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Cambridge Audio CXA81 Review and Thoughts?

Though it’s likely too mid-fi for most folks on this forum to be bothered, I thought I’d share my experience w/ this amp and also see if anyone else has thoughts or advice. I have mixed feelings about the amp.

My previous amp was a Creek Classic 5350SE. My speakers are Dynaudio Audience 52s. Source is Tidal on an iMac connected via USB to a Musical Fidelity V-DAC ii. I was having problems w/ the old Creek amp (channel drop-out) and so finally decided to replace it with the CXA81.

I find the CXA to be much more forward in presentation than the Creek. The level of detail and the soundstage is much more apparent. In addition to the highs being more emphasized, the bass has more drive, yet is sufficiently firm and resolved to my humble ears. Certainly there are some things I like about all this. Though I really don’t like the onboard DAC that comes with the CXA amp. It’s pleasantly detailed but sounds thin. Female vocals in particular, which once were the focal point of a track, lack presence and seem to disappear in the background, leaving only the breath-y upper registers. So I’ve switched back to using my old V-DACii.

But even with my old DAC, I’m trying to decide if the amp is still too forward and fatiguing for me. I like the level of energy that the amp brings to music. It’s more engaging than the 5350. But I’m trying to decide if it will be too fatiguing and if the presentation is somehow "false." I listen to all kinds of stuff, lot’s of neo-classical, minimalist piano, folk, ambient electronic. I have another month to spend with it and still be able to return it. I’m also thinking of swapping out my DAC with a Schiit Modi 3, which has a reputation for having a sweet, strong midrange presentation which I thought could pair well with the cool, airy CXA81.

The CXA81 gets tons of very good reviews, but maybe these reviews are all very influenced by some back room marketing dynamics.

Thoughts?
olilama76

Showing 1 response by catecholcool

catecholcool
1 posts
 
I just set up listening system which includes a TV, HD radio, Bluetooth sourcing, and a-pro-ject X1 turntable playing via a Schitt Mani phono preamp. All this is driven by a Cambridge Audio CXA81 into Elac Debut 2 B6.2 speakers and Elac 1010 subs. I am very pleased with the result. 
I’ve read so many tiresome reviews written by self anointed and self-glorified audiophilliac aficionados. These guys, many of whom worked in hi-GI retail, were raised on equipment so expensive and rarified that the left handed, grudging, and lilting complements for the equipment accessible to us, the hoi pollois, should provoke anger and resentment in us consumers for these reviewers. They have little respect for us, the middle level consumers looking for the best we can afford. 
Remember whom these reviewers are serving and are beholden, the high level marketers and manufacturers whose intention it is that we never forget that our limited means made us settle for less than is available so that we may never be happy with what we have until we aspires and spend beyond our means to deign to reach hi-fi Nirvana. Beware, resist, and enjoy the best of what you can have without loosing sight of the goal: enjoy the music.  
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