Cambridge Audio EXN100

The EXN100 is a network player (streamer) from Cambridge Audio, designed to serve as the central digital source within a hi-fi system. It streams music from streaming services, locally stored files or physical sources, handling the digital-to-analogue conversion of the signal before transmission to an amplifier.

At the heart of the unit is an ESS Sabre ES9028Q2M DAC, capable of handling files up to 32-bit / 768 kHz as well as DSD512. This high conversion capability allows high-resolution audio formats to be reproduced with minimal loss of information, including for sources stored locally via USB or UPnP. The StreamMagic platform centralises access to Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer, Qobuz, internet radio as well as Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect, while Roon Ready compatibility allows integration into an existing Roon ecosystem.

In terms of connectivity, the EXN100 offers an HDMI eARC input that allows sound from a television to be routed to the hi-fi system with a quality superior to a simple optical output. It also features USB-A, USB-B, optical TosLink, coaxial S/PDIF and Ethernet inputs, as well as Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX and aptX HD support for wireless streaming. On the output side, there is stereo RCA, balanced XLR, optical TosLink and coaxial S/PDIF, offering broad compatibility with different amplifiers.

The unit incorporates a high-resolution display showing album artwork or a VU meter, as well as built-in Chromecast and AirPlay 2 for streaming directly from a smartphone or laptop. The StreamMagic app allows control of all playback and content discovery functions.

This network player is aimed at users wishing to modernise an existing hi-fi setup by adding a versatile digital source, capable of covering online streaming as well as local file playback or TV sound return via HDMI eARC. It will particularly suit those who already use an amplifier fitted with XLR inputs or who wish to take advantage of a built-in display for viewing album artwork or sound level.