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Cambridge CXA81You are welcome to bring whatever components you need to test this amplifier out (For example: Cables, DAC, Speakers, Headphones)Feel free to send me offers and let me know about any sold listings, I couldn’t find anyBought on the 9th of July 2022 from Vinyl Revival in Fitzro...
This A$1,000 asking price is a strong deal, sitting just below the 25th percentile of A$999 for the original CXA81 in your database, whereas the newer CXA81 MkII retails new for A$1,999. Timing matters here: the MkII arrived in May 2024, making the original CXA81 a mature, value-rich option for buyers who want Class AB power without paying for the latest DAC upgrade.
The CXA81 remains well-regarded for its 80W Class AB power, built-in ESS DAC supporting up to 384kHz PCM, and aptX HD Bluetooth, all in a compact, premium chassis. It delivers the clean, dynamic sound Cambridge is known for, with a balanced XLR input and subwooout that add modern flexibility. At A$1,000, this is a buying opportunity for a proven performer, especially if the unit is original-owner condition with remote and cables included. No caveats needed unless condition is questionable.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Cambridge Audio emerged from the innovative spirit of 1960s Britain, founded in Cambridge, United Kingdom, by a group of young engineers who spun off from Cambridge Consulting Group. Established in 1968, the brand launched with the groundbreaking P40 integrated amplifier—the first to employ a toroidal transformer, setting a new standard for dynamic power delivery in hi-fi design that endures in high-end gear today. This heritage of British engineering excellence propelled decades of award-winning products, navigating ownership changes including a revival under entrepreneur Vince Adams and acquisition in 1994 by Julian Richer and James Johnson-Flint of Richer Sounds.
The brand excels across core hi-fi categories, renowned for integrated amplifiers like the iconic A1 and P-series, alongside streaming DACs, network players, turntables, and all-in-one systems that prioritize pure analogue warmth and digital precision. Speakers, headphones, and cables round out a cohesive ecosystem, emphasizing accessible high performance without excess frills.
Positioned firmly in the mid-tier market, Cambridge Audio delivers premium British sound—detailed, rhythmic, and uncolored—at prices that democratize quality for discerning buyers. Free from corporate bloat, it holds a reputation for reliability and value, appealing to enthusiasts seeking sophisticated hi-fi that punches above its weight rather than chasing ultra-high-end esoterica.
See all Cambridge Audio listings on RADAR.
