Cambridge Audio EXA100
Integrated amplifier with digital and analog inputs
The Cambridge Audio EXA100 has arrived, the result of three years of development and over 60 years of Hi-Fi expertise. Inspired by the technology from the EDGE series, the EXA100 builds on the legacy of the legendary Azur 851 series.
Highlights of the Cambridge Audio EXA100:
- 2 x 100 watts Class A/B
- Digital inputs, including HDMI
- Bluetooth aptX HD
- ESS ES9018K2M DAC
The Cambridge Audio EXA100 is a state-of-the-art integrated amplifier that allows connection to almost any device, whether it’s a digital or analog source. The amplifier is equipped with a powerful toroidal transformer with polished cooling fins, visible through the top plate, ensuring stable power delivery with 2 x 100 watts of output power—enough to drive most speakers. The amplifier modules are based on the Edge M power amplifier and are fitted with the same transistors found in its much more expensive sibling, but at a significantly more affordable price. The amplifier has two sets of outputs, allowing you to drive two sets of speakers at once if you want sound in two rooms. Alternatively, the A/B outputs can be used for bi-amping a set of speakers with bi-wire capability.
For digital and analog sources
A modern integrated amplifier must be ready to receive both analog and digital sources, and thankfully, Cambridge Audio agrees. The EXA100 is equipped with inputs for both types. On the digital side, you get two optical TosLink inputs, one coaxial S/PDIF, and a USB input for connecting a computer. Additionally, the amplifier includes an HDMI input, allowing you to connect your TV and enjoy the sound through larger speakers. With eARC support via HDMI, the remote control for your TV can adjust the amplifier’s volume. The digital processing in the EXA100 is handled by the excellent ES9018K2M chipset from ESS’s Sabre series, and via the USB input, it can handle up to 24-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256. The TosLink input supports PCM up to 24-bit/96kHz, while both the HDMI and coaxial S/PDIF handle 24-bit/192kHz. The analog connections are also well-supported, featuring five sets of RCA inputs, one set of balanced XLR inputs, and a dedicated subwoofer output.
A perfect match with the EXN100 streamer
The Cambridge Audio EXA100 is the ideal partner for the Cambridge Audio EXN100 streamer. The streamer can function as a regular source, but it can also be used as a preamp with the EXA100 configured as a power amplifier. This versatile and high-performance solution delivers music—and sound in general—with great conviction and user-friendly operation. Compared to the more affordable CX series, the experience here is on a whole new level, which is further emphasized by the more robust chassis, thicker front panel, and the knurled volume control wheel.
The Cambridge Audio EXA100 comes with a system remote control, which can also operate the EXN100 streamer. When combined as a pre- and power amplifier, the StreamMagic app can control the entire system.
| Measurements | 43 x 11,5 x 34,1 cm |
| Weight (net) | 12.8 kg |
| Digital input(s) | Yes |
| Input, optical (TosLink) | 2 |
| Input, coaxial (S/Pdif) | 1 |
| Input, USB | 1 |
| Input, Stereo RCA | 4 |
| Input, Stereo XLR | 1 |
| Input, Main in | Yes |
| Input, Phono pre-amp | No |
| Input, HDMI | 1 |
| Output, LFE (Sub out) | 1 |
| Output, Headphone | Yes, 1/4" TRS |
| RS-232 | Yes |
| IR input | Yes |
| 12v. trigger input | Yes |
| 12v. trigger output | Yes |
| Pre-out (stereo) | Yes |
| Audio decoding | DSD64 / 2.8 MHz, DSD128 / 5.6 MHz, DSD256 / 11.2 MHz, DXD |
| Supported sample rates, kHz | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352, 384 |
| Supported bit depth | 16 bit, 24 bit |
| Roon Tested DAC | No |
| Audio chipset | ESS Sabre ES9018K2M |
| Tone control | No |
| Pure Direct | No |
| Power at 8Ω (per channel) | 100 watts |
| Power at 4Ω (per. channel) | 155 watts |
| A/B Speaker | Yes |
| Number of channels | 2 |
| Amplifier type | Class A/B |
| In the box | Remote control, Power cable, Users guide |
| Other included accessories | Registration card, quick guide, antenna |
| User manual available in | English |
| Power consumption when standby | 0.5 watts |
| Power consumption | 1200 watts max. |
| Made in | China |