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Audiolab 7000A vs Cambridge Audio CXA81
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Audiolab 7000A

Integrated Amplifier | 70 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Audiolab 7000A
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Cambridge Audio CXA81

Integrated Amplifier | 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Cambridge Audio CXA81
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Audiolab 7000A Audiolab 7000A
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Cambridge Audio CXA81 Cambridge Audio CXA8...
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Audiolab 7000A
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Cambridge Audio CXA8...
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Audiolab 7000A vs Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing 7000A and CXA81, two Integrated Amplifiers from Audiolab and Cambridge. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Audiolab 7000A and Cambridge Audio CXA81 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Audiolab 7000A Key Specs

  • 70 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • Bluetooth v5.0
  • Weight: 18.50 lbs / 8.40 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):3-1/16inch x 17.5inch x 13.4inch

Cambridge Audio CXA81 Key Specs

  • 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • USB Input
  • Bluetooth v4.2
  • Weight: 19.10 lbs / 8.68 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):4-1/2inch x 16-15/16inch x 14-9/16inch

What size room are the Audiolab 7000A and Cambridge Audio CXA81 Amplifiers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these amplifiers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their max power parameters:

Listening Environment Audiolab 7000A Cambridge Audio CXA81
Near-field Poor Poor
Small Room Average Average
Mid-size Room Good Good
Large Room Average Average
Very Large Room Poor Poor

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how Audiolab 7000A and Cambridge Audio CXA81 compares and end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these amplifiers is the better choice for you.


**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.


Reasons to choose Audiolab 7000A over Cambridge Audio CXA81
MSRP Price(*) 999USD vs 1,299USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Full-color Display Yes vs No Displays Album and device Info
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.003% vs 0.02% Less Harmonic Distortion
Signal to Noise Ratio 110 dB vs 105 dB Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Bluetooth Version v5.0 vs v4.2 Higher transfer rate and range
Wi-Fi Yes vs No High quality streaming over WiFi
PhonoInput Yes vs No Connect a turntable directly to your amp
Coaxial Digital Inputs 2 vs 1 More options for connecting Digital sources
Base Surface Area 1510.0cm2/ 234.1inch2 vs 1594.7cm2/ 247.2inch2 takes less space in your room
Height 78mm vs 115mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose Cambridge Audio CXA81 over Audiolab 7000A
Watts into 8-ohms 80 watts vs 70 watts Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 4-ohms 120 watts vs 110 watts Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
Total Analog Inputs 5 vs 3 More options for connecting Analog sources
Max Sample Rate 384kHz vs 192kHz Play higher resolution media

Inputs and Outputs

The input and output selections that are offered is an important factor when comparing two amplifiers. Here you can find how the I/O selections of the Audiolab 7000A and Cambridge Audio CXA81 differs from each other.

Audiolab 7000A Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 3
  • Phono Input
  • 2 Optical Digital Input
  • 2 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB-A(Service Only)
    • USB-B
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 5
  • 2 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB-B(Connect to your PC for playback of stored files)
Audiolab 7000A Back View
Audiolab 7000A Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
  • Pre-out/Main-in Loop
  • 1/4 Headphone Output
Outputs
  • Stereo RCA, Sub Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Back View
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of Cambridge Audio CXA81?

Here are the items that come with the CXA81:
  • Integrated amplifier
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • 3 AAA batteries
  • Bluetooth antenna
  • 39-inch mono-RCA control cable
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
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