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Cambridge Audio AXA35 vs Cambridge Audio CXA81
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Cambridge Audio AXA35

Integrated Amplifier | 35 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Cambridge Audio AXA35
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Cambridge Audio CXA81

Integrated Amplifier | 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Cambridge Audio CXA81
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Cambridge Audio AXA35 Cambridge Audio AXA3...
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Cambridge Audio CXA81 Cambridge Audio CXA8...
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Cambridge Audio AXA3...
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Cambridge Audio CXA8...
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Cambridge Audio AXA35 vs Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Cambridge. Cambridge Audio AXA35 is a Integrated Amplifier speaker whereas the CXA81 is a Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Cambridge Audio AXA35 and Cambridge Audio CXA81 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Cambridge Audio AXA35 Key Specs

  • 35 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Phono Input
  • Weight: 12.30 lbs / 5.59 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):3-1/4inch x 17inch x 14-9/16inch

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 Cambridge Audio AXA35 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 Cambridge Audio AXA35 Cambridge Audio CXA81
Near-field Good Poor
Small Room Good Average
Mid-size Room Average Good
Large Room Poor Average
Very Large Room No way Poor

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how Cambridge Audio AXA35 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 Cambridge Audio AXA35 over Cambridge Audio CXA81
MSRP Price(*) 349USD vs 1,299USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
PhonoInput Yes vs No Connect a turntable directly to your amp
Height 83mm vs 115mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose Cambridge Audio CXA81 over Cambridge Audio AXA35
Watts into 8-ohms 80 watts vs 35 watts Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.02% vs 0.15% Less Harmonic Distortion
Signal to Noise Ratio 105 dB vs 82 dB Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Minimum Impedance 4 ohms vs 8 ohms Compatible with 4-ohms speakers
Buil-in DAC Yes vs No Connect digital sources without an external DAC
Bluetooth Yes vs No Stream music via Bluetooth devices
Optical Digital Inputs 2 vs No More options for connecting Digital sources
Coaxial Digital Inputs 1 vs No More options for connecting Digital sources
USB Input Yes vs No Connect Sources via USB
Preamp Outputs Stereo RCA, Sub vs No Connect a powered subwoofer or second amplifier.
Base Surface Area 1594.7cm2/ 247.2inch2 vs 1598.4cm2/ 247.8inch2 takes less space in your room

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 Cambridge Audio AXA35 and Cambridge Audio CXA81 differs from each other.

Cambridge Audio AXA35 Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 5
  • Phono Input
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)
Cambridge Audio AXA35 Back View
Cambridge Audio AXA35 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs
  • 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 AXA35?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of AXA35:
  • Integrated amplifier
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control (RC-AXC/AXA)
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • 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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