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Yamaha A-S301 vs Cambridge Audio CXA81
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Yamaha A-S301

Integrated Amplifier | 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Yamaha A-S301
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Cambridge Audio CXA81

Integrated Amplifier | 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Cambridge Audio CXA81
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Yamaha A-S301 Yamaha A-S301
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Cambridge Audio CXA81 Cambridge Audio CXA8...
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Yamaha A-S301
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Cambridge Audio CXA8...
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Yamaha A-S301 vs Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing A-S301 and CXA81, two Integrated Amplifiers from Yamaha and Cambridge. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Yamaha A-S301 and Cambridge Audio CXA81 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Yamaha A-S301 Key Specs

  • 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • Weight: 19.80 lbs / 9.00 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):5-15/16inch x 17-1/8inch x 15-3/8inch

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 Yamaha A-S301 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 Yamaha A-S301 Cambridge Audio CXA81
Near-field Average Poor
Small Room Good Average
Mid-size Room Average Good
Large Room Poor Average
Very Large Room Bad Poor

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how Yamaha A-S301 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 Yamaha A-S301 over Cambridge Audio CXA81
MSRP Price(*) 350USD vs 1,299USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.019% vs 0.02% Less Harmonic Distortion
Total Analog Inputs 6 vs 5 More options for connecting Analog sources
PhonoInput Yes vs No Connect a turntable directly to your amp

Reasons to choose Cambridge Audio CXA81 over Yamaha A-S301
Watts into 8-ohms 80 watts vs 60 watts Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 4-ohms 120 watts vs 70 watts Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
Signal to Noise Ratio 105 dB vs 99 dB Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Bluetooth Yes vs No Stream music via Bluetooth devices
Optical Digital Inputs 2 vs 1 More options for connecting Digital sources
USB Input Yes vs No Connect Sources via USB
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 1700.9cm2/ 263.6inch2 takes less space in your room
Height 115mm vs 151mm 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 Yamaha A-S301 and Cambridge Audio CXA81 differs from each other.

Yamaha A-S301 Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 6
  • Phono Input
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital 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)
Yamaha A-S301 Back View
Yamaha A-S301 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs
  • 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
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of Yamaha A-S301?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of A-S301:
  • Stereo integrated amplifier
  • Remote control (RAS13)
  • 2 AA batteries
  • Owners manual (En/ Fr)
  • Warranty information (US/CA)
  • On-line product registration information
  • Yamaha Worldwide Representative Offices note
  • 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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