Over three years in the making, the new Cambridge Audio EX Series is the spiritual successor to Cambridge’s legendary Azur 851 range. The new Cambridge Audio EXA100 Stereo Integrated Amplifier offers 100 Watts per channel of Class AB amplification, drawing on trickledown amplifier technology from the flagship Edge M monobloc power amp.
Like all classic amplifiers from the British brand, the EXA100 houses an advanced beast of a toroidal transformer, heavily shielded, and flanked by crisply polished heavy-duty heat sinks. The amplifier modules use the same power transistors as the Edge M monobloc and show a thoughtful approach to internal design, from the four-layer PCBs to the proprietary CAP protection system, which uses four different methods to detect potential issues, such as power and temperature overloads. Grounding has also been carefully considered at every stage.
"We believe this is, pound for pound, the finest amplifier we’ve ever built. It exemplifies the new EX Series, overdelivering on performance and versatility in this category," says James Johnson-Flint, owner and CEO of Cambridge Audio. "EXA100 is a serious step up for anyone upgrading from our CX amps, and the perfect stepping stone to the Edge range."
With a huge array of connectivity options, a built-in DAC, HDMI eARC and a dedicated Power Amp Mode, the EXA100 is a truly comprehensive, modern integrated amplifier. On the analog side, inputs comprise a set of balanced XLRs and three sets of RCA connectors. For output, there's a front-mounted 1/4" headphone out, a stereo pre-out, and a subwoofer pre-out for adding extra bass options. There are two sets of speaker outputs, allowing users to power music in two different rooms or add a secondary outdoor speaker pair.
The new EXA100 is also a digital audio powerhouse, thanks to its ESS Sabre ES9018K2M digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and an array of dedicated digital connections. HDMI eARC enables easy connection to a TV, with the benefit of volume control via the TV’s remote. There are also inputs for USB Audio, digital coaxial, and two TOSLINK optical sockets. Bluetooth aptX HD is also available for added convenience, or to stream vinyl wirelessly from a Cambridge Audio Alva turntable.
When users switch the EXA100 to Power Amp Mode, the system is transformed so that it can be paired with any other pre-amp of choice or used as part of a multichannel home cinema system. This means that it can optionally be used in pre/power combination with the new EXN100 music streamer with its digital-only Preamp Mode. The EXN100 provides the streaming brains and volume control, all controllable via the StreamMagic app, while the EXA100 delivers power and detail.
Cambridge Audio EXN100 Music Streamer
The new EXN100 music streamer – the streaming brains of the new EX Series - is based around the ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC from the existing CXN100, driven to new heights. The ESS DAC can handle PCM digital signal inputs up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, with significant changes made to the post-DAC analog stage, with hand-picked components to squeeze the very best performance.
Further upgrades from CXN100 include the addition of HDMI eARC for connection to a TV; Bluetooth aptX HD for easy high-resolution wireless streaming, and a 25% larger 1280x720 color display, with choice of VU meters, album artwork or clock display. The EXN100 is built around the 4th generation of StreamMagic, Cambridge Audio’s streaming platform, which enables direct streaming from Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Deezer, Qobuz, Roon Ready, UPnP and Internet Radio with support for hi-res audio over Wi-Fi, Ethernet or USB Audio.
"We’ve spent 13 years developing and honing our StreamMagic platform, listening to customers to create a stable, great-sounding streaming experience. EXN100 is the perfect modern vehicle for that StreamMagic technology, and our best music streamer yet," says Matt Dore, Chief Technical Officer of Cambridge Audio.
Digital connectivity is more flexible than ever before, with the option to hook up devices through USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK or wirelessly with Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth aptX HD. For sharing music across devices all around the home, the EXN100 is fully compatible with Google Home, Apple AirPlay and Roon multiroom systems. Analog output is available through stereo RCA sockets or balanced XLR.
Like all Cambridge music streamers, the EXN100 is controlled in full by the StreamMagic app, and it can also be controlled with the new EX Series system remote, supplied with EXA100. And users can activate its Preamp Mode to convert the EXN100 to a digital control hub via the StreamMagic app, EX remote control or the front-mounted rotary dial. Preamp Mode creates a digital-first option with the new EXA100 stereo integrated amplifier in dedicated Power Amp Mode.
Both the EXA100 and the EXN100 comes in new design, with standout features including a milled aluminum front panel and a tactile knurled volume knob. Both components look great when used on their own or paired, with matching Lunar Grey finishes and a full-height center panel that boldly cuts through the fascia.
The new Cambridge Audio EXA100 is priced at EUR €2199 or USD $2199, and the Cambridge Audio EXN100 is priced at EUR €1799 or USD $1799.
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