Cambridge Audio CXN 100 SE
Cambridge Audio hi-fi network player in a special black edition, fitted with an ESS ES9028Q2M DAC, an HDMI eARC input and balanced XLR outputs: designed to connect a traditional hi-fi system to streaming services.
Description
The CXN 100 SE is a network player designed to sit between digital sources and an existing hi-fi amplifier. This Special Edition differs from the standard CXN100 in its black finish and the addition of an HDMI eARC port, which allows sound from a television to be routed through the hi-fi system rather than through the screen's speakers. The unit covers the main uses of today: internet radio, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect with MQA, Qobuz, Deezer, as well as Roon Ready certification for those who centralise their library within that environment.
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by an ESS ES9028Q2M chip. Decoding supports the main lossless and lossy formats, and goes up to DSD x512, leaving the door open to the most demanding files in a personal music collection. Network connection can be made via 10/100 Mbit Ethernet or IEEE 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands: dual-band support is useful when the 2.4 GHz band is congested and high-resolution playback requires a stable bitrate.
On the connections side, the unit is not limited to the network. A USB Type B 2.0 audio input allows it to be connected to a computer, while the S/PDIF coaxial and optical inputs accept other digital sources and Bluetooth (SBC, AAC) supports occasional playback from a phone. AirPlay 2 and built-in Chromecast complete the wireless options.
The presence of balanced XLR outputs in addition to RCA broadens the range of possible pairings: it allows connection to a preamplifier or an integrated amplifier fitted with balanced inputs, and proves useful when the interconnect cable is long. The coaxial and optical digital outputs, meanwhile, make it possible to bypass the internal converter in favour of an existing external DAC.
This player is aimed at those who already own satisfactory amplification and speakers and wish to add a network source without starting from scratch. Its standard 430 x 85 x 305 mm footprint and 3.55 kg weight fit into a classic hi-fi cabinet, beneath an amplifier of the same width. The HDMI eARC input also makes it a good candidate for mixed setups, where the same stereo system serves both music and television sound.
Technical specifications
| DAC | ESS ES9028Q2M |
| USB audio input | USB Type B 2.0 |
| Digital inputs | HDMI eARC, USB, Bluetooth, S/PDIF coaxial, optical |
| Analogue outputs | balanced XLR, RCA |
| Digital audio outputs | S/PDIF coaxial, optical |
| Compatibility | Bluetooth SBC and AAC, AirPlay 2, built-in Chromecast, internet radio, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, MQA, Qobuz, Deezer, Roon Ready |
| Audio formats | ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD (x512), WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+, OGG Vorbis |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Mbit |
| Wi Fi | IEEE 802.11 ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 430 x 85 x 305 mm |
| Weight | 3.55 kg |
| Finish | Black (Special Edition) |
What to check before buying used
The network connectivity deserves a thorough test on arrival: dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth and the HDMI eARC port unique to this Special Edition should each be checked individually, as these functions are the first to be affected by an interrupted software update or firmware left outdated. It is also worth confirming that the unit accepts an update to the latest version offered by the manufacturer, as some units have remained stuck on an outdated version. Listening to the XLR and RCA outputs on each channel helps to rule out any connector faults resulting from use.
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