Product Strengths

• Beefy amplifier with 80 watts by 2 into 8 ohms, 120 watts by 2 into 4 ohms, likely underrated due to the large toroidal transformer
• Built-in DAC based on the ESS Sabre 9018K2M chip performs quite well
• Neutral but smooth sound signature, detailed with no listening fatigue
• Excellent build quality with high-quality components and robust construction
• Comprehensive connectivity options including four single-ended inputs, one balanced input, USB, Bluetooth (aptX HD), coaxial, and optical inputs

Product Considerations

• No phono stage
• No HDMI ARC
• Some reviewers find the speaker binding posts feel a little plasticky
• No bass and treble controls, meaning there are no tone controls

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Audiolab 6000A: CXA81 is a far better product sonically and in build quality
• Vs Advance Paris XI-75: CXA81 edges out the Advance Paris on upper frequencies—detail, resolution, air, room sense—and bass dynamics
• Vs Rega Elex Mk4: CXA81 does not have the same drive and bite, but is slightly happier

Takeaway: The CXA81 is a well-built, powerful amplifier with great sound quality and versatile connectivity, making it a good fit for different audio sources. It provides a neutral but detailed sound that is enjoyable to listen to, even at louder volumes.

Product Strengths

• Substantial power and the ability to drive various speakers effectively.
• A fuller and richer tone with a bit more low-end emphasis results in an overall enjoyable sound, with clear and precise bass and lower midrange.
• Excellent build quality and design, with a high-quality feel, premium materials, and a tactile volume dial
• Incorporates trickle-down technology from Cambridge Audio's higher-end Edge series, including similar amplifier modules and power transistors, suggesting enhanced performance
• Features extensive connectivity, including analog (RCA and balanced XLR) and digital inputs (optical, coaxial, USB, and HDMI eARC), providing versatility for different sources

Product Considerations

• Lacks a built-in phono preamp, potentially requiring users to purchase a separate phono stage for turntable connectivity
• Does not have built-in streaming services or an app, potentially requiring users to rely on external streaming devices
• Some reviewers find it could benefit from improved dynamic subtlety and rhythmic drive, with rivals offering greater transparency and musical engagement
• High-frequency response is bright

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Marantz Model 60N, the EXA100 offers a noticeably fuller and richer tone with a bit more low-end
• At moderate volumes, it is comparable to the McIntosh MC312, but the McIntosh maintains clearer sound at very high volumes with demanding speakers
• The Arcam A15 delivers dynamic punch and momentum with more verve and nuance, while the EXA100 is more refined

Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio EXA100 is a well-built and versatile integrated amplifier with plenty of connectivity options and a rich, full sound. It could be a good upgrade for those looking for something more capable than Cambridge's CXA line, while gaining some features found in the costlier Edge series

Product Strengths

• Delivers a vividly detailed and balanced sound, handling complicated mixes with skill
• Able to extract a lot of information from digital audio files with apparent ease
• A volume lock prevents accidental volume adjustments when the device is in a pocket or bag
• Extensive specification including Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless compatibility and multiple inputs/outputs for versatile connectivity

Product Considerations

• Some reviewers feel the device is not very pocket-friendly due to its size and sharp edges, making it better suited as a transportable—rather than a truly portable—device
• The gain is set too high, making precise volume control difficult, especially with sensitive IEMs
• Using IEMatch adds output impedance, which can negatively affect the tonal balance and dynamics of some IEMs
• The length of the included USB-C cable is short, making it difficult to position the device on a desk

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the iDSD Diablo 1, the Diablo 2 offers slight sonic improvements and better build quality, but at a higher price
• Compared to the iDSD Signature, the iDSD Signature is considered by some to offer a better result for less money, with a more realistic instrument and vocal timbre, larger soundstage, and customizable features like crossfeed and bass boost
• Compared to the FiiO Q7, the iDSD Diablo 2 has a vivid sound, where the FiiO Q7 has a smooth and wide sound

Takeaway: The iDSD Diablo 2 is a powerful and versatile DAC/amp that enhances headphone listening with its detailed sound and extensive features. It is a good choice for users who want a high-quality audio experience on the go or at their desk.

Product Strengths

• Joyful sound signature with detailed output
• Can power a wide range of headphones, due to Ultima technology
• Compact design, stacks perfectly with the Qutest and Huei
• Employs trickle-down Ultima technology to allow delivery of enormous peak current outputs
• Solid build quality using CNC-milled aluminum casework and good heat dissipation
• Connectivity options include headphone and speaker outputs

Product Considerations

• No gain switch for the headphone output
• Default gain level a bit high for sensitive IEMs
• More power limitations with speakers than headphones—best for smaller, efficient speakers or nearfield listening
• Runs hot, requiring good ventilation
• The volume control feels a little wobbly and might be difficult to use in a very precise way, and there is some channel imbalance at very low volumes

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Qutest/Anni pairing justifies its price premium thanks to a more composed and insightful presentation that offers notably more low-end authority, dynamic punch and tonal richness
• Cyrus ONE HD is plusher, showing that Anni has strong niche appeal
• The iFi xDSD Gryphon has digital inputs and built-in DAC, while Anni can power speakers

Takeaway: The Chord Electronics Anni is a compact and well-built amplifier that delivers a joyful and detailed sound, making it a great addition to a desktop setup for headphone and nearfield speaker listening. Its use of trickle-down Ultima technology ensures high-quality performance in a small package, and its ability to stack with other Chord devices makes it a good choice for those already invested in the ecosystem.

Product Strengths

• High-quality build and aesthetics, with a metal casing and elegant fascia made to a high standard
• A clear, powerful, and spacious sound, with a presentation that is appealing right from the beginning
• Plenty of power on tap, specified at 70W per channel into 8 ohms and 100W per channel into 4 ohms
• Fantastic connectivity, with three pairs of line-level inputs, an MM phono stage, and outputs for a recorder and subwoofer
• Capable network DAC/streamer with digital controls

Product Considerations

• The dimpled effect flanking the extruded front panel gives the unit a further distinctive look, but the finish feels like plastic upon closer inspection
• The HEOS app isn't bespoke to the 40n, many of the product's set-up options can only be accessed through the unit using the included remote control
• Bluetooth pairing took longer than expected, and there were occasions when the app stopped being able to see or display the music server when switching inputs
• The lettering on the remote control is impossible to read in dim light, and the buttons are too similar in size, resulting in fumbling in the dark

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Marantz Model 40n is a different proposition compared to the Marantz PM7000N, Marantz is keen to reposition itself as a luxury hifi brand and that intent is clear in the 40n's gorgeous build and aesthetics
• Rival systems such as the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and Naim Uniti Atom do a better job of engrossing listeners in the music, being more insightful, musically engaging, and dynamically exciting by degrees
• Is super-sexy and distinctive styling, a higher level of fit and finish, a much better remote, and access to Sound United's HEOS streaming/multiroom audio platform wanted—or more coaxial and optical digital inputs, Dirac Live room-correction capabilities, more power, a more efficient topology, and access to Lenbrook's BluOS streaming/multiroom audio platform
• At first glance it's hard to distinguish the Model 40n from its slightly costlier Marantz Model 30 sibling

Takeaway: The Marantz Model 40n is a stylish and feature-packed streaming amplifier that offers a musical and inviting performance. With its versatile connectivity options and impressive sound quality, the Model 40n is a great choice for modern, lifestyle hifi systems.