The new Cambridge Audio CX series includes six components: a network music player, two stereo amplifiers, a CD transport and two AV receivers.
The new range promises to “revolutionise entertainment in the digital age” no less, and sports a fresh design style. The hi-fi and home cinema components offer support for high-res streaming, 4K upscaling, aptX Bluetooth, DSD playback and more.
The CX series comprises six new products: CXN network music player, the CXA60 and CXA80 integrated amplifiers, the CXC dedicated CD transport and the CXR120 and CXR200 AV receivers.
The range is the result of Cambridge Audio’s long tradition in hi-fi and the culmination of over 40 years digital expertise.
CXA60 and CXA80 Integrated Amplifiers
Combining audiophile grade components and comprehensive digital connectivity, the two CXA integrated stereo amplifiers are as comfortable with today’s digital sources as they are with traditional analogue ones. They also feature a radically new amplifier design, high grade components and versatile connectivity coupled with extensive performance testing and .
CXA80
The CXA80 features an oversized low-flux toroidal transformer with completely independent dual mono windings, fully symmetrical dual mono Class A/B amplification circuits delivering 80W RMS into 8 Ohms (rising to 120W RMS into 4 Ohms) with stunning clarity and zero cross-channel noise.
With TOSLINK optical and coaxial digital inputs, and the option to add aptX Bluetooth streaming, the CXA80 is designed for the modern digital age. An asynchronous USB audio input further enhances the digital capabilities of the CXA80 to allow streaming of 24-bit/192kHz studio master quality files directly from your PC or MAC, free from unwanted noise, jitter and distortion.
Finally, key to digital performance is the implementation of a high-quality Wolfson WM8740 DAC, as used in Cambridge Audio’s award-winning DacMagic, to handle digital-to-analogue conversion with accuracy.
CXA60
The CXA60 delivers much as the CXA80, with the same highly-efficient fully symmetrical Class A/B amplifier topology combined with a single winding low-flux toroidal transformer, delivering 60W RMS into 8 Ohms – 90W RMS into 4 Ohms.
Apart from the USB audio input and balanced XLR input, all digital connections and digital to analogue conversion are identical to the CXA80.
CXC CD Transport
Designed specifically for the new CX series, CXC delivers stunning CD playback and works in perfect harmony with the new CXA60 and CXA80 integrated amplifiers as well as dedicated hi-end DACs.
At the heart of the CXC is Cambridge Audio’s legendary ‘S3’ servo which dynamically adjusts focusing, tracking and output level of the laser in real-time. Designed for efficient recovery of CD digital data with state of the art error correction, it plays audio CDs more accurately and with better timing than any multi-disc player possibly can.
With no digital to analogue conversion in the CXC, the CXC passes a purely digital signal to an amplifier or dedicated DAC, avoiding deterioration of an analogue audio signal. When used in conjunction with CX series amplifiers, the crucial digital to analogue conversion stage is performed by the high quality Wolfson digital to analogue conversion in the CX amplifier.
CXR AV Receivers
The new CXR models are network-enabled AVRs with both power and flexibility – designed for the modern digital age.
The CXR120 and CXR200 have been created for audiophiles seeking a powerful, immersive home cinema experience. Using a highly efficient “sound first” class A/B amplifier design carefully crafted by Cambridge engineers, coupled with an oversize toroidal transformer, each CXR model delivers sensational 7.2 surround sound and a captivating, highly detailed stereo musical performance.
Complementing the superb audio output, the CXR models’ visual performance is second to none. With HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2, 4K and 3D compatibility, upscaling of all 1080p signals to 4K ultra high definition and deep colour support ensures the CXR models deliver beautifully crisp and detailed images.
In addition to extensive HDMI, digital and analogue inputs for music and movies, both CXR models also feature the same state-of-the-art Cambridge Audio StreamMagic music streaming module found at the heart of the CXN network music player. This is connected over a wired or wireless home network to music stored on computers, servers and NAS drives and designed to play all popular digital music formats up to 24-bit/192kHz studio master quality FLAC, Apple Lossless and WAV. Playback from USB hard drives is also supported, as is streaming from Spotify Connect, Pandora and other music services. A rich radio experience is also offered with on board internet radio as well as FM/AM.
There is also support for DSD, allowing playback of SACDs from a Blu-ray player and an MHL Link for direct HD input from smartphones. Asynchronous USB audio input and optional aptX Bluetooth connectivity further add to the digital capabilities.
Set-up and configuration is easy with an intuitive colour on-screen display and auto speaker set up, The units are also a breeze to use with the new Cambridge Connect apps for both Apple and Android devices.
CXR receivers are install-friendly, with RS232, IR inputs/outputs and trigger outputs, ideal for custom install applications.
This versatile AV receiver range is perfect for those looking for a powerful, stylish and well-connected solution at the heart of both a hi-end home cinema and hi-fi system.
CXR120
With 120W per channel, the CXR120 is one of the most powerful in its class whilst also retaining the musicality for which Cambridge Audio AV receivers are so highly renowned. 7 x HDMI 2.0 inputs and 2 x HDMI 2.0 outputs for dual screen functionality make the CXR120 perfect for those with a TV and projector setup.
CXR200
The CXR200 offers power, dynamics and poise with its 200W per channel of optimised discrete amplification. It is currently the pinnacle of what Cambridge Audio believes possible with an AV receiver in terms of movie and musical enjoyment. There are 8 x HDMI 2.0 inputs and 2 x HDMI 2.0 outputs with complete zone 2 control to send a selectable high quality video source into another room with a matched audio signal.
CXN Network Player
The CXN can play virtually anything, from basic compressed MP3 formats, to 24-bit/192 kHz studio master quality FLAC and WAV files.
You can stream from connected UPnP devices – such as computers and NAS drives over your network – and there’s support for Apple AirPlay out-of-the-box and the option to add the BT100 aptX Bluetooth dongle.
USB inputs let you play music from connected HDDs, USB sticks or audio devices, while the CXN also has coaxial and optical digital inputs. There are analogue and digital outputs in the form of RCA, XLR, coaxial and optical connections.
High-res 24-bit/192kHz files are supported, whether in AIFF, ALAC, FLAC or WAV formats, while all the standard digital file formats are also on the spec sheet. All inputs are upscaled to 24-bit/384kHz quality, while the Wolfson WM8740 DAC – as used in the DacMagic – takes care of the digital-to-analogue conversion.
We expect the new launches to be available in India by mid 2015.