Cambridge Audio produces one of the best integrated amplifiers in the world, and CXA60 is one of them. If you are a proud owner of Cambridge Audio CXA60, then I must congratulate you for making a wise amplifier choice. You probably are planning to get matching speakers to pair with this talented amplifier. If yes, then look no further, for right here, I will be listing the best matching speakers that you can go for in this article.
These speakers are selected based on the sonic characteristics and performance of Cambridge Audio CXA60. These are crucial pieces of information that I would like to share with you as well because, with this knowledge, you will be able to select the best matching speakers in the future. Anyway, what’s the harm in gaining more knowledge, the more the merrier.
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Sound Characteristics and Performances of Cambridge Audio CXA60
Throughout the years, Cambridge Audio CXA60 has won many awards and has garnered rave reviews. Has been named the best stereo amplifier at its price range, consecutively for 2 years in a row, what an impressive feat. The power output of CXA60 is 60 Watts RMS into 8 Ohms and 90 Watts RMS into 4 Ohms, with a frequency response range of 5Hz– 60kHz +/-1dB. Based on the power output alone, we can already decide to only go for bookshelf speakers but it will be a waste though since Cambridge Audio CXA60 has quite an amazing frequency response. This is why we strongly recommend getting a powered sub to supplement the bass performance, as this amplifier has a subwoofer output. This will allow your amp to have more than enough power to drive your bookshelf speakers to their full potential and letting them focus on the rest of the frequency range. You will also notice the soundstage will increase in size as well.
More Details at Amazon – Cambridge Audio CXA60
The musicality of Cambridge Audio CXA60 is truly astounding, the moment you start playing your favorite tunes, you will feel like dancing because it is so entertaining to listen to. Unlike some other energetic amplifiers, CXA60 doesn’t compromise on the details and accuracy, the control of the music presentation is top-notch. It is a dynamic expressive amplifier that provides the listener with just the right amount of excitement without sounding too overwhelming. As mentioned earlier, it has tight control of the music delivery, never sounding muddled or congested. It is just smooth and clean-sounding all the way.
The bass reproduction is rich with details, punchy and full-bodied. With the spacious soundstage, it presents a lifelike music delivery, and also thanks to the detailed bass, you can actually feel the live performance happening right at your home. This is why I recommend you getting a subwoofer, as it may not be the perfect option but is definitely a lot more affordable than getting those expensive high-end full-range speakers. Using this 2.1 setup should be sufficient to handle all genres of music, you may even want to watch some movies with this sound system.
Music is meant to be enjoyed and not for analyzing, Cambridge Audio CXA60 truly understands that point, and delivers you an engaging sound reproduction. Allowing you to be fully immersed and just simply enjoy your favorite songs. The sound reproduction of CXA60 is exciting and entertaining, pairing aggressive speakers may not be a wise choice. This is the only drawback I could really think of, quite a fussy amplifier and not as approachable as some of its brothers. Fortunately, there are still quite a number of speaker pairing options.
Cambridge Audio CXA60 may not be one of the latest integrated amps currently, even so, the built-in DAC is no slouch even after all these years. 24-bit Wolfson WM8740 DAC is a high-quality digital to analog converter of its time, which is also a DAC chip that is been used in the Cambridge Audio DacMagic range. Exceptional sound quality with excellent features, owners of CXA60 should really feel happy about this amp purchase.
Cambridge Audio CXA60 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 60 Watts RMS into 8Ω and 90 Watts RMS into 4Ω
- DAC: 24-bit/192 kHz Wolfson WM8740 DAC
- Frequency Response: 5Hz– 60kHz (+/-1dB)
- Inputs: 4 x RCA, 1 x 3.5mm MP3 input, 2 x TOSLINK optical, 1x Coaxial, 1x USB-A, 1x Phono Input
- Outputs: 3.5mm Headphone, Preamp Output, Subwoofer 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 CXA60
Dynaudio Emit M10 is an amazing all-rounder bookshelf speaker which is not fussy in choosing an amplifier partner. The stereo imaging is precise, and with an agility that can handle the most complex soundtracks. There is richness and details in the sound delivery as well. Furthermore, it has entertaining sound delivery just like Cambridge Audio CXA60 and at about the same price range as well. Making this Dynaudio Emit M10 a perfect matching speaker to CXA60, with both of them working together, you will be enjoying music listening sessions for hours on end.
More Details at Amazon – Dynaudio Emit M10
ProAc Tablette Reference 8 doesn’t just deliver a high-quality music presentation but also lets you feel the music and the emotions conveyed. Truly a musical speaker and just like Cambridge Audio CXA60, they just want you to dance to your favorite tunes. The scale of the soundstage is impressive as well, filling the stage with details and accurate imaging. You should check out ProAc Tablette Reference 8 if you want a dynamic and energetic duo, that is not shy to deliver liveliness to your music.
There are a lot of praises for Bowers & Wilkins 606, and not to mention the number of rave reviews it has garnered over the years. The entertaining music delivery of the B&W 606 is probably why they love them so much. The impact and rich bass are superb for bookshelf speakers, it shines at high volume which the CXA60 has sufficient power to drive them. The stylish aesthetic of the Bowers & Wilkins 606 will look good positioned beside the minimalistic design of Cambridge Audio CXA60. An amazing pair of bookshelf speakers worthy of your consideration.
More Details at Amazon – Bowers & Wilkins Bookshelf Speaker 606
If you want high-resolution sound quality, Monitor Audio Silver 100 will be a great start, they are not as harsh or bright sounding as some of the Monitor Audio speakers. For Monitor Audio Silver 100, they are actually quite energetic and expressive, not to mention well-balanced. Comparing with the earlier speakers mentioned in this article, Silver 100 is more controlled and neutral but with higher resolution. Pairing Monitor Audio Silver 100 with Cambridge Audio CXA60 will reproduce a smoother and a tad more relaxed music presentation.
More Details at Amazon – Monitor Audio Silver 100 Bookshelf Speakers
Dali Opticon 2 is one of the most energetic bookshelf speakers currently on the market, this is for users who just want to have lots of fun listening to their favorite songs. It may sound bold but it still has great control over the music delivery. The way it handles the peaks and lows is remarkable, the energy it brings you, you will just feel like dancing in your seat. It is still a bright-sounding speaker and it may not be for everyone. For Dali Opticon 2, it is a must for you to audition them first before purchasing.
More Details at Amazon – Dali Opticon 2
You can play very safe by choosing Cambridge Audio speakers instead, their sound signature should match well with all Cambridge Audio amplifiers. It should be quite easy to audition both their speakers and amplifiers at the same time. As you can see, the recommended speakers are all bookshelf types, but if you insist on opting floorstanders, I will suggest getting those which has high sensitivity and efficiency. If your concern is that the bookshelf speakers do not have enough bass output, you are probably right but don’t worry, you can always go for a subwoofer.
Cambridge Audio CXA60 has a subwoofer output that you can use to connect to your active sub. Getting a sealed subwoofer is imperative as they are faster and more ‘musical’ sounding than the ported subs. Rythmik Audio produces incredible musical sealed subwoofers, their agility and richness are impeccable. It can easily fill a room with that live music presence and for that quality, they are considered well worth the money. For the quality you’ll get, Rythmik Audio subs are actually affordable, it reminds me of the brand SVS which also produces amazing subwoofers. SVS does have its own sealed subwoofers as well.
More Details at Amazon – SVS SB-1000 Subwoofer, Sealed Cabinet
In Conclusion
CXA60 is a fun and entertaining integrated amplifier, pairing with the right speakers will bring hours of enjoyment, leaving you wanting for more. The suggested speakers here are well worth your time to audition them, or you can simply just use them as a reference. Getting a sealed subwoofer is highly recommended as well, since it is an energetic amplifier, it will need the low end to support it. Ultimately, the decision of which speakers you would want to go for is entirely up to you and your ears, your judgment is the most important decision-maker. Just remember to always audition the speakers before buying, happy speakers hunting.
