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Cambridge Audio CXA81 vs Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated
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Cambridge Audio CXA81

Integrated Amplifier | 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Cambridge Audio CXA81
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Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated

Integrated Amplifier | 125 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated
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Cambridge Audio CXA81 vs Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing CXA81 and NewClassic 200 Integrated, two Integrated Amplifiers from Cambridge and Parasound. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Cambridge Audio CXA81 and Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

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

Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated Key Specs

  • 125 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • Weight: 11.50 lbs / 5.23 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):2-1/2inch x 17-1/4inch x 16-3/4inch

What size room are the Cambridge Audio CXA81 and Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated 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 CXA81 Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated
Near-field Poor Poor
Small Room Average Poor
Mid-size Room Good Good
Large Room Average Good
Very Large Room Poor Average

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how Cambridge Audio CXA81 and Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated 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 CXA81 over Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated
MSRP Price(*) 1,299USD vs 1,399USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.02% vs 0.1% Less Harmonic Distortion
Signal to Noise Ratio 105 dB vs 100 dB Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Bluetooth Yes vs No Stream music via Bluetooth devices
Total Analog Inputs 5 vs 4 More options for connecting Analog sources
Optical Digital Inputs 2 vs 1 More options for connecting Digital sources
Max Bit Depth 32-bit vs 24-bit Play higher resolution range media
Max Sample Rate 384kHz vs 192kHz Play higher resolution media
Base Surface Area 1594.7cm2/ 247.2inch2 vs 1870.1cm2/ 289.9inch2 takes less space in your room

Reasons to choose Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated over Cambridge Audio CXA81
Watts into 8-ohms 125 watts vs 80 watts Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 4-ohms 125 watts vs 120 watts Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
PhonoInput Yes vs No Connect a turntable directly to your amp
Height 64mm vs 115mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces

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 CXA81 and Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated differs from each other.

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)
Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 4
  • Phono Input
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB-B(Connect to your computer for playback)
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Back View
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs
  • Stereo RCA, Sub Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output
Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output
Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated Back View
Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of Cambridge Audio CXA81?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of 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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