The Cambridge Audio CX Series delivers very strong sonic performance for the money and we were very impressed with the CXA61 integrated amplifier and CXN V2 network player that earned top marks from our staff across the board.
Cambridge Audio, has today revealed a limited Black Edition of its multi-award-winning CX Series 2. The high performance CXA61, CXA81, CXN and CXC components are available from March in this eye-catching finish until stocks last.
A marriage of understated class and head-turning brilliance, the Black Edition boasts a stylish aluminium front plate in a matte black finish combined with shimmering black gloss spot ‘CX BLACK EDITION’ lettering. The dual texture effect means they stand out even from standard black separates.
Steeped in hi-fi heritage, the CX Series Black Edition is designed for those refreshing their hi-fi stack to make a discreet yet polished statement as well as others seeking to upgrade their system with a colour-matching Cambridge Audio component for the first time.
Adding to its value among music lovers across the globe, only 1,000 units of each component will be available worldwide; each purchase comes with a certificate of authenticity from Cambridge Audio.
“Since we stopped making black hi-fi products, people have been asking us to bring them back. We decided to do this limited run, in response to that demand – and I have to say, they look pretty damn cool. People love CX, and this finish takes it to the next level,” says Cambridge Audio CEO, Stuart George.
Amp Comparison
| CXA61 | CXA81 | |
| MSRP | $1,099 | $1,299 |
| POWER OUTPUT | 60W RMS into 8 Ohms, 90W RMS into 4 Ohms | 80W RMS into 8 Ohms, 120W RMS into 4 Ohms |
| DAC | ESS Sabre ES9010K2M | ESS Sabre ES9016K2M |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | <5Hz– 60kHz +/-1dB | <5Hz– 60kHz +/-1dB |
| ANALOGUE AUDIO INPUTS | 4 x RCA, 1 x 3.5mm MP3 input (front panel) | 4 x RCA, 1x balanced XLR |
| DIGITAL AUDIO INPUTS | 1 x S/PDIF coaxial, 2 x TOSLINK optical, 1 x USB audio, Bluetooth (integrated) | 1 x S/PDIF coaxial, 2 x TOSLINK optical, 1 x USB audio, Bluetooth (integrated) |
| COMPATIBILITY | TOSLINK optical: 16/24bit 32-96kHz PCM only, S/PDIF coaxial: 16/24bit 32-192kHz PCM only, USB: audio profile 1.0/2.0 (default 2.0), up to 24-bit 384kHz PCM, up to DSD256 or DoP256, Bluetooth: 4.2 A2DP/AVRCP supporting up to aptX HD (24bit 48kHz) | TOSLINK optical: 16/24bit 32-96kHz PCM only, S/PDIF coaxial: 16/24bit 32-192kHz PCM only, USB: audio profile 1.0/2.0 (default 2.0), up to 24-bit 384kHz PCM, up to DSD256 or DoP256, Bluetooth: 4.2 A2DP/AVRCP supporting up to aptX HD (24bit 48kHz) |
| BLUETOOTH APTX HD RECEIVER BUILT-IN | Yes | Yes |
| ROON TESTED | Yes | Yes |
| OUTPUTS | Speakers A+B, 3.5mm Headphone, Preamp Output, Subwoofer Output | Speakers A+B, 3.5mm headphone, Preamp Output, Subwoofer Output |
| REMOTE CONTROL | Yes | Yes |
| MAX POWER CONSUMPTION | 600W | 750W |
| STANDBY POWER CONSUMPTION | <0.5W | <0.5W |
| DIMENSIONS (H X W X D) | 115 x 430 x 341mm (4.5 x 16.9 x 13.4”) | 115 x 430 x 341mm (4.5 x 16.9 x 13.4”) |
| WEIGHT | 8.3kg (18.3lbs) | 8.7kg (19.1lbs) |
| BOX CONTENTS | CXA61 Integrated Amplifier, Power Cable, 3 x AAA Batteries, Remote Control, Control Bus Cable, Bluetooth antenna, Quick Start Guide, Safety Guide | CXA81 Integrated Amplifier, Power Cable, 3 x AAA Batteries, Remote Control, Control Bus Cable, Bluetooth antenna, Quick Start Guide, Safety Guide |
Price & Availability
The Cambridge Audio CX Series Black Edition components will be the same price as the original Lunar Grey editions, which continue as standard. All products will be available from March 8, 2023 at cambridgeaudio.com.
- CXC V2 – $599 at Amazon | Crutchfield
- CXN V2 – $999 at Amazon | Crutchfield
- CXA61 – $1,099 at Amazon
- CXA81 – $1,299 at Amazon | Crutchfield
Related: Continue reading more coverage of Cambridge Audio
David Johnson
March 14, 2023 at 1:19 am
Nice looking components. CA has really improved the design of their products in recent years.