# Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII vs Naim NAIT XS 3: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII (Cambridge Audio) and Naim NAIT XS 3 (Naim) among integrated amplifiers.

## Side by side

| Spec | Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII | Naim NAIT XS 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $1199 | not published |
| Brand | Cambridge Audio | Naim |
| Released | — | 2019 |
| Power per channel8 ohm (W) | 80 | 70 |
| Power per channel4 ohm (W) | 120 | 100 |
| Amplifier class | AB | — |
| Thd percent | 0.02 | — |
| Snr (dB) | 105 | — |
| Built in dac | Yes | No |
| Phono stage | none | MM |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Analog inputs | 5 | 4 |
| Digital inputs | 4 | — |
| Headphone output | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (kg) | 8.68 | 8.5 |

## Key differences

- Power per channel8 ohm (W): Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII 80 vs Naim NAIT XS 3 70
- Power per channel4 ohm (W): Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII 120 vs Naim NAIT XS 3 100
- Built in dac: Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII Yes vs Naim NAIT XS 3 No
- Phono stage: Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII none vs Naim NAIT XS 3 MM
- Bluetooth: Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII Yes vs Naim NAIT XS 3 No
- Analog inputs: Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII 5 vs Naim NAIT XS 3 4
- Weight (kg): Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII 8.68 vs Naim NAIT XS 3 8.5

## 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)
- Naim NAIT XS 3: https://upscaleaudio.com/products/naim-nait-xs-3-integrated-amplifier (upscaleaudio.com, verified 2026-07-13)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/integrated-amplifiers/cambridge-audio-cxa81-mkii-vs-naim-nait-xs-3/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII ($1199) vs Naim NAIT XS 3 (not published) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/integrated-amplifiers/cambridge-audio-cxa81-mkii-vs-naim-nait-xs-3/
License: CC BY 4.0.