With a high 246V AC mains feed it manages 2x55W/2x85W, respectively, but we've seen other 50-watters achieve 70-80W/8ohm in practice. While we mourn the loss of these (occasionally) useful features, we’re pleased to note that the CXA61 remains a solid and classy piece of kit. That was quick to show on my phone. There’s plenty of punch when required, with the amplifier thumping out the album’s numerous dynamic peaks with conviction. The power output remains a solid 60W per channel and there’s no change as far as connectivity is concerned. This amplifier is not shy, it doesn’t try to hide any aspect of its sound envelope.The 6000A will never die wondering. The old amp needed an optional Bluetooth dongle that added £70 to the price. You have an amazing knowledge of audio, being able to compare 40 year old speakers with 20 year old ones. I currently write for national magazines in the subjects of business, music, hi-fi and general technology. The CXA61 ticks all the hi-fi boxes without forgetting that all the detail and tonal neutrality in the world doesn’t matter if the emotional content of the music is ignored. Hence, the two designs are contrasting in their sonic approach. The 6000A offers a tremendous palette of detail that excites and wows because it also surprises while the CXA61 tends not to surprise but gives you greater, enhanced, defined, basic detail. Cambridge Audio’s mission with their hi-fi equipment is to recreate the thrill and emotion of live music performances, and I think they really hit the mark here. We play a range of music from Hans Zimmer’s Gladiator OST and Living Room Songs from Olafur Arnalds, right the way through to Prince’s 3121 and the CXA61 handles it all with skill. The CXA61’s focus needs explanation. The 61 also removes the 60’s tone and balance controls. Again, in many ways this attitude is one that I find wholly admirable because it gives you the truth, even if the CXA61 doesn’t aid matters in any way. For more information, head over to Cambridge Audio. In terms of the price point, the difference in price and features between the 61 and the 60 and how the CXA61 might compete in this crowded £500-£1,000 sector needs more investigation. Our Virginia-based experts can help you find the best gear. Thanks for the insight on your 60 use, interesting stuff. Hi Paul, thanks for another wonderful review! That detail is certainly in evidence here which stemmed from a wholly neutral demeanour. If I was going to be picky, I would have binned the RS-232C serial port and associated triggers (see image below) and the extra bank of speaker outputs to possibly reduce the price but also simplify/purify the audio signal path. Not some of the time. The new amplifier looks remarkably familiar, and apart from the absence of the original’s balance and tone controls on the front panel, there’s little to separate them. Don’t forget that the 61 has a raft of internal changes over the 60, so that might be a factor. I listen to music mainly by connecting to a computer and by telephone, I consider Audiolab A6000 Play and CA CXA61 or maybe NAD C368. If all else fails, contact your supplier. Based on a toroidal power supply, the Class AB power output for both is also the same at 60W. It’s easy for an amplifier to sound ham-fisted when playing this recording, but it’s a trap that the Cambridge avoids. Audiolab’s 6000A is a borderline viceless amplifier. The frequency discipline I mentioned above went one step further than other amplifiers. On another topic, I am building a low-cost audio system for my office. Sign up below to get the latest from What Hi-Fi?, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! It has been a busy summer so far with more than a dozen reviews underway; including part one of our integrated amplifier round-up which will include the NAD D 3045, and Cambridge Audio AXA35.Part two will feature the Naim Nait XS 3 and Audiolab 6000A.We plan on comparing all four of these very different sounding integrated amplifiers for October 1st and … The low noise output is a boon in terms of detail retrieval while the precision it demands from all music will give you an accurate rendition of your music collection. Thanks, Paul! You will receive a verification email shortly. Do you have any idea what could be wrong? If you look at the CXA61’s principle competitor (from my direction, at any rate), the Audiolab 6000A, priced at around £150 less in cost terms and an outstanding design under £1,000, is neutral but a little less neutral than the CXA61. Get FREE 2-day shipping and … As a long time Cambridge Audio CD6 owner, I was pleased to see that Cambridge Audio still remains as one of the few bastions of the format. I played Into the Wonderland, featuring vocals by Wendy Roberts. Apart from the substantial price rise, there’s little to complain about here - the CXA61 is an real winner. Incidentally, you can still find it for sale as a good quality second-hand buy for around £300 on eBay (condition dependant, of course). 60 per channel: Get it on Amazon: Onkyo A-9010. I bought it from a licensed dealer, so Cambridge Audio will be doing the repair. Cambridge Audio’s CXA61 has a tough act to follow. FOR THE USA, CLICK: https://ebay.to/31Qp9no, GOOD: neutral output, low noise, feature set, focus, precision, [Don’t forget to check out my Patreon Page at www.patreon.com/audiophileman, for exclusive postings and more! It therefore features redundant buttons so is overly busy in design terms but it’s reasonably well laid out and not too difficult to use, considering. The Cyrus is far less impressive looking than the Cambridge, but packs a lot into its slim chassis, including a … Bluetooth 4.2 A2DP/AVRCP supports aptX HD up to 24bit/48kHz. Not in only quiet or loud periods. The big news is that there’s now a USB (type B) alongside the usual coaxial and optical digital inputs on the rear panel. The new amplifier looks remarkably familiar, and apart from the absence of the original’s balance and tone controls on the front panel, there’s little to separate them. That is, the CXA60 previously demanded that you buy a plug-in dongle to use Bluetooth. This is the kind of presentation that works well across a wide range of speakers and musical genres. I was happy to see the company add this to the improvement list, though, “The CXA61 features a reimagined power amp stage with optimised capacitors values and a revised volume pot designed to offer minimised crosstalk.”. Art K Forum Resident Thread Starter. The CXA61 was a bit like the more precise form achieved once the corset has been added and the laces pulled tight. I’ve been hanging on to the new LP from Katie Melua because it has proven to be a useful review tool so I ran with Album No.8 again. Nevertheless, for the lossless file, the CXA61 managed to expand the soundstage, adding a sense of grandeur to the playback while adding a rich complexity around an acoustic guitar, for example. The previous generation launched at £599 back in 2015 and, despite all the issues over currency fluctuations and economic uncertainty, as well as general inflation over the last four years, at £750, this new price tag looks a tiny bit steep. Ideal of hi-fi users who want the undiluted truth sure but the CXA61 never tries to correct or ameliorate the issue. Through the line level connections (where we use our reference Naim ND555/555PS music streamer as well as the more price compatible Marantz CD6006 CD player) we’re pleased by the amplifier’s lively nature. Now I wasn’t able to grab an older CXA60 in time for this comparison although colleagues have said that the 61 offers improved clarity over the earlier model. While that hefty price suggests that the CXA61 might struggle against more affordable rivals, it doesn’t take long to realise Cambridge’s detail tweaks have worked really well. The built-in DAC is also different. What do you think of this combination with respect to performance and cost (~225GBP)? The quality will be a lot closer though. I personally prefer the 6000A but you might not so I would study both of my reviews to weed out the pros and cons to see what works best for you. The CXA61 scored though, in terms of precision, flexibility and agility. and Terms & Conditions I hope that I get a chance to do the comparison. Something we’re often asked by customers at Cambridge HQ is which amplifier from our CX series we recommend for their hi-fi system. However, it is better equipped and clearly sounds superior to the last model. That’s the good news. I just wasn’t ready to pay the price for the 61, as the Audiolab A6000 would be my choice at that price point based on your reviews. The CXA61 chassis spans 115 x 430 x 341mm while the CXA60 is actually, the same exact size. Cambridge Audio has drawn on every one of its 50 years of experience to make the CXA61 its most accomplished integrated amplifier yet. If you have a decent DAC, it’s worth considering. I am trying to choose between the CXA61 and the Iotavx SA3, possibly along with the PA3, for my Monitor Audio RX1 speakers (89db 6ohm). The Cambridge Audio CXA61 and CXA81 integrated amplifiers will be available from October for £749 and £999, respectively. But I want something better for the basement, and after I replaced the NAD with an Audiolab 6000A there (a subtle but definite improvement, or at least so I've convinced myself), I found myself intrigued by the 6000CDT. "The majority of audio components that I design retail for upwards of L£,000, so the 6000A was a tremendous challenge - an integrated amp with a full roster of digital and analogue facilities at a target retail price of just £600. I look forward listening to the system. So what have we got here and how does the CXA61 compare to the earlier CXA60 in terms of specs? … It’s a bit like not having a speedo in a car. Cambridge obviously wants it to perform well all of the time. Andrew Littleboy, Oct 9, 2019 #32. arcamsono likes this. Cambridge Audio CXA60 review. My Victorian metaphor appears to have struck a chord, John. Not any more. Gallery. Overall, Bluetooth here was not outstanding or surprising but competent, efficient usable with good sound quality. So long as it is used with efficient speakers, it delivers a supremely appealing combination of useful features and superb sonic performance, wrapped in a beautifully finished case at an impressive price. The CXA61 knew what it had, wanted to keep a hold of it and sought to make what it had sound great. Hi JP – check your cabling first. 6000A Integrated Amplifier. It has a nicely judged tonal balance that walks that delicate path between attack and refinement. I haven’t tried the CXA61 so I hope some of the issues where resolved. Keeping a sonic control over the available frequencies allowed the CXA61 to work within its means, to do just that. Location: Corvallis, Oregon. It’s simply more fun to listen to, regardless of input chosen. The 6000A was focused too although the latter was applied in a looser fashion. Very shapely but short of breath (it lacked an infusion of air and space). 1 AUDIO RESEARCH CDT1 It's a Transport CDM12. Well, they might lack a little of the 33’s bass but they will be more balanced and neutral in the upper frequencies methinks. It takes chances. It’s easy for an amplifier to sound ham-fisted when playing this recording, but it’s a trap that the Cambridge avoids. Unfortunately, there are no more CXA60’s in stock. The left speaker works fine when it is connected to the speaker B right channel, so I think that it might be a flaky switch relay. To dig deeper, imagine a shapely Victorian lady putting on her corset. I am with you on this, it needs an proper display. Cambridge has also courted the home install market with the addition of a RS232 port and trigger inputs that help to integrate the CXA61 into an automated system. Audiolab Cambridge Audio Musical Fidelity NAD Rega Yamaha 6000A CXA80 M2si D 3045 Brio R-N803D … What's more, it had to deliver the excellent sound quality for which Audiolab is famed, without compromising one aspect of performance in order to … $1,695.00 … Like its 6000A stablemate, the 6000CDT is obviously built to a price – … Try the other pair of speakers connections on the rear of the amp too – to see if you can isolate the issue there. The first change occurs here though as the CXA61 features a built-in USB socket for connection to a laptop or similar while Bluetooth is now integrated. I bought the CXC transport and linking them together should have been a good marriage but they seemed to fall out at regular intervals and the linking electronics failed at times. I had the previous incarnation, the CX60. Not in only quiet or loud periods. Thanks, Paul, for your comments. All of the time. It never pushes the envelope to find itself stranded. Audiolab was started in the bedroom of Philip Swift’s Cambridge house back in the autumn of 1982. For the CXA61, when percussion was hit, when vocals emerged or the string section skimmed across the soundstage, the centre was sought out by each and every instrument, keeping the musical experience firmly in place. Just as importantly, it justifies the price premium over rivals such as the Audiolab 6000A and Rega Brio by delivering a combination of sonic ability, features and build quality even those fine amps struggle to match. The CXA61 chassis spans 115 x 430 x 341mm while the CXA60 is actually, the same exact size. It has enough in the way of scale and authority to work well with the Gladiator OST. Because of that precision, a delivery that was exacting in its approach, the master here was quite aggressive. Comparing Audiolab 6000A and Cambridge Audio CXA81? Image credit: Cambridge Audio C ambridge Audio’s CXA61 . That was later confirmed when I played a selection of Miles Davis tracks via my Astell&Kern AK120 connected via optical. This means it is now compatible with 32-bit/384kHz PCM files and up to DSD 256 data streams. While the basic analogue circuit hasn’t been revamped, the engineers have improved sound quality by changing most of the op-amps in the signal path and upgrading the capacitors in both the pre and power sections of the amp. I would have preferred to have seen a full size 6.35mm socket from Cambridge, especially at this price point. I’ve been a journalist and editor for 30 years and still retain my good humour. For Bluetooth? Yes, there’s illuminated feedback in terms of what source you’ve selected which I like and appreciate but there’s no volume feedback. There’s nothing. It will give you all of the musical essentials you require and will do that time and again. © 2015 - Solo Pine. I really loved the analogies of the Victorian lady and the school madam! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. His passion … The Audiolab 6000A amp with DAC and 6000CDT CD Transport cost £599 and £399 respectively. To give some reasoning behind my thought process, let me share some of my requirements - what I want from my system: The CA60 never had one either and I’m fine with that. Audiolab M-CDT. That should be enough for most systems, though we’re seeing more focus on phono inputs over the last couple of years, so it’s a bit of a surprise that Cambridge has decided to omit that from this amp. Audiolab’s new £379 6000CDT has been built to partner the excellent 6000A integrated (HFC 446) – the company’s starter amp – but I reckon it has wider appeal even than that. It’s an expansive soundfield and one that's nicely layered, provided the rest of your system is suitably talented. Not only on certain pieces of music or particular genres. What I can do though is to look at the CXA61 in a modern context. Looking at Audiolab 6000A vs Cambridge Audio CXA60 we can see that they have 50/8 and 30/8 W/Ohm respectively. Look closer at the specification and you’ll notice that Cambridge’s engineers haven’t just been twiddling their collective thumbs for the past four years. The usual caveat is that it could have been just my machine but sometimes I found it plain loopy, lights flashing when they shouldn’t have done. 4.6 out of 5 stars 5. Let’s check it out! It could only roam so far before it then returned to the kennel in the centre. Best record players 2021: best turntables for every budget, Best bookshelf speakers 2021: budget to premium, Best smart speakers 2021: the best voice assistant speakers. I was impressed with the clarity of the Davis trumpet while percussion was not only sprightly in nature but the precision helped the track to maintain a fast pace. You’ll need to download the manual from the Cambridge website. Combine those sonic elements with the CXA61’s extensive feature set and Cambridge has got quite an amplifier on its hands here. Which I found intriguing. Some days its great and some days it doesn’t work at all. Yet the 6000A gives that ground to strive and reach out further in dynamic terms. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. That fact the Cambridge sees fit to refer to the front-mounted 3.5mm auxiliary port as a ‘MP3’ port is, I have to say, a little odd. Do you think that they outclass my Celestion Ditton 33’s? An impressive amplifier and a classy alternative to the Rega Brio. Accept. Not sure about the SA3/PA3 combo because I haven’t done an A-B comparison, I’m afraid. If it’s a retailer, you should be able to swop that for a new sample. To the left of that is a sheer expanse of aluminium…where the USB port should have been. A 6000A is alacsony zajküszöböt kínál, de mégsem annyira alacsonyat, mint a CXA61. CXA60 vs CXA80 – The Differences and Upgrade Path Tempted by the amplifiers in our award winning CX series but unsure which to buy? The frequency discipline meant that treble never pinched, mids never smeared and bass never boomed or bloomed. Deal with it.”. A hangja ennek is természetes, de talán kevésbé mint a Cambridge. Designed & Developed by SoloPine.com, By using this website you agree to accept our Privacy Policy It does play things a little safer and polishes up what it holds so is less emotional and less exiting to hear. Make sure everything is plugged in properly. So, what I mean by that is, whatever the CXA61 did in musical terms, it was looking to retain and/or then return to that neutrality. ], Harmonic Resolution Systems Noise Reduction Components. Please refresh the page and try again. It wants to please you. You can guesstimate the speed by using outside stimuli and how fast they’re flying past your window but there’s nothing like an accurate measurement so I missed a volume/gain figure on the front of the CXA61. I found the Cambridge CXA61 a fascinating amplifier because it holds a distinct and particular character. What Hi-Fi? $999.00 Cambridge Audio CXA81 Stereo Two-Channel Amplifier with Bluetooth and Built-in DAC - 80 Watts Per Channel (Lunar Grey) 4.8 out of 5 stars 50. I think there is a small (very small) dot on it for volume guidance but when you are sat some metres away it can be hard to make out. It digs up low level details with ease and renders them with care and conviction. Some brands are more conservative than others when it comes to specifying power output (and speaker sensitivity!) On the subject of externally-fitted source options, if you’re going to keep this auxiliary port in place at all then why not also add a USB socket for thumb drives while you’re at it? Both provide four RCA socket pairs on the rear plus a single 3.5mm ‘MP3’ input on the front panel. This Cambridge is a rhythmic performer too, delivering Prince’s 3121 with verve. Some of you might also like the truth but possibly not quite so unvarnished. This is made clear when we listen to the Olafur Arnalds set, which relies on the system having a high degree of subtlety. Today we discuss an amplifier that fits perfectly in that line up; the brand new Audiolab 6000a integrated amplifier. The issue of price is an intriguing one because this amplifier succeeds its earlier CXA60 model which, when initially released, retailed at around £599 four or five years back. Sold my Cambridge CXC and couldn't decide between the 6000CDT and the Cyrus CDT but reckon the Audiolab might be the best option. There was a problem. In a world's first review of the combo Alan McIntosh sees if this relatively budget pairing delivers the goods. I’ve never done a comparison of them. This amplifier is not a high-end device, it was built on a budget, let’s not forget. At first glance, it looks like Cambridge may have been a little over-ambitious with the price. Outputs: The Cambridge Audio CXA61 … Over time, I found issues with the electronics. but Audiolab is flying quite close to the wire with its 50W/75W 8/4ohm rating for the 6000A. Both are excellent Nicolas. If you’re looking for a well equipped integrated at this level, this is a great place to start. The quietness of the signal, the wide soundstage, and dynamic presentation all add up to a very engaging presentation of the music. StereoNET UK’s Editor and Bass playing gadget junkie. Or failing to come on when they should have. We’re pleased with the composure on show and the CXA61’s refusal to sound confused or stressed when the music gets demanding. Please refresh the page and try again. Thank you for signing up to What Hi-Fi?. Audiolab has included a high-quality phono stage for MM cartridges - with low noise, JFET-based transistors, and an accurate RIAA correction curve. This will be driving a pair of Sonus Faber Concertinos (circa 2000). At a slight glance, it can just look like a difference … Stereo imaging is impressive, with the amp able to place sounds and instruments with precision and stability. Likewise the lack of clarity with the volume control was a frustrating experience. Very, very little use. Likes: daftcombo. 60W 8 Ohms) Get it on Amazon: Audiolab 6000A. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. It means that you can rely on this amplifier. Cambridge’s engineers have specified a new DAC chip on the CXA61. For this set up, I’d look at a pair of original Q Acoustic 3020s, (under) £150 or so? Other Options: If you’re looking for an amp with a flatter, more detailed sound, then the Audiolab 6000A is another option out there around $1000. The all-new CXA61 and CXA81 integrated amplifiers build on the foundations laid (and the Awards won) by CXA60 and CXA80, but with a fresh and progressive perspective. The power is put to exceptionally good use here, and the low-end is just outstanding. At £749 the CXA61 has, it must be said, a tougher job at establishing a niche for itself. “We wanted to make a very high-performance product at a very affordable price, one which was also practical and reliable,” he once told me. While still recognisably related to the older amp, this new one sounds more transparent and playful. Add to Cart Add to Cart Add to Cart Add to Cart Add to Cart Add to Cart Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars: 4.8 out of 5 stars: 4.3 out of 5 stars: 3.4 out of 5 stars: 4.0 out of 5 … We wouldn’t necessarily disagree, but it’s still neater to have it all in one box. So that’s what you’re getting. Not some of the time. Overall, Bluetooth here was not outstanding or surprising but competent, efficient usable with good sound quality. That’s exactly how the CXA61 sounded. Nevertheless, … Three amplifiers in the same price range, each with their specific qualities. Customers poked and prodded the CD 6 for a full year before I purchased it. So, when comparing the two, there are pros and cons. I was planning on using a Raspberry-Pi 4 for the streaming server, a Topping E30 for the DAC and an Allo Volt-D for the analog amplifier. There’s spaciousness here too, and the kind of outright clarity that sets a high bar for the price. The internally mounted DAC did offer more inherent noise and was understandably a step down in quality from my external DAC which did reduce midrange insight but these were to be expected. It’s now an ESS Sabre SE9010K2M DAC rather than the Wolfson 8740 of the previous model. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, If you play music that is poorly produced, the CXA61 will tell you all about it in great detail. $1,299.00 Rega Elex-R Integrated Amplifier. A sweet, beautifully melodic and slightly melancholic, low key ballad with a high-energy, rocking finish. And did just that. Hi Paul, thanks for the advice. I’ll leave you to muse upon that because I can’t confirm that assertion. What am I expected to do here if I lose my place, as it where, and want to find my previous gain position, mark it with a piece of Blu Tack? Outputs include both speakers A and B – there are two sets here – a 3.5mm headphone socket, a preamp output and subwoofer output. It’s about the same price as the Cambridge Audio transport but the Cambridge doesn’t have number buttons on the remote so that would make the choice easy for me. The low noise from the CXA61 was the principle source of the detail here whereas the 6000A went on the hunt towards the outer areas of the dynamic range looking for new information. External phono amplifiers are preferable and the high-frequency noise from a cheap internal phono amplifier doesn’t help the overall amplifier performance.