Cambridge Audio EXA100
100 W stereo integrated amplifier into 8 ohms with ESS Sabre DAC, balanced XLR inputs and comprehensive digital connectivity (HDMI eARC, Bluetooth aptX HD, USB-B).
Description
The EXA100 is a stereo integrated amplifier from Cambridge Audio, designed to combine analogue amplification and high-resolution digital conversion within a single unit. It delivers an output power of 100 watts into 8 ohms in class AB, sufficient to drive high-end speakers without an additional power stage.
Its total harmonic distortion remains below 0.002% at 1 kHz at rated power into 8 ohms, and below 0.02% across the 20 Hz to 20 kHz range, reflecting clean reproduction at different listening levels. The frequency response extends from below 3 Hz to above 40 kHz at ±1 dB, for a wideband rendering faithful to the original signal. The signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 91 dB referenced to 1 W, limiting residual noise, while a damping factor above 160 at 1 kHz into 8 ohms allows for better control of the speakers, particularly in the bass.
On the connectivity side, the EXA100 combines a balanced XLR input (100 kOhm) and four unbalanced RCA inputs (45 kOhm), along with digital conversion handled by an ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC compatible with PCM 32-bit / 192 kHz. It also features Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD, an HDMI eARC input, a USB-B input, a coaxial S/PDIF input and two optical TosLink inputs. Two sets of speaker outputs allow two pairs of speakers to be powered, and a mono RCA subwoofer output rounds out the package alongside a pre-out output.
This type of amplifier is aimed at audiophiles wishing to centralise analogue and digital sources around a single unit, whether for a turntable fitted with a balanced output, a television connected via HDMI eARC, or Bluetooth streaming sources. Its ability to drive two pairs of speakers also makes it suitable for a multi-room installation or a bi-amplification setup.
Technical specifications
| Total harmonic distortion | <0.002% at 1 kHz at rated power (8 ohms), <0.02% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at rated power (8 ohms) |
| Frequency response | <3 Hz – >40 kHz +/-1 dB |
| Signal to noise ratio | >91 dB (ref. 1 W) |
| Input impedances | Balanced A1 input 100 kOhm, unbalanced A1-A4 inputs 45 kOhm |
| Damping factor | >160 at 1 kHz into 8 ohms |
| Output power | 100 W (8 ohms) |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 115 x 430 x 341 mm |
| Weight | 12.8 kg |
| DAC | ESS Sabre ES9018K2M |
| Digital compatibility | PCM 32-bit / 192 kHz |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 aptX HD |
| Connections | 4x stereo RCA input, 1x balanced XLR input, 1x HDMI eARC input, 1x Bluetooth aptX HD input, 1x USB-B input, 1x coaxial S/PDIF input, 2x optical TosLink input, 1x stereo RCA output (Pre-Out), 1x mono RCA subwoofer output |
What to check before buying used
The motorised volume potentiometer may produce a crackling noise at the start of its travel: test across the full range before purchase. The protection relays and power supply capacitors age over the years and warrant an extended listening session on both channels to detect any imbalance or hum. Also check that the Bluetooth aptX HD module and the digital inputs (USB-B, coaxial, optical, HDMI eARC) are properly recognised, as these circuits are more prone to wear than the analogue stage.
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