Cambridge Audio EXN100 Network Player

Name: Cambridge Audio EXN100 Network Player
Brand: Cambridge Audio
SKU: CAMBEXN100LG
Price: 1799.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1,799.00

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The Cambridge Audio EXN100 is a streaming DAC and digital preamplifier that brings reference-grade digital playback to the new EX series. Built around the ESS Sabre ES9028Q2M DAC with Nisshinbo Muses op-amps and Cambridge Audio's fourth-generation StreamMagic platform, it handles everything from Spotify Connect and Tidal to Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast, all with native DSD512 and PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz over USB.

Limited Availability: We have limited EXN100 units in stock. A restock is expected at the end of March.

Key Features of the EXN100

ESS Sabre ES9028Q2M DAC: 32-bit reference DAC with hand-picked Nisshinbo Muses op-amps for ultra-low distortion and a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 120dB.
StreamMagic Gen 4: Fourth-generation streaming platform with native support for Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Deezer, Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast built-in.
HDMI eARC: The first Cambridge Audio streamer with HDMI, allowing direct TV audio connection with full volume control from the couch.
Digital Preamplifier Mode: Variable analog output controlled via the front knob, StreamMagic app, or system remote, letting you drive a power amplifier directly without a separate preamp.
Full-Resolution USB Audio: USB-B input supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD512, plus full MQA decoding.
Bluetooth aptX HD: High-resolution wireless streaming from any phone or tablet without network setup.
Balanced XLR and RCA Outputs: Both balanced and single-ended analog outputs for flexible system integration.

StreamMagic Gen 4: The Engine Behind the EXN100

Cambridge Audio's StreamMagic platform has been refined over four generations and powers every current Cambridge streamer. On the EXN100, it delivers native access to all major streaming services directly from the unit, no phone required for playback once configured. Roon Ready certification means the EXN100 appears as a native endpoint in any Roon system. Google Cast and AirPlay 2 enable multi-room playback across your home. UPnP/DLNA support covers NAS libraries, and the USB-A port handles local playback from flash drives. Internet radio is built in as well.

HDMI eARC and Home Theater Integration

The EXN100 is the first Cambridge Audio network player to include HDMI eARC, bridging the gap between two-channel HiFi and home theater. Connect your TV directly and route all audio through the EXN100's ESS Sabre DAC rather than your television's built-in processing. Volume control works from your TV remote, and the EXN100's preamp mode means you can run this straight into a power amplifier for a clean, two-box system that handles both music and movies.

A DAC Built for the Analog Stage

Cambridge Audio's engineering philosophy with the EXN100 is that a great DAC chip means nothing without a carefully tuned analog output stage. The post-DAC circuitry uses Nisshinbo Muses op-amps selected for their musicality and low noise floor, resulting in THD+N below 0.0005% and crosstalk below -120dB. Both the balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs are fully discrete paths, not one derived from the other.

Display and Control

The 4.76-inch IPS color display runs at 1280 x 569 resolution, roughly 25% larger than the CXN100's screen. It shows album artwork, track info, format details, and playback progress. Additional display modes include a VU meter and digital clock. The front-mounted knurled aluminum knob handles volume and navigation, while the StreamMagic app provides full control from iOS or Android. RS-232 and Cambridge Control Bus connections support custom integration systems.

Explore the Full Cambridge Audio EX Series

The EXN100 is the dedicated streaming component of Cambridge Audio's flagship EX series. Pair it with the EXA100 Integrated Stereo Amplifier for a matched two-box system, or use its preamp mode to drive a standalone power amplifier. Stepping down in the range? The CXN100 Network Player shares the StreamMagic Gen 4 platform at a lower price point.

The Listening Room Difference

We're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on trust, not hype. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.

EXN100 Specifications

Specification	Detail
DAC	ESS Sabre ES9028Q2M (32-bit)
Frequency Response	20Hz - 20kHz (+/- 0.1dB)
THD+N	< 0.0005%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	> 120dB (A-weighted)
Crosstalk (1kHz)	< -120dB
Output Voltage (0dBFS)	2.1V RCA / 4.2V XLR
Output Impedance	46 ohms (RCA) / 92 ohms (XLR)
Digital Inputs	HDMI eARC, USB-B, USB-A, Optical TosLink, Coaxial RCA, Ethernet, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX HD)
Analog Outputs	1x Balanced XLR, 1x RCA
Digital Outputs	Optical TosLink, Coaxial RCA
Max Resolution (USB)	32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512
Streaming	Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Deezer, Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, Chromecast
Display	4.76" IPS TFT (1280 x 569)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	430 x 90 x 305 mm (16.9" x 3.5" x 12.0")
Weight	4.1 kg (9 lbs)
Power Consumption	9W (operating) / 1.8W (standby)
Finish	Lunar Grey

Right away, I was impressed with the EXN100's sound. It is quick, precise, and complete, like the MXN10 but even more so. All this came through fine with the killer-value-priced MXN10, but with the EXN100, it was cinematic, with a bit more flesh-and-blood humanity to the voices and punch and drive to the instruments. The multiple voices with Natalie Merchant on her song 'The Peppery Man' (from Leave Your Sleep, HD Qobuz stream) were around and behind her, an excellent 3D illusion that served to keep each voice distinct. The great sound of the DAC+output stage and the highly functional input and output choices make it an excellent value. If you want to hear streaming sound truly hi-fi, without breaking the bank, I suggest you check out the Cambridge EXN100. It may be just the ticket to freshen and expand your relationship with music.

Tom Fine,Stereophile · April 2025

Initial thoughts were that the Cambridge product was good value-for-money, producing a highly detailed sound with wonderful levels of transparency on both material I knew well and also via several of my favourite internet radio stations. The overall balance Cambridge has struck is suitably even handed that I would happily live with the EXN100 as my primary digital source. The quality of sound was incredible; so realistic and oozing detail. Its great vocals and textured backing were replayed with a lushness, an inviting warmth to draw us into the performance. The track retained its fun alongside really clear vocals with sufficient brightness to cut through the mix. Sonically, the EXN100 extracts enormous levels of details from recordings and reproduces them in an enjoyable, lifelike way with sufficient warmth to keep the listener engaged. The overall balance is one of neutrality, allowing us to enjoy what the recording engineer laid down rather than trying to stamp its own sonic character. I like that. Here is a product that I was reluctant, very reluctant to return and that probably says as much as you need to know.

Trevor Butler,The Ear · January 2025

The Cambridge EX stack delivered this relatively simple acoustic music with a very nice voice that felt finely detailed and nicely resolved. Think crystal clarity. Deep, physical bass was reproduced with weight, tone, and precision adding to the otherworldly feel created by Kirby like some master Brutalist builder in sound. When you add everything up—features, fit 'n feel, price and performance—you can expect to be wearing a similar smile when bathing in its owner-friendly enjoyment to cost ratio.

Michael Lavorgna,Twittering Machines · November 2024

The EXN100 does a very reasonable job of justifying its existence as a standalone streamer, and it is perfectly specified to partner up with an entirely analogue integrated amp or connect directly to a power amp or pair of active speakers. The EX models bring enough of the brilliance of the Edge devices down to a more affordable price as to be very special indeed.

Ed Selley,Hi-Fi+ · December 2024

"The EXN100 is well worth purchasing for its more refined sound and streaming capabilities." "Overall, I feel that Cambridge has really knocked it out of the park with this new EX series."

Muse Kastanovich,The Absolute Sound

"I didn't ever find it quite as relaxing. I wasn't ever quite as engaged in the music as I was listening to the Cambridge." "Popping the hood to check to make sure there was something in there, I was greeted with a very nicely laid out and impressive looking circuitry."

Terry Ellis,Pursuit Perfect System

What is the difference between the EXN100 and the CXN100?

Both share Cambridge Audio's StreamMagic Gen 4 platform and support the same streaming services. The EXN100 adds HDMI eARC for TV audio, balanced XLR outputs, a built-in digital preamp with variable output, a larger 4.76-inch display, and Nisshinbo Muses op-amps in the analog stage. The CXN100 is a dedicated source-only component without preamp functionality or HDMI.

What are the inputs, outputs, and full specifications of the EXN100?

Digital inputs: HDMI eARC, USB-B (PCM to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512), USB-A (flash drives), optical TosLink (24-bit/96kHz), coaxial RCA (24-bit/192kHz), Ethernet, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD. Analog outputs: balanced XLR and single-ended RCA. Digital outputs: optical TosLink and coaxial RCA. DAC: ESS Sabre ES9028Q2M. THD+N below 0.0005%, SNR over 120dB. Dimensions: 430 x 90 x 305 mm, weight 4.1 kg.

Should I use the EXN100's built-in DAC or pair it with an external DAC?

The EXN100's built-in ESS Sabre ES9028Q2M DAC with Nisshinbo Muses op-amps is a strong performer at this price point. Stereophile compared it favorably against DACs costing significantly more. If you already own a high-end external DAC, the EXN100 has coaxial and optical digital outputs to use as a transport only. For most systems at this price level, the internal DAC will be the better path.

How do I connect my TV to the EXN100 via HDMI eARC?

Connect an HDMI cable from your TV's eARC-enabled HDMI port to the EXN100's HDMI eARC input. The EXN100 will process your TV's audio through its ESS Sabre DAC. Volume control works from your TV remote when the EXN100 is in preamp mode. This is the first Cambridge Audio streamer with HDMI, so it bridges two-channel HiFi and home theater in a single box.

Can the EXN100 be used as a preamp to drive a power amplifier directly?

Yes. The EXN100 has a digital preamp mode with variable analog output on both the balanced XLR and RCA connections. Volume is controlled via the front knob, the StreamMagic app, or a compatible system remote. This lets you skip a separate preamp and run the EXN100 straight into a power amplifier for a clean two-box system.

Does the EXN100 support MQA?

Yes. The EXN100 supports full MQA decoding over USB and network streaming.

Do the EXA100 amplifier and EXN100 work best as a matched pair?

They are designed as companion pieces in Cambridge Audio's EX series. The EXN100 handles all streaming and digital processing while the EXA100 provides amplification. Together they form a matched two-box system with consistent build quality and aesthetics. However, the EXN100's preamp mode and balanced XLR outputs make it equally capable of pairing with any power amplifier or integrated amp with a direct/bypass input.

How do I set up Roon with the EXN100?

The EXN100 is Roon Ready certified. Once connected to your network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, it appears automatically as an audio endpoint in the Roon app. Select it as an output zone in Roon's audio settings. No additional configuration is needed on the EXN100 itself. For best performance, Cambridge Audio recommends a wired Ethernet connection.