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  1. Home
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  3. Parasound NewClassic 2125 v.2 vs Cambridge Audio CXA81
Parasound NewClassic 2125 v.2 vs Cambridge Audio CXA81
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Parasound NewClassic 2125 v.2

Power Amplifier | 150 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Parasound NewClassic 2125 v.2
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Cambridge Audio CXA81

Integrated Amplifier | 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Cambridge Audio CXA81
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Parasound NewClassic 2125 v.2 Parasound NewClassic...
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Cambridge Audio CXA81 Cambridge Audio CXA8...
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Parasound NewClassic...
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Cambridge Audio CXA8...
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Parasound NewClassic 2125 v.2 vs Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different types of amplifiers. Parasound NewClassic 2125 v.2 is a Stereo Power 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 Parasound NewClassic 2125 v.2 and Cambridge Audio CXA81 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Key SpecsParasound NewClassic 2125 v.2Cambridge Audio CXA81
Power150 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms, 225 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms, and 400 watts bridged into mono80 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 120 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms
Amplifier classClass A/BClass A/B
Built-in DACNoYes
Phono inputNoNo
Headphone outputNo3.5mm
BluetoothNoYes
Weight12.25kg / 27lbs8.68kg / 19.1lbs
Dimensions (H x W x D)4-1/4" x 17-1/4" x 16"
108 x 438.2 x 406.4 mm
4-1/2" x 16-15/16" x 14-9/16"
115.0mm x 431.0mm x 370.0mm

What size room are the Parasound NewClassic 2125 v.2 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 Parasound NewClassic 2125 v.2 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

The sections below take each area in turn: power output, inputs and outputs, features and physical size.


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Reasons to choose Parasound NewClassic 2125 v.2 over Cambridge Audio CXA81
MSRP Price(*) 1,250USD vs 1,299USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Watts into 8-ohms 150 watts vs 80 watts Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 4-ohms 225 watts vs 120 watts Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
Height 108mm vs 115mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose Cambridge Audio CXA81 over Parasound NewClassic 2125 v.2
Handheld Remote Yes vs No Control the amplifier by the included RC
Buil-in DAC Yes vs No Connect digital sources without an external DAC
Bluetooth Yes vs No Stream music via Bluetooth devices
Total Analog Inputs 5 vs 2 More options for connecting Analog sources
USB Input Yes vs Connect Sources via USB
Headphone Output 3.5mm vs No Connect your headphone to the amplifier
Base Surface Area 1594.7cm2/ 247.2inch2 vs 1780.8cm2/ 276.0inch2 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 Parasound NewClassic 2125 v.2 and Cambridge Audio CXA81 differs from each other.

Parasound NewClassic 2125 v.2 Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
  • XLR Input Port
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)
Outputs
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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