Cambridge Audio EXN100 & EXA100 Review: A New Benchmark for Streamers and Amplifiers

Cambridge Audio’s latest EX Series components — the EXN100 network player and EXA100 integrated amplifier — have attracted attention in the hi-fi community for combining advanced streaming capabilities with robust amplification and refined sound quality.

Positioned between the brand’s well-regarded CX line and the prestige Edge range, this matched pair offers musicians, audio professionals, and serious listeners a compelling blend of performance, flexibility, and build quality at a competitive price point.

What Makes the EX Series Stand Out

The EXN100 and EXA100 were developed to bridge the gap between Cambridge Audio’s mainstream CX products and the high-end Edge models. This strategy means each unit incorporates carefully selected technologies from the higher tier while keeping costs more accessible. The result is a pair of components that feel substantial in both sound and physical design without the premium price of top-tier equipment.

EXN100 Network Player: Rich Streaming, High-Resolution Sound

The EXN100 is a powerful network music player that doubles as a preamplifier and digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Built on Cambridge Audio’s fourth-generation StreamMagic streaming platform, it offers native access to major services like Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and more. It also supports AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Roon Ready, and high-resolution audio formats up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512, ensuring that digital music sounds as detailed and expressive as possible.

At the heart of its performance lies a high-quality ESS ES9028Q2M DAC, paired with premium analogue-stage components chosen to enhance clarity, separation, and stereo imaging. The result is a stream-to-sound experience that’s both smooth and revealing, capable of exposing subtle layers in complex recordings — something creators and listeners alike will appreciate.

Connectivity is comprehensive: wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi, HDMI eARC, USB, optical and coaxial digital inputs, and balanced XLR plus unbalanced RCA outputs give users flexibility for a modern stereo or multi-room setup. A large front display complements the intuitive controls and the free StreamMagic app, which serves as the primary interface for browsing music and controlling playback.

EXA100 Integrated Amplifier: Power and Precision

The EXA100 brings Cambridge Audio’s refined amplification into the mix with 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms via a Class AB design. Drawing on circuitry and components inspired by the top-tier Edge M monoblock amps, the EXA100 delivers robust, engaging sound with low distortion, finely controlled dynamics, and a musical character that avoids harshness or fatigue.

The amplifier’s build quality stands out, with a hefty toroidal transformer and well-shielded chassis that contribute to quiet operation and confident performance. Built-in digital inputs — including USB-B and HDMI eARC — let the EXA100 handle digital sources natively, while multiple analogue inputs and balanced XLR connections offer versatility for various sound sources and setups.

How They Work Together — or Apart

Although designed as a matched pair, the EXN100 and EXA100 work well independently:

Standalone EXN100: Acts as a powerful streamer and preamp when paired with other amplifiers or active speakers. Its deep streaming ecosystem and high-resolution support make it ideal for creators who want a dedicated source component.
Standalone EXA100: Functions as a capable integrated amplifier with strong drive capability and clarity. Its built-in DAC and digital inputs mean it can serve as the heart of a streamlined system without a separate source player.

When used together, they form a synergistic system with intuitive control, expansive connectivity, and coherent sonic performance — balancing detail, musicality, and power in a way that suits both everyday listening and critical listening tasks.

Why Creators Should Care

For content creators, musicians, and audio professionals, the EXN100 and EXA100 offer several key advantages:

High-resolution sound reproduction that helps reveal nuance in recordings.
Flexible streaming options and broad codec support for modern listening habits and source content.
Robust connectivity for integrating with other gear, including TV audio via HDMI eARC.
Balanced audio pathways for lower noise and more refined dynamic expression.

Whether assembling a dedicated listening room setup or seeking more fidelity in music playback for creative work, this EX Series combo represents an upgrade in capability and sonic quality over many entry-level systems.

Final Thoughts

Cambridge Audio’s EXN100 network player and EXA100 integrated amplifier exemplify the brand’s commitment to bringing high-end performance features into a more accessible price range.

With sophisticated digital streaming, strong amplification, and a sound profile that balances energy with refinement, these components deserve attention from anyone looking to elevate their audio experience — especially in contexts where both technical precision and musicality matter.