The leap from a simple Bluetooth speaker or a basic soundbar to the world of high-fidelity audio can feel like staring across a daunting chasm. On one side, you have convenient but sonically compromised solutions. On the other, the esoteric world of audiophile components with eye-watering price tags. For many of us in Singapore, the question is simple: where is the middle ground? Where is the real value?
Enter the Cambridge Audio CXA61. This integrated amplifier from the respected British audio house doesn't just promise to be a bridge across that chasm; it aims to be a destination in itself. It’s an award-winning component that blends a rich heritage of sound engineering with the digital connectivity a modern music lover demands.
In this in-depth review, we'll dissect every aspect of the CXA61, from its build quality and feature set to its all-important sonic performance. We’ll analyse if it truly represents the best value for your hard-earned money and help you decide if this is the heart your new Singaporean hi-fi system deserves.
First Impressions: Unboxing and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the CXA61 makes a statement of understated elegance. There are no flashy lights or needlessly complex dials—just a clean, minimalist design that speaks of quiet confidence.
The 'Lunar Grey' Aesthetic
The sleek 'Lunar Grey' aluminium front panel is beautifully finished. Cambridge Audio has designed the unit with a clever tapered base, creating a "floating" effect that makes the amplifier look slimmer and more modern than its dimensions suggest. In a space-conscious Singaporean home, whether a new BTO or a condo, its refined and compact footprint is a significant advantage over bulkier, more traditional hi-fi gear.
Tactile Feel and Construction
The moment you lift the CXA61, its 8.3kg weight signals quality. The metal casework is solid, with no hint of flex or cheap materials. The controls have a satisfying, premium feel, particularly the large, centrally-located Alps volume pot. It turns with a smooth, perfectly weighted resistance that is a nod to audiophile sensibilities—a small but reassuring detail at this price point.
What's in the Box?
Inside, the packaging is secure and straightforward. You'll find:
The CXA61 integrated amplifier unit
A full-function remote control (which can also control other Cambridge Audio CX series components)
A regional power cord
Two AAA batteries
A quick start guide
Under the Hood: Key Features and Specifications
While it looks clean on the outside, the CXA61 is packed with technology designed for class-leading performance.
Power and Performance: 60 Watts of Class AB Power
At its core, the CXA61 uses a Class AB amplifier design, widely considered the best of both worlds, offering much of the audio purity of Class A with the superior efficiency of Class B. It delivers a confident 60 watts per channel into 8 ohms. For those wondering if that's enough, the answer for most Singaporean living spaces is a resounding "yes." This is more than enough power to drive the majority of bookshelf and floor-standing speakers to room-filling volumes with excellent clarity and control.
| Feature | Cambridge Audio CXA61 | Marantz PM6007 | Rega Brio |
| Power (8 Ohms) | 60 Watts per channel | 45 Watts per channel | 50 Watts per channel |
| Amplifier Class | Class AB | Class AB | Class AB |
| Approx. SG Price | ~ S$1,400 | ~ S$900 | ~ S$1,300 |
The Digital Brain: ESS Sabre SE9010K2M DAC
A standout feature is the high-quality built-in Digital-to-Analogue Converter (DAC). The CXA61 employs the renowned ESS Sabre SE9010K2M chip, a component praised in audiophile circles for its pristine detail, accuracy, and low noise floor. This means digital music from your laptop, TV, or streamer is converted with exceptional precision. Via its USB input, it supports high-resolution audio files up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256, making it fully compatible with top-tier streaming services like Tidal Masters and Apple Music Lossless.
Wireless Freedom: aptX HD Bluetooth
This isn't your standard, run-of-the-mill Bluetooth. The inclusion of aptX HD allows for high-quality wireless streaming from compatible devices. It supports streaming at up to 24-bit/48kHz, offering significantly better sound quality than standard Bluetooth codecs. Think of it as the difference between a standard-definition video and a crisp HD stream—the increase in clarity and detail is immediately noticeable.
Connectivity is King
The CXA61 is a versatile hub for a modern entertainment system, boasting a comprehensive suite of inputs.
Analogue: 4 x RCA inputs, 1 x 3.5mm MP3 input (front panel)
Digital: 1 x S/PDIF coaxial, 2 x TOSLINK optical, 1 x USB audio
This array allows you to connect everything from a CD player and a TV to a laptop and a game console simultaneously.
The All-Important Question: How Does It Sound?
Specs and features are meaningless if the sound doesn't deliver. Fortunately, this is where the CXA61 truly shines.
Clarity, Detail, and Rhythmic Drive
The sound signature of the CXA61 can be summed up in three words: clean, articulate, and rhythmically infectious. It presents music with an astonishing level of clarity and detail, allowing you to hear deep into a recording. Unlike some amplifiers that add a warm, syrupy colouration, the CXA61 is more like a crystal-clear window into the music, presenting it with honesty and energy. This makes for a very engaging and exciting listen that will have you tapping your feet regardless of the genre. Properly integrated into your hi-fi system setup, it serves as a powerful and transparent foundation.
Performance with Different Genres
This amplifier is a brilliant all-rounder. With rock and pop music, it delivers driving bass lines that are tight and controlled, while vocals cut through the mix with precision. When listening to jazz or acoustic tracks, the CXA61 excels at revealing subtle details—the delicate shimmer of a cymbal, the texture of a guitar string, or the space around the instruments in the recording studio (the "soundstage").
A personal anecdote: When listening to a familiar track like Kit Chan's 'Home' (2011 version) streamed via Tidal, the CXA61 revealed subtle vocal inflections and breathing techniques I'd previously missed, creating a more intimate and emotional experience.
Speaker Pairing and Synergy
The CXA61's revealing nature means it pairs wonderfully with equally capable speakers. It's a fantastic match for neutral-to-slightly-warm speakers like the KEF Q350, Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2, or the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2, all of which are readily available in Singapore. These pairings create a balanced, detailed, and deeply musical system.
As the experts have noted, this is a top-tier performer. What Hi-Fi? awarded the CXA61 'Product of the Year' multiple times, praising its ability to deliver an "impeccably detailed and fabulously musical sound."
The Verdict: Is the Cambridge Audio CXA61 Good Value in Singapore?
Now for the ultimate question for our readers: does it justify its price tag in the competitive Singaporean market?
Price vs. Performance
With a typical retail price in Singapore between S1,500, the CXA61 is a considered purchase. However, when you weigh its outstanding sonic performance, superb high-resolution DAC, modern connectivity, and excellent build quality, the value proposition becomes crystal clear. It performs at a level that punches well above its price, competing with amplifiers costing significantly more.
How it Stacks Up: CXA61 vs. The Competition
A direct comparison makes its strengths obvious. The CXA61 vs Rega Brio is a classic matchup. The Brio is a fantastic amp for vinyl lovers due to its excellent built-in phono stage, but it lacks any digital inputs or Bluetooth. The CXA61 is the clear winner for anyone whose primary sources are digital.
| Feature | Cambridge Audio CXA61 | Rega Brio (latest) | Marantz PM6007 |
| Primary Strength | Digital Hub & Sonic Detail | Analogue Purity & Rhythm | Warm, Musical All-Rounder |
| Built-in DAC | Yes (High-Res ESS Sabre) | No | Yes (AKM) |
| USB Input | Yes (High-Res) | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes (aptX HD) | No | No |
| Built-in Phono Stage | No | Yes (Excellent Quality) | Yes (MM) |
Who Should Buy It (And Who Shouldn't)
Buy the CXA61 if: You are building a modern hi-fi system where your primary music sources are digital—streaming services, a computer, a TV, or a CD player. You value a clean, detailed, and energetic sound that brings your music to life.
Consider an alternative if: You are a dedicated vinyl enthusiast who wants an all-in-one solution with a high-quality built-in phono stage, or if your personal taste leans towards a much warmer, more relaxed, and laid-back sound signature.
Conclusion: The New Benchmark for Mid-Range Amplifiers
The Cambridge Audio CXA61 successfully navigates the difficult space between budget convenience and high-end exclusivity. It delivers a package of superb sonic clarity, extensive digital connectivity, and impeccable build quality that is tough to beat.
For those looking to build a versatile and genuinely high-performing hi-fi system in Singapore without breaking the bank, the Cambridge Audio CXA61 isn't just a safe bet—it's arguably the new benchmark and the true sweet spot for value-conscious audiophiles.
FAQ Section
Q1: Does the Cambridge Audio CXA61 have a phono input for a turntable?
A1: No, the CXA61 does not have a built-in phono stage. To connect a turntable, you will need either a turntable with a built-in preamp or a separate external phono preamp, such as the Cambridge Audio Alva Solo or Duo.
Q2: Can I connect a subwoofer to the CXA61?
A2: Yes, the CXA61 includes a dedicated mono subwoofer output (Sub-Out) on the back panel, making it easy to integrate a 2.1 system for deeper bass performance with both music and movies.
Q3: Is 60 watts per channel powerful enough for my speakers?
A3: For the vast majority of bookshelf and small-to-medium floor-standing speakers in a typical HDB or condo living room, 60 watts per channel is ample power. It provides excellent control and can reach high volumes without distortion, unless you have exceptionally inefficient or hard-to-drive speakers.
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