The Cambridge Audio CXC is a CD transport. Its sole purpose is to spin up CDs to the correct and stable speed so that a laser can read the pits and lands that are encoded into the polycarbonate layer of the disc. Then, by way of the CXC’s digital outputs (Coax or Toslink), that data is sent to a digital to analog converter to turn bits into analog waves. This analog signal is then sent on to your amplification device(s) of choice. Done! Does that mean we’d take the Cambridge over the Marantz? Not necessarily. The two units are similarly priced, but the Cambridge CXC is useless without a DAC to marry to it. Verdict As always, we’d recommend a wired connection for the best sound quality. This streamer is capable of playinghigh-resolutionfiles of up to 24-bit/192kHz, upsampled to 384kHz, through the USB type B input for your computer, along with optical and coaxial inputs. Also included are a pair of RCA and balanced XLR outputs, along with two digital outputs. Please note that we may take reasonable steps to verify your identity and the authenticity of the request. Marantz are often looked down upon because they’re a Japanese manufacturer and because their products often include features that purists consider to be superfluous (tone controls etc). Some think badly of Cambridge gear, purely because A) their products, in the UK at least are distributed by partner company Richer Sounds, and B) because their claim to fame used to be the manufacture of exceptional budget equipment. Many believe that such companies are not capable of producing credible high-end equipment, and sadly are more than happy to share that view with others despite them having no direct experience with the products or brand in question.

Usage data: This includes what sources you use for how long, but not what you are playing, and various settings of the device (for example: language, network standby mode). This data is aggregated to allow us to understand how our products are used.

Usage

What does all that mean? Great sound. It's full of rhythm and drive. It's precise, clean and delivers dynamics at every inch of the spectrum. Stereo imaging is focused yet expansive, and there are even a few digital filters to tweak the sound to your tastes. We collect personal information in the country in which you live. We then host and store that information in the European Economic Area (EEA). Those third parties that we share your personal information with may handle or transfer your personal information outside of the UK, and outside of the EEA, to other countries in which they have facilities. When comparing a CD-quality file streamed from Tidal or Qobuz, and even hi-res titles, to its CD cousin in the CXC spin machine, the results pretty much bore out what most people say about these things — the CD typically sounded better. How much better depended on the CD and the file in question, and at times I would say the differences between a CD and a stream were negligible. But I would give the overall edge to the Cambridge CXC when it comes to sound quality, where it offered a more nuanced and resolute sounding presentation as compared to streaming’s sometimes slightly sloppier and less well defined presentation. We’re not talking night and day differences, but the Cambridge CXC won this tight sound quality battle by a pit and land. [footnote 2]

I’ll compare the Cambridge A80/CXC versus the Arcam A29/CXC , both with Tannoy XT8Fs and see how they sound. Will also try swapping the CXC for Yamaha CD and see what that does, not sure if you have thoughts there… Meanwhile, the CXA81’s S/PDIF coaxial input will handle files up to 24-bit/192kHz, and its pair of optical connections take that up to 96kHz. You won’t find any digital inputs such as these on this amp’s main rival, the multi-Award-winning Rega Elex-R. Things often move fast in the world of hi-fi, but great sound never ages. If you have a system to make the most of the CXA81, it’d be folly not to scrawl the name of this multiple What Hi-Fi? Award (and Product of the Year) winner at the top of your list. We also ensure that our staff are adequately trained in protecting your personal information. Our procedures mean that we may occasionally request proof of identity before we share your personal information with you. The differences I heard when comparing playing CDs on the CXC to playing music stored on my Synology NAS to the Pi 4 and converted to Coax out by the Denafrips IRIS II DDC were, for all intents and purposes, not worth mentioning. I’d have been hard pressed to know which was which when listening to the exact same music that was playing from the CD or playing from the file I ripped from that very same CD. They sounded, through the Denafrips ARES II DAC, more or less identical.

The Remote

If you already own an external DAC, we would not hesitate to recommend the Cambridge CXC over a standalone CD player. You’ll have to spend a good deal more than this to match the sound quality it offers. Will only ask for or collect the personal information we need to provide and improve the service, products and experiences our customers expect. It’s an expressive and punchy performer that builds its performance around a solid framework of surefooted rhythmic drive and expressive dynamics. Details levels are good, but it is the confident way this unit organises that information into a cohesive and musical whole that really impresses. Provide the Services; communicate with you; marketing and advertising; personalise the Services; improve the Services; business operations; with your consent