The Cambridge Audio EXA100 amplifier modules, which deliver a whopping 100 watts per channel of Class AB power, are based on those used in the $5,000 Edge M power amplifier. It even uses the same monoblock power transistors, which Cambridge Audio says deliver “the highest quality at the lowest cost.”
In terms of connectivity, the Cambridge Audio EXA100 has all the analogue inputs and outputs you could ever need, including balanced XLR inputs that can be used to connect to the Cambridge Audio EXN100 streamer or other components, as well as three sets of RCA inputs for CD players and other peripherals. On the front panel, you’ll find a 6.3mm headphone output, a stereo preamp, and a subwoofer output. The Cambridge Audio EXA100 also includes two pairs of speakers, in case you have a few different speaker sets you’d like to use, or if you want to add sound to another room or, say, an outdoor setup.
Digitally, the Cambridge Audio EXA100 is as good for watching TV and movies as it is for listening to music, with an HDMI eARC socket (supporting PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz), plus a USB digital coaxial socket (16/24-bit, 32-192kHz) and two TOSLINK optical inputs (16/24-bit, 32-96kHz) that provide connection to streamers and other sources offering high-resolution and/or lossless audio, for impeccable sound quality from streaming sources such as Tidal and Qobuz. Additionally, a built-in ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC (digital to analogue converter) ensures all your digital inputs work flawlessly. Plus, if Bluetooth wireless connectivity is a priority for you, the EXA100’s aptX HD support means you can enjoy high-quality sound via Bluetooth too.
The Cambridge Audio EXA100 is certainly a great integrated amplifier if you choose to use it on its own to power your hi-fi setup, whether that’s a CD player or other digital audio sources. But if you want to get the most out of the EX combo series, you can team up with the Cambridge Audio EXN100 music streamer and use the Cambridge Audio EXA100 in digital preamp mode to give the streamer more power and volume. The system can be controlled via the Stream Magic app or via the new remote control included with the Cambridge Audio CXA100. Finished in moon grey, the pair will fit right into your media centre.
We believe this is by far the best amplifier we have ever created. It is an example of the new EX Series, which excels in performance and versatility in this category. The EXA100 is a major step up for those upgrading from our CX amplifiers, and the perfect stepping stone to the Edge range.
says James Johnson-Flint, owner and CEO of Cambridge Audio.
Cambridge Audio EXA100 Specifications
- Output power 2 x 100 W (8 Ohm), 2 x 155 W (4 Ohm)
- Frequency range 5 Hz – 60,000 Hz (+/- 1 dB)
- Harmonic distortion less than 0.02% (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 80% of output power)
- Inputs USB, 2 optical, coaxial, 4 RCA, XLR, HDMI ARC
- Outputs from preamplifier, to subwoofer, to headphones, to 2 pairs of speakers
- Additionally: trigger input and output, input and output of the DAC control system
- ESS ES9018K2M
- USB input PCM up to 32 bit / 384 kHz, DSD256
- Bluetooth 5.0 A2DP / AVRCP supporting SBC, aptX and aptX HD codecs
- Power consumption 1200 W
- Dimensions (WxHxD) 430 x 115 x 341 mm
- Weight 12.8 kg
