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What You Need to Know
The Simplest Fix for a Frustrating Problem
Losing or damaging a remote is one of those small things that makes daily listening a lot less enjoyable. If you own a Cambridge Audio CX Series amplifier, CD transport, or network player, this is the genuine replacement handset — the exact same remote Cambridge Audio ships in the box with your component. No programming. No pairing. No compatibility guesswork. Install two AAA batteries, point it at your component, and you’re back in control.
This remote works with both CX Series 1 and CX Series 2 products, so whether you have an older CXA60 or CXA80, or a newer CXA61, CXA81, CXA81 MkII, CXC, CXN, or CXN100, this handset has you covered.
What Can It Control?
The remote duplicates the full front-panel functions of your CX Series component — everything you can do by walking up to the unit, you can do from your listening chair. For CX Series amplifiers (CXA60, CXA61, CXA80, CXA81, CXA81 MkII), that includes:
- Power — Switch your amp between on and standby mode.
- Source Selection — Choose between A1, A2, A3, A4, USB, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth inputs. On the CXA81, a double press of A1 toggles between balanced and unbalanced inputs.
- Volume — Raise and lower the listening level.
- Display Brightness — Cycle through bright, dim, or off backlight settings.
- Mute — Silence the output instantly.
For the CXC CD Transport, the remote adds playback controls: play, pause, stop, skip forward and back, open/close the disc tray, random play, and repeat. For the CXN and CXN100 network players, streaming navigation controls are included as well.
Because Cambridge Audio designed the CX lineup as a system, this single remote can also send commands across CX components connected via the Control Bus — so one handset can manage your whole stack.
How Does an Infrared Remote Work?
This remote uses infrared (IR) technology — the same standard used in most home audio and television remotes. A small emitter on the front of the handset sends a pulse of infrared light that your Cambridge Audio component’s IR receiver reads and translates into a command. Because IR uses light, it requires a clear line of sight between the remote and the component. Walls, furniture, or a closed cabinet door will block the signal. The effective range is up to approximately 10 meters (33 feet) in a typical room. There’s no wireless pairing or Bluetooth setup involved — install the batteries, and it works.
Who Is This For?
You own a Cambridge Audio CX Series 1 or Series 2 component and your original remote is lost, damaged, or no longer responding.
You purchased a used CX Series component that didn’t include its original remote.
You’re setting up a second listening room and want a dedicated remote for a CX component there.
You have multiple CX Series components and want a backup handset that controls the whole system.
You want peace of mind knowing the remote in your hand is the real Cambridge Audio part — not a generic substitute.
Compatibility Note
This is the genuine Cambridge Audio CX Series remote, confirmed compatible with: CXA60, CXA61, CXA80, CXA81, CXA81 MkII, CXC, CXN V1, CXN V2, and CXN100. The Series 2 remote is backward-compatible with Series 1 products. If you’re not sure whether this remote works with your specific component, give us a call at 800-942-0220 and we’ll confirm it for you before you order.
What’s in the Box
- Cambridge Audio CX Series Remote Control (black)
- AAA batteries (verify current listing for battery inclusion)
Pairs Well With
Building or expanding your Cambridge Audio CX system? Here are some great companions:
- CX Series Amplifiers — The amp this remote was made to control. Browse Cambridge Audio components.
- CD Transports — Bring your CD collection back to life with the CXC. Shop CD transports.
- Network Players & Streamers — Stream lossless audio from Qobuz, Tidal, and more with the CXN100. Browse network streamers.
- Digital Interconnect Cables — Connect your CX components cleanly for the best signal transfer. Shop digital cables.
Features & Specifications
Genuine OEM Replacement — Not a Universal Substitute
This is the actual Cambridge Audio remote, built to the same spec as the one that ships in the box. It uses the original IR codes, so every button works exactly as intended with your CX Series component — no workarounds, no missing functions.
Wide CX Series Compatibility — Both Generations Covered
One remote covers the entire CX lineup across both generations: CXA60, CXA61, CXA80, CXA81, CXA81 MkII, CXC, CXN (V1 and V2), and CXN100. The Series 2 version is backward-compatible with Series 1 products, so you don’t need to track down an older model.
Full Front-Panel Control From Your Listening Chair
Every function available on the front panel of your CX component is accessible from this remote — power, source selection, volume, mute, display brightness, and playback controls where applicable. For the CXC, that includes open/close, play, pause, stop, skip, scan, random, and repeat.
System Control via Cambridge Audio’s Control Bus
When your CX components are linked via the Control Bus (RCA connections on the rear of each unit), this remote can trigger power and volume commands across the linked system. One handset. One stack. Full control.
Infrared Technology — Ready in Seconds
Standard IR communication means no Bluetooth, no Wi-Fi, no app, and no pairing process. Insert two AAA batteries into the rear compartment and the remote is ready to use. Effective range is up to approximately 10 meters (33 feet) with clear line of sight to the component’s IR receiver.
Quick-Reference Specifications
| Compatible Series | CX Series 1 and CX Series 2 |
| Compatible Models | CXA60, CXA61, CXA80, CXA81, CXA81 MkII, CXC, CXN V1, CXN V2, CXN100 |
| Signal Type | Infrared (IR) |
| Effective Range | ~10 m / 33 ft (clear line of sight required) |
| Battery Type | 2× AAA (1.5V) |
| Color | Black |
| Programming Required | None |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this remote work with my CX Series 1 amplifier (CXA60 or CXA80)?
Yes. Cambridge Audio confirmed the Series 2 remote is backward-compatible with Series 1 products. The CXA60 and CXA80 are both supported. If you have a less common CX variant and want to double-check before ordering, call us at 800-942-0220 and we’ll confirm compatibility for you.
Does it need any programming or pairing to work?
No. This is a standard infrared remote — no Bluetooth, no app, no setup. Install two AAA batteries, point the handset at the IR receiver on the front of your component, and press any button. It works immediately.
What’s the difference between the Series 1 and Series 2 remote?
Cambridge Audio refreshed the CX lineup with a Series 2 update (CXA61, CXA81, CXN V2, etc.), but the remote design carries over across both generations. The Series 2 remote is confirmed compatible with Series 1 products, so this handset is the right replacement regardless of which generation you own.
What functions does it control on a CXA amplifier?
On the CXA61 and CXA81, the remote handles power on/standby, input selection (A1 through A4, USB, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth), volume up and down, mute, and display brightness. On the CXA81, a double press of the A1 button toggles between the balanced and unbalanced A1 inputs.
What functions does it control on the CXC CD Transport?
On the CXC, the remote adds full playback controls: play, pause, stop, skip forward and back (hold to scan), open/close the disc tray, random play, and repeat. Power on/standby and display brightness are also controlled from the remote.
Can this one remote control multiple CX components at once?
Partially. When CX components are connected via Cambridge Audio’s Control Bus (the RCA connections on the rear panel), power and volume commands from this remote can propagate across the linked system. Each section of the remote (CXA, CXC, CXN) independently targets its respective component.
What else do I need besides this remote?
Just two AAA batteries — which may be included with your purchase (verify at time of order). Your Cambridge Audio CX Series component handles everything else. No hub, no app, no additional hardware required.
My remote stopped responding. What should I check?
Start by replacing both AAA batteries with fresh alkaline ones — even batteries that aren’t fully dead can cause inconsistent response. Then make sure there’s a clear line of sight between the remote and the IR receiver on the front of your component; strong sunlight or nearby IR devices can occasionally interfere. If it still doesn’t respond after fresh batteries and a clear sight line, give us a call.
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