Streaming vs. Traditional: The Modern Amplifier Decision

The world of hi-fi amplifiers has split into two camps, and picking the right approach can make or break your listening experience. On one side, you have traditional integrated amplifiers that focus purely on amplification quality—think of them as the sports cars of audio, built for one thing and doing it exceptionally well. On the other, streaming amplifiers pack everything into one box, acting more like Swiss Army knives that handle amplification, streaming, and digital processing all at once.

The Eversolo Play and Cambridge Audio CXA61 represent these two philosophies perfectly. Released in 2025 and 2019 respectively, they show how the amplifier market has evolved—and where it might be headed. Understanding which approach fits your needs better will save you money and frustration down the road.

Understanding Today's Amplifier Landscape

Before diving into specifics, let's clarify what we're dealing with. An integrated amplifier combines a preamplifier (which handles input switching and volume control) with a power amplifier (which provides the muscle to drive your speakers) in one chassis. This is different from separate components, where you'd buy these pieces individually.

The traditional approach, exemplified by the Cambridge Audio CXA61, adds selective digital inputs to a fundamentally analog design. You get excellent amplification with some modern conveniences, but you'll need separate components for streaming music from services like Spotify or Tidal.

Streaming amplifiers like the Eversolo Play flip this priority. They assume you're streaming most of your music and build everything around that experience. The amplification is still important, but it's designed to work seamlessly with built-in streaming capabilities, touchscreen interfaces, and network connectivity.

The Heart of the Matter: Amplification Performance

Class D vs. Class AB: Two Different Philosophies

The biggest technical difference between these amplifiers lies in their amplification topology—essentially, how they take a small audio signal and make it powerful enough to drive speakers.

The Cambridge Audio CXA61 uses Class AB amplification, a time-tested approach where the output transistors are always partially "on," creating a smooth, linear amplification curve. Think of it like a car engine that's always idling—it's ready to respond instantly but uses more energy. This design requires a substantial power supply (hence the CXA61's 18-pound weight) and generates heat, but many audiophiles swear by its natural, musical sound quality.

The Eversolo Play, meanwhile, employs Class D amplification, where the output transistors switch rapidly between fully on and fully off states. Modern Class D designs have overcome early reputation problems with harshness and now offer impressive efficiency—they stay cool, require smaller power supplies, and can fit in much more compact chassis.

Power Output: More Than Just Numbers

Both amplifiers deliver 60 watts per channel into 8-ohm speakers, which is plenty for most bookshelf speakers and many floorstanding models in typical rooms. However, their behavior with demanding 4-ohm loads differs significantly. The Eversolo Play jumps to 110 watts per channel, while the Cambridge Audio CXA61 reaches 90 watts—a meaningful difference if you're driving power-hungry speakers.

More important than raw wattage are the amplifiers' distortion characteristics. The Cambridge Audio CXA61 achieves vanishingly low distortion of 0.002% at 1kHz, demonstrating exceptional linearity. The Eversolo Play specifies 0.0037% total harmonic distortion, which is still excellent and inaudible in practice.

Sonic Character: What You'll Actually Hear

Based on our research into user and expert opinions, these amplifiers have distinctly different personalities. The Cambridge Audio CXA61 delivers what reviewers consistently describe as "precise" and "energetic" sound with excellent control across the frequency spectrum. Its Class AB design and oversized toroidal transformer (a special type of power supply transformer that reduces noise and provides clean power delivery) create a foundation for dynamic, punchy performance.

The Eversolo Play, by contrast, earns praise for its "warm, musical signature" with particularly well-controlled bass response. Modern Class D implementation has eliminated the sterile character of early switching amplifiers, and the Play demonstrates how far this technology has progressed since 2019.

Digital Capabilities: Where Modern Meets Traditional

DAC Quality: The Digital-to-Analog Converter

Both amplifiers include digital-to-analog converters (DACs), which transform digital music files into analog signals your speakers can reproduce. However, they take different approaches to this critical function.

The Cambridge Audio CXA61 employs an ESS Sabre ES9010K2M DAC chip, known for its analytical precision and detail retrieval. This chip can handle high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256 format files—far beyond CD quality and sufficient for virtually any source material you'll encounter. ESS Sabre implementations typically emphasize clarity and detail, sometimes at the expense of smoothness.

The Eversolo Play uses an AKM AK4493SEQ DAC with what the company calls "Velvet Sound" technology. This chip supports even higher resolutions—up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512—though few recordings exist at these extreme specifications. AKM DACs are generally praised for smoother, more musical presentations compared to ESS designs.

The practical difference? The Cambridge Audio CXA61 will likely sound more revealing of recording details and mixing decisions, while the Eversolo Play might present those same details in a more cohesive, less fatiguing manner.

Connectivity: Old School vs. New School

Here's where the philosophical differences become stark. The Cambridge Audio CXA61 provides four analog RCA inputs—perfect if you have a CD player, turntable with external phono preamp, tape deck, or other traditional sources. Its USB Type-B input connects directly to computers for bit-perfect audio playback, and dual optical plus one coaxial digital input accommodate modern digital sources.

The Eversolo Play assumes a different lifestyle. It offers just one analog RCA input but compensates with comprehensive modern connectivity: HDMI ARC for direct TV audio connection, built-in MM/MC phono stage for turntables (eliminating the need for external preamps), and extensive network streaming capabilities.

Streaming: The Great Divide

Native Streaming vs. External Solutions

This is perhaps the most significant difference between these approaches. The Eversolo Play includes native integration with major streaming services—Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Spotify Connect, and others—plus Roon Ready certification for audiophile-grade music management software. Its 5.5-inch touchscreen runs a customized Android-based interface, making music selection as intuitive as using a tablet.

The streaming experience on the Cambridge Audio CXA61 relies entirely on external solutions. You can use Bluetooth with aptX HD codec support for better-than-standard wireless quality, but for serious streaming, you'll need a separate network streamer—adding another component and additional cost to your system.

User Interface: Touchscreen vs. Traditional

The Eversolo Play's touchscreen interface represents a generational shift in hi-fi design. Instead of cryptic displays and button-heavy remote controls, you get visual album art, intuitive menus, and direct access to streaming services. The accompanying mobile app includes room acoustic analysis features that can optimize sound for your specific listening environment.

The Cambridge Audio CXA61 takes the traditional approach with physical controls and a comprehensive remote. While this might seem outdated, many audiophiles prefer the tactile feedback and reliability of physical controls, especially for volume adjustment during critical listening sessions.

Value Proposition: Total System Cost

Upfront vs. Long-term Investment

At the time of writing, the Eversolo Play costs approximately $100 more than the Cambridge Audio CXA61, but this price difference tells only part of the story. To match the Play's functionality, you'd need to add a network streamer (typically $300-500), a phono preamp for vinyl ($100-200), and potentially additional cables and shelf space.

The Cambridge Audio CXA61's lower entry price becomes more attractive if you already own these components or don't need streaming capabilities immediately. Its preamp outputs also enable future upgrades to external power amplifiers—a flexibility the Eversolo Play lacks.

Future-Proofing Considerations

The Cambridge Audio CXA61, despite being older, offers more traditional upgrade paths. If you decide you need more power, you can add an external power amplifier and use the CXA61 as a high-quality preamp. This modular approach appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy system building over time.

The Eversolo Play bets on software updates and evolving streaming services. While you can't easily upgrade its amplification section, its network connectivity and software-based features should improve over time—assuming the company continues supporting older models.

Home Theater Integration

Modern Convenience vs. Traditional Separation

The Eversolo Play's HDMI ARC input makes it exceptionally convenient for home theater integration. You can connect it directly to your TV and use it for both music streaming and television audio, with automatic switching between sources. This single-cable solution eliminates the complexity of multiple connections and input switching.

The Cambridge Audio CXA61 requires more careful integration. You'll need either an optical connection from your TV or a separate audio extraction device. However, this approach keeps your stereo system acoustically isolated from home theater components—something purists often prefer.

For most users combining music and TV audio, the Eversolo Play's integrated approach offers significant convenience advantages. The HDMI ARC connection can even power down the amplifier automatically when the TV is turned off, creating a seamless user experience.

Who Should Choose What

The Eversolo Play Makes Sense If You:

• Stream most of your music from services like Tidal, Qobuz, or Spotify
• Want a complete solution that works immediately out of the box
• Need modern conveniences like TV audio integration and built-in phono stage
• Prefer compact, efficient components that don't generate heat
• Value integrated user experiences with touchscreen control
• Live in smaller spaces where component count matters

The Eversolo Play represents the future of integrated amplification—a complete digital music system that happens to include amplification rather than an amplifier that happens to include some digital features.

The Cambridge Audio CXA61 Appeals to Those Who:

• Appreciate traditional hi-fi build quality and established engineering approaches
• Need multiple analog inputs for CD players, tape decks, or other sources
• Plan to upgrade their system incrementally over time
• Want the option to add external power amplification later
• Prefer the sonic characteristics of Class AB amplification
• Already own streaming solutions and don't need redundant functionality

The Cambridge Audio CXA61 serves listeners who understand and embrace traditional hi-fi values—substantial build quality, focused functionality, and long-term upgradeability.

The Bottom Line Decision

After researching extensive user feedback and expert reviews, both amplifiers succeed in their intended roles. The choice comes down to lifestyle and priorities rather than absolute performance superiority.

If you're entering hi-fi in 2025 and plan to stream most of your music, the Eversolo Play offers exceptional value and convenience. Its all-inclusive approach eliminates decision paralysis and provides immediate satisfaction. The slight price premium pays for integration that would cost significantly more if purchased separately.

For listeners who already own digital sources or prefer building systems gradually, the Cambridge Audio CXA61 provides excellent amplification quality with room for growth. Its traditional approach has served audiophiles well for decades and continues to offer advantages in flexibility and upgradeability.

The technology improvements since 2019 have been substantial—streaming integration has become seamless, Class D amplification has reached audiophile-acceptable quality levels, and user interfaces have evolved beyond recognition. The Eversolo Play represents where the industry is heading, while the Cambridge Audio CXA61 demonstrates that traditional approaches still have merit.

Choose based on your primary use case and comfort level with integrated versus modular approaches. Both will serve you well, but in fundamentally different ways that reflect the current state of hi-fi evolution.

Eversolo Play Streaming Amplifier Deals and Prices

Cambridge Audio CXA61 Integrated Stereo Amplifier Deals and Prices