Main trade-off
Denon PMA-1700NE
RECORDER OUT is not documented as a volume-controlled PRE OUT. Headphone insertion explicitly mutes speakers, without establishing what happens at the recorder output.
Head-to-head
Denon PMA-1700NE vs Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II: Phono or a powered sub?
The short answer
Choose PMA-1700NE to connect a matching raw MM or MC cartridge without another phono box. Check cartridge output and loading, including Denon’s fixed 100-ohm MC input. Choose CXA81 Mk II for a powered sub on its volume-controlled output and automatic speaker, pre-out and sub muting with headphones, budgeting a phono stage if needed. Denon Analog Mode interrupts computer USB communication, so leave it off for a shared digital routine.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
Count the phono box only if the cartridge really matches
A raw turntable output needs the right phono stage before it can feed an ordinary line input. PMA-1700NE supplies selectable MM and MC inputs, which can remove a separate box, power connection and pair of cables from a shared cabinet. That benefit depends on the cartridge: Denon specifies a fixed 100-ohm MC input, so compare the cartridge maker’s output and loading requirements before choosing it. CXA81 Mk II accepts line-level analog sources and needs an external stage for raw cartridges. If a suitable stage is already owned, or the turntable already provides line output, Cambridge no longer requires that extra purchase. Keep preamplified audio away from Denon PHONO as well.
What this is based on
A turntable shares the cabinet with computer playback. The connection can save hardware, but only after the cartridge and stage are an electrical match.
Main trade-off
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II
No cartridge phono stage in the complete input inventory. A raw MM or MC output requires an appropriate external stage.
Denon PMA-1700NE
- Choose it for
- Use a raw MM or MC cartridge whose output and loading suit the built-in stage, including the fixed 100-ohm MC input. Keep preamplified turntables on a line input.
- Share records and computer USB with Analog Mode left off when avoiding its USB interruption matters. Plan any powered-sub connection separately rather than treating RECORDER OUT as PRE OUT.
- Main trade-off
- RECORDER OUT is not documented as a volume-controlled PRE OUT. Headphone insertion explicitly mutes speakers, without establishing what happens at the recorder output.
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II
- Choose it for
- Connect a compatible powered sub to SUB OUT or PRE OUT, with amplifier volume controlling the outputs. Headphone insertion mutes speakers, PRE OUT and SUB OUT.
- Keep an existing suitable phono stage or turntable line output, then use computer USB with the manual’s volume, cable and startup precautions.
- Main trade-off
- No cartridge phono stage in the complete input inventory. A raw MM or MC output requires an appropriate external stage.
About this comparison
Denon PMA-1700NE vs Cambridge CXA81 Mk II for records, computer music and a subwoofer. Check phono matching, headphone muting and the next USB session.
Both accept computer USB audio and digital sources, so buying another DAC is not the starting question. A turntable, powered subwoofer and another person using the system at night expose more useful differences.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
A matching raw MC cartridge should work without another box
Denon has an MC stage with fixed 100-ohm loading. Confirm the cartridge output and loading requirements. Cambridge needs an appropriate external stage.
- Denon PMA-1700NE
- Better fit
- Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II
- Caution
A line-connected powered sub should follow volume and mute with headphones
Cambridge documents both behaviors at SUB OUT and PRE OUT. Denon RECORDER OUT is not an established substitute.
- Denon PMA-1700NE
- Caution
- Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II
- Better fit
Another person uses computer USB after my record
Leave Denon Analog Mode off for an ordinary digital handoff. Enabling it can require reconnecting USB or restarting the player. Cambridge also has volume and cable-handling precautions.
- Denon PMA-1700NE
- Good
- Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II
- Good
I already own the right phono stage and do not use a sub
The main phono-purchase and sub-output differences no longer decide the system. Both offer computer USB, so check actual connections and speaker requirements.
- Denon PMA-1700NE
- Depends
- Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II
- Depends
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
Count the phono box only if the cartridge really matches
A raw turntable output needs the right phono stage before it can feed an ordinary line input. PMA-1700NE supplies selectable MM and MC inputs, which can remove a separate box, power connection and pair of cables from a shared cabinet. That benefit depends on the cartridge: Denon specifies a fixed 100-ohm MC input, so compare the cartridge maker’s output and loading requirements before choosing it. CXA81 Mk II accepts line-level analog sources and needs an external stage for raw cartridges. If a suitable stage is already owned, or the turntable already provides line output, Cambridge no longer requires that extra purchase. Keep preamplified audio away from Denon PHONO as well.
How we reached this conclusion
A turntable shares the cabinet with computer playback. The connection can save hardware, but only after the cartridge and stage are an electrical match.
Trace the powered sub before moving to headphones
For a household using a powered sub with a variable line-level input, Cambridge supplies both SUB OUT and PRE OUT, with the amplifier’s volume control affecting its outputs. Its headphone instructions then explicitly mute speakers, pre-out and sub output together. Denon’s rear RCA output is for a recorder and is not documented as a volume-controlled pre-out. Its headphone note mutes the speaker terminals, without establishing recorder-output behavior. Choose Cambridge when this documented speaker-and-sub bedtime handoff is the recurring job. Denon remains a reasonable choice without that sub requirement, but any alternative sub connection needs its own manufacturer-approved plan and a complete muting check.
How we reached this conclusion
The main speakers and powered sub become a private headphone system at night. A headphone socket and an RCA output alone do not establish the required volume or mute behavior.
Leave the computer ready after the record finishes
Denon Analog Mode is optional, but enabling it changes the next session. Mode 1 turns off the digital input circuit, Mode 2 also turns off the display, and either disconnects communication with a USB-connected computer. After switching the mode off, Denon says a failed reconnection may need the USB cable reconnected or the audio player restarted. Switching the mode also causes about five seconds of muting. Leave it off when several people regularly alternate records and computer music. Cambridge provides computer USB without this Denon mode handoff, although its own manual still requires minimum volume, another input or power off before USB cable changes and computer startup or shutdown. Neither routine supports a claim of better sound.
How we reached this conclusion
One listener enables an optional record-listening mode and the next expects the computer to play. The reset cost comes from the exact mode instructions rather than the presence of a USB socket.
Choice A
Denon, PMA1700NE
Denon PMA-1700NE
Use a raw MM or MC cartridge whose output and loading suit the built-in stage, including the fixed 100-ohm MC input. Keep preamplified turntables on a line input.
- Best matched use
- Use a raw MM or MC cartridge whose output and loading suit the built-in stage, including the fixed 100-ohm MC input. Keep preamplified turntables on a line input.
Checked facts
- A raw turntable output: Selectable MM/MC phono. MC input is specified at 200 microvolts sensitivity and 100 ohms input impedance.
- Powered-sub connection: Rear audio output is labeled RECORDER. It is not documented as a volume-controlled PRE OUT or dedicated SUB OUT.
- Headphones after speaker listening: Plugging in headphones mutes the speaker terminals. The statement does not establish recorder-output muting.
- Records before a computer session: Analog Mode 1 disables digital circuitry, and Mode 2 also turns off the display. Both block digital input selection and disconnect computer USB communication.
Choice B
Cambridge Audio, CXA81 Mk II
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II
Connect a compatible powered sub to SUB OUT or PRE OUT, with amplifier volume controlling the outputs. Headphone insertion mutes speakers, PRE OUT and SUB OUT.
- Best matched use
- Connect a compatible powered sub to SUB OUT or PRE OUT, with amplifier volume controlling the outputs. Headphone insertion mutes speakers, PRE OUT and SUB OUT.
Checked facts
- A raw turntable output: Analog inputs accept line-level sources. No cartridge phono input appears in the complete input inventory.
- Powered-sub connection: SUB OUT and PRE OUT accept an active subwoofer connection. The volume control affects all amplifier outputs.
- Headphones after speaker listening: Headphone insertion mutes loudspeakers, PRE OUT and SUB OUT.
- Records before a computer session: USB-B accepts computer audio. Before USB cable changes or PC startup and shutdown, lower volume to minimum, select another input or turn the amplifier off.
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Denon PMA-1700NE | Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| A raw turntable output | Selectable MM/MC phono. MC input is specified at 200 microvolts sensitivity and 100 ohms input impedance. | Analog inputs accept line-level sources. No cartridge phono input appears in the complete input inventory. | Denon can remove the external phono box only when the cartridge output and loading match. An existing suitable stage removes that purchase advantage. |
| Powered-sub connection | Rear audio output is labeled RECORDER. It is not documented as a volume-controlled PRE OUT or dedicated SUB OUT. | SUB OUT and PRE OUT accept an active subwoofer connection. The volume control affects all amplifier outputs. | Cambridge gives a sub needing a variable line-level feed a documented route. Do not choose Denon by mistaking a recorder socket for that function. |
| Headphones after speaker listening | Plugging in headphones mutes the speaker terminals. The statement does not establish recorder-output muting. | Headphone insertion mutes loudspeakers, PRE OUT and SUB OUT. | Include every connected output in the bedtime check. Cambridge explicitly covers its line-connected sub as well as speakers. |
| Records before a computer session | Analog Mode 1 disables digital circuitry, and Mode 2 also turns off the display. Both block digital input selection and disconnect computer USB communication. | USB-B accepts computer audio. Before USB cable changes or PC startup and shutdown, lower volume to minimum, select another input or turn the amplifier off. | Denon can stay ready for digital sources with Analog Mode off. Cambridge still has a documented computer and cable-handling routine. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Denon PMA-1700NE
- Enabling Analog Mode breaks USB communication. Returning to computer playback can require reconnecting the USB cable or restarting the player.
If you choose Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II
- A separate phono stage needs the correct cartridge match, installation space and cabling. The subwoofer still needs its own suitable crossover setup.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
An electrically matching raw MM or MC cartridge is central and I do not need a variable line-level sub output
Choose Denon PMA-1700NE. Denon can remove the external phono stage. Verify cartridge loading and keep Analog Mode off if USB handoffs should avoid its interruption.
A powered sub and a repeatable headphone handoff matter more, and phono conversion is already covered or budgeted
Choose Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II. Cambridge supplies volume-controlled sub and preamp connections with explicit headphone muting. Match the external phono stage and follow the USB precautions.
What matters in practice
Before you choose
Denon includes MM/MC phono for an electrically matching cartridge. Cambridge provides volume-controlled sub and preamp outputs with an explicit speaker-and-sub headphone mute.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- No sound-quality, cartridge tone, DAC-chip, power-to-loudness or reliability ranking is claimed.
- Denon recorder-output volume behavior is not inferred beyond the absence of documented volume-controlled PRE OUT operation.
- Denon headphone insertion establishes speaker muting, not a universal mute of every possible attached subwoofer.
- Cambridge SUB OUT is not evidence of full speaker high-pass bass management. Set the compatible subwoofer’s crossover appropriately.
- USB support does not guarantee every computer or operating-system revision. Denon Analog Mode can remain off for both analog and digital listening.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current stereo amplifiers comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
See the checked facts and calculation notes
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denon PMA-1700NE |
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| Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II |
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Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Denon PMA-1700NE
Use a raw MM or MC cartridge whose output and loading suit the built-in stage, including the fixed 100-ohm MC input. Keep preamplified turntables on a line input.
Share records and computer USB with Analog Mode left off when avoiding its USB interruption matters. Plan any powered-sub connection separately rather than treating RECORDER OUT as PRE OUT.
See price & reviews on AmazonCambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II
Connect a compatible powered sub to SUB OUT or PRE OUT, with amplifier volume controlling the outputs. Headphone insertion mutes speakers, PRE OUT and SUB OUT.
Keep an existing suitable phono stage or turntable line output, then use computer USB with the manual’s volume, cable and startup precautions.
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