The Cambridge Audio CXN100 is a network audio player made by Cambridge Audio, a UK-based hi-fi manufacturer, that adds HDMI eARC connectivity to integrate your television into your hi-fi system while delivering higher-resolution audio playback than its five-star predecessor, the CXN V2.
Key Takeaways
- Cambridge Audio CXN100 adds HDMI eARC input, letting TV audio route through your hi-fi amplifier and speakers.
- Upgrades from Wolfson DAC (24-bit/192kHz) to ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC supporting 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512, and MQA natively.
- StreamMagic Gen4 module enables over-the-air firmware updates for future feature additions and bug fixes.
- Large color display shows album art, track info, format, and playback time with adjustable brightness.
- No analog inputs, no headphone output, no remote control included; dimensions 430 x 85 x 305-325mm, weight 3.55kg.
DAC Upgrade Brings Serious Resolution Gains
The Cambridge Audio CXN100’s biggest internal change is the DAC. It swaps the CXN V2’s Wolfson chipset for an ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC that handles audio up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512 (x512), and MQA natively, versus the previous model’s 24-bit/192kHz ceiling. That’s a meaningful generational leap for anyone playing high-resolution files or streaming lossless audio. Cambridge Audio simplified the signal path simultaneously—fewer post-DAC filters, uprated capacitors and op-amps, and no EQ stage between the DAC and output. The goal is to preserve the original recording’s character instead of imposing the device’s sonic signature onto it.
For listeners who already own the CXN V2, the resolution bump alone might not justify upgrading unless you actively use hi-res sources. But paired with the HDMI eARC addition and the StreamMagic Gen4 module, the CXN100 positions itself as a more complete hub for your entire audio ecosystem.
HDMI eARC Bridges TV and Hi-Fi
The headline feature is HDMI eARC input, which lets you connect your television directly to the CXN100 and route all TV audio—streaming apps, broadcast, gaming—through your amplifier and speakers instead of relying on the TV’s built-in audio. This is genuinely useful if you’ve been frustrated by tinny TV speakers or want to centralize all audio playback through a single, higher-quality system. You can still use the CXN100 for music streaming independently; the HDMI input is an addition, not a replacement for its core function.
The CXN100 includes no analog inputs, no headphone output, and no subwoofer output, so it’s designed as a pure network streamer and TV audio bridge rather than a universal preamp. That’s a deliberate design choice—fewer input stages mean fewer places for noise and distortion to creep in.
Screen, Controls, and Everyday Use
The front panel features a large hi-res color display that shows album art, song and artist info, audio format, and track time, with adjustable brightness to suit different lighting conditions. A rotary volume knob sits alongside buttons for power, play/pause, track navigation, info, and source selection. It’s tactile and responsive—no remote required, though that’s a trade-off some users may not appreciate if they prefer controlling playback from the couch.
Physically, the CXN100 measures 430 x 85 x 305-325mm (16.9 x 3.4 x 12.2 inches) and weighs 3.55kg (7.83 pounds) in lunar grey finish. Power consumption maxes out at 30W during playback, with standby drawing less than 0.5W in eco mode or less than 2W in network standby. That’s efficient enough for 24/7 operation without guilt about electricity waste.
StreamMagic Gen4 and Future-Proofing
Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic Gen4 module handles all streaming duties and supports over-the-air firmware updates, meaning the CXN100 can gain new features, codec support, or bug fixes without physical hardware changes. That’s a significant advantage over older streamers stuck on legacy software. The module supports all major streaming services and formats, though the research brief doesn’t specify which platforms are included, so check with retailers or Cambridge Audio’s website for the complete compatibility list.
How does the Cambridge Audio CXN100 compare to the CXN V2?
The CXN100 is a direct successor with four major upgrades: a superior DAC (ESS ES9028Q2M vs. Wolfson), HDMI eARC input for TV integration, a larger hi-res display, and StreamMagic Gen4 for future updates. The CXN V2 remains a five-star rated device, but the CXN100 offers generational improvements in resolution capability, circuitry design, and system integration.
Does the Cambridge Audio CXN100 support MQA?
Yes. The ESS ES9028Q2M DAC decodes MQA natively, so the CXN100 can unfold and render MQA-encoded streams from services like Tidal without any additional processing or plugins.
Can you use the Cambridge Audio CXN100 without a remote control?
Yes. All functions—volume, playback, source selection, track navigation—are accessible via the front rotary knob and buttons, so a remote is optional rather than essential. This design prioritizes simplicity and reduces the number of components that can fail or get lost.
The Cambridge Audio CXN100 is a thoughtful upgrade that addresses a real gap in the market: audiophiles who want their TV audio to sound as good as their music collection. The HDMI eARC addition alone justifies consideration if you’ve been living with compressed TV speakers, and the DAC upgrade ensures that music playback benefits from higher resolution support. It’s not a bargain-basement device, but for anyone serious about hi-fi, it’s a logical next step from the CXN V2 or a smart entry point into network audio streaming.
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: What Hi-Fi?
