Cambridge Audio
Cambridge Audio CXN100
Best network streamer for audiophiles seeking high-resolution digital playback.
Elevate your home audio with the Cambridge Audio CXN100 network streamer. Engineered for superior digital music playback, it instantly upgrades any hi-fi system. Featuring a reference ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 DAC and a simplified signal path, it delivers pristine sound quality. The StreamMagic Gen4 module provides comprehensive streaming support, including MQA, Spotify Connect, and high-resolution Internet Radio. Enjoy versatile connectivity with USB, digital inputs, Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, all managed through a high-resolution color screen and the intuitive StreamMagic app.
$1099.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
44
/ 481
#44 in Stereo Music Streaming Devices
Price vs Category Average
-71%
Below average
DAC
90282
/ ESS ESQM
Who it's for
- Music lovers wanting seamless access to all major streaming services
- Users who value intuitive controls and clear visual feedback
- Audiophiles seeking high-resolution, detailed sound performance
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level streaming solutions
- Vinyl enthusiasts needing an integrated analog source switcher
- Headphone listeners wanting a simple, all-in-one desktop solution
Performance breakdown
Digital Audio Fidelity
The ESS SABRE32 DAC delivers exceptional clarity and precise sound reproduction.
Streaming Versatility
StreamMagic Gen4 handles virtually every modern high-resolution format with ease.
Connectivity Options
Comprehensive wired and wireless inputs integrate seamlessly into any existing setup.
App Experience
The StreamMagic app offers intuitive control and stable navigation for daily listening.
Build Quality
Robust construction and refined circuitry reflect premium engineering standards.
System Integration
Roon Ready status and multiroom support ensure effortless home audio synchronization.
Key Specs
DAC
ESS ES9028Q2M
Dimensions
430 x 85 x 305mm (16.9 x 3.4 x 12.2”)
Weight
3.55Kg (7.83lbs)
Analog Audio Outputs
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue
Wi-Fi Standard
IEEE 802.11 ac (2.4GHz / 5GHz)
Digital Audio Inputs
USB Type B, Coaxial, TOSLINK Optical
Supported Formats
ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD up to x512, MP3, AAC, OGG Vorbis
Standby Power Consumption
<0.5W (eco)
Features
- Reference ESS ES9028Q2M DAC for stunning sound
- StreamMagic Gen4 for full streaming capabilities
- High-resolution Internet Radio support
- Roon Ready integration
- Multiroom audio via major platforms
- Versatile digital and wireless connectivity
- Intuitive control with StreamMagic app
- Simplified circuitry for purer signal path
What customers say
The Cambridge Audio CXN100 is widely acclaimed as a benchmark network streamer, offering a significant sonic upgrade. Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional sound quality, noting superior clarity and musicality driven by the new DAC chip, which creates an engaging soundstage. A major improvement focuses on user experience; the new streaming platform and StreamMagic app are lauded for their speed, stability, and intuitive navigation across all services. Robust connectivity, including Roon Ready certification, ensures seamless integration. While priced at a premium, customers feel the performance justifies the investment, positioning the CXN100 as a high-value centerpiece that blends mid-range accessibility with high-end capability. Its build quality reinforces its reputation for reliability.
Know before you buy
The ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 DAC is a high-performance chip that converts digital files into analog signals with exceptional precision. By utilizing this reference-grade component alongside a simplified signal path, the CXN100 minimizes distortion and jitter, resulting in a cleaner, more detailed sound compared to standard streaming hardware.
Yes, the CXN100 features a digital volume control that allows you to connect it directly to a power amplifier or active speakers. However, since it lacks analog inputs, it functions exclusively as a digital-to-analog source and volume controller.
Yes, it is highly capable in this regard. It supports a wide range of formats including ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, and DSD up to x512, ensuring you can play back your high-resolution music library with full fidelity.
The StreamMagic Gen4 module is the engine behind the device, providing a stable and fast connection to streaming services like Spotify Connect, Tidal, and high-resolution Internet Radio. It is designed to handle complex data streams efficiently, ensuring seamless playback and quick navigation through the StreamMagic app.
Yes, the device is compatible with multiroom setups via major platforms like Google Home, Apple AirPlay 2, and Roon. This allows you to group the CXN100 with other compatible speakers throughout your home for synchronized playback.
The CXN100 offers versatile digital connectivity, including a USB Type B input for connecting a computer, as well as Coaxial and TOSLINK Optical inputs. These allow you to use the streamer's high-quality internal DAC to improve the sound of other digital devices like CD transports or game consoles.
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