Cambridge Audio CXR120 AV receiver

1000W, 2xHDMI, ARC, 6xHDMI, MHL, 13.2kg Designed to be the hub of your entertainment system, the CXR120 is an audiophile-grade 120 Watts per channel AV amplifier that brings together all of our hi-fi know-how for a powerful, immersive home cinema experience.

We designed the CXR120 to be the heart of your digital set-up, so it contains the same state-of-the-art Cambridge Audio StreamMagic music streaming module found in our CXN network music player. From basic compressed MP3 formats to 24-bit/192kHz studio master quality FLAC and WAV files, either wired, from USB hard drives, or via Wi-Fi, the CXR120 plays them all. Add a BT100 Bluetooth receiver and it will pair with any compatible device, allowing playback in superb quality thanks to aptX technology.

The CXR120 streams from the web, is compatible with Spotify Connect and gives access to thousands of internet radio stations. There’s even support for Direct Stream Digital (DSD), allowing you to play back Super Audio CDs from your universal player.

Complementing the audio output, its visual performance is second to none. The seven HDMI input sockets cater for all your visual feeds, one of which is a front facing MHL port, making it simple to watch phone content on your big screen. With HDMI 2.0 the CXR120 upscales all 1080p signals to 4K ultra high definition, while deep colour support guarantees crisp, detailed images.

The heart of the CXR120 is its low flux audiophile-grade toroidal transformer. It ensures the amplifier delivers extremely low noise and distortion, while the output of 120 Watts in stereo mode or 60 Watts with all seven channels driven, provides more than enough power for even the most demanding speakers. Add the free iOS/Android app for control of network music playback and you have an exceptional hi-fi amplifier that will reveal previously undiscovered layers to your music.

<b>Build quality and design</b>

The CXR120 combines a resonance-free, acoustically damped metal chassis with a substantial extruded heat sink. An oversize toroidal transformer delivers 120 Watts per channel. Cosmetically, we’ve stripped back the design for a less cluttered look. The status window is a starburst display, clear enough to be read from across the room, but softened by a colour tint on the glass window.

<b>Signal Integrity</b>

An AV receiver brings its own challenges when it comes to maintaining signal integrity, particularly when you factor in the use of high-speed HDMI boards and a network module. To eliminate interference we use a multi-layered PCB design with screening built into the boards. This approach allows us to keep grounding and screening very close to the chips themselves, preventing interference from getting into the audio path. The CXR120 follows the same design philosophy as our CXA60 and CXA80 stereo amplifiers, with a reduced component count in the signal path.

<b>Streaming philosophy</b>

The Cambridge-designed streaming module used in the CXR120 is the same we use in the CXN network player and our 851N flagship network player. This module is not controlling the AVR in any way, but acts as an integrated streamer within the AV receiver. Consequently, it doesn’t have to contend with decode modes and assorted DSP. There’s another good reason for black-boxing the module this way: it allows us to control and refine the user experience.

<b>HDMI Connections</b>

All HDMI sockets may look the same, but they’re not. For the CXR120 we employ the Panasonic HDMI chipset, which offers a significant boost in picture performance over previous generations. All six rear-facing HDMIs are version 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 copy protection. There is also a combined HDMI/MHL socket on the front panel which is HDMI 1.4, simply because the MHL standard can’t yet handle 4K. The output from the two HDMI outs is mirrored, enabling you to run both a screen and a projector without needing to unplug and re-plug cables.

<b>Ultimate HDMI convenience</b>

When enabled in the menu, our new HDMI by-pass mode keeps the HDMI board live, so you no longer need the AV receiver powered just to watch TV. It’s active on the last input used, or can be assigned so that it’s always the same. Ideal if the receiver needs to be used in a family environment.

<b>DSP and DAC</b>

Beneath the lid, the CXR120 utilises a Cirrus Logic DSP processor and high resolution DACs. We’ve chosen this route because we believe Cirrus Logic are setting the standard when it comes to AV Receiver DSP processing. Naturally the DACs support 24-bit 192 kHz playback. Compatibility is broad, covering WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+ and Ogg Vorbis. DSD support is via HDMI from SACD.

<b>Intelligent multichannel processing</b>

When it comes to processing, our CX receivers will auto-configure their output for the best results, based on your chosen speaker setup. For example, the Cirrus Logic DSP will automatically remap a 5.1 sound mix into a 7.1 speaker layout. If you prefer, you can manually choose what post processing you want to use, for example running stereo from all speakers if you’re holding a house party.

<b>Improved UI</b>

As part of our mission to simplify the AV receiver experience, we’ve made some big changes to the user interface on the CXR120. Clear menus and self-explanatory graphics make navigation and installation a snip. Setup and usability have never been easier. When it comes to system building, the receiver just works. Plug in an HDMI source, select the input, and sound and vision happen immediately. There’s no complicated input assign routines to unravel.

<b>Uncoloured auto calibration</b>

The CXR120 comes with an auto-calibration microphone which measures speaker distances and optimises volume. Unlike some rival auto calibration systems, we don’t alter the tonal character of your speakers at all. If you want to manually set up your system, then that’s easy to do too.

<b>Bespoke Bluetooth</b>

If you want to use your CXR120 with a Bluetooth source, we provide the optional BT100 audio receiver. This audiophile Bluetooth device is isolated internally within the receiver’s chassis and has been designed to give the optimum performance from BT sources such as a smartphone or tablet. All the coding for the BT100 has been done in-house. We even include an extension cable which enables you get the best Bluetooth range.