John
Fomo-Fi — where a new product’s limited production run exploits its customer base’s fear of missing out to steepen the demand curve. Last year, we saw Fomo-Fi work to full effect with the NAD C3050 LE smart amplifier and the Audio Technica AT-LP2022 turntable which each sold out in a matter of weeks. Now comes Cambridge Audio with the announcement that its CX Series 2 of components will soon be available with a black faceplate instead of the standard Lunar Grey.
From the press release: “A marriage of understated class and head-turning brilliance, the Black Edition boasts a stylish aluminium front plate in a matte black finish combined with shimmering black gloss spot ‘CX BLACK EDITION’ lettering. The dual texture effect means they stand out even from standard black separates.”
Dressed in black at no extra cost to the customer are the CXA61 integrated amplifier, CXA81 integrated amplifier, CXN network streamer and CXC CD transport. Now comes the FOMO: each of the four Black CX Series 2 models will be limited to a production run of 1000 pieces; every unit will be individually numbered and a certificate of authenticity supplied.
Eagle-eyed music fans will spot Cambridge Audio’s ongoing use of contemporary music choices in its press shots that set the UK company cleanly apart from manufacturers still adding visual colour with glasses of red wine and/or acoustic guitars. Spilling from the Black CX Series 2’s photoshoot, we note albums (with black and white cover art) from Björk, Broadcast, The Specials and Burial. And don’t for a moment think we missed that Madvillain-esque mask.
Shipping on the Black CX Series 2 begins 8th March in Europe. North Americans will have to wait until May for dealer network availability and with the exclusion of the CXA61.
Further information: Cambridge Audio
