British audio brand Cambridge Audio has introduced its latest EX Series, featuring the EXA100 stereo integrated amplifier and EXN100 music streamer. Designed to slot between Cambridge’s CX and Edge series, the EX Series seeks to combine powerful amplification with advanced streaming capabilities, while maintaining an accessible price point for audiophiles.
The EXA100 integrated amplifier and EXN100 network music streamer are intended to be a natural successor to the brand’s popular Azur 851 range, which had left a significant gap in Cambridge Audio's portfolio. After three years of development, the EX Series aims to fill this gap with modern features and robust performance for home audio systems.
The EXA100 stereo amplifier is a core component of the new lineup, offering 100 watts per channel of Class AB amplification. Drawing on technology from the company's flagship Edge M monobloc power amplifier, the EXA100 utilizes the same power transistors and amplifier modules, delivering high-end sound quality at a more affordable price point.
The unit’s power comes from a toroidal transformer, a feature Cambridge Audio pioneered in the 1960s and now found in most high-end amplifiers. Shielded for quiet operation and protected by polished heat sinks, the EXA100 aims to deliver clean, distortion-free power for detailed sound reproduction.
For those who want versatility, the EXA100 offers a comprehensive set of inputs and outputs. Analog inputs include a set of balanced XLRs and three pairs of RCA stereo sockets, while the front panel features a 6.3mm headphone jack. Digital inputs, on the other hand, include HDMI eARC, USB Audio, digital coaxial, and two TOSLINK optical inputs. These options make the EXA100 suitable for use in various setups, from music systems to home theater environments.
The amplifier also supports Bluetooth aptX HD, allowing high-resolution audio streaming from smartphones or Bluetooth-enabled devices. Additionally, users can enable the EXA100’s Power Amp Mode to bypass its preamp section, which allows it to function purely as a power amplifier in combination with external preamps or multi-channel systems.
EXA100 Technical Specifications:
The EXN100 music streamer complements the EXA100 by offering advanced digital streaming features with high-end components. It is equipped with the ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC, capable of handling digital signals up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD 512. This makes the EXN100 a highly capable device for high-resolution audio streaming, providing a wide dynamic range and low distortion.
Cambridge Audio’s fourth-generation StreamMagic platform is at the heart of the EXN100, enabling seamless integration with popular streaming services like Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, and Qobuz.
Additionally, the EXN100 supports Roon Ready, UPnP, and Internet radio. It can also stream wirelessly using Chromecast, AirPlay 2, or Bluetooth aptX HD. Wired digital inputs include HDMI eARC, USB, digital coaxial, and TOSLINK optical, making it adaptable to various audio systems.
For multi-room audio, the EXN100 is compatible with Google Home and Apple AirPlay, enabling audio playback across multiple devices in different rooms. Its Preamp Mode also allows the EXN100 to serve as the central digital hub of a system, providing volume control via the StreamMagic app or a physical knob on the front panel.
EXN100 Technical Specifications:
The EX Series features a sleek, industrial design with a brushed aluminum front panel and knurled volume control knobs. Both the EXA100 and EXN100 share a cohesive aesthetic with a Lunar Grey finish and a tactile interface that includes a high-resolution display. In the case of the EXN100, the color screen is 25% larger than the previous generation, improving usability by clearly displaying album artwork or system information from across the room.
The included remote control is another highlight, designed to control both the EXA100 and EXN100. It offers intuitive layout and operation, reducing the need for users to rely solely on the StreamMagic app for everyday functions.
Both the EXA100 and EXN100 feature HDMI eARC connectivity, allowing users to integrate these components with home theater systems for better audio quality when watching TV or movies. This feature supports uncompressed PCM audio, providing higher fidelity sound from TV sources.
For those with physical media like CDs or vinyl records, the EXA100 and EXN100 offer plenty of input options to incorporate traditional sources into a modern digital system. This flexibility ensures that the EX Series can meet the needs of users who value both analog and digital audio formats.
The Cambridge Audio EX Series is available now, with the EXA100 Stereo Integrated Amplifier priced at $2,199 / £1,999 / €2,199, and the EXN100 Network Music Streamer priced at $1,799 / £1,599 / €1,799.
