Cambridge Audio’s EX Series is Azur 851’s Spiritual Successor
Cambridge Audio's new EXN100 provides the streaming brains, while EXA100 delivers breathtaking power and detail.
The new EX Series sits between Cambridge Audio's CX range and the high-end flagship Edge range and currently consists of an integrated stereo amplifier and a network music streamer.
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO EXN100 STREAMER
The EXN100 builds on the tech used in the Applause Award-winning CXN100 released earlier this year. In fact, Cambridge Audio says its engineers have taken it to "new heights of excellence" whilst using the same ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC chip. The London-based brand states that it has managed to "help it reach its full potential" thanks to hand-picked components, changes made to the post-DAC analogue stage and "meticulous tuning" of the signal path. The promise is that all of that results in increased clarity and separation.
A HDMI port was noticeable in its absence on the CXN100. However, Cambridge Audio has put that right on the EXN100 with HDMI eARC. This is joined by USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, stereo RCA and balanced XLR options.
Naturally, streaming comes via Cambridge Audio's proprietary StreamMagic platform, which offers all the popular streaming services alongside Roon Ready, UPnP compatibility, and more. AirPlay 2, Chromecast, TIDAL Connect, internet radio, and Bluetooth aptX HD are also baked in, as is playback of high-res audio up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 files.
Front and centre of the EXN100 is a large colour screen (25% larger than the CXN100's) that will happily display album artwork, track information or even a VU meter graphic if that tickles your fancy.
Finally, like the MXN10 and CXN100, the EXN100 streamer can also be used as a preamplifier.
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO EXA100 INTEGRATED
The EXA100 integrated amplifier is said to be blessed by trickle-down technology from the Edge M monoblock power amps. Its Class AB amplification pushes out 100 watts of power per channel, features a heavily shielded "advanced beast of a toroidal transformer," and uses the identical power transistors as the Edge M monoblocks.
Care has been taken regarding internal design, resulting in features such as the four-layer PCBs, proprietary CAP protection system, and polished heatsinks visible through the top grille. Grounding has also apparently been carefully considered at every stage.
Connectivity is well-served by balanced XLR and RCA line-level analogue inputs, as well as optical, coaxial, and USB digital inputs. There is a 6.3mm headphone jack and HDMI eARC, while Bluetooth aptX HD takes care of visitors wanting to share their latest musical find or for you to connect an Alva TT V2 turntable wirelessly.
Digital audio is handled by the onboard ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC.
The EXA100 offers two sets of speaker outputs, and you can set it to Power Amp Mode so it can be used with any preamplifier or the matching EXN100 music streamer switched to Preamp Mode.
The Cambridge Audio EX Series is available now in Lunar Grey, with the EXN100 streamer priced at £1,599/ €1,799, while the EXA100 amplifier costs £1,999/ €2,199
Visit Cambridge Audio for more information
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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