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
Marantz PM8006 vs Cambridge Audio CXA81
x
Amp to replace
Change

Marantz PM8006

Integrated Amplifier | 70 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Marantz PM8006
CHECK PRICE
Change
    
Cambridge Audio CXA81

Integrated Amplifier | 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Cambridge Audio CXA81
CHECK PRICE
Marantz PM8006 Marantz PM8006
See at AMAZON
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Cambridge Audio CXA8...
See at AMAZON
Marantz PM8006
See at AMAZON
Cambridge Audio CXA8...
See at AMAZON
Marantz PM8006 vs Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . Marantz PM8006 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 Marantz PM8006 and Cambridge Audio CXA81 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Marantz PM8006 Key Specs

  • 70 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Phono Input
  • Weight: 26.44 lbs / 12.02 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):5-1/8inch x 17-3/8inch x 15-3/4inch

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 Marantz PM8006 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 Marantz PM8006 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 Marantz PM8006 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 Marantz PM8006 over Cambridge Audio CXA81
Signal to Noise Ratio 106 dB vs 105 dB Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
PhonoInput Yes vs No Connect a turntable directly to your amp

Reasons to choose Cambridge Audio CXA81 over Marantz PM8006
MSRP Price(*) 1,299USD vs 1,499USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Watts into 8-ohms 80 watts vs 70 watts Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 4-ohms 120 watts vs 100 watts Delivers higher power into 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
Base Surface Area 1594.7cm2/ 247.2inch2 vs 1772.4cm2/ 274.7inch2 takes less space in your room
Height 115mm vs 131mm 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 Marantz PM8006 and Cambridge Audio CXA81 differs from each other.

Marantz PM8006 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)
Marantz PM8006 Back View
Marantz PM8006 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp 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 Marantz PM8006?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of PM8006:
  • Integrated Amplifier
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control (RC001PMD)
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • Owners Manual on CD-ROM
  • Getting Started Guide
  • Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information
  • 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
  • LATEST BLOG POSTS
    Klipsch La Scala AL6 and Klipschorn AK7 Speakers are Unveiled
    New Audiolab 6000A MkII with upgraded DAC and new HDMI ARC connection
    Q Acoustics 3000c Series Loudspeakers added to the database
    WiiM VibeLink Amp: A Game-Changer for Budget Hi-Fi in 2025
    KEF Meta and Reference Meta Floorstanding Speaker Size and Specs Comparison
    Triangle Borea Bookshelf and Floorstanding Speaker Size and Specs Comparison
    Triangle Borea BR04 Bookshelf and BR10 Floorstanding Speakers added to Database
    Monitor Audio Gold 6G Series Loudspeakers added to our Comparison Database

    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

    Report a Correction