Cambridge Audio has introduced two new products: the EXA100 integrated amplifier and the EXN100 network player. These products mark the inaugural additions to the EX product line.
Cambridge Audio EXA100: Integrated Class AB amplifier with analogue and digital inputs
The EXA100 can be seen as the heart of the new EX product line according to the designers. The amplification technology has much in common with that of the flagship mono power amplifier Edge M, including the transistors used in the output stages. Of course, the power of the EXA100 is somewhat more modest, but 100 watts of class AB is more than sufficient for most situations. The basis of the power supply is a heavy toroidal transformer that is thoroughly shielded. The heat sinks are cleverly placed and the four-layer printed circuit board has various protection circuits to protect the amplifier and connected speakers.
Speaking of speakers, the EXA100 has two pairs of speaker terminals and a headphone jack (6.35mm jack) is mounted on the front. There is also a connection specifically for a subwoofer.
Music signal can be supplied via the single XLR input or via four line-level cinch inputs. There is also no shortage of digital inputs, i.e. two optical, a coaxial S/PDIF connection, a USB-B connection and an HDMI connection with eARC support. Wireless music signal can be supplied via Bluetooth, with support for aptX HD.
The DA converter is built around a DAC chip from ESS Sabre Technologies type ES9018K2M. This is a modern DAC chip with a high S/N ratio and low distortion.
Cambridge has made the EXA100 a flexible amplifier because the EXA100 has a preamplifier output for combination with a separate power amplifier. The EXA100 also has an input that goes directly to the output stages. The user can then use the EXA100 as a power amplifier together with another preamplifier. This is especially important if the user also owns the EXN100 because this is a new network player with volume control and other functions of a preamplifier.
Finally, Cambridge supplies a system remote control with the EXA100 which can also be used for other devices, including the EXN100.
The Cambridge Audio EXA100 has a suggested retail price of just under $2,200.
Cambridge Audio EXN100: Network player with digital inputs and volume control
The EXN100 is a network player that is equipped with digital inputs so that it can also be used as a DA converter for other digital sources, such as a CD drive. Furthermore, the EXN100 is equipped with volume control and it could therefore be connected directly to a power amplifier. The EXN100 can therefore be used as a preamplifier, provided that the user does not want to connect analog sources. After all, the EXN100 has no analog inputs. The volume control can also be fixed and left to the connected (pre)amplifier.
DA conversion is provided by a DAC chip from ESS Sabre Technologies type ES9028Q2M Sabre32. Music signal comes out via a cinch output and an XLR output. Cambridge has also fitted two digital outputs for those who would like to use a different DA converter. PCM signal can be supplied up to a resolution of 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD up to a resolution of DSD512.
Centrally placed on the front of the EXN100 is a bright colour display with a resolution of 1,280 x 720 pixels. The display provides information about the selected source and shows album art of music from a connected USB storage medium, NAS or streaming service on the internet. Yes, the display can also show two dancing VU meters, or a clock. Prefer total silence? Then switch the display off.
Connection to a computer network can be made with a UTP cable or via WiFi. Of course, the EXN100 also has a Bluetooth receiver on board. Cambridge has built in its own well-known streaming platform StreamMagic Gen4, which can be used to control all functions of the EXN100. All common streaming services are supported, as well as internet radio, Chromecast and AirPlay 2.
The EXN100 does not come with a remote control, but can be operated with the system remote control that comes with the EXA100. If you only own the EXN100 and not the EXA100, you can optionally purchase a system remote control.
The Cambridge Audio EXN100 retails for just under $1,800.
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