Cambridge Audio Axr100 Vs Cxa60 (2023)

Amplifiers breathe life into your stereo system, and investing in a good one allows you to get the best of both analog and digital music.

If you don’t pay too much attention to speakers and sound production then you might not be versed with the amplifiers. So what you need to know is that all types of loudspeakers in the market have some form of amplification module, integrated into their overall structure. However, the integrated amplifier is not entirely dependable when it comes to high-quality sound production, and that is why investing in a powerful amplifier is the only guaranteed method of upgrading your stereo system.

So, if you have just invested in the best record player and have the perfect speakers to go with it, we want to help you upgrade the sound quality of the entire system. Below is an in-depth review of two amplifiers the Cambridge Audio Axr100 and the Cxa60 to help you settle with one that perfectly fits your system.

What are the differences between the Cambridge Audio Axr100 and the Cxa60?

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Cambridge Audio Axr100 vs Cxa60 – How do they compare in 2023

Connectivity Technology

The integration of Bluetooth connectivity technology in the Cambridge Axr100 enables easy connection to wireless devices that can then be used to easily stream music. The Cxa60 lacks the integrated Bluetooth technology but it remains functional because you have been provided with an optional Bluetooth input that you can use to complete your connectivity.

The Cambridge Axr100 is, therefore, the better unit because connectivity to external devices is seamless via the integrated Bluetooth technology.

Output wattage

Wattage in amplifiers is usually related to volume but that is not the only reason why your amplifier has a higher number of watts. The number of watts in an amp is also used to determine the power and it is in the same vein that you can see the difference between the Audio Axr100 that has 100 watts and the Cxa60 that comes equipped with up to 60 watts. To which end the Axr100 is the better unit because it offers up to 100 watts meaning more power when compared to the Cxa60 with low power of up to 60 watts.

Footprint and weight

The Axr100 is light in weight and occupies a small footprint, the Cxa60 on the other hand occupies a large footprint and is light in weight. The Axr100 is therefore the better unit because it can be moved easily and occupies a small footprint thus easy to place.

Cambridge Audio Axr100 vs Cxa60 – a Comparison Overview

Cambridge Axr100

The Axr100 features additional digital inputs, up to 3 analog inputs, the unit is rated at 15 watts more per channel thus you can expect enhanced power output and performance.

The incorporated DAC in the Ax100 is high resolution capable, a feature that conveniently enhances the sounds and you can use it with your streamer, Tv, or a CD player, but ones that have the digital outputs. Notable is that the major difference between the Axr100 and the previous model Axr85 is the digital inputs, besides that all the other features are the same.

The AXr100 comes equipped with a dedicated phono stage for turntables but with moving magnet cartridges. The unit can also be used to stream music from a smartphone, PC, or tablet. It is also characteristic of four analog inputs for seamless connection to all your music, AV, and audio sources. The headphone out feature allows you to listen in privacy and the remote control allows for seamless customization.

Remember also that this unit has up to 100 watts meaning that it will need a lot of electricity and which then means that it will likely overheat. In such a scenario the fan will kick in and if the music is turned up too high volumes then you will barely hear it.

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Cambridge Audio Cxa60

The Cxa60 happens to have achieved the perfect balance between performance, design, and features. The unit is durably built and has a decent and sleek-looking chassis. The incorporated buttons are especially responsive and it comes with a remote control that you can use to customize the various functions. Inside the hood is the amped to Royal transformer that has been tuned in house and sits in the middle of the unit conveniently minimizing interference along the signal path.

The separate symmetrical circuit paths help to minimize crosstalk between the left and right channels. The unit has sufficient connection ports at the back that have been made complete with four line-level inputs and two sets of speaker terminals perfect for wiring or to use with a second pair of speakers. The digital signals are catered to by the two optical ins and a single coaxial.

The unit we must say is a bit traditional because the addition of Bluetooth is via an optional 70-pound dongle. The front panel is made with a headphone output which you can use for private listening.  Also the 24 bit 192 kilohertz DAC supports high-resolution playback across all three. Notable is that the CX line of amplifiers does not come with a phono stage built-in, meaning that it would be impossible to connect a turntable.

So, to counter this mishap Cambridge does have two moving magnet phono preamplifiers and which are the CP1 and the CP2 that can be purchased separately. You will also not be able to find a USB input on the Cxa60 so if you will need to use one then you will have to invest in a CXN streamer. The Cambridge Cxa60 is a powerful unit that can run for extended hours without compromising functional quality, it enables the production of clean sounds thus turning up the volume will not distort the sounds.

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Conclusion

Both the Cambridge Audio Axr100 and the Cxa60 are powerful amplifiers, however, they are clearly configured to be used by two different categories of users. They function distinctively thus gives users options when it comes to settling with either. Both units are remote control operated thus customization at the comfort of your couch is enabled. You will also notice a big difference in prices because of the specs on either, one unit is advanced while the other is a classic but timeless unit.

Verdict

After reviewing the two amplifiers we discovered that the Cambridge Audio Axr100 is a technologically advanced unit with the ability to seamlessly connect to other external devices via Bluetooth technology. We were also impressed by its performance given the decent 100 watts that enable more power. The Cxa60 does not fall back so much but is not as reliable given that you cannot easily connect other external devices until you invest in a Bluetooth dongle, it is also not as powerful thus we settled with the as our winner.

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