imaging and with snappy timings.
For listeners who want an engaging and alacrity music performance, the Cambridge Audio CXA61 will be the amplifier for the job. We also find if you integrate an active subwoofer, the overall performance will be even more exciting and punchier. The bass reproduction of CXA61 is well-controlled and doesn’t sound flabby, a high-quality sub will make your music listening experience sound more fun. Cambridge Audio CXA61 is indeed an extraordinary integrated amp and does its very best to entertain us. We have enough data to start listing out the best speakers to go for. These loudspeakers will be matching speaker partners for your Cambridge Audio CXA61.
Cambridge Audio CXA61 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 60 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms (RMS), 90 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms (RMS)
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-60kHz
- DAC: ESS Sabre ES9010K2M
- Wireless: Bluetooth
- Inputs: 4 RCA inputs, 1 MP3 input, 1 Coaxial input, 2 Optical inputs, 1 USB input
- Outputs: 1 Preamp output, 1 Subwoofer output, Headphone output
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 115mm x 430mm x 341mm | 4.5″ x 16.9″ x 13.4″
- Weight: 8.3kg (18.3lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with Cambridge Audio CXA61
The Dali Oberon 1 is one of the best speakers to pair with the Cambridge Audio CXA61. It is a pair of compact size bookshelf speakers which makes them ideal to be part of a desktop sound system. The Dali Oberon 1 alacrity sonic performance can easily engage its listeners and hook them right into the music. You can simply hear and feel the emotional energy of the music which makes you feel like standing up and start dancing. The music presentation is very detailed but does lack bass weight and output. Even so, this can easily be resolved by connecting a powered subwoofer to your Cambridge Audio CXA61 and letting the sub supplement the overall bass performance.
More Info at Amazon – Dali Oberon 1 in Dark Walnut (Pair)
Q Acoustics Concept 20 is one of the best speakers to match with your Cambridge Audio CXA61 integrated amp. It is a multiple award-winning bookshelf speaker which has garnered plenty of accolades over the years. Furthermore, with such exceptional sonic performance, the Concept 20 is still modestly priced. It is musically refined and does not sound harsh when pushed. The level of clarity is great too and the bass delivery is taut. Q Acoustics Concept 20 stereo imaging and separation are amazing, giving us a precise performance on a wide soundstage. It is an excellent pair of speakers fitting for the Cambridge Audio CXA61 amplifier.
More Info at Amazon – Q Acoustics Concept 20 Bookshelf Speaker Pair (Black)
The Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 is a fantastic pair of bookshelf speakers to pair up with the Cambridge Audio CXA61. The music presentation is smooth and has a touch of warmth, providing us with a sound quality that is quite easy on the ears. You can push these stand-mounters and they won’t sound harsh which is terrific for listeners who prefer warmer-sounding stereo systems. There are also expressive and sweet-sounding, enabling us to relax and listen to our music with ease. The Diamond 12.2 is a tad more engaging than we expected and will match well with the Cambridge Audio CXA61.
More Info at Amazon – Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 Bookshelf Speaker (Walnut)
The KEF Q350 is another amazing pair of bookshelf speakers to go with the Cambridge Audio CXA61. This is an award-winning loudspeaker with the ability to dig deep into the bass extension and delivers very low frequencies with ample weight. The clarity of these speakers is astonishingly high where the music details are been revealed and produced in crystal clear sound quality. With the alacrity performance of the CXA61, the overall sound reproduction is very detailed and engaging. The bass reproduction capability of the KEF Q350 complements the Cambridge Audio CXA61 well and is a suitable match for this integrated amplifier.
More Info at Amazon – KEF Q350 (Pair, Walnut)
The Q Acoustics 2050i is one of the best floor-standing speakers to partner with your Cambridge Audio CXA61. The CXA61 has enough power to drive these floor-standers efficiently. The 2050i are entry-level floor-standing speakers that have won many awards over the years and are highly praised for their exemplary sonic performance at their price range. The Q Acoustics 2050i large-scale sound reproduction will fill the room with a lovely musical presence. It is a pair of refined floor-standers with pleasing sound quality and has a touch of warmth as well. They are certainly worth your while to check them out.
More Info at Amazon – Q Acoustics 2050i (Pair) (Graphite)
If you prefer brighter sounding floor-standing speakers, the Klipsch RP-5000F is an ideal choice for you and your Cambridge Audio CXA61 amplifier. It is a pair of very efficient speakers which the CXA61 can drive them with ease and push them to high volume levels that will rock your listening room. The highs are crisp and exciting, producing very clean and clear sound quality. The overall sound reproduction is bright and lively with a high level of clarity. Along with the engaging sonic characteristics of the Cambridge Audio CXA61, you got yourself an energetic music performance. We will suggest you hear them out first and see if they are not too bright for you.
More Info at Amazon – Klipsch RP-5000F (Ebony Pair)
To Sum It Up
These loudspeakers are some of the finest in their price range and will match well with the Cambridge Audio CXA61. We will recommend you shortlist a few and have an audition with these speakers so as to find out if you like what you are hearing. For a more accurate result, it will be best to hold the speakers auditioning in your own listening room. You can also feel free to use this list to compare with other speakers’ models and/or brands that are not listed here.
