Cambridge Audio CXA61
Image credit: Cambridge Audio
C ambridge Audio’s CXA61 has a tough act to follow. Its direct predecessor, the CXA60, was a multiple Product of the Year winner and long remained one of our go-to recommendations, despite the emergence of superstars such as the Rega Brio and Audiolab’s 6000A.
At first glance, it looks like Cambridge may have been a little over-ambitious with the price here. 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 past four years, at £749, this current price tag looks a tiny bit steep.
The 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. 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.