# Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII vs Rega Elex Mk4: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII (Cambridge Audio) and Rega Elex Mk4 (Rega) among integrated amplifiers. Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII is the cheaper of the two at $1199.

## Side by side

| Spec | Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII | Rega Elex Mk4 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $1199 | $1895 |
| Brand | Cambridge Audio | Rega |
| Power per channel8 ohm (W) | 80 | 72 |
| Power per channel4 ohm (W) | 120 | — |
| Amplifier class | AB | AB |
| Thd percent | 0.02 | — |
| Snr (dB) | 105 | — |
| Built in dac | Yes | Yes |
| Phono stage | none | MM |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Analog inputs | 5 | 4 |
| Digital inputs | 4 | 2 |
| Headphone output | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (kg) | 8.68 | 11 |

## Key differences

- Power per channel8 ohm (W): Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII 80 vs Rega Elex Mk4 72
- Phono stage: Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII none vs Rega Elex Mk4 MM
- Bluetooth: Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII Yes vs Rega Elex Mk4 No
- Analog inputs: Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII 5 vs Rega Elex Mk4 4
- Digital inputs: Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII 4 vs Rega Elex Mk4 2
- Weight (kg): Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII 8.68 vs Rega Elex Mk4 11

## 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)
- Rega Elex Mk4: https://www.rega.co.uk/products/elex-mk4 (rega.co.uk, verified 2026-07-13)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/integrated-amplifiers/cambridge-audio-cxa81-mkii-vs-rega-elex-mk4/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII ($1199) vs Rega Elex Mk4 ($1895) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/integrated-amplifiers/cambridge-audio-cxa81-mkii-vs-rega-elex-mk4/
License: CC BY 4.0.