Cambridge Audio EX Series amp and streamer hits sweet spot

Cambridge Audio has unveiled its new EX Series components, comprising the EXN100 Music Streamer and EXA100 stereo integrated amplifier.

The EXN100 utilises the ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC from CXN100, but improves connectivity with the addition of HDMI eARC, Bluetooth aptX HD and a 25 per cent larger 1280x720 colour display.

Casework has also had an upgrade from previous Cambridge separates, with a milled aluminium front panel and a reassuringly knurled control knob.

The EXN100, which has been designed, tuned and engineered at its London-based music venue and HQ, Melomania, is Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay 2 ready, and supports hi-res audio over Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB Audio. It’s also compatible with Roon multiroom systems.

The ESS DAC can handle PCM digital signal inputs up to 32-bit 768kHz, and DSD 512. The brand says it has made changes made to the post-DAC analogue stage in order to improve performance, utilising hand-picked components for optimum clarity and separation.

The streamer is built on the 4th generation of StreamMagic, Cambridge Audio’s own streaming platform. Supported services include Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Deezer, Qobuz, Roon Ready, UPnP and Internet Radio.

In addition to HDMI eARC, there are digital optical and digital coaxial audio inputs/outputs, as well as both stereo RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs.

As with other Cambridge music streamers, EXN100 is controlled by the StreamMagic app. It can also be controlled with the new EX Series system remote, supplied with EXA100. This remote can also be purchased separately.

The EXN100 also has a Preamp Mode to make it a digital control hub. The Preamp Mode also gives the digital-first option of forming a pre/power combo with the partnering EXA100 stereo integrated amplifier, which has a dedicated Power Amp Mode to bypass its own preamp section

The EXA100 integrated amp has a power output of 100 watts per channel. Connectivity includes balanced XLR and line-level analogue inputs, as well as HDMI eARC, optical and coaxial digital inputs, and USB. There’s also a 6.3mm headphone jack. The onboard DAC is an ESS Sabre ES9018K2M.

Inside CI had an early listen to the combo, which sits between the Cambridge CX line and its high-end Edge components. Combining superb spatial clarity with a punchy, dynamic performance, the UK Hi-Fi brand may have found the perfect sweet spot.

The Cambridge Audio EXN100 sells for £1599 (€1799). The EXA amplifier is priced at £1,999 (€2,199).