Cambridge Audio Just Made Its Stereo Amplifier Even Cooler

The British hi-fi maker is making its audiophile-grade components even better for modern listening spaces.

Close-up of a black textured audio device with a large round knob and "CXA" printed on the front panel.

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By Tucker Bowe

Published March 25, 2026

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Updated March 25, 2026

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Cambridge Audio started the year with a bang by introducing its first-ever active speaker system, the L/R Series, with three different-sized options available in a range of vibrant color options. They range from from $549 to $2,229.

Now, maybe to a little less fanfare, the British hi-fi manufacturer has revealed it’s giving one of its best stereo amplifiers a modern makeover. Plus, it’s introducing updated versions of its CD transport and music streamer to match.

Cambridge Audio CX Black Series

Three stacked black Cambridge audio components with digital displays and control knobs on a black background. — The CX Black Series consists of the brand’s integrated amplifier, CD transport and music streamer. Instead of Lunar Grey, they come in a matte black finish.

Same hi-fi, refined finish

Specifically, Cambridge Audio has introduced the CX Black Series that consists of a stack of three hi-fi components: the CXA81 Mk II integrated stereo amplifier, CXC CD transport and CXN100 SE music streamer.

None of the three CX Black components are technically new (the CXN100 SE being the outlier, but more of that below). But Cambridge Audio is now offering all three in a refined matte black finish, rather than its signature Lunar Grey.

Black Cambridge audio amplifier with buttons, a headphone jack, and a large volume knob on the right. — The CXA81 Mk II integrated stereo amplifier in the new matte black finish.

According to the brand, each CX Black component delivers the same carefully tuned sound and performance as its standard Lunar Grey counterpart, but now features a new “beautifully understated aesthetic that will fit seamlessly into modern listening spaces.”

That’s right, under the hood, all three components are exactly the same.

Black Cambridge CXC CD player with digital display showing track 4 of 14 and time 02:00. — The CXC CD transport in black.

Amp, CD transport and streamer

Originally released in 2024, the CXA81 Mk II is an integrated stereo amplifier that combines a power amplifier with a high-resolution DAC that can play up to 32-bit/384kHz or DSD256 files. It also supports Bluetooth aptX HD streaming and boasts a range of modern connections.

On the power side, the CXA81 Mk II is capable of powering 80-watts (into 8 ohms) or 120 watts (into 4 ohms) and thus is able to drive a wide range of loudspeakers.

For those who want to add CD playback capabilities to the system, the CXC now comes in this new matte finish, too. Other than the fresh look, the component is the same as before.

Black Cambridge CXN network audio player with color display showing album art and playback controls. — In addition to the black finish, the upgraded CXN100 SE music streamer can be hooked up to your TV.

The one outlier is the CXN100 SE music streamer, as it’s technically a new-and-improved version of the 2024-released CXN100.

That said, everything about the “SE” version is identical to its predecessor. It’s still built around the company’s 4th-generation StreamMagic platform and supports a wide range of streaming services. The one difference is that Cambridge Audio added an HDMI eARC input, making it easy to connect your TV directly to your hi-fi system.

Like the rest of the CX Black stack, the CXN100 SE is available in the new matte black finish. Cambridge Audio will sell it in its signature Lunar Grey, too.

Black Cambridge CXA audio amplifier with a central display panel and a large volume knob on the right. — The CXA81 Mk II amplifier in black will cost the same as its Lunar Grey counterpart.

Availability and pricing

Importantly, Cambridge Audio hasn’t changed the price for these matte black components.

The CXA81 Mk II integrated stereo amplifier still costs $1,199. The CXC CD transport costs $599. And the CXN100 SE music streamer costs $1,099.

All three will be available starting next month, in April 2026, and be available to order from the company’s website as well as authorized retailers.

The CXN100 SE in Lunar Grey will be available starting June 2026.

Three stacked black Cambridge audio components with digital displays, including a music player showing album art and track info.

Cambridge Audio CX Black Series

Starts at $599

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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