Best Integrated Amplifiers · head-to-head

Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII vs Marantz PM6007

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Marantz PM6007 is cheaper at $750. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII or Marantz PM6007?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Marantz PM6007 is the cheaper at $750.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII Marantz PM6007
US price $1199 $750
BrandCambridge AudioMarantz
Released2020
Power per channel8 ohm (W) 80 45
Power per channel4 ohm (W) 120 60
Amplifier class AB AB
Thd percent 0.02 0.08
Snr (dB) 105 102
Built in dac Yes Yes
Phono stage none MM
Bluetooth Yes No
Analog inputs 5
Digital inputs 4
Headphone output Yes Yes
Weight (kg) 8.68

Sources — Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII: cambridgeaudio.com (verified 2026-07-13). Marantz PM6007: marantz.com (verified 2026-07-13).

What's the difference between the Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII and Marantz PM6007?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 12). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Power per channel8 ohm (W): Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII 80 vs Marantz PM6007 45
  • Power per channel4 ohm (W): Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII 120 vs Marantz PM6007 60
  • Thd percent: Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII 0.02 vs Marantz PM6007 0.08
  • Snr (dB): Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII 105 vs Marantz PM6007 102
  • Phono stage: Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII none vs Marantz PM6007 MM
  • Bluetooth: Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII true vs Marantz PM6007 false

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

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.)

Praised: Big, spacious, authoritative sound with gains in clarity, detail and openness; Decent DAC; improved digital circuitry (new ESS SABRE32 chip); Generous feature set (balanced XLR, aptX HD Bluetooth, sub and pre-out).

Flagged: Lacks rhythmic drive and cohesion versus its predecessor; Beaten for outright expression by the class-leading Arcam A15; Bluetooth noticeably cruder and less detailed than wired inputs.

Marantz PM6007

No sourced tester review yet.

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