Cambridge Audio CXUHDFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 19 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment38%
PROS 37%
CONS 63%

Rank based on 19 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a premium-built UK-made 4K transport with a dedicated display
  • You already own an AV receiver with a capable DAC and don't need region-free playback
  • You value front and rear panel design and build quality over extra features

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need region-free Blu-ray playback like the Oppo 203 offers
  • You want a built-in DAC for 2-channel hi-res audio
  • You want fast firmware updates and full Dolby Atmos/DTS:X support from a matching receiver

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Oppo UDP-203
Excellent audio qualityOutstanding picture quality and upscalingUniversal format supportDiscontinued and now costly to obtainHigh price pointFirmware and connectivity glitches
Oppo UDP-203
Excellent audio quality
Outstanding picture quality and upscaling
Universal format support
Discontinued and now costly to obtain
High price point
Firmware and connectivity glitches
2Mid
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
Detailed, impressive sound
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
Detailed, impressive sound
3Premium
Oppo UDP-205
Excellent analog audio via XLR/DACsStrong resale and ownership satisfactionOutstanding 4K UHD video qualitySteep price premium over UDP-203No benefit if using HDMI-only setupAudible disc-spinning noise
Oppo UDP-205
Excellent analog audio via XLR/DACs
Strong resale and ownership satisfaction
Outstanding 4K UHD video quality
Steep price premium over UDP-203
No benefit if using HDMI-only setup
Audible disc-spinning noise
Best value
4Budget
Audio-Technica AT-LP3
Good sound after cartridge upgradeGreat value for priceUpgradable designHum and connectivity issuesPlasticky build and buttonsAuto-return malfunction
Audio-Technica AT-LP3
Good sound after cartridge upgrade
Great value for price
Upgradable design
Hum and connectivity issues
Plasticky build and buttons
Auto-return malfunction
5Premium
Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2
Bluetooth streaming convenienceAppealing minimalist buildAnalog sound over Bluetooth linkHigh price relative to specsBluetooth compression limitsLow Bluetooth output via headphones
Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2
Bluetooth streaming convenience
Appealing minimalist build
Analog sound over Bluetooth link
High price relative to specs
Bluetooth compression limits
Low Bluetooth output via headphones
6Mid
Audio-Technica AT-LP3XBT
Fully automatic convenienceStrong sound qualityBluetooth aptX Adaptive connectivityAuto-return mechanism malfunctionsCheap-feeling buttons and plasticky buildFactory speed/RPM inaccuracy
Audio-Technica AT-LP3XBT
Fully automatic convenience
Strong sound quality
Bluetooth aptX Adaptive connectivity
Auto-return mechanism malfunctions
Cheap-feeling buttons and plasticky build
Factory speed/RPM inaccuracy
7Premium
Oppo BDP-105D
Excellent build reliabilityHigh-end DAC performancePre-out hiss with active speakersUSB drive not displaying on TV
Oppo BDP-105D
Excellent build reliability
High-end DAC performance
Pre-out hiss with active speakers
USB drive not displaying on TV
8Budget
Sony BDP-S5100
Strong 3D Blu-ray disc playbackGood value for priceMKV playback via Plex workaroundFirmware updates discontinuedLimited USB ripped-DVD supportNo optical or analog audio output
Sony BDP-S5100
Strong 3D Blu-ray disc playback
Good value for price
MKV playback via Plex workaround
Firmware updates discontinued
Limited USB ripped-DVD support
No optical or analog audio output
9Mid
Sony UBP-X800M2
Solid build qualityReliable performance for many long-term usersBroad format and codec supportFreezing on 4K UHD discsNo automatic Dolby Vision detectionOverheating concerns
Sony UBP-X800M2
Solid build quality
Reliable performance for many long-term users
Broad format and codec support
Freezing on 4K UHD discs
No automatic Dolby Vision detection
Overheating concerns
10Budget
Sony BDP-S6700
Excellent 4K UpscalingGreat Value for PriceSACD and 3D Blu-ray SupportBluetooth Connectivity FailuresHardware Defects (Tray, SACD Drive, Power-On)Missing HDMI Cable and Fiber Optic Output
Sony BDP-S6700
Excellent 4K Upscaling
Great Value for Price
SACD and 3D Blu-ray Support
Bluetooth Connectivity Failures
Hardware Defects (Tray, SACD Drive, Power-On)
Missing HDMI Cable and Fiber Optic Output
You are here
12Premium
Cambridge Audio CXUHD
Firmware Feature AdditionsPremium Build & DesignLong-Term ReliabilityNo Built-In DACNot Region FreeDisc Tray Noise
Cambridge Audio CXUHD
Firmware Feature Additions
Premium Build & Design
Long-Term Reliability
No Built-In DAC
Not Region Free
Disc Tray Noise

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Build quality and design draw consistent praise from commenters. Multiple users compliment the front panel design, rear panel layout, and the three-prong power cord, calling it a great looking unit. One owner reported it still running strong six years after purchase. However, one commenter mocked the 'great British sound' sticker as cheesy, and another was startled that a display now counts as a premium feature at this price point.

Lacking a DAC repeatedly draws unfavorable comparisons to the Oppo 203. Several commenters point out the CXUHD has no internal DAC unlike the Oppo 203/205, making it a questionable choice for 2-channel hi-res audio playback and reliant entirely on an AV receiver. One user called it 'overpriced' as a mere transport, while another said they couldn't understand Cambridge's justification that a DAC would interfere with the digital signal.

Region locking and slow firmware support pushed some buyers toward the Oppo instead. Unlike the multi-region Oppo 203, the CXUHD is not region free, which several commenters cite as a reason they chose the Oppo. Firmware updates were also reported as slower since they're based on Oppo's own firmware. HDR support, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision compatibility arrived later via updates, and one user noted CXR receivers don't support Atmos/DTS:X despite the player itself supporting them.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?