Cambridge Audio isn’t reinventing the wheel with the CXN100 SE, it’s merely tightening the bolts where it actually matters.
The new CXN100 SE keeps the same core platform, DAC architecture, and sonic performance that made the original CXN100 one of the more credible network streamers under $1,000, but adds something the category has been slow to embrace: HDMI eARC. That single addition turns it from a pure music component into a far more useful hub for modern systems, letting your TV feed directly into your hi-fi without extra boxes or workarounds.
Just as important, Cambridge isn’t messing with the part that already works. The StreamMagic app remains one of the more stable and genuinely usable control platforms in this space, with native support for TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Spotify Connect, which means you’re not locked into a clunky proprietary interface when you just want to press play and get on with your life.
CXN100 SE Adds HDMI eARC for TV Audio Integration
HDMI eARC (and ARC) allows the CXN100 SE to receive digital audio from your TV — including sound from built-in apps, gaming consoles, and any devices connected to the TV itself. Setup is straightforward: connect a single HDMI cable between the TV’s eARC port and the CXN100 SE. From there, the streamer handles TV audio just like any other source, passing it along to your hi-fi system, powered speakers, or AV receiver without additional boxes or signal juggling.
Beyond the addition of HDMI eARC and ARC, the CXN100 SE otherwise retains the full feature set of the original CXN100, including:
StreamMagic: The CXN100 SE continues to use Cambridge Audio’s fourth generation StreamMagic platform, available on iOS and Android.
Streaming Support: Services include Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Internet radio. The CXN100 SE remains Roon Ready and also supports AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and Bluetooth. MQA support is retained as well, although we are hard pressed to find too many people who are still using it now that TIDAL no longer supports it.
Wired Connectivity: In addition to HDMI, inputs include USB, coaxial, and TOSLINK digital connections, while outputs are provided via balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA. That range of digital inputs also makes the CXN100 SE a practical hub for legacy sources; if you’re running an older CD player or transport, you can upgrade the DAC section here and simplify your system without stacking more boxes.
DAC: Digital audio support is comprehensive across all inputs. TOSLINK optical handles 16 and 24-bit PCM from 32 to 96 kHz along with DoP64, while S/PDIF coaxial extends support up to 24-bit/192 kHz PCM with DoP64. Local USB media and USB audio inputs both support PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD up to DSD512, and UPnP streaming reaches the same 32-bit/768 kHz ceiling. At the core, the ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC anchors the design, delivering low distortion, strong timing, and a wide dynamic range.
EQ: A 7 band equalizer allows users to fine tune the sound to suit their preferences and room acoustics.
Display: A large 4.76-inch high-resolution color display shows album artwork, playback information, and selectable VU meters, keeping the experience focused, simple, and immersive.
Design and Engineering: The CXN100 SE is designed, engineered, and tuned by ear at Cambridge Audio’s London office and live music venue, Melomania
Comparison
| Cambridge Audio Model | CXN100 / CXN100 SE | EXN100 |
| Product Type | Network Streamer | Network Streamer |
| Price | $1,099 | $1,799 |
| Stream Magic Gen 4 Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Display Screen | 4.76″ IPS TFT 1280 x 569 | 4.76″ IPS TFT 1280 x 720 |
| DAC | ESS ES9028Q2M | ESS ES9028Q2M (supported by different op amps and analog output stage for improved clarity over the CXN100 or CXN100 SE) |
| HDMI eARC (ARC) | Only SE model | Yes |
| USB Audio Input | Yes – Type B with USB Audio 2.0 Support | 1 x USB 2.0 |
| Digital Audio Inputs | USB Drive, Bluetooth (5.1), S/PDIF Coaxial, TOSLINK Optical | USB Drive, Bluetooth (5.1), S/PDIF Coaxial, TOSLINK Optical |
| Digital Audio Outputs | S/PDIF Coaxial and TOSLINK Optical | S/PDIF Coaxial and TOSLINK Optical |
| Analog Audio Outputs | Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog | Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog |
| Compatibility | TOSLINK optical: 16/24-bit 32-96kHz PCM, DoP64 S/PDIF coaxial: 16/24-bit 32-192kHz PCM, DoP64 Local USB media: PCM up to 32-bit 768kHz, DSD up to x512 USB audio: PCM up to 32-bit 768kHz, DSD up to x512 UPnP: up to 32bit, 768kHz | TOSLink Optical6/24bit 32-96kHz PCM, DoP64 S/PDIF coaxial: 16/24bit 32-192kHz PCM, DoP64 Local USB media: PCM up to 32-bit 768kHz, DSD up to x512 USB audio: PCM up to 32-bit 768kHz, DSD up to x512 PCM up to 32bit/768kHz |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth (SBC, AAC), AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Internet Radio, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, MQA, Qobuz, Deezer, Roon Ready. | Bluetooth (SBC, AptX, AptX HD), AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Internet Radio, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, MQA, Qobuz, Deezer, Roon Ready. |
| Audio Formats | ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD (x512), WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+, OGG Vorbis | ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD (x512), WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+, OGG Vorbis |
| Ethernet | 10/100Mbit | IEEE 802.3, 10 Base-T or 100 Base-T |
| WI-FI | IEEE 802.11 ac (2.4GHz / 5GHz) | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz / 5GHz) |
| RS232 | Yes – Service Only | Yes – Control |
| Power Consumption (Max) | 30W | 30W |
| Power Consumption (Standby) | <0.5W (eco), <2W (network standby) | <0.5W (eco), <2W (network standby) |
| Dimensions | 430 x 85 x 305mm (6.9 x 3.4 x 12.2″) | 430 x 85 x 305mm (6.9 x 3.4 x 12.2″) |
| Weight | 3.55kg (7.83 lbs) | 4.1kg (9 lbs) |
| Colors | Lunar Gray Black (SE only) | Lunar Gray |
The Bottom Line
The Cambridge Audio CXN100 SE doesn’t try to be a reinvention; it’s a targeted upgrade that makes an already strong streamer more useful in the real world. HDMI eARC is the headline, and it matters. It turns the CXN100 SE into something closer to a system hub, letting you pull TV audio into a proper hi-fi setup without adding another box. Add the new black finish and cleaner front panel, and it’s easier to integrate visually and functionally into modern systems.
What hasn’t changed is just as important. Same DAC, same streaming platform, same performance, same $1,099 price. No internal power supply overhaul, no new DAC topology, no leap in sound quality. If you already own the CXN100, this isn’t a must-upgrade.
What’s missing? Still no analog inputs, no built-in amplification, and no real attempt to compete with all-in-one network streaming amplifiers. This remains a dedicated digital front end.
Who is it for? Anyone building a clean, modern two-channel system who wants fewer boxes and better TV integration without sacrificing sound quality. It also makes more sense now for buyers who were considering the step-up EXN100 but don’t actually need everything it offers.
Price & Availability
Cambridge Audio’s CXN100 SE Black (new color) will be available beginning April 2026, followed by Lunar Grey (carry over from CXN100) from June 2026 for $1,099 (£899 / €1049).
- Cambridge Audio CXN100 – $1,099 at Crutchfield
- Cambridge Audio EXN100 – $1,799 at Crutchfield
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