Streamers — Cambridge Audio EXN100

The EXN100 is the network player of the Cambridge Audio EX range, developed in London alongside the EXA100 integrated amplifier and priced at USD 1,799 in the US. It combines a streaming platform, a DAC with digital inputs and a preamplifier mode in one chassis, and adds an HDMI eARC connection so that a television can feed its audio into a stereo system.

Key specs that matter

The ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC chosen for this player accepts PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512 through the asynchronous USB-B input. Frequency response runs from 7 Hz to 75 kHz within +0/-1 dB, and THD is below 0.0005% at 1 kHz and 0 dBFS. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 120 dB, and crosstalk at 1 kHz stays under -120 dB. Analogue output is available on one pair of RCA sockets and one pair of balanced XLR sockets. The chassis measures 430 x 90 x 305 mm, weighs 4.1 kg and comes in a Lunar Grey finish. Maximum power draw is 30 W, and an Eco standby mode drops consumption below 0.5 W.

Engineering and use context

Network playback is built on StreamMagic Gen 4, which gives Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, TIDAL Connect, Deezer and internet radio, along with Roon Ready status, Google Cast and Apple AirPlay 2 for multiroom use. The analogue stage that follows the DAC was significantly revised and uses hand-picked Nisshinbo Muses op-amps. Digital inputs cover optical Toslink up to 24-bit/96 kHz and coaxial up to 24-bit/192 kHz, plus a USB-A port for flash drives and Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD. The network link uses 10/100 Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi 5. Coaxial and Toslink outputs allow the digital signal to be passed on to an outboard DAC. File support extends to ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, WMA, MP3, AAC and OGG Vorbis. A 4.76-inch IPS TFT screen with 1280 x 569 resolution shows album art and track data, and the StreamMagic app handles library browsing, playback and a 7-band EQ.

Pairing

With preamp mode switched on, the EXN100 controls volume itself, so powered speakers or a power amp can be connected without a separate preamp, through either the RCA or the XLR outputs. In fixed-level mode it feeds any integrated amplifier, and the EXA100 is its matching partner within the EX range. The HDMI eARC input makes it a practical hub for a two-channel system that also serves the television.

Alternatives

The Cambridge Audio CXN100 is the lower-priced network player from the CX range, listed at USD 1,099.