Cambridge Audio CXA81 is an award-winning integrated amplifier designed and built for modern-day music demands, a worthy successor of another accomplished amp that is CXA80. Cambridge Audio CXA81 has all its predecessor’s strength and then some, if you are a lucky owner or soon-to-be one, and are looking for speakers that could pair with this amplifier perfectly, then you are at the right place.
Every model has its own sound characteristics, and the same goes for Cambridge Audio CXA81. Every speaker model has its own sound signature too, this is why we must first find out the crucial specifications of CXA81 and its sonic characteristics so that we can match the right speakers. Once we are done, we will then reveal a list of recommended speakers that you can pair with Cambridge Audio CXA81.
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Important Specifications and Characteristics of Cambridge Audio CXA81
CXA81 is a powerful amplifier that has a power output of 80 Watts RMS into 8 Ohms and 120 Watts RMS into 4 Ohms. It has an impressive frequency response range as well, <5Hz– 60kHz +/-1dB, with these 2 specs, you will have quite a number of speakers options available to you, both standmounters and floorstanders. Also depending on your available space, if you have a large room, you might want to go for floorstanding speakers and if is a small room or due to space constraints, you can opt for bookshelf speakers. Even if you decide to go for bookshelf speakers, there is still a dedicated subwoofer output where you can get a powered sub to supplement the bass.
With 120 Watts RMS into 4 Ohms, you can easily drive speakers with 4 Ohms nominal impedance which is great as they are quite a number of amazing sounding choices you can go for. The wide frequency range of Cambridge Audio CXA81 gives us an even wider choice of speakers that we can choose and pair with this amazing amplifier. Now we need to understand the sound characteristics of CXA81, it will further help us to filter down and leave us with only the best matching speakers.
More Details at Amazon – Cambridge Audio CXA81 Built-in DAC
Cambridge Audio CXA81 has remarkable stereo imaging and a spacious soundstage, you can tell where each instrument is positioned, the singer’s voice panning left to right as she walks around the stage. The scale of the presentation will immediately keep you engage the moment the music starts to play. CXA81 is capable of delivering pristine sound quality that is clean and refined, with plenty of details to boot. The midrange sound reproduction is expressive, dynamic, and controlled, with just a tad coloration.
Played some movie soundtracks and was astounded by the bass quality especially the lower bass region. It is rich and detailed, with no over exaggerations at all, you can hear the ‘texture’ of the bass. The low ends have weight and scale to it but don’t overwhelm like some other amps that pump out over-the-top bass. The overall sound presentation of Cambridge Audio CXA81 is neutral and may sound kind of flat at times, but the clarity and details are top class, more importantly, don’t sound clinical. I need to repeat once more, the scale of the soundstage is really large and can easily envelop you, immersing you in your favorite music.
Other than the incredible sound quality, this amplifier is packed with features as well, more notably the ESS Sabre ES9016 DAC up to 32bit/384kHz which enables you to play the highest quality DSD files. You can also go wireless with the inbuilt Bluetooth connectivity (aptX HD), streaming high-quality music via your mobile devices. The headphone output is conveniently located at the front panel, allowing you to have some quiet listening without disturbing anyone at home.
It may not be as energetic as some other amps, but it does provide you with amazing imaging and accuracy, with faithful sound reproductions that really pull you into the song and feel the emotions of what the artist is trying to convey. Cambridge Audio CXA81 is neutral sounding with a little warmth so now we know how it sounds and how capable this integrated amplifier really is, it is time for us to take a look at the matching speakers.
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 80 Watts RMS into 8Ω and 120 Watts RMS into 4Ω
- DAC: ESS Sabre ES9016 DAC up to 32bit/384kHz
- Frequency Response: <5Hz– 60kHz +/-1dB
- Inputs: 1x balanced XLR, 4 x RCA, 1 x S/PDIF coaxial, 2 x TOSLINK optical, 1 x USB and Bluetooth (integrated)
- Outputs: Speakers A+B, 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: 8.7kg (19.1lbs)
Recommended Speakers to pair with Cambridge Audio CXA81
There are quite a number of proud owners who highly recommend Elac VELA BS403 to be paired with CXA81. It is incredibly musical and mellow, with accurate control of the dynamics. The music and vocal sounds natural with a touch of warmth which absolutely mesmerize us as we keep listening to more of our favorite tunes. The clarity and details are revealing with this combination, fortunately not clinical, but fluid and smooth. It may not be as exciting or energetic as some others, still, the airy highs, smooth full-bodied midrange, and rich bass are more than enough to justify the trade-offs.
More Details at Amazon – ELAC BS403 Bookshelf Speaker
KEF LS50 is one of the top speaker choices when it comes to pairing with Cambridge Audio CXA81, both are class-leading when it comes to details. When they work together, they open up a large and spacious soundstage, with impeccable imaging, filling the space with every single detail of your favorite songs. The transparency and resolution are truly impressive and more importantly, the overall sound delivery is not clinical. The presentation is faithful and punchy at the same time, probably thanks to the balanced and rich bass of KEF LS50. No words can really describe how cohesive and seamless they sound, is definitely worth your while to have an audition with them.
More Details at Amazon – KEF LS50 Mini Monitor
Q Acoustics has been building high-quality speakers right from the start which are worth every penny. Their Concept 20 is one of such premium speakers, and its sound characteristics will work seamlessly with Cambridge Audio CXA81. They have transparency and clarity, with bass that punches above its weight. With the amps spacious soundstage and Concept 20 high-resolution sound quality, you are in for a treat, a music listening experience that will immerse you every single time. The precision and agility of the music delivery just make you want to dance. This is definitely one of the top speakers you may want to pair with CXA81.
More Details at Amazon – Q Acoustics Concept 20
Dali Oberon 5 with Cambridge Audio CXA81 can easily fill your room with fun-sounding music. As floorstanding speakers, they can move a lot of air and deliver weighty bass with scale and authority but with dynamic subtlety. This what makes Dali Oberon 5 great and the approachable nature makes it easy to pair with CXA81. Delivering detailed, balanced, and natural sound quality throughout the frequency, from the highs to the lows. As mentioned earlier, Dali Oberon 5 is definitely fun to listen to and the scale of the music delivery makes it exciting as well.
More Details at Amazon – Dali Oberon 5 Floorstanding Speaker
If you want more energy then these floorstanders will be a great option. Totem Acoustic Sky Tower is very energetic and so pairing with Cambridge Audio CXA81 is just right as the amp is more controlled. This combination will provide you with tight punchy bass and dynamically expressive mids with highs that are filled with details. Totem Acoustic Sky Tower can dig deep, the bass extension is down to 30Hz, which is amazing if your genre of music is usually bass-heavy. There is scale and weight to the sound reproduction but doesn’t have boomy bass. If your listening room is small, probably this pair of floorstanders won’t be advisable.
Cambridge Audio has its own line of speakers as well, and more than likely it will work very well together with CXA81. You can check out SX-80 which is highly rated by their customers, and they are entry-level floorstanding speakers as well. It is more of an all-rounder that will serve you well for music, movies, and even console gaming. You might want to check out Wharfedale especially their Diamond series, the “British Sound” of both brands compliments each other. Another speaker which you may like to audition will be Quad S-2 ribbon bookshelf speakers.
More Details at Amazon – Cambridge Audio SX-80 Floorstanding Speakers
Digital Audio Files – High-Resolution DSD
If you listen to high-resolution files such as DSD or even SACD, it is recommended to get speakers that have wide frequency responses. For instance, Elac VELA BS403 has a frequency range 41Hz-50kHz which fits well with Cambridge Audio CXA81 own’s frequency range of 5Hz– 60kHz. Another reputable brand with a wide frequency response range speakers will be Monitor Audio. I mean there are a lot more out there on the market, and so you should keep a lookout for them and if possible audition some of them that fit your budget.
To sum it up
The speakers recommended here are some of the best matching ones you can choose to pair with your esteem Cambridge Audio amplifier. All of the listed speakers are worth your time and consideration, just have a listen at your nearest dealer shop or if possible, audition them at home together with your Cambridge Audio CXA81. You can also just use them as a reference to branch out to other brands or speaker series. You might want to consider if you will be getting a subwoofer for your home audio system, how big is your listening room or mainly will be used for your PC content playback. All these considerations will help you filter down to fewer options which will make it easier to select the potential ones for speakers auditioning.
