When Cambridge Audio introduced the Evo 150 and Evo 75 network amplifiers, it became apparent that the iconic CXN V2 network player was living on borrowed time; and anything that the British manufacturer released to replace it would have to be extremely good to justify its place in the lineup and price increase. As predicted — the Cambridge Audio CXN100 has been released and it would appear that our friends have done their customers a solid.
Priced at $1,099, the new music streamer is just $100 more than the previous model, and offers more than a simple upgrade. It’s a complete mechanical redesign with new cutting-edge components and Cambridge Audio’s latest Gen4 StreamMagic module.
Cambridge believes that the CXN100 brings a true generational step-up in sound quality, functionality and value for money.
The digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) has been upgraded to the ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC, which can handle PCM digital signal inputs up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, as well as MQA.
Based on their measurements, Cambridge says the ESS ES9028Q2M sounds and measures demonstrably better than the Wolfson DAC in the CXN V2.
The timing filter inside the ESS 9028Q2M claims to be so good that no post-DAC filter is required, which further simplifies the signal path and ultimately results in precise, jitter-free, class-leading audio clarity.
There have been significant changes made to the post-DAC analog stage as well, with new, more efficient capacitors and op-amps increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and reducing distortion.
If the Cambridge Audio CXN100 offers a substantial increase in sonic performance, this will be the network player to beat under $1,000.
Connectivity
Incorporating the Gen4 StreamMagic module found in Cambridge’s Evo 150 and Evo 75 all-in-one players opens up a wealth of streaming options.
Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz and Deezer are all built-in, offering easy access to a vast world of music and podcasts. High-resolution Internet Radio is also just a few taps away, courtesy of MPEG-DASH support.
CXN100 is Roon Ready, so Roon subscribers can see all content from TIDAL, Qobuz, iTunes library or digital downloads alongside each other in a seamless, user-friendly interface with additional information that you just don’t get on a record sleeve or CD cover.
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 – no need for a separate dongle that the CXN V2 required. Analogue output is available through balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA sockets; which will make it even more attractive to users of the Cambridge Edge A Integrated Amplifier.
For sharing music across devices all around the home, CXN100 is fully compatible with Google Home, Apple AirPlay and Roon multiroom systems.
App Controls
Like all Cambridge network players, CXN100 is controlled in full by the StreamMagic app, which allows for intuitive operation from the comfort of an armchair. It can also be controlled with the CX Series system remote, supplied with CX Series amplifiers and the CXC CD Transport. This remote can be purchased separately from cambridgeaudio.com for those who require one.
Key Features
- 4.76″ front panel screen means you can see album artwork from the comfort of your chair
- ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC for class-leading audio clarity
- The latest StreamMagic Gen4 module offers full streaming capabilities, including MQA compatibility
- Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz & Deezer built in
- High-resolution Internet Radio courtesy of MPEG-DASH support
- Flexible digital connectivity through USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK or wirelessly with Chromecast, AirPlay 2 & Bluetooth
- Compatible with Google Home, Apple AirPlay and Roon multiroom systems
Build Quality
Cambridge Audio has been crafting innovative, transparent-sounding and beautifully engineered British audio products since introducing the revolutionary P40 amplifier in 1968. As with all Cambridge products, CXN100 has been designed, tuned and engineered at our own London-based music venue and HQ, Melomania.
“It’s fitting that 2023 saw our iconic CXN V2 inducted into the What Hi-Fi? Hall of Fame, commemorating a remarkable reign as the best streamer in its class. Because even with CXN V2 still on the throne, we’ve not rested on our laurels,” says James Johnson-Flint, owner of Cambridge Audio. “We’ve taken the next step, and CXN100 represents the next generation of network player. It’s here to take the crown.”
Price & Availability
Cambridge Audio CXN100 is available now at cambridgeaudio.com and authorized retailers, priced at $1099 / £899 / €1049.
For more information: cambridgeaudio.com
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John M Stephens
April 21, 2024 at 2:44 am
It should be noted that the CXN100 is currently on back order, with no projected shipping date. The same information is posted on the Cambridge website and the dealer where I placed my order.