Cambridge Audio EXN100

Cambridge Audio EXN100

Streamer and Network Player

With the EX series, Cambridge Audio combines the sleek design of the CX series with components and performance in a significantly higher class.

Highlights of the Cambridge Audio EXN100:

• 4th generation StreamMagic
• ES9028Q2M DAC
• Digital inputs including HDMI
• Apple AirPlay and Bluetooth
• Nisshinbo Muses op-amps

The Cambridge Audio EXN100 is based on the 4th generation of StreamMagic, the manufacturer’s market-leading streaming platform. It serves as the hub for all the streaming options found in the EXN100, whether they are online or offline. StreamMagic supports a wide range of functions, including streaming from Spotify and Tidal (both with Connect functionality), Deezer, and Qobuz. Additionally, it supports music playback from a network hard drive via UPnP, and Cambridge Audio has also earned Roon certification, allowing the streamer to integrate seamlessly with such a solution. The streamer connects to the network via Wi-Fi or cable and supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz. Besides network functions, it's also possible to connect a USB drive directly to the EXN100, supporting even higher file quality with up to DSD512 via DoP (DSD over PCM). If you can't think of something to listen to, you can make use of the thousands of radio stations available through StreamMagic.

Advanced DAC from ESS Technology

At the heart of the Cambridge Audio EXN100, at least in terms of signal processing, is the reference-grade ES9028Q2M chipset from ESS's Sabre series. It’s the same DAC chip found in the more affordable CXN100, but in the EXN100, it has been tuned and refined to deliver even higher sound quality. Speaking of the CXN100, this new and improved EXN100 streamer has also been upgraded with Bluetooth aptX HD, allowing streaming from a computer or smart device. In addition, the front display is 25% larger, so you can fully enjoy album artwork, track information, or a set of dancing digital VU meters while listening to music. The chassis has also been upgraded compared to the cheaper version. You get a more robust construction that reduces vibration and resonance, a thicker front panel, and a knurled control wheel, adding a touch of High-End feel when operating the device.

Plenty of connectivity options on the EXN100

If you have other digital sources in your system, you can also connect them to the Cambridge Audio EXN100. It features a capable DAC function, allowing you to upgrade the sound from, for example, a CD player by having the digital signal processed in the streamer. It can be connected via coaxial S/PDIF or optical TosLink. A new addition compared to the cheaper CXN100 is the HDMI input, which is not used for video but for audio. You can connect your TV via HDMI with eARC functionality, allowing the sound from the TV to come through your high-end audio system. On the output side, the Cambridge Audio EXN100 offers the option to connect to an amplifier via a set of analog RCA outputs or balanced XLRs. The streamer can be connected to an amplifier as a source, but it also has a built-in preamp function, allowing direct connection to a power amplifier or a set of active speakers. It’s also possible to output the digital signal from the streamer via coaxial S/PDIF or optical TosLink if you have an external DAC that sounds better than the one in the streamer.

Note: A traditional remote control is not included with the Cambridge Audio EXN100. The device is controlled via the StreamMagic app, available for iOS and Android devices. A system remote control can be purchased separately, and a system remote control is included with the EXA100 amplifier.