SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS by TYPE
    • Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    • Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    • Passive Center Channel Speakers
    • Passive In-wall Speakers
    • All Passive Speakers
    • Powered Subwoofers
    • Powered Stereo Speakers
  • AMPLIFIERS
  • SMART FIND
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II Review
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II

Main Features

  • 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • USB Input
  • Bluetooth
  • Weight: 19.10 lbs / 8.68 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):4-1/2 x 16-15/16 x 14-9/16 inch
CHECK PRICE

Compare To

x
Add an Amp for comparison
Cambridge CXA81 II Review
Cambridge CXA81 II Cambridge CXA81 II
See at AMAZON

The CXA81 Mk II is an Integrated Amplifier by Cambridge that delivers 80 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 120 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the CXA81 Mk II compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. Thanks to its built-in ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC, you can play digital sources directly without the need for an external DAC unit. Cambridge CXA81 II has an MSRP of 1199$.

There are 9 Cambridge amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.

Cambridge Integrated Amplifier Series
Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Bluetooth
Cambridge Audio CXA81
Compare
80 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge Audio AXA25
Compare
25 watts8-ohmsNoNo
Cambridge Audio CXA61
Compare
60 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge Audio Evo 150
Compare
150 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge Audio Evo 75
Compare
75 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge Audio AXA35
Compare
35 watts8-ohmsNoNo
Cambridge Audio Edge A
Compare
100 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge CXA81 II
80 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge EXA100
Compare
100 watts4-ohmsYesYes


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Performance Specs

One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements.The Cambridge CXA81 II is rated at 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms. Cambridge provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.02% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).

Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:

  • 80 watts into 8-ohms (20-20k) at 0.02%
  • 120 watts into 4-ohms
  • 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
  • 105dB Signal to Noise Ratio

When pairing the Cambridge CXA81 II with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels. Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.


What size of room is the Cambridge CXA81 II Amplifier good for?

An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Cambridge CXA81 II amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:

Listening Environment Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the Cambridge CXA81 II, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers. Cambridge CXA81 II has total of 5 Analog inputs .

Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 5
  • 2 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB Type-B input for connecting a computer

Cambridge CXA81 II connection
Cambridge CXA81 II Connections

Outputs
  • Stereo RCA, Sub Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output

Bluetooth Connectivity

Cambridge CXA81 II features built-in Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops.

Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:

  • Rotel A12 MKII - MSRP 1100$ - Compare w/ CXA81 Mk II
  • Audiolab 6000A - MSRP 899$ - Compare w/ CXA81 Mk II
  • NAD C 389 - MSRP 1499$ - Compare w/ CXA81 Mk II
  • Cambridge Audio CXA81 - MSRP 1299$ - Compare w/ CXA81 Mk II
  • Cambridge Audio CXA61 - MSRP 999$ - Compare w/ CXA81 Mk II

Cambridge CXA81 II supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:

  • AptX HD
  • AptX

Phono Input

Cambridge CXA81 II doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, Cambridge CXA81 II has to be paired with a Phono Preamp that is MM (Moving Magnet) or/and MC (Moving COil) depending on your cartridge type.

Subwoofer Output

Cambridge CXA81 II has a dedicated subwoofer output which can be used to connect it directly to a powered subwoofer via an LFE(Low Frequency Effects) cable.
Check our Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with Cambridge CXA81 II amp and your speakers.

DAC and Digital Music

The Cambridge CXA81 II's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC. The DAC chip that is used in the CXA81 Mk II is the ESS Sabre ES9018K2M, and supports resolutions up to 24-bit, 384KHZ.

Cambridge CXA81 II External Dimensions and Weight

Cambridge CXA81 II has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 4-1/2inch x 16-15/16inch x 14-9/16inch (115.0mm x 431.0mm x 370.0mm ). The unit weighs 8.68kg / 19.1lbs.

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of the Cambridge CXA81 II is approximately 1594.7cm2 / 247.2inch2.

  • Width: 431.0mm (16-15/16")
  • Height: 115.0mm (4-1/2")
  • Depth: 370.0mm (14-9/16")
  • Weight: 8.68 kg (19.10lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~1594.7cm2 / 247.2inch2
  • Volume: ~18.3 liter / 4.8 gallon
Cambridge CXA81 II  - Top View
Cambridge CXA81 II - Top View

Cambridge CXA81 II  - Side View
Cambridge CXA81 II - Side View

What's in the Box of Cambridge CXA81 II?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of CXA81 Mk II:
  • Integrated amplifier
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • 3 -inchAAA-inch batteries
  • Bluetooth antenna
  • 39-inch mono-RCA control cable
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Online Registration Card
  • User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for Cambridge CXA81 II

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Cambridge CXA81 II

    Warranty

    2 Yr (3 Yr registered) of parts warranty and 2 Yr (3Yr registered) of labor warranty is generally provided for the Cambridge CXA81 II by the manufacturer.

    Cambridge CXA81 II  Lifestyle
    Cambridge CXA81 II Lifestyle

    Cambridge CXA81 II Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Cambridge
    Full Model Name Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II
    Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
    Amp Class Class AB
    Performance
    Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 80 watts
    Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms N/A
    Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms 120 watts
    Frequency Bandwidth 20-20k
    THD 0.02%
    Minimum Impedance 4
    Signal to Noise Ratio 105 dB
    Digital Music
    Built-in DAC Yes
    DAC Specs ESS Sabre ES9018K2M
    Bluetooth Yes
    WiFi N/A
    Ecosystem
    Apple AirPlay No
    Apple AirPlay2 No
    DTS Play-Fi No
    Chromecast built-in No
    Roon Tested
    HEOS No
    BluOS No

    CONNECTIONS
    Total Analog Inputs 5
    Phono Input No
    Optical Digital Inputs 2
    Coaxial Digital Inputs 1
    USB Input Yes
    USB Type USB Type-B input for connecting a computer
    Preamp Outputs Stereo RCA, Sub
    Pre-out / Main-in Loop No
    Headphone Output 3.5mm
    Subwoofer Output Yes
    Removable Power Cord IEC 3-prong
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height 115.0mm (4-1/2")
    Width 431.0mm (16-15/16")
    Depth 370.0mm (14-9/16")
    Weight 8.68 kg (19.10lbs)
    OTHER
    Parts Warranty 2 Yr (3 Yr registered)
    Labor Warranty 2 Yr (3Yr registered)
    Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II Alternatives in No Streaming Amplifiers
    Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Phono Stage
    Cambridge Audio CXA81
    Compare
    80 watts4-ohmsYesNo
    Cambridge EXA100
    Compare
    100 watts4-ohmsYesNo
    Audiolab 7000A
    Compare
    70 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    Audiolab 6000A
    Compare
    50 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    Cambridge Audio Evo 150
    Compare
    150 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    Cambridge Audio CXA61
    Compare
    60 watts4-ohmsYesNo
    Rotel A12 MKII
    Compare
    60 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    NAD C 389
    Compare
    130 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    Latest Amplifiers
    Audiolab 8300A
    Audiolab 8300A
    75 watts into 8-ohms
    Audiolab 6000A MKII
    Audiolab 6000A MKII
    50 watts into 8-ohms
    WiiM Amp Pro
    WiiM Amp Pro
    60 watts into 8-ohms
    Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II
    Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II
    80 watts into 8-ohms
    Cambridge Audio EXA100
    Cambridge Audio EXA100
    100 watts into 8-ohms
    WiiM Vibelink
    WiiM Vibelink
    100 watts into 8-ohms
    Naim Uniti Nova Power Edition
    Naim Uniti Nova Power Edition
    150 watts into 8-ohms
    WiiM Amp
    WiiM Amp
    60 watts into 8-ohms

    Most Popular Amplifiers
    Audiolab 7000A
    Audiolab 7000A
    70 watts into 8-ohms
    Yamaha A-S801
    Yamaha A-S801
    100 watts into 8-ohms
    Denon PMA-900HNE
    Denon PMA-900HNE
    50 watts into 8-ohms
    Yamaha A-S301
    Yamaha A-S301
    60 watts into 8-ohms
    Denon PMA-1700NE
    Denon PMA-1700NE
    70 watts into 8-ohms
    Rotel A14 MKII
    Rotel A14 MKII
    80 watts into 8-ohms
    Yamaha A-S501
    Yamaha A-S501
    85 watts into 8-ohms
    Rotel Diamond Series RA-6000
    Rotel Diamond Series RA-6000
    200 watts into 8-ohms
    Rotel A12 MKII
    Rotel A12 MKII
    60 watts into 8-ohms
    Audiolab 6000A
    Audiolab 6000A
    50 watts into 8-ohms

    Copyright © 2025 by SpeakerDecision
    About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision