What’s the best way to connect my CXN to my CXA60/80?

Please see below for diagrams on how to make an unbalanced connection from the CXN to the CXA60/80 and a balanced connection from the CXN to the CXA80.

Using either of these analogue connections will ensure you make use of the high quality DAC within the CXN.

Unbalanced

Using RCA cables will enable an unbalanced analogue connection to your CXA60/80. RCA cables are very convenient and fairly cheap, whilst still providing excellent quality.

Please Note: Pressing the A1 button multiple times on the CXA80 will toggle between the 'Balanced' and 'Unbalanced' inputs.

CXA80

CXA60

Balanced

As the CXA80 features balanced inputs, you can use XLR cables to enable a balanced analogue connection with your CXN. This will provide a cleaner signal path compared to an RCA unbalanced connection, especially over longer cable lengths. However, the increase in audio quality they provide is subjective when used over shorter lengths. Generally we would recommend a balanced XLR connection when using cables in excess of 5 metres.

Please Note: Pressing the A1 button multiple times on the CXA80 will toggle between the 'Balanced' and 'Unbalanced' inputs.