One of the biggest obstacles to mainstream adoption of hi-res audio and high-end network players has been the price of admission. Most consumers view their smart phone as the only network player they will ever need; and that is especially true for those who prefer to use Bluetooth loudspeakers and want to minimize any additional components or cables.
For the rest of us who want access to Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Roon, Chromecast, TIDAL, Qobuz, and our home networks — a smart phone doesn’t really work as well unless your wireless speakers support all of those platforms and lossless playback.
Adding a network player to a system shouldn’t be a complicated or expensive endeavor and we’re starting to see a trend emerging in the entry-level and mid-tier categories with a new range of affordable high-end network players that offer access to almost everything but without the fancy touchscreen or headphone amplifier. NAD just introduced the CS1 network player and we are not surprised to see two new models from Cambridge Audio.
Cambridge Audio has launched the AXN10 and MXN10, two new network players that bring fresh pricing and form-factor options to its renowned StreamMagic line-up.
From internet radio to music streaming services to your own digital music collection, the new dedicated players serve them up in style, with simple control via the StreamMagic app.
The full-size, limited edition AXN10 joins Cambridge Audio’s introductory level AX Series of hi-fi separates, adding a dedicated music streaming option alongside the AX series’ popular integrated amplifier, CD player and tuner models.
The MXN10 offers the same features and functionality in a more compact form factor, making it a discreet and easy way to add streaming to any music system – including bringing vintage kit bang up to date.
Both players offer incredible performance for the money, benefiting from Cambridge Audio’s significant ongoing investment in streaming technology R&D, which has generated multiple award-winning products including the CXN V2 network player and Evo all-in-one systems.
”At Cambridge Audio we believe in offering our listeners choice; it’s essential to offer diverse routes to the music you love. We’re delighted to expand the StreamMagic family to even more listeners worldwide,” says Cambridge Audio CEO, Stuart George.
Price & Availability
Both will be available from March at cambridgeaudio.com and Cambridge Audio’s extensive retail network at the following prices:
- AXN10 – $599/€599/£549
- MXN10 – $499/€499/£449
Shared Specifications
- INPUTS: Ethernet, USB socket (mass storage), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- OUTPUTS : Line out (unbalanced), Digital out (Coax and Optical)
- DAC: ESS Sabre ES9033Q
- FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 70kHz +0/-1dB
- ETHERNET: IEEE 802.3 10 Base-T or 100 Base-T
- WI-FI Wi-Fi 5 dual band 2.4/5gHz
- BLUETOOTH : 5.0 A2DP/AVRCP supporting SBC and AAC
- COMPATIBILITY : UPnP, Local USB media, Internet Radio, Chromecast, Spotify connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Roon Ready, Airplay 2
- AUDIO FORMATS : ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD (x512), WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+, OGG Vorbis
- HI-RES SUPPORT: Up to 768KHz 32bit PCM, up to DSD512
- MAX POWER CONSUMPTION: 20W
- STANDBY POWER CONSUMPTION : <0.5W
- DIMENSIONS (W X H X D) & Weight :
- AXN10: 430 x 75 x 305mm (3kg)
- MX10N: 52 x 215 x 191mm (1.2kg)
For more information: www.cambridgeaudio.com
Mike Cornell
February 3, 2023 at 12:04 am
Wish they included a cd player as well. The only one I can think of off the top of my head is Marantz’s ND8006 but that’s 2 G’s CAD. I have a nice integrated amp and turntable, so an all-in-one cd player/DAC/network streamer is high on my wish list.
Christopher
February 3, 2023 at 12:31 pm
I agree with you Mike, some kind of cd slot would have been nice. Transports can be a pain, and I imagine those parts for our little silver friends are hard to come by. I think most newer cars in the States don’t offer a option at all. Love the Cambridge gear 😀👍
Ian White
February 3, 2023 at 9:24 pm
I agree but that adds a lot of complexity and moving parts.
Both streamers are quite small in practice. The internals are the same for both BTW.
I have both an Audiolab and Cambridge CD player and they’re running strong.
IW
Morata eric
February 6, 2023 at 1:48 pm
Cambridge Audio,
Really not for me, made in china, incredible.
Best regard
Ian White
February 6, 2023 at 2:53 pm
Eric,
It’s really good equipment and many will vote with their wallet.
Do you live in France? Do you only support Focal, Triangle, YBA, Audiomeca, Devialet, Jadis?
If so — that’s great and you’re supporting French labor.
Best,
Ian White
B.R
March 10, 2023 at 12:02 pm
Hi
Do you know the digital out bandwidth because I want to use it as transporter
Thanks in advance
Ian White
March 10, 2023 at 8:19 pm
B.R.,
At a minimum, the coaxial supports 24-bit/192kHZ. It does support DSD but I’m downloading some DSD files this weekend to try out from a USB drive.
Ian White
Steven Denfeld
April 18, 2023 at 11:30 pm
I just took delivery of the MXN10 yesterday and it easily integrated itself into my small powered-speaker system. Sounds really good, too. Previous to this, I was streaming Qobuz from my iPhone through the Apple USB3 dongle into a Topping D50s, which also sounded very good but meant my control device — the phone — was constantly leashed close to the HiFi, not ideal at all. I looked at the newly available NAD CS1 but its Chromecast-only integration of Qobuz with its lousy gapped playback was a deal-breaker for me. I also looked at the popular Bluesound Node but the MXN10 ultimately offered all I needed (through its gapless StreamMagic app) for $100 less, so I went this route. Pleased so far!
Ian White
April 18, 2023 at 11:36 pm
Steven,
I’m listening to the MXN10 right now as well and I’m in the same boat as you.
Best,
Ian White
Alan Richey
October 13, 2023 at 8:32 pm
I already own the DacMagic 200. Is it redundant to buy this, too? Right now I’ve got my computer streaming Tidal to DacMagic but this seems like it would be better so I can see and change the song without getting up. Not sure what I should do. I have everything output from DavMagic to external amp. Sounds great but this seems like it would be a more ‘elegant’ solution.
Ian White
October 15, 2023 at 1:16 am
Alan,
It is purely cosmetic.
Best,
Ian White