Cambridge Audio have been extraordinarily busy in 2024; in less than 12 months they have introduced the Evo One Wireless Speaker, CXA81 MKII Integrated Amplifier, CXN100 Network Player, Melomania P100 Over-Ear Wireless Headphones, and M100 Wireless Earbuds. They may have left the best for last with the Cambridge Audio EX Series.
Developed over the course of three years, and based on Cambridge Audio’s 60 years of audio expertise, the EX Series is designed to be a step up in performance and versatility — although we did raise an eyebrow when they told us it was meant to slot in between the CX and Edge series components. The AZUR does not exist anymore but apparently the popularity of the last amplifier in the series influenced the development of these products.
The new Cambridge EXA100 stereo integrated amplifier and EXN100 network music streamer also come with interesting price tags — which also raised some eyebrows based on their current lineup of amplifiers and streamers.
EXA100 Integrated Stereo Amplifier
EXA100 is designed to be the heart of the EX series supporting optimal audio connection management and optimal audio quality. Building on some of the technologies used in Cambridge Audio’s Edge M flagship power monoblock amp, the EXA100 incorporates a Class AB amplifier, advanced toroidal transformer, heavy-duty heat sinks, is heavily shielded, and supports quiet operation.
The EXA100 includes a Balanced XLR input and three sets of RCA stereo inputs. Output connection options include a 6.3mm headphone out, stereo pre-out, and subwoofer pre-out. The EXA100 also provides a set of both A and B speaker connections.
With support from its ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC, the EXA100 provides abundant digital connectivity options. This includes USB, digital coaxial, and two TOSLINK optical. Also, HDMI eARC provides an easy connection to a TV. Also, Bluetooth with aptX HD provides wireless connectivity — but that would be the least preferable way to use it with streaming services.
Specifications
- Power Output: 100W RMS into 8 Ohms
- Frequency Response: <3Hz – >40kHz +/-1dB
- Preamp Mode: Yes
- Bi-Wiring Support: Yes
- Analog RCA Inputs: 3 pairs
- Balanced XLR Inputs: 1 pair
- HDMI ARC/eARC: Compatible with PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Asynchronous USB: 1 Type B conforming to Audio Class 1 or 2 (user selectable).
- Hi-Res Audio Class 1: Up to 24-bit 96kHz
- Hi-Res Audio Class 2: Up to 24-bit 384kHz / DSD-256
- S/PDIF Toslink Input: 2 x 16/24-bit 32-96kHz
- S/PDIF Coaxial Input: 1 x 16/24-bit 32-192kHz
- Bluetooth (ver 5.0): A2DP/AVRCP supporting SBC, aptX and aptX HD codecs
- Preamp Output: 1 x RCA
- Headphone Output: 1
- Subwoofer Output: 1 x RCA
- Speaker Outputs: 2 pairs
- RS232 Control Option: Yes
- Max Power Consumption: 1200w (Standby <0.5W)
- Dimensions (WHD): 115 x 430 x 341mm (4.5 x 16.9 x 13.4”)
- Weight: 12.8kg (28.2 lbs)
EXN100 Network Streamer and Preamplifier
As the second entry in the Cambridge Audio EX series, the EXN100 provides extensive streaming support and also duplicates some of the connectivity of the EXA100.
Common with with EXA100, that includes HDMI-eARC wired connectivity and wireless Bluetooth aptX HD. However, the EXN100 offers a lot more.
Cosmetically, the EXN100 has a new premium design, with thicker casework, a milled aluminum front panel, knurled control knob, and a 25% larger front panel status display.
Inside, the EXN100 houses the ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC which can handle PCM digital signals up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD 512 with precision, wide dynamic range, and extremely low distortion.
For both control and streaming support, the EXN100 works with the Cambridge Audios 4th generation StreamMagic platform In addition to streaming directly through StreamMagic, physical digital connectivity includes USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, or wirelessly with Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.0.
Specifications
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz +/- 0.1dB
- Preamp Mode: Yes (supported by one set of line outputs and one set of balanced audio outputs for connection to a compatible external amp or powered speakers)
- Analog RCA Inputs: 1 pair
- HDMI ARC/eARC: Compatible PCM up to 24bit/192kHz
- Synchronous USB: 1 x USB 2.0
- USB Audio: PCM up to 32-bit 768kHz, DSD up to x512
- S/PDIF Toslink Input: 1 x 16/24-bit 32-96kHz PCM, DoP64 S/PDIF
- S/PDIF Coaxial Input: 1 x 16/24-bit 32-192kHz PCM, DoP64
- Bluetooth 5.0: A2DP/AVRCP supporting aptX HD codecs
- Ethernet: IEEE 802.3, 10 Base-T or 100 Base-T
- WI-FI: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz / 5GHz)
- Audio Format Support: ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD (x512), WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+, OGG Vorbis, UPnP PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz
- Streaming Support: Internet Radio, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music (via Google Cast), Google Cast, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready
- Status Display Screen: 5″ (110.4 x 62.1mm) Display size (1280 x 720)
- RS232 Control Option: Yes
- Max Power Consumption: 30w (Standby: >2W Eco mode: <0.5W
- Dimensions (WHD): 430 x 90 x 305mm (16.9 x 3.5 x 12.1)
- Weight: 4.1kg (9 lbs)
The Bottom Line
During their press event for the new EXA100 and EXN100 in London last week, Cambridge Audio made the point that the launch of the EX series was to fill the void in-between the CX and Edge series of components. EIC Ian White has used the Edge A and AXA35 integrated amplifiers for almost 4 years as his benchmarks at both ends of the price spectrum and has raved for almost 12 months about the merits of the Cambridge Evo 150 Streaming Amplifier which he feels is the new standard in the category below $3,500 — for only $2,999 USD.
On paper, the EXA100 offers some impressive capabilities and connectivity options but the pricing places it in the middle between the CXA81 MKII and Evo 150 — and not the Edge range. The $2,199 USD asking price makes it slightly more expensive than the Evo 75, and $700 less than the Evo 150.
The EXN100 Network Streamer ($1,799 USD) now exists in-between the CXN100 Network Player ($1,099 USD) and Edge NQ Network Streamer and Pre-amplifier ($4,999 USD).
The EXA100 is a Class AB integrated with streaming capabilities, but there is not an internal MM phono stage which we feel is a mistake.
The EXN100 is double the price of the CXN100 and based on the excellent performance for only $1,099 — the EXN100 will have to be that much closer to the Edge NQ or superior to the Evo 150 to make sense for a lot of consumers.
Cambridge has released some excellent components over the past 24 months and we have a lot of faith in their engineering skills — but why would one consider the EXA100/EXN100 combination for almost $1,000 more than the Evo 150 when that unit already delivers so much for the money. One could buy a pair of Cambridge loudspeakers or even a turntable for the difference in pricing.
Based on the sonic performance of the Evo range and CXA81, we suspect that the EXA100 is likely a very strong performer — but will its price hurt or help its sales? And possibly negatively impact the Evo models?
Cambridge is offering consumers plenty of choice, but will having too many options that might appear similar when it comes to power, streaming, and connectivity options work against them?
Pricing & Availability
- EXA100: $2199 (US) / £1999 / €2199
- EXN100: $1799 (US) / £1599 / €1799
Available at cambridgeaudio.com and Authorized Retailers.
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Evan
October 10, 2024 at 12:26 pm
Hello,
You mention that the EXA100 has an “internal MM phono stage” but on the Cambridge website it seems that only the AX A35 offers this fonction.
Maybe worth a double-check ?
Ian White
October 10, 2024 at 2:48 pm
Evan,
They specifically mentioned it during the press event but I will double check.
Best,
IW
Ian White
October 10, 2024 at 3:21 pm
Evan,
In contrast to what was said, there is NOT an internal MM phono stage. An honest mistake but we find that strange. Guess they want you to buy one of their own or use the wireless capabilities of the Alva TT V2 instead.
IW