CAMBRIDGE AUDIO MXN10 Review
Prices are rising everywhere, but there are still affordable hi-fi devices: Cambridge Audio introduces the new MXN10 network player for $550. We had to order it for testing right away!
by Julian Kienzle
Back in 2011, the traditional manufacturer Cambridge Audio set out with its StreamMagic platform and its first network player NP30 to stir up the segment of network-based music enjoyment for the first time. To put that into context: At that time, physical sales accounted for more than 83% of music sales revenue according to BVMI, downloads were the most important digital medium with 14%, and streaming was responsible for just 1.7%. Since then, the music industry has changed massively—in 2022, over 73% of revenues were attributable to streaming alone—but Cambridge was by no means standing idly on the sidelines.
Today, the two brand-new network players AXN10 and MXN10 are set to cause a stir on the field again, with the latter undergoing its trial by fire with us. Since they only differ in form and price, however, the findings from this test apply to both models.
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Here, the more compact and pleasantly affordable MXN10, priced at around $550, is likely to be the product of choice for most. The extra cost of $110 for the AXN10 is really only worthwhile for audiophiles who place high value on a uniform appearance and already own components in the 43 cm format.
The workmanship is exemplary here as typical of Cambridge; the design is pure understatement. This is also ensured by the rather sparse array of control elements: Only a standby button and four practical preset shortcut buttons—here you could assign your favorite radio stations via the app—are found on the front.
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It’s logical that at this price, a fancy display like the big brother CXN V2 brings is not feasible, but we find it a pity that there are no tactile options for controlling playback. Since Cambridge also offers neither its own remote control nor the option to program third-party remotes, every command must always be executed via the app. However, this is anything but unusual in this segment.
All the more pleasing that the current StreamMagic app has really succeeded. It is easy to use, visually appealing, and runs smoothly. It only needs to be loaded onto an iOS or Android device on the same network as the MXN10—the app guides the user-friendly setup the first time—and music can already be controlled directly in the application via UPnP, from internet radio stations, from the rear-inserted USB stick, or from Qobuz, TIDAL, and Deezer.
Registration is possible but not required, and many other sources can be sent to the MXN thanks to Spotify Connect, Chromecast, TIDAL Connect, AirPlay2, Roon Ready, and Bluetooth, even from outside the app. This offers a really impressive range of options, and there is probably hardly any network source that couldn’t somehow end up in the MXN10.
Insane Resolutions
It’s almost completely irrelevant in what format the music arrives, as the MXN10 understands extreme resolutions of up to 32-bit / 768 kHz PCM and DSD512 as well as any reasonably common audio format. Only with MQA do we have to make concessions, as the MXN10 cannot fully decode them. So those who want to experience their TIDAL Master files in full glory must use the digital outputs and connect a DAC with MQA decoder behind it.
A certain degree of personalization is enabled by the app with the function to choose which sources are displayed on the home screen. Beyond that, the possible settings are limited to the essentials, so you look in vain for gimmicks like an equalizer. Also, the possibility of volume control was omitted here, as such would have inevitably been lossy. We find it very respectable that Cambridge wants to stay true to its high standards here, and although a volume control integrated directly into the streamer can certainly be practical, we don’t see a big disadvantage in its absence.
Sound Painting
The listening test on the analog output also shows us that no “number crunchers,” but real music lovers were at work here, because the Cambridge MXN10 sounds excellent. The highly emotional “King” by Florence + The Machine, for example, begins feather-light and from far behind the speakers, only to swell epically towards the chorus without sounding strained. On the contrary, the Cambridge imparts a certain unimpressed, flowing grandeur to the proceedings, no matter what we throw at it.
It also handles hard prog sounds like on “Alphabet Of Me” by Haken with ease, with dry basses and unerring neutrality. In doing so, it tends towards a stage that forms rather deep than wide and doesn’t separate instruments with the thickest lines, but it excels particularly at painting spherical soundscapes, as we expect with “Lucifer” by King Dude. The accompanying acoustic guitar somewhat lacks presence, volume, and timbre, but his deep, broken voice is conveyed expressively and with a fitting goosebump factor.
Cambridge’s MXN10 is thus not only truly affordable and top-equipped, but also sonically excellent. We are very pleased with this absolutely recommendable newcomer!
Cambridge Audio MXN10 / AXN10 Specs
- Price: Approximately €500
- Dimensions: 22 x 6 x 23 cm (W x H x D)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Contact: Cambridge Audio
- Phone: +49 410 1809 9810
- Website: www.cambridgeaudio.com
- Description: “Cambridge’s new streamer siblings, the MXN10 and AXN10, differ only in size and price. The processing is excellent, and the StreamMagic streaming platform offers easy control of various sources. Support is provided for all relevant resolutions and file formats (except native DSD decoding and MQA) along with Chromecast and Roon Ready. While they do not include a preamp stage, they score with their sonic neutrality and composure.”
Technical Specifications
- Output Voltage Cinch 0 dBFS: 2.1 V
- Power Consumption Standby/Idle (with network standby activated): 0.5 W (2.4 W / 2.9 W)
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- Lab Comment: “The absence of physical inputs makes it complicated to get reliable, measurable data. Therefore, we can provide only a few values. The FFT spectrum, however, shows that the noise carpet is very low and distortion is hardly present. We measured consumption both in network standby and in eco-mode, and the difference is clear.”
Features
- Sources: UPnP, Internet radio, Qobuz, Deezer, TIDAL (Connect), Spotify Connect, Chromecast, Roon Ready, Airplay2, Bluetooth
- Additional Inputs: USB storage via USB input on device; supports HiRes up to 32 bit / 768 kHz PCM and up to DSD512
- Outputs: Cinch, Coax, Toslink, WLAN, LAN
- No remote control; four preset buttons on the device; free app available for iOS and Android
Test
- Sound Level: 72% (7.2/10)
- Price/Performance: Outstanding (Überragend)
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CAMBRIDGE AUDIO MXN10 Unboxed! Stream in STYLE!
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