The AMPLIFIER We've Been WAITING FOR! Cambridge Audio EXA100 REVIEW

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

📌 Considering the EXA100 or EXN100? Find them here bit.ly/3zU1FCq and bit.ly/48tTIjV CORRECTION: I mistakenly said that the DAC chip inside the EXA100 and EXN100 were the same; this is incorrect. I meant to say that the DAC inside the EXA100 and the less expensive CXA81 MKII are the same. However, my remarks regarding the DAC performance of the EXA100 and the EXN100 do not change. Apologies for any and all confusion. 🔌 Leave a QUESTION/COMMENT! It may be featured on the next Unplugged! Watch every UNPLUGGED here bit.ly/43NnDkT 😀If you enjoyed this video, please hit the 👍 Like button! 🙏 Please stay on topic & be respectful. ⬆Channel Policies and FTC Disclosures are available in the description box above.

[@scruffy8861]

Having purchased a Luxman L-550AXII to finish off my audiophile journey, i still watch and enjoy your content.☝

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@stijnvanderlooy5311]

Cambridge always offers high value. Great brand. I had the 851 series few years back. Nothing to complain about

[@jamesstory2711]

Such a clear no nonsens full explanation. That is something i realy like!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bsfilter8190]

😂 Recovering Audiophile? How? With all of this delicious equipment? I bet one of those rooms in that house has stuff I can sadly only dream of. Keep up the excellent work! My favorite reviewers!

[@feelgeorge]

Another excellent review. Have a lovely day, both of you.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you! Same to you.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

CORRECTION: I mistakenly said that the DAC chip inside the EXA100 and EXN100 were the same; this is incorrect. I meant to say that the DAC inside the EXA100 and the less expensive CXA81 MKII are the same. However, my remarks regarding the DAC performance of the EXA100 and the EXN100 do not change, as there is little difference between the sound quality I experienced when A/B-ing these two products, specifically the sound quality of their internal DACs (digital to analog converters). Apologies for any and all confusion.

[@NykoLUniko]

But according to the speaker components video it doesnt matter what’s inside your gear! Don’t worry!

[@julianpasotti173]

And how do those two DACs compare to the competition (Schiit dedicated units and other brands' amplifier-mounted ones)?

[@roa5359]

They are using the lowest range ESS DAC which has been out for a decade or longer in a 2 grand amplifier 🤔. There is no excuse for that when £200 DAC’s now include top chips. Thanks for the review.

[@thelazostsa]

The chip itself doesn't guarantee that a device has a good sound.there are many more components that plays a huge role at the final design.

[@roa5359]

@@thelazostsa Yeah, yeah yeah. We have all heard this many times over. However, a £2000 component should not use the cheapest chip available.They are clearly just ticking boxes. Not good at all.

[@thelazostsa]

@@roa5359 then just buy a full analog amplifier and the 200$ dac you mention.

[@roa5359]

@@thelazostsa Sure but you are missing my point.

[@davelaatsch4145]

So what's better at $2000?

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Whoever composed mixed and mastered your intro beats is quite likely a genius 🔥

[@seanwalsh5717]

The Yamaha 1000a is one of the best values among integrated amps.

[@lonniefarmer7067]

As always thank you! I love electronics data of all sorts and you are clear and knowledgeable in the right areas along with a love of a good A/V. lol

[@KristiWright]

Hi Lonnie!

[@Carl-bd1rf]

Had to laugh, “push your speakers into low earth orbit” loved it!!

[@ThomsonVarghese22]

Why do we need this when we got the super cheap Onkyo TX-RZ30 from last week? What does this do that Onkyo doesn't?

[@IanMacDonald-u1v]

You took the words right out of my, ummm, keyboard? Lol. That RZ30 kept going through my mind as I read the review too

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Your comment makes an appearance in today's Unplugged. Thanks for contributing to the conversation!

[@ThomsonVarghese22]

wow! INTERNET, I made it!!!

[@speakersilove]

Many people here complaining that both the EXA and EXN have a DAC and eARC. What about the customers that just want the amp or the customers that just want the streamer? Pretty sure there would be more criticism if the EXA or EXN didn’t have a DAC or eARC. Seems like Cambridge Audio wants all types of customers covered. Not a bad decision in my opinion. Also, at this level, keeping the phono stage out of the amp feels sensible.

[@Barbarapape]

I have owned and still have some Cambridge Audio gear from the early 2000's They never have been what i would call inexpensive, but this one even though is not top of the range, makes me wince at the asking price. Here in the UK Richer Sounds will at some point have it on offer to VIP customers until then , i can wait and see how well the reviews go, and try the Rotel.

[@AA-Ron-zt6kb]

I love your commentary. I wish there was a place for the rest of us to A/B the same equipment. I love your podcast, brother.

[@usonian11]

An hour early! It’s a fall back miracle! 🎉

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for tuning in given the change in time.

[@michaelrossmaessler200]

As to Andrew's comment about natural sound..YES ! Especially with acoustic instruments natural is desirable.

[@Totalplonker]

It's always nice to see the enhanced version of ARC. Sonically, they say there's no difference between ARC and E-ARC. However, my experiences said something other. People don't realise the amount of work involved to produce a video like this. Confirmation usually comes on the second viewing 🎉

[@shadowbest3447]

Andrew what are people reffering to when they discuss the "sweet spot," of a speaker, and does this apply to both stereo and surround speakers?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Your comment makes an appearance in today's Unplugged video. Thanks for contributing to the conversation! We hope to see you there!

[@stayshift]

"unless you are carl that likes to keep things at full blast." nice reference.

[@dodpr]

I like Cambridge’s design. Their stuff always look modern and cool. But I think you are right. I can have all of that and more with just a decent AVR. They do a decent job streaming music. I have multiple systems and at the end I only have time to listen to one. I have the AXA35 and a bluesound node and that’s all I need for just stereo listening.

[@greyquinn]

The more I think about it ghe more I like the idea of a separate streamer. Digital technologies are the ones that evolve faster and it would be cheaper go update something like a wiim ultra rather than a whole ingegrated amp with a streamer. So I see the point of this Cambridge. How does it compare in sound quality to Arcam A25?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Your comment makes an appearance in today's Unplugged video. Thanks for contributing to the conversation! We hope to see you there!

[@RickRuizAudio]

It doesn't look like the EXN and EXA have the same DAC. EXN States ES9028 and EXA states ES9018.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I mistakenly said that the DAC chip inside the EXA100 and EXN100 were the same; this is incorrect. I meant to say that the DAC inside the EXA100 and the less expensive CXA81 MKII are the same. However, my remarks regarding the DAC performance of the EXA100 and the EXN100 do not change, as there is little difference between the sound quality I experienced when A/B-ing these two products, specifically the sound quality of their internal DACs (digital to analog converters). Apologies for any and all confusion.

[@barkingpumpkin5693]

I think a Bluetooth turntable misses the point altogether

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I guess it does for you. The Alva is a great TT.

[@dawaynecleckley8673]

Wow, thanks for a very interesting review! What a great looking design. I'm glad that Cambridge has finally chosen to become more competitive. I'm really interested in hearing the integrated after watching your review (McIntosh comparison🔥). One more thing: thank you for the Media section in your description that has your reference music choices. Nice! Have a great Sunday by the pool!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

So glad you enjoyed it, Dawayne. Kristi works hard to put the description notes together. Thanks for watching!

[@tomreidy1237]

Another great review. I don’t think I would purchase it based on what it is missing. Great review as always.

[@WillieBloom]

“Bloom for effect.” My favorite part!

[@maxpower78-15]

I really like the comparisons in this one.

[@bearclaw5115]

Can't wait to see what you have to say about those Studio 89's!

[@TxZick]

Music quality only, price not an issue, Yamaha R-N2000A vs Cambridge Audio CXN v2+ CXA81 do you prefer? I find the CXA81 lack of tone controls an issue at times.

[@tessie4204]

You should really review the new "Buckeye PURIFI 1ET6525SA" amplifier. It is an amplifier for the people!

[@txerapng]

Great Sunday everyone!

[@KristiWright]

Hello!

[@txerapng]

@@KristiWright Hey Kristi! What are your thoughts on the look on this one? 😂 I can’t get over that black bar in the center.

[@supikoiraroy]

So if I buy both EXN100 and EXA100, I have to pay pay twice for the da converter, HDMI arc connection, etc. I think this is really stupid. Cambridge should have done as Marantz did with the Model 50 amplifier, which is all analog, and the CD50N, which includes all digital connections and a network player. This would have lowered the price of the amplifier. Now this is a big miss.

[@jjnewbold]

Feeling good about my 2000A purchase.

[@charlesking678]

I'm my opinion that's an end game product. It checks so many boxes.

[@WireHedd]

What a gorgeous set. I also love the looks of the Rotel/Michi lines but just can't equate the dollar to performance on them. If they were a bit less costly I'd find them VERY competitive to the lines from Marantz ,etc. Still can't wait for the next Unplugged to hear both sides. Thanks guys for another great video.

[@chase7972]

I’m so stoked for this! 😝🙃😊

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I hope you enjoy the review.

[@rangerrecon]

I guess it is probably par-for-the-course for higher-end units to have sub and pre outputs, but I still see so much equipment omitting them that it is nice to see them included here. The upside-down text on the inputs for performing connection while looking over the top of the unit is a nice touch too. The HDMI eARC input is a VERY welcomed addition too as I find myself more dependent on eARC for simplifying equipment control even in simple setups like Apple TV/Integrated Amp/TV. I do wish that brands would stop dropping the tone controls. Without them, I find myself pursuing more expensive solutions (bi-amping, subwoofers, etc.) just to listen to some source material with the sonic profile I desire.

[@thomaswomack3888]

Andrew you being an Emotiva fanboy (as I am), it surprises me greatly you didnt throw out for consideration the Emo TA1 and TA2 as extremely capable integrated amp/dac/preamp all in one package and currently being sold at nearly fire sale prices, at least until the end of the year. I absolutely LOVE my TA1 for its scrupulously clean sound and capable amplifier. That said for the price of the Cambridge amp you could get a PT1, currently 400 bucks, and a VTV Hypex ncore 500 wpc amp and have stupid amounts of power to drive any speaker made for about $1250 all in and be set for a long time with a 2 channel system or 2.1 since the TA1 has a subwoofer out jack on it. I submit this combo will kick the ass of ANY cambridge combo you care to assemble for less money. What do you think?

[@TheChrisleekay]

Great review thank you Andrew.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Of course! Thank you for watching.

[@ChrisGramer]

I’m getting a Pioneer SX-6 vibe from the EXA-100. The two components look great stacked together!

[@tehgman2]

Didn't mention how it does for shows and movies. Also how do avr's like last weeks rz30 fare against it?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Noted your question for Friday's Unplugged.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Your comment makes an appearance in today's Unplugged video. Thanks for contributing to the conversation! We hope to see you there!

[@craigosterberg5045]

Thanks for your expertise. Happy Sunday.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Appreciate you tuning in!

[@IanMacDonald-u1v]

Another great review as always! And as I see a few others who mentioned it too, really look forward to your thoughts on how this stacks up to the Onkyo RZ-30. Cheers and have a wonderful weekend from the great white north!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

You aren't the only one curious about this comparison. Look for this to come up in the next Unplugged!

[@IanMacDonald-u1v]

Look forward to it!

[@Evolved_ue7]

Cambridge Audio has never been my goto brand, but i did invest with the Azur 851a i still have it, which is testament to how good it is . If im honest the sound signature of Arcam gets my vote over the two brands . Is it me or are we seeing manufacturers setting 100wpc as the new norm . Which of course means nothing if the power supply is mediocre..

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Your comment makes an appearance in today's Unplugged video. Thanks for contributing to the conversation! We hope to see you there!

[@CButti-x1s]

Happy Sunday morning A&K. Another great review. How about a comparison with the Arcam A25 which seems similarly spec'd plus includes a phono-stage and is quite a bit cheaper. Enjoy the end of your weekend. Thanks again for all the great reviews.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Noted for Friday. Appreciate you watching!

[@fencerrandy]

No subwoofer bass management for $2199? Fail.

[@clivepacker]

I went from the CXA 81 with Emotiva ERC-4 to the Rotel RA / DT 6000 pairing (would have gone with RA-1592 but I got a floor model 6000 for the same price) and have to say I think the Rotel remains hard to beat. It works so well across all genres of music. Monitor Audio Silver 500 7Gs needed the extra oomph of something more than the CXA81. That said I’d be interested in hearing the EX as there’s a lot Cambridge did right in the CX series.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I agree that the Rotel is a tough act to follow.

[@Nmorozow]

Can't help but think those extra watts from Rotel are going to give you the edge over Cambridge...

[@sbwlearning1372]

​@@NmorozowUltimate Power corrupts. Ultimately !!! Cambridge products top out around 200wpc. For the price it is a bit measley

[@jameslsm]

Finally we see that Andrew is _not_ using magic invisible wires!

[@SirMountainpass]

How does it stack up vs the Arcam Radia A25?

[@mickburns4913]

Or even the a15 which i am using atm. Sounds great 👍

[@Genehow-ard]

I waffled between Cambridge and Marantz before finally going with Marantz. But… look at those beautiful Monitor speakers

[@thedrivebygg]

You’re so slick and watchable, great review. I own the original cxa80 cxc and the cxn which push my bowers and Wilkins DM630 floor standing speakers. I choose to use the balanced XLR analog connections, and have the bi-wired speaker set up. I also have the Technics SL 1200 connected via the Cambridge cp1 phono stage. For now I’m happy with the set up, plenty of bass and treble adjustment, and 80w per channel seems to be working ok, but if I’m being honest I think more amplifying power would£ be welcome. At some point I can see myself upgrading to the bowers and Wilkins 805 D3 at which point I will check out the Rotel 5000 you mention.

[@constantinoskatodrytis542]

Thanks for the review! I hate to dwell on this, I know it comes up all the time. But am I the only one curious to know how is it that the frequency response does not change but the low end seems more pronounced? Especially at low frequencies measurements are pretty accurate in reflecting what we hear. Who cares you may ask? We all should because it may be influenced by the source. For instance vinyl vs digital, bluetooth streaming vs builtin streaming, apple music vs tidal connect etc. But hey if I am the only one dying to get to the bottom of this then what do I know.

[@saritshah9156]

A comparison with the Marantz Model 30 amplifier and SACD 30n would be more valid no? The 60n is hardly in the same league.

[@westcoast708]

Hey guys, I absolutely love Cambridge. Andrew living here in Canada any chance of reviews in regards to the totem line of speakers )) . These speakers blew me away thx again .

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Hi Westcoast. We had a pair of Totems (the Bison towers) but opted not to review them. Sounded good but was overpriced for the built-quality.

[@Taffy84]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews You should have reviewed them anyway and just said that in your opinion they are overpriced.

[@westcoast708]

@andrewrobinsonreviews Yes I kinda agree with you on how they don't seem as a solid built cabinet like competitive other brands for that kinda of money we should get both in sound overall construction and just a great all around speaker thx A .

[@Taffy84]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews They cost a bit more because they use mitered joints.

[@HeyFixThis]

I have a Marantz M1 + Kef meta 3. It sounds almost too snappy and detailed. The ‘virtual mode’ on Apple TV sounds great for most songs and fixes many issues I have with the setup. Still I am wondering if there are more natural sounding setups. Don’t get me wrong, this setup is goood. But maybe too good if you know what I mean? Any suggestions for people looking for a more natural/analog easy going setup?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

If the M1 is too precise then you may be a candidate for something like the EXA reviewed here.

[@DarrenJamesNI]

Andrew, where do you get your TV screensavers from? They also appear to have a white boarder which mimics an art piece and is like to try it myself.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

They are from a subscription-based art app called Artcast.

[@Dreez76]

There's a guy called Thomas that owns a company named Gallion, he released a power-amp called Gallion TS A75, you might want to look into it, it's getting raving reviews . And considering it's price, it might be very interesting for a lot of people.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thomas is a KZbin and print AV reviewer who decided to release his own products. I have exchanged emails with him re: his products though nothing has materialized.

[@GPintoFerrao]

Not usually I face Cambridge as my cup of tea. Preferences, only that. But I'm sure the brand could be a perfect and the right choice for a seriously price point hifi gear set for many of audiophiles. Cheers

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗THANKS ANDREW,FOR THE REVIEW 💚💚💚

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@Thresher]

Thanks for the review. This is on my list now.

[@MisterJDavis]

Sunday’s best!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I sincerely appreciate that!

[@gavriushka]

Umm, excuse me sir. But Friday is damn good too. Some (like me) would argue it’s even better. 😅

[@sirjynx3041]

Was this recorded on a new camera, or perhaps a new lens and lighting? Maybe new to all three? Excellent quality video! Almost forgot to pay attention to the content... Oops 😂

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks! I switched to BlackMagic several videos ago. That may be what you are responding to.

[@bcrandeis]

I was just looking at these on Crutchfield yesterday, and here you guys are with a review the next day! How would you say the sound would differ if I were to be upgrading from a (first gen) NAD C700? I did hear your comment about how it differs from NAD sound, but if you have any additional thoughts.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Your comment makes an appearance in today's Unplugged video. Thanks for contributing to the conversation! We hope to see you there!

[@JuanAlejandroT]

The two components here or a NAD M33?

[@Аняна]

I don't know how Andrew does it, but at his house every piece of equipment sounds phenomenal 😄

[@davidmedia171]

You may need to watch a few more of his videos. 😂

[@roa5359]

Probably because he doesn’t have to buy the stuff 😉. No offence to him.

[@rlowes]

Did you actually watch the whole video? Lots of criticisms as well as praise and pros and cons vs other amps…

[@kenbbaker]

He also tries to present equipment that is above average - so no Wally World systems

[@roa5359]

@@rlowes no. After seeing they use the cheapest DAC from the parts bin the rest holds no interest

[@stimpy1226]

I don’t understand what the purpose of meters are on an amplifier unless you are using them for biasing. Nelson Pass does have a single meter on his Class A amps that has a unique reason for being there. It allows you to see when his class a amplifiers are starting to move out of class A range which is almost never or so slight that you can hardly see the meter needle move

[@snowinokinawa]

May I ask for the estimated time+date for your next upcoming live unplugged session please? Really keen to stay awake and grab a superchat or two… (from 2am’ish Australia). Thank you kindly. Nickolas

[@constantinoskatodrytis542]

The way I see it, manufacturers of these integrated amps that are ommiting important features (e.g bass management, room correction, phono preamp etc) are actually promoting the separates route or the avr route. They may think that they give people more options but deliverately miss thr sweetspot which has the opposite effect.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Two of your comments make an appearance in today's Unplugged. Thanks for contributing to the conversation!

[@constantinoskatodrytis542]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews thanks for the opportunity!:)

[@scottbaylor6215]

I'm interested in your thoughts. I bought the CXA81 based primarily on your review. Granted, you didn't rave about it much but you described very well how it sounded which I have come to truly enjoy. I like the new EXA line but I'm really enjoying my system. FOMO? Maybe but love to hear more about your thoughts on it. I have the CXNV2 as well and it works well for me.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Your comment makes an appearance in today's Unplugged video. Thanks for contributing to the conversation! We hope to see you there!

[@scottbaylor6215]

@ anytime boss. I have it queued up. Busy Friday. Love you guys and keep up the great work. 🤘🏻🎸🤘🏻

[@georgedomse]

I couldn't help but see that you never review Hegel products. Since that is my choice of amps (I tried dozens of brands, but for me, Hegel always came out on top), I wonder why.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

They don't appear to want us to review their products. We've requested them many times.

[@nc3419]

I read a person's opinion awhile back and they stated Arcam can sound like a Hegel. But the SNR and other factors are better with Hegel. I have a Hegel h160 and also a much lower powered Keces E40 that essentially keeps up with the Hegel in SQ in a smaller package and it has much better SNR, etc than Arcam. Also have a VA CA-1 which seems dead neutral and a bit more transparent that the other two in comparison but I like all three. If you don't need the power of a large amp, and want a more simple/smaller/lighter solution, those are two to consider.

[@Him_othy]

Since the end of the year is coming up, i would love to hear your thoughts on a good complete 5.1.2 home sound system.

[@clarkson427]

Have you reviewed any hegel amps yet?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

No, but not for a lack of asking.

[@clarkson427]

@andrewrobinsonreviews maybe buy one, 190v. Think you'll love it.

[@mansoorkhoshnam-bm4vq]

thank you very much for your review Mr Andrew Robinson.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

My pleasure!

[@Harry-Giles]

Thanks Andrew. I started out with a version 1 CXA81. So I was really interested in this review. I moved to a Roksan Attessa IA on your advice. Love it. I would probably consider the EXA100 if in the market for a new amp since I have Cornwall IVs. But, if I moved to the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacles (really lusting after those) looks like the Rotel 5000 should be considered. I do channel my inner Carl some and I would not consider an amp (EXA100 or similar) that can't rock some lower efficiency speakers when I am in the mood. Looking forward to Kristi's thoughts later this week.

[@LiviuGeorge85]

❤ happy sunday ❤

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks!

[@secretsquirel5306]

Thanks for the very comprehensive review and all the different amplifier options you looked at. Having looked at the specs for the EX amp I hadn't noticed the omission of bass management which I think is a missed-step by Cambridge, and something included in the WiiM Amp. At the moment I've got a pre/power combination for amplifier duty, which I want to replace but do you think pre/power amps are an unnecessary complication given how good integrated amps are these days?

[@kiangdv]

Is there a trigger to turn on the EXA100 automatically when my streamer starts to plays music (regardless which one)? - this would be essential having something like auto-sense.

[@JulioCSolar]

Hi Andrew. Love your videos. I had a Cambridge streamer in the past and I didn't like it. I sold it. I now have a different setup. I wish you could compare a Parasound JC5 with the Mcintosh you have. I love my Parasound (6K usd) and I'd love to hear from you if investing in that "blue meters" beast would make sense for me. Thanks!

[@danielmordecaijr34]

Happy Sunday 😊

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Same to you!

[@Johnny32156]

I dont mind that it doesnt have a phono, l dont wanna pay for somethin Im not gona use. I would even love that they make only analog amp because Im only interested in streaming and there are plenty of streamers with dac. Why would I pay for one more dac in the integrated amp. This amp is getting very good reviews regarding sound quality so that is most imortant and I will probably buy it because of that. If you want integrated with streamer they have EVO series. Exn100 in this configuration doesnt make much sense for sure.

[@PhillipBurke-f1o]

Great review & comparison Andrew, I have B&W 804-D3 running on Musical Fidelity M5si Amplifier but it lacks features. Which Integrated Amp (digital only no analog need) would in your opinion pair best as an upgrade? 💡 1.This Cambridge Audio EXA100 (make be low on power for the B&W) 2. Rotel RA-1592MKII 3. Rotel RAS-5000 4. Parasound Halo HINT 6 5. leave well enough alone (stick with the Musical Fidelity M5si) Your opinion on this is of significant value to me🙂

[@treyhorn5645]

That's definitely pretty cool. You mentioned NAD. I totally forgot I own one lol. Just looked in closet she's sleeping underneath my crowns.. Thanks man ✌️

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Glad to jog your memory!

[@treyhorn5645]

@andrewrobinsonreviews lol

[@IRON_PANDA]

Talking streaming, Bluesound Node & Icon, which both come with Dirac (and bass management), crazy good software and headphone amps, are going to be damn near impossible to beat. Totally market disrupting move, imho. The sound quality upgrades you get with Dirac, after investing to a UMIK-1 mic, are astounding, especially when using a subwoofer. I'm waiting for reviews of those two and the potential grand slammer pair of products from Arcam, the SA35 and the big boi SA45, to see what kinda moves I'm making next from my NAD C 3050 LE (which has been a complete joy to use, btw, only if it had more juice!). PS, I heard the SA35 driving a pair of crazy expensive JBL towers (like 13-15k/pair) at a HiFi-show this fall and the sound, and the effortlessness, was unbelievably good.

[@kennethjrgensen2087]

I'm also looking forward to these two. I using node n130 with Nad c298 and Dali Rubikore 6.

[@IRON_PANDA]

@ I had the N130 Node & the C298 in-house for demo, but then ended up buying the 3050 LE. That pairing sounded way superior in comparison, but the looks and Dirac (and cheaper price) steered me towards the 3050 LE.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@leelakrishnan9463]

Great thanks ☺

[@nelsonclub7722]

Cambridge Edge user here - full active system 4 X Mono - its better than Mac for my ears - sorry Mac lovers

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

The Edge Series is fabulous and some of my favorite pieces we've had on the channel, ever!

[@ScottyR951]

Show we love you guys. Could you tell me what you would do to do a Home theater under 5000 or exactly at 5000 for a home theater Atmos

[@snodd8377]

Rotel rs5000 is a stunner actually! Actually a little better then even the really good yamaha 2000 I feel rotel really nailed it this time! You get hiend amplifier and a hiend streamer section.

[@vitalioc1980]

What about Marantz model 40n? Is Rotel better?

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

@@vitalioc1980I went with the 40n and will be here in a few days. I prefer the Marantz specs and made in Japan. Rotel seems to have hit and miss reliability, many complaints and manufacturer support seems flaky at best. Oh and made in China, no thanks

[@LKVeroy]

Please review the new Luxman L-5xxz amps

[@maxpower78-15]

Daylight savings gets me every year. Im late! Happy Sunday!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for watching, given the change in time!

[@Superfly1503]

After years of pining for home theatre and hifi equipment and hoping that one day I’ll be in a position to buy into the hobby I have decided finally, it’s not for me. Hifi and home theatre is clearly not for everyone and I understand. As a hobby it’s for people with deeper pockets than I’ll ever have. I’m stepping away as I’ll never have the kind of funds available to spend to enjoy what the rest of you do. That’s ok. I’m not angry or resentful. Enjoy your hobby. But I’m checking out. Thanks for the cool videos, I have enjoyed watching them over the years. I just know it’s not for me anymore.

[@zombielandiii2711]

Hello, maybe this is a dumb suggestion, but you can buy a very affordable sound bar for movies and they're very good. Also, for example I have a fosi tube amp that cost me around 60-70 usd and it is really cool. I have cheap speakers from RSL and Monoprice , to Expensive Q Acoustics Concept ones. The thing is that for me, there are times that I enjoyed very much listen to the fosi paired with a pair of Klipsch. Also for fun I listened the Q Acoustics with the fosi. Never, not once did I miss my "expensive" setup at my workplace while listening to the fosi and the RP 600m. My first " home theater" was a Panasonic 5.0 with dvd included 27 years ago. Best experiences I ever had, and lots of nostalgia. Just sharing, try not to give up with the hobby if you like it. ✌🏻

[@Superfly1503]

@ thanks for the encouragement. I wish I could afford Klipsch. I have a cheap portable Bluetooth speaker. It will have to do for now.

[@kjbunnyboiler]

Afternoon Andrew, Kristi & Kadie👍👍🦴

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for joining us, KJ! Appreciate it.

[@kjbunnyboiler]

@ 👍👍👍

[@bryandoherty6426]

Any triggers

[@42degrees86]

I know DAC implementation is often the most important aspect but still not sure they're using an over 10 year old mid spec DAC chip in what is a high end amp. Could Cambridge not be bothered adapting to current and high level sabre chip? Obviously the influence of DACs is minimal and the amp can still sound amazing but seems a bit odd or lazy to me.

[@kiangdv]

I would go with the NAD M10 v3 tbh - Dolby Digital, BluOS, Dirac (if needed) and Phono - but yeah, it looks cool the EXA100

[@ohno-ohno-VW]

Helli from Hong Kong～～

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Hey Ohno. Always good to see you.

[@analoglooney]

The amplifier I've been waiting for has Mcintosh written on it, but I'm sure the Cambridge is good.🙂

[@ricdavis7974]

How does it compare to the cheaper do it all's that you like (Marantz M1, Arcam A25 and the Technics SU-GX70)? How about an AVR that sounds good with 2 channel music comparison as well (Onkyo, Sony, Anthem) since they're in the same price range.

[@francescotenti193]

I keep scratching my head as to why tone controls, once present on any product, are now missing on most amps. I miss them!!!

[@thedrivebygg]

I don’t understand it either, personally I think it’s an essential part of a hifi set up. I do use the cxa80 direct mode at times and it does deliver a great sound.

[@francescotenti193]

@@thedrivebygg I play guitar as a hobby, no guitar amp comes without tone controls and all guitars have them, so why stereo equipment does not??

[@michaelrossmaessler200]

Tone controls were done badly on a lot of equipment. Audiophiles didn't like the coloration and some thought there were just a crappy limited equalizer. Quad over the years has done effective tone controls, their thinking was tone controls were to compensate for less than perfect recordings (vinyl records).

[@stimpy1226]

I’d rather keep my hearing then play my music at outrageously high levels. There is a technique to set your output level without blowing your eardrums. Slowly turn up the volume until the music just starts to bloom and then you can increase it a bit more if necessary