Cambridge Audio CXN100 Review
English enthusiasts often stick to classic hi-fi traditions and focus on sound quality over convenience—at least, that’s the stereotype. The Cambridge CXN100 breaks that mold: it’s loaded with streaming and app control features, yet still delivers a dynamic, engaging sound.
By Stefan Schickedanz
Combining British hi-fi heritage with modern features can be challenging. Many veteran audiophiles grew up with minimal connection options, separate transport and converter units, or streaming components that focused purely on sound. From that standpoint, adding things like AirPlay, Bluetooth, Chromecast, and full support for various streaming services might seem unnecessary unless they enhance audio quality. The same goes for app control and volume adjustments on a network streamer.
This is where the new Cambridge Audio CXN100 stands out. Rather than ignoring modern conveniences, it includes practically every digital input you can think of, along with a polished control app, multiple wired inputs, and a fully integrated digital preamp.
How does it stay true to traditional British hi-fi ideals?
From a pure sound perspective, it does so quite well. The all-in-one device follows on from the CXN V2, a product already praised for uncompromised streaming. In the CXN100, you’ll find a premium ESS Sabre32 ES9028Q2M Reference D/A converter, supporting PCM at up to 768 kHz and
32-bit resolution, as well as DSD at 512 times the base sampling rate—eight times higher than standard SACD DSD. To preserve signal integrity, there are fully balanced XLR outputs and standard RCA outputs as well.
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Cambridge Audio’s engineers paid special attention to timing, phase behavior, and dynamics in the converter stage. The built-in low-pass filters are optimized so thoroughly that no extra components are needed after them to filter out high-frequency noise. This design is intended to deliver enhanced dynamics and resolution.
All of that still applies when using the unit as a preamp. Typically, lowering volume in the digital domain can make purists worry about losing detail or dynamic range, especially in simpler circuits. But the CXN100 avoids this issue with a “Soft Ramping” algorithm in the oversampling section of the DAC chip, lowering the level without cutting out bits of the signal. This means in network player mode with a fixed output, it delivers exactly the same signal as in preamp mode. You can decide whether to hook it up as a standard source or connect it straight to active speakers or a power amp.
This versatility makes it a perfect central hub for a minimalist digital setup. It works as a multi-format streamer, Bluetooth receiver, and D/A converter. S/PDIF, optical Toslink, or USB-B connections let you link a CD transport or computer. If you’ve ever dealt with ground loop noise, you’ll appreciate the two “Ground Lift” switches, which break the ground connections to either your computer/network or analog hi-fi gear, helping prevent hum.
THE APP CHECK The StreamMagic app manages internet radio, UPnP, local streaming, and all other inputs. Services and inputs can be toggled on or off with a few taps. It’s especially impressive how well the app syncs with the CXN100’s display, allowing you to send playlists and switch sources without fuss.
HEART PIECE: The “StreamMagic” streaming engine is housed in a shielded module.
ELABORATE: Important components are doubled for fully balanced audio signals.
You can connect the CXN100 to your network via Wi-Fi or a standard Ethernet cable. The Wi-Fi antenna is one of the smallest we’ve seen, and a second antenna handles Bluetooth. This may be the most streamlined way to add wireless playback, and thanks to built-in AAC codecs, it’s also high-quality.
The world of streaming
The CXN100 supports so many streaming services and protocols that it can be hard to keep track: AirPlay, Chromecast, UPnP, Roon (as Roon Ready), plus Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, and Spotify through their proprietary protocols. A coming software update is planned to add full support for Tidal Max’s hi-res streams. You can also use a USB storage device or explore internet radio through the built-in service, which has a helpful search function.
That’s obviously more than you could manage through a simple remote or a small on-device display. Even though individual apps (like Spotify or Tidal) work fine, once you jump between different services, you need a single control point. Enter Cambridge Audio’s app, which keeps everything in order.
SEPARATE FARE: The power supply has its own circuit board, and the streaming and analog sections also have their own boards.
SERIES HIGHLIGHT: In both looks and feel, the CXN100 complements the CX Series perfectly.
If you don’t have a phone or tablet handy, you can still control the essentials right from the device: play, pause, track skipping, and source selection are all at your fingertips. There’s no touchscreen, but the hi-fi-style interface and large volume knob feel great. In preamp mode, that knob transforms the screen into a level display (0–100). Otherwise, the color screen shows cover art and track details.
The CXN100 makes a terrific centerpiece for a simple setup with active speakers and no need for a separate preamp.
Despite all its features, how does the CXN100 actually sound? In our tests, it delivered excellent resolution, dynamic range, and an exciting presentation with Pink Floyd’s “Animals,” reminding us of gear in a higher price bracket. Its frequency response stayed neutral, focusing on crisp microdynamics without harshness. Connected directly to a power amp or active speakers, it shone even brighter, handling challenging albums like Thomas Dolby’s “The Flat Earth” with captivating clarity yet avoiding any artificial warmth.
Cambridge Audio CXN100 Performance Report
It’s a USB DAC streamer with volume-controlled RCA and XLR outputs. At the coaxial input with PCM, the frequency response stays flat up to 20 kHz, then it drops based on the sampling rate (top line 192 kHz, then 96 kHz and 44.1 kHz). The maximum output at 0 dBFS is 2.1/4.2 V (RCA/XLR), adjustable in 100 steps.
Test signals at 1 kHz/0 dBFS showed zero hum even via LAN, a very low noise floor, and harmonics at around −110 dB. The weighted signal-to-noise ratio is 120 dB (RCA) or 123 dB (XLR), and total distortion plus noise (THD+N) is just 0.0006%. Power draw is 0.5 W in Deep Standby, 2–4.6 W in Network Standby, and about 8 W in normal operation.
Cambridge Audio CXN100 Specs
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
CXN100
Distribution:
cambridgeaudio.com
Warranty: 2 years
Dimensions (W × H × D): 43 × 8.5 × 30.5 cm
Weight: 3.6 kg
CONNECTIONS
- CD/DVD/BD Drive: – / – / –
- USB: •
- Analog Out: RCA/XLR
- Digital Out (coax/optical): • / •
- Network: LAN, WLAN
FEATURES
- Display / OSD: • / –
- Fast Forward / Rewind: •
- Bluetooth / AirPlay: • / •
- Cover Display: •
- Streaming Services: Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal
- Internet Radio / Provider: • / –
- Audio Formats: ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD512, WMA, MP3, AAC
- Max. Resolution / Sampling Rate: 32 Bit / 768 kHz
- Remote Control / App: – / •
- Gapless Playback: •
- Required Server: UPnP / Roon
- Special Features: 4.76-inch Hi-Res Display
Verdict
Don’t underestimate the CXN100. It might seem lightweight, and the specs make it look like a typical streamer, plus it doesn’t appear much different from previous models at first glance. But hidden within is a powerful streaming device with a built-in digital preamp and top-notch sound—all wrapped in understated style.
PRO & CON
- + Balanced, detailed sound
- + Works as a preamp
- + Refined, user-friendly app
- + AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in
- – No touchscreen
TEST RESULTS
- Sound RCA / XLR: 10/10 (from 120/120)
- Features: very good
- Operation: very good
- Build Quality: very good
Value for Money: outstanding
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Cambridge's CXN100 is an EASY way into HI-FI STREAMING
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