Is the CXN100 worth it over the CXN V2?

Yes for most buyers. It adds a newer ESS DAC, the Gen 4 StreamMagic module, a bigger screen and balanced XLR outputs, and owners hear a cleaner, more detailed sound. The V2 remains capable if you mainly stream CD-quality.

Can the CXN100 drive a power amp directly?

Yes. Digital preamp mode gives volume control from the rotary dial or the StreamMagic app, so it can feed a power amp or active speakers without a separate preamp.

Does it support hi-res and DSD?

It plays PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, and handles high-resolution internet radio via MPEG-DASH. Streaming service limits still apply to each service.

Does it have a headphone output?

No. There is no headphone jack, so you need a separate headphone amplifier connected to its outputs.

What streaming services and protocols are built in?

Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz and Deezer are built in, along with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth 5.1 and Roon Ready support.

Can I connect a TV or turntable to it?

There is no HDMI ARC input and no phono stage. A TV can feed it through optical or coaxial digital, and a turntable needs its own phono preamp into an analog-to-digital path or a different input.

Where is the Cambridge Audio CXN100 cheapest?

At Hi-Fi Heaven, for $949.99, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the Cambridge Audio CXN100?

13 stores we checked sell it, including Hi-Fi Heaven, The Listening Room, AudioGeeks, eBay, Audio Advice.

Cambridge Audio CXN100

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What reviewers say

Owners and reviewers describe the CXN100 as a worthwhile upgrade over the CXN V2, with cleaner detail, a quieter background and a faster, more stable streaming platform. The screen and connectivity draw praise; the app and the lack of a headphone jack are the usual complaints.

What people mention

Sound qualityPraisedListeners report cleaner detail, tighter bass and a quieter background than the CXN V2.
Streaming stabilityPraisedOwners say StreamMagic Gen 4 connects quickly and plays hi-res files without dropouts on a good network.
DisplayPraisedThe larger color screen and album art are called a clear improvement over the older model.
AppMixedThe StreamMagic app works but is described as plain and occasionally slow compared with rivals.
Headphone useCriticisedBuyers note there is no headphone jack, so a separate headphone amp is needed.
SetupMixedSome owners hit network and firmware hiccups during first setup before it settled.

About the Cambridge Audio CXN100

The Cambridge Audio CXN100 Network Player is the definitive update to a modern hi-fi classic, meticulously redesigned to be the most advanced network player in the company's history. It replaces the award-winning CXN V2, bringing a complete mechanical and sonic overhaul. At its heart lies the industry-leading ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 DAC, capable of handling higher resolution digital files with breathtaking clarity and precision. Powered by the 4th Generation StreamMagic module, the CXN100 offers a seamless, stable, and intuitive streaming experience, unlocking a universe of high-resolution music from services like Spotify, TIDAL, and Qobuz.

KEY FEATURES

ESS SABRE32 DAC: Features the reference-class ES9028Q2M DAC for incredible detail, dynamic range, and ultra-low distortion.

StreamMagic Gen 4: The latest iteration of Cambridge Audio’s award-winning streaming platform ensures fast, glitch-free playback.

High-Res Audio: Supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, ensuring you hear every nuance of the original recording.

Comprehensive Connectivity: Includes USB Audio, Coaxial, Optical, Bluetooth 5.1, and balanced XLR outputs.

Digital Preamp Mode: Can be connected directly to a power amplifier, giving you volume control via the app or rotary dial.

Stunning Display: A larger, higher-resolution colour screen displays album artwork and track info with crystal clarity.

Roon Ready: Seamlessly integrates with your Roon ecosystem for the ultimate digital music management experience.

TRUE DIGITAL CLARITY

The transition from the Wolfson DAC found in the previous generation to the ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 DAC marks a significant leap in sonic performance. This new converter is capable of handling digital signals with vastly superior timing and precision, virtually eliminating jitter. The result is a sound that is warmer, more detailed, and rhythmically engaging. Whether you are listening to a 24-bit studio master or a standard CD-quality stream, the CXN100 reveals layers of texture and depth that lesser players simply miss.

STREAMING WITHOUT LIMITS

The CXN100 is designed to be the ultimate digital hub. It offers native support for virtually every major streaming service, including Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect (with full MQA decoding), Qobuz, and Deezer. For those who prefer wireless convenience, it features Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in, allowing you to cast audio from any compatible app. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.1 ensures that guests can easily share their music, while the Roon Ready certification makes it a powerhouse for serious audiophiles.

DESIGNED FOR LIFE

While the internal technology has been completely overhauled, the exterior retains the timeless Lunar Grey aluminium chassis that defines the CX Series. The build quality is reassuringly solid, designed to minimize vibration and interference. The front panel has been refined with a larger, sharper display and a smoother, more tactile volume dial, making interaction with the device a pleasure. Over-the-air firmware updates ensure that your CXN100 will continue to evolve, gaining new features and services as they become available.