Cambridge Audio has launched the EX Series, consisting of the EXA100 stereo integrated amplifier and EXN100 music streamer. The EXN100 music streamer is the streaming brains of the new EX Series.
The brand’s engineers took the ESS Reference DAC from the CXN100 and drove it to new heights through meticulous tuning of the signal path.
Further upgrades from CXN100 include the addition of HDMI eARC for connection to a TV; Bluetooth aptX HD for easy high-resolution wireless streaming from devices such as Cambridge Audio’s Alva turntables; and a 25% larger colour display. This is all wrapped up in a new design, with thicker casework, a milled aluminium front panel and a knurled control knob.
“We’ve spent 13 years developing and honing our StreamMagic platform, listening to customers to create a stable, great-sounding streaming experience. EXN100 is the perfect modern vehicle for that StreamMagic technology, and our best music streamer yet,” says Matt Dore, Chief Technical Officer of Cambridge Audio.
The ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC at the heart of EXN100 can handle PCM digital signal inputs up to 32-bit 768kHz and DSD 512 with precision, dynamic range and ultra-low distortion.
There have been significant changes made to the post-DAC analogue stage to squeeze the very best performance from the DAC, with hand-picked components increasing the clarity and separation.
EXN100 is built around the 4th generation of StreamMagic, Cambridge Audio’s streaming platform for seamless, stable listening across a number of services and formats.
StreamMagic enables direct streaming from Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Deezer, Qobuz, Roon Ready, UPnP and Internet Radio with support for hi-res audio over Wi-Fi, Ethernet or USB Audio.
As Cambridge owns and develops the StreamMagic platform itself, new features and services are regularly added to improve and increase its functionality.
Digital connectivity is more flexible than ever before, with the option to hook up devices through USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK or wirelessly with Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth aptX HD – perfect for high-resolution wireless streaming from an Alva turntable. Thanks to the inclusion of HDMI eARC, it’s simple to hook up a TV and enjoy more immersive sound from favourite shows, films and games.
For sharing music across devices all around the home, EXN100 is fully compatible with Google Home, Apple AirPlay and Roon multiroom systems. Analogue output is available through stereo RCA sockets or balanced XLR for the finest possible connection.
Like all Cambridge music streamers, EXN100 is controlled in full by the StreamMagic app, which allows for intuitive operation. It can also be controlled with the new EX Series system remote, supplied with EXA100. This remote can be purchased separately from cambridgeaudio.com for those who require one.
Adorning EXN100’s front panel is a high-resolution 1280×720 colour screen, offering a 25% increase in size and resolution from the CXN100 display.
Users can activate EXN100’s Preamp Mode to make it a digital control hub, with volume controllable via the StreamMagic app, EX remote control or the front-mounted rotary dial.
Preamp Mode also gives the digital-first option of forming a pre/power combo with the new EXA100 stereo integrated amplifier, which has a dedicated Power Amp Mode to bypass its own preamp section. Together they offer brains and brawn in perfectly controlled synergy.
Cambridge Audio EXN100 is available at cambridgeaudio.com and approved retailers, priced at £1599/€1799/$1799.