# Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII vs Arcam A15: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII (Cambridge Audio) and Arcam A15 (Arcam) among integrated amplifiers. Arcam A15 is the cheaper of the two at $1099.95.

## Side by side

| Spec | Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII | Arcam A15 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $1199 | $1099.95 |
| Brand | Cambridge Audio | Arcam |
| Power per channel8 ohm (W) | 80 | 80 |
| Power per channel4 ohm (W) | 120 | 120 |
| Amplifier class | AB | AB |
| Thd percent | 0.02 | 0.5 |
| Snr (dB) | 105 | 106 |
| Built in dac | Yes | Yes |
| Phono stage | none | MM |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Analog inputs | 5 | 3 |
| Digital inputs | 4 | — |
| Headphone output | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (kg) | 8.68 | 10 |

## Key differences

- Thd percent: Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII 0.02 vs Arcam A15 0.5
- Snr (dB): Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII 105 vs Arcam A15 106
- Phono stage: Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII none vs Arcam A15 MM
- Analog inputs: Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII 5 vs Arcam A15 3
- Weight (kg): Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII 8.68 vs Arcam A15 10

## What reviewers say

**Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII** — Only What Hi-Fi, among whitelisted testers, ran a genuine hands-on review of this exact model; SoundGuys, TechRadar and others had none. It praises big, clear, authoritative sound, a decent DAC and a generous feature set, but faults muted rhythmic drive, ultimately judging it beaten by the rival Arcam A15. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII: https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/hi-fi/cx-series/cxa81-mkii (cambridgeaudio.com, verified 2026-07-13)
- Arcam A15: https://www.arcam.co.uk/product,radia,integrated-amplifiers,a15.htm (arcam.co.uk, verified 2026-07-13)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/integrated-amplifiers/cambridge-audio-cxa81-mkii-vs-arcam-a15/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII ($1199) vs Arcam A15 ($1099.95) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/integrated-amplifiers/cambridge-audio-cxa81-mkii-vs-arcam-a15/
License: CC BY 4.0.