NAD C 389 vs Cambridge Audio CXA81 Detailed Comparison

NAD C 389 vs Cambridge Audio CXA81

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NAD C 389

Integrated Amplifier | 130 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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Cambridge Audio CXA81

Integrated Amplifier | 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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NAD C 389

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Cambridge Audio CXA8...

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NAD C 389

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Cambridge Audio CXA8...

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NAD C 389 vs Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing C 389 and CXA81, two Integrated Amplifiers from NAD and Cambridge. Let's have a brief look at the main features of NAD C 389 and Cambridge Audio CXA81 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

NAD C 389 Key Specs

130 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

USB Input

Bluetooth

HDMI Input (eARC)

Weight: 19.10 lbs / 8.70 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):3-15/16 x 7-1/8 x 15-7/16 inch

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 NAD C 389 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	NAD C 389	Cambridge Audio CXA81
Near-field	Poor	Poor
Small Room	Poor	Average
Mid-size Room	Good	Good
Large Room	Good	Average
Very Large Room	Average	Poor

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how NAD C 389 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 NAD C 389 over Cambridge Audio CXA81

Watts into 8-ohms	130 watts vs 80 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 4-ohms	130 watts vs 120 watts	Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
PhonoInput	Yes vs No	Connect a turntable directly to your amp
Coaxial Digital Inputs	2 vs 1	More options for connecting Digital sources
Height	100mm vs 115mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose Cambridge Audio CXA81 over NAD C 389

MSRP Price(*)	1,299USD vs 1,499USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Signal to Noise Ratio	105 dB vs 95 dB	Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Total Analog Inputs	5 vs 3	More options for connecting Analog sources
Base Surface Area	1594.7cm²/ 247.2inch² vs 1705.0cm²/ 264.3inch²	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 NAD C 389 and Cambridge Audio CXA81 differs from each other.

NAD C 389 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 3
Phono Input
2 Optical Digital Input
2 Coaxial Digital Input
USB Input:
- USB-A(Service Only)
HDMI eARC

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)

NAD C 389 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs

Stereo RCA, Sub Preamp Outputs
1/4 Headphone Output
Subwoofer Output

Outputs

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

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