Cambridge Audio CXN100 Network Streamer: Experience Streaming Like Never Before

Introducing the new Cambridge Audio CXN100 network player, an update on their multi-year award winning streamer, the CXN v2. If you've been thinking about improving your streaming experience or even changing to a full digital front end, be sure to check out our review of this cool new piece of digital gear.
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0:00 Introduction
0:24 Company Overview
1:28 Design & Build Quality
2:46 Features & Technology
7:16 Performance & Testing
8:42 Overall Recommendation
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[@AudioAdvice]

Cambridge Audio CXN100: audioadvice.io/CXN100 Shop Cambridge Audio: audioadvice.io/shopCambridgeSubscribe! 🔔 audioadvice.io/YTsubscribe

[@doumyboy]

I bought the CXN-V2 last summer and it's an absolute wonder. Sound is out of this world. It makes a major difference when I stream now. With Cambridge Audio, you get a really good value/quality for your investment. Use a good RCA cable to connect to your amp and you will be amazed. I'm more than happy of my purchase.

[@AudioAdvice]

Awesome!! Thanks for sharing!

[@aakar88]

Try CXC transport for CD, even better sound than CXN V2!!

[@MaxGreen91]

This unit looks great! And the value is incredible - Cambridge Audio continues to impress with top notch and thoughtful design that puts listeners first. While I'm really happy with my current Yamaha R-N803 and MusicCast, I could definitely see picking this up if it goes on sale or on the secondary market. Awesome review, too! It never feels like a sales pitch and your commitment to customer service shows. Perfect level of detail for both beginner and veteran audiophiles.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for sharing, Max. We agree it's a great value and Cambridge Audio always does a fantastic job. Thanks for the kind words!

[@martybrazill7935]

Very nice. I'd love to see Cambridge Audio make a CX series power amp to match up with this streaming preamp to make a killer combo.

[@AudioAdvice]

Great idea!

[@BrianBroughten]

I was initially disappointed until I hooked my CXNV2 to an old high power analog amp, holy smokes it was night and day. Use it as a preamp and be amazed.

[@colinmaynard2879]

@@BrianBroughtenIndeed, I ran mine into a Quad 909 for years…sweet.

[@phochmann8376]

I just got the CXN V2 last week. Cambridge doesn't expect t the new 100 to be available in Canada for quite some time yet. That said....I'm having a hell of a time setting this up. Haven't kept up with technology in years and just the terminology has me shaking me 'ole noggin. Thanks for the video.

[@AudioAdvice]

The V2 is still very powerful and a great piece of gear! If you have further questions you can always call or chat with our experts!

[@stevelucey7719]

Excellent looking streamer by Cambridge!

[@AudioAdvice]

We agree! Thanks for watching!

[@chrisgargiulo304]

Love the streamline look!

[@AudioAdvice]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@sethfm9773]

I’ve always felt that Cambridge are a great value for their build quality and performance.

[@AudioAdvice]

Agreed!

[@rw80]

The most important part of higher sample rates and bit depth is always forgotten: it’s not about hearing more details but to simplify analogue shaping filters and to provide proper digital volume control.

[@AudioAdvice]

Great points. Thanks for sharing!

[@jamesschneider3828]

I can't figure out why they put display screens on these, as if I could see what is going on from anything over 4 feet away. They really missed the ball by not adding E-arc to this unit. I have the CXA81 integrated and would like a streamer that would be compatible with the remote but I will buy one that has HDMI arc. Node X more than likely, it has similar sabre DAC chip.

[@AudioAdvice]

Fair enough. Thanks for watching!

[@chrisbacchus5893]

I had a Turtle Beach AudioTron AT-100r. interesting unit you have reviewed here.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@mr.b4444]

How would this compare in sound to the Azure 851N which I own? The 851N is good but I prefer a little more brightness in the upper frequencies, does the CXN100 sound a little brighter and more detailed? I only use it for playing FLAC files from a USB drive.

[@AudioAdvice]

Chat or call with our experts at audioadvice.com and they may be able to help you compare!

[@fotoarray532]

Does it have an inbuild database to index the files (MP3, flac) on the attached drive to be browsed via app? I am using the SMSL DP5 which does have that, but it is limited on other ways, most notable does not have spotify connect, so I wonder if that device would be better.

[@AudioAdvice]

Call or chat with our team at audioadvice.com and they can look into this for you before you purchase!

[@taylorrasmus1905]

Cambridge rocks!

[@AudioAdvice]

Agreed!!

[@1337sim1]

If this new version measures as good as the older CXN V2, it could be a great choice! They could have added new features like HDMI ARC, subwoofer output with high/low pass filters, etc. though... Competition is great with other brands also offering tremendous value in the streamer/DAC sphere (WiiM, Bluesound, Eversolo, etc.) Enjoy the music! ✌️

[@AudioAdvice]

Fair enough! Thanks for watching!

[@Krell666]

Such a pity there's not a black version on launch.

[@AudioAdvice]

We would have also liked to see a black version as well.

[@greggorychopper]

Impressive that the streaming engine is their own not common at that level of price

[@AudioAdvice]

Very impressive! Thanks for watching!

[@YusufPiskin]

Hello friends. There will be 2 simple problems. Why don't devices in this class have HDMI output? Don't they support Dolby Atmos music? And, I'm thinking of buying a Denon 6800H. Would you recommend a device of this class?

[@AudioAdvice]

Chat or call our experts at audioadvice.com and they can help you pick the best one for you!

[@SteadyRolling]

Can this unit be controlled with a regular computer? What I would like to do most of the time is connect this to my router with an ethernet cable and to my stereo with the RCA outputs, and then set it to play various radio stations which stream on the internet. This is super easy with a Sonos, because Sonos has a good "controller." But the Sonos doesn't sound very good. How would I do this with this unit?

[@AudioAdvice]

Cambridge Audio has a really good app called Stream Magic which is similar to Sonos. We hope if you decide to get the CXN100 you’ll get it from Audio Advice to support our channel and small business. Thanks for watching

[@roadracer517]

Better check because it won't be compatible with my 5 year old iMac. Stream Magic is not available for it.

[@arielrodriguez6980]

Does it allow app download such as Amazon Music?

[@AudioAdvice]

Unfortunately, no. But you can stream from the app with airplay or chromecast or Bluetooth.

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Is the dac better than my dacmagic 200M?

[@AudioAdvice]

Chat or call with our experts at audioadvice.com for a comparison of the two.

[@nikoskagias6275]

Can I connect it to my hifi amplifier? Can I use the rca aux ?

[@AudioAdvice]

Yep!

[@chrispike5773]

Nice. how does it compare to the Eversolo?

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks. Please reach out to our team to discuss the details. Thank you for watching

[@GaryWalters]

If this came in Black I would order it now. I don’t get this silver only thing from Cambridge. It’s not so beautiful that it should draw attention to itself.

[@AudioAdvice]

Fair enough! We understand.

[@PhillipTMurphy]

Looks really nice. A shame they don't include Amazon Music as a native app. I'd like to use it to listen to Amazon's UltraHD. Using Bluetooth, airplay or Chromecast just isn't the same.

[@AudioAdvice]

Fair enough

[@24kHERTZ]

The critical question is the quality of sound compared to the CXN V2 or even the the Azur 851 streamer. It’s disappointing that the front USB slot has been removed. In my existing setups with an Azur 851 and a CXN V2 in two different rooms, I prefer connecting large hard drives to the rear USB slot and using the front USB slots for thumb drives, mimicking a front-loading CD experience. It's great to download tracks on a computer and then very quickly just plug into the front as opposed to having to crouch around the back - which is not seamless ergonomics. I believe this removal is a mistake. Have they got carried away with minimalism?

[@AudioAdvice]

Fair point. There are still people who use it the same way you do which we can see would be frustrating.

[@frostman9661]

I currently have an Anthem MRX 1140 and use the built in chromecast for most of my streaming. Would this be a significant audio quality upgrade? I feel its a huge price and not sure if it would make any difference when at the end of the day, its still digital streaming...

[@gottrekk5798]

That streamer is design to work best with a stereo integrated amplifier or stereo power amplifier.

[@owisun85]

Use chromecast and expected nice sound quality with the nice device you got there ? Sad ...

[@frostman9661]

@@owisun85 no need to be arrogant and condescending... It's a genuine question. Digital streaming from a Chromecast and a $1000 streamer is still digital streaming. Does it actually make a significant difference to justify that price?

[@frostman9661]

@@gottrekk5798 That makes sense to me. From your experience is it recommended to get a streaming dac for AVRs like the Anthem? Or simply not worth it unless going separates like you suggested for a dedicated stereo set up?

[@owisun85]

@@frostman9661 I'm sorry, that was not my intention. I wanted to say that you have a great device there more capable than what chromecast can deliver to it !

[@benjamincarter6095]

A 4.4 on the front and I'd be sold

[@AudioAdvice]

Fair enough!

[@bootneylee9802]

Does it do Dolby Atmos through Tidal straight to receiver?

[@AudioAdvice]

Chat or call with our experts at audioadvice.com and they can look into this for you.

[@kenkaminskyj3170]

Not a word about Dolby Atmos on the Cambridge page So I suspect not, how would you connect to get Dolby Atmos anyway ?.

[@hchavez]

Does it come in black?

[@AudioAdvice]

Unfortunately, no.

[@kevinmoore994]

For sound quality, would this unit be an improvement over the Bluesound Node 2i or about the same.? Would be connected to Rotel RC-1572 and RB-1552MKII.

[@AudioAdvice]

Chat or call with our experts at audioadvice.com and they can help you decide what would be best for you!

[@duns7800]

@AudioAdvice waiting for black.....

[@AudioAdvice]

🤞

[@ramin3080]

It would be much better if it had HDMI ARC and tone control.

[@AudioAdvice]

Fair enough. We've seen many say the same thing.

[@michaelharrison6465]

I don't get it. Its a $1000 pre-amp. Why not go a yamaha RN-800A? DAC, Amp, Streamer, the works. Haven't bought one yet, but considering options.

[@AudioAdvice]

There are a lot of options out there. You can always chat with our experts at audioadvice.com if you need help deciding which one is best for you!

[@michaelharrison6465]

@@AudioAdvice excellent reply! I might just do that, thank you.

[@YouSoundButtHurt]

The fact that you asked that question means this product isn't for you. Simple as.

[@teobrousalis575]

turntable or Cambridge Audio CXN100 Network Streamer ???

[@AudioAdvice]

That depends on if you want to get into vinyl. Or just get both :)

[@szh70]

SMPS or linear? CA website doesn't seem to specify.

[@YouSoundButtHurt]

Looks like a similar switched mode PSU as the previous version.

[@szh70]

Thanks. That’s a huge missed opportunity. Curious how it compares to Eversolo Master edition. Both ChiFi products.

[@YouSoundButtHurt]

@@szh70 I don't think the Cambridge is ChiFi, it's made in China but I'm assuming it's Cambridge's design. The power supply also isn't that big of a deal, even the Eversolo A8 has a combo linear/smps power supply. Doubt it really makes a difference.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thans for watching. We will find out shortly!

[@Ultima_SG]

How do i connect a subwoofer to this unit?

[@AudioAdvice]

If you are using it as a preamp, you would need to run the audio out through your subwoofer in and out then to the power amp, or you could run XLR to the power amp and RCA out to the sub or the reverse if you have balanced connections on your sub or power amp

[@Ultima_SG]

Great to hear that its possible, as it's gonna be my first streamer and still looking on how to connect through my existing b&w speakers with my SVS sub. Thanks

[@YamilLlanos]

Too late. Eversolo DMP-A6 is cheaper, has way more features, a better and bigger screen, and better app. Not to mention you can even install an SSD into it to store your own music. Oh, and even supports Apple Music. I mean, why would someone buy CXN100? Form factor maybe?

[@AudioAdvice]

Fair enough. It won't be for everyone. Some may care about the sound only which we think this will win. We haven't compared directly to the Eversolo but we plan to very soon. Thanks for watching!

[@xellence]

@@AudioAdviceyou just claimed a winner even before having a direct comparison?

[@drazenbabich]

@@xellenceExactly. But most shops do that to attract new customers. We, the buyers need to stay vigilant and see thru some of that bull :-)

[@drazenbabich]

CA likely started developing CXN100 months before DMP-A6 got announced, I agree with you… they likely got caught with pants around their ankles sort of speak by Eversolo :-) Maybe we should all wait for the future CXN150 and compare then? ;-)

[@kurtislowe6749]

Well the "consensus" by many was that the Cambridge cxn v2 sounded better than the Eversolo and this was is "supposed" to sound better than the CXN V2. Also it has Chromecast. I have the Eversolo and the apple music portion is pretty trash. It's some weird half baked version of it they came up with themselves so it could be in landscape mode to fit their screen. They should have just let us download the apple music app so it wasn't weird. And it's meant to be used in portrait mode. It's just awkward in landscape mode

[@rgrtnyjjc]

HDMI would have sealed the deal but without I have to pass sadly.

[@AudioAdvice]

Fair enough.

[@javidtaghiyev4628]

Want!

[@AudioAdvice]

Go for it!! You'll love it.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

There is no video.

[@AudioAdvice]

The screen does not display video.

[@amosmoledi]

Nad 658c please

[@AudioAdvice]

Double the price but that is a great option!

[@anthonykuster4192]

Made in China huh, I guess it doesn't come in Black either!

[@drazenbabich]

No it doesn't...the color CA uses for their components is a pain for many. Neither black nor silver, more of a Titanium. Some people who want to keep their audio components the same color won't appreciate it. I am one of them.

[@AudioAdvice]

Unfortunately, no black. Sorry.

[@gking1338]

Cambridge Audio is very good equipment but they all need repairing with four to five years, they simply don’t last, probably why this is so when it’s made in China, sabotage probably because Chinese Branded hi-fi don’t have the same problem and age better spec and build.

[@AudioAdvice]

We haven't heard about too any repairs after 4-5 years. Many people on our team own Cambridge products and we don't hear about many issues. Sorry to hear if you'd had an issue in the past.

[@carthage7757]

No EQ nor HDMI ArC🤔 I'm not impressed 🙄

[@AudioAdvice]

Good point. We've seen many say the same thing.

[@jamesmichael900]

Retailers masquerading as reviewers. 👍

[@AudioAdvice]

We never try to hide the fact we are a retailer. We appreciate you watching

[@owisun85]

The product is new but they are still behind is so many aspects... is a pass!

[@AudioAdvice]

Fair enough. Thanks for watching.

[@calebmorgan6939]

"...with an outstanding sense of rhythm and pacing." If you can say that with a straight face, you're more stoic or more dishonest than me. No need to listen beyond that.

[@restcarl83]

Yeah. Cambridge Audio is one year behind the competition

[@bobl.1439]

such as? genuine question. i'm hoping to buy a streamer later this year and have been looking at the cxn100, but if there are more advanced streamers at comparable prices i'd love to check em out. thx in advance

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for watching

[@gg0297]

Tiny screen. Eversolo ftw.

[@AudioAdvice]

Is that what you care about most?

[@gg0297]

@@AudioAdvice In a streamer, I want to see what I'm listening to (and additional info) + solid platform (which the Cxn100 lacks). Don't get me wrong, it is a decent product, but Eversolo is better. In every way.

[@Krell666]

Why would you need any screen when you can use the giant screen on an iPad?

[@gg0297]

@@Krell666 I want to see what's playing and additional info. I need my gear to show me "it's alive". That's why I like Vu meters, too. 😁

[@owisun85]

​@AudioAdvice I bet eversolo sounds just as good if not better !

[@babolababs4732]

"Experience Streaming Like Never Before" - why would you make pompous statements like this? How can you tell this is 'like never before'. Have you compared it with A6 and A8 from Eversolo for example? Come on dudes...

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Remember they are doing it to sell the unit so in some regard you can hardly blame them and they therefore they are not reviewing it. I’d personally think it would be better for audio advice to show some of the use of the unit and app to add value as lots of what they are saying is already known.

[@AudioAdvice]

Fair enough. It's a term that Cambridge uses quite often and thought it would be a nice tagline to include.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for the feedback! We will take that into consideration moving forward. We appreciate your constructive criticism.

[@kevinhom8812]

The problem with Eversolo is it made in China!

[@AudioAdvice]

Good point.

[@YouSoundButtHurt]

@@AudioAdvice Did you type that comment on your made in China phone or PC?

[@greenebear2267]

why you dont you show us the streamer instead of bla bla bla thumps down