Cambridge Audio CXN100 Network Player – First Look
All Image Credit: Cambridge Audio
Cambridge Audio has announced the CXN100 Network Player, its successor to the CXN V2 streaming DAC. The new model retains its predecessor’s physical appearance having; the same size, a single and now more tactile volume control and a larger higher resolution display screen. However, there have been significant upgrades to the internal electronics with a new ESS DAC, the Gen4 StreamMagic module and higher quality components.
The new ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC design is claimed to outperform the CXN V2’s Wolfson-based circuit both technically and by ear, supporting input signals of up to 32bit/768kHz PCM, MQA and DSD512. From the press release: “The timing filter inside the ESS 9028Q2M is so good that no post-DAC filter is required, which further simplifies the signal path and ultimately results in precise, jitter-free, class-leading audio clarity.”
Supporting the DAC upgrade, improvements to both distortion and SNR have also been achieved through the use of superior-quality capacitors and op-amps in the DAC’s analogue output stage.
Streaming functionality has been significantly upgraded with the Gen4 StreamMagic module from its EVO series of streaming amplifiers and Bluetooth is now built-in, no longer requiring the external dongle. The CXN100 is Roon Ready and supports; Airplay 2, Chromecast built-in, Internet Radio, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, MQA, Qobuz and Deezer with MPEG-DASH support providing high-resolution Internet Radio support. Audio formats include; ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD (x512), WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+ and OGG Vorbis.
Control is available using the six front panel buttons and new tactile feel volume control or the StreamMagic app, which allows for easy intuitive operation. It can also be controlled with the CX Series system remote, supplied with CX Series amplifiers and the CXC CD Transport.
Finally, signal connectivity includes wireless and Bluetooth with wired rear panel connectivity supporting; stereo balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog audio outputs, two TOSLINK and two coaxial digital outputs, USB and Ethernet RJ45.
Features At A Glance:
- Stunning Sound Quality – hear every detail from your digital music
- ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC – for stunning digital/analogue conversion
- StreamMagic Gen4 module – for full streaming capabilities, incl. MQA
- Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz & Deezer built-in – for the best possible sound
- High-resolution Internet Radio – thanks to MPEG-DASH support
- Roon Ready – consolidated browsing of your digital music collection
- Multiroom Capability – compatible with Google Home, Apple Airplay and Roon multiroom systems
- Flexible Digital Connectivity – with USB audio, Coaxial & TOSLINK or wirelessly with Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2 & Bluetooth
- Big hi-res color screen – see album artwork from the comfort of your chair
Specifications:
- DAC: ESS ES9028Q2M
- USB Audio input: USB Type B conforms to USB Audio profile 1.0 or 2.0 (user selectable)
- Digital Audio Input: USB Drive, Bluetooth, S/PDIF Coaxial, TOSLINK Optical
- Analog Audio Outputs: Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue
- Digital Audio Outputs: S/PDIF Coaxial and TOSLINK Optical
- Compatibility TOSLINK optical: 16/24bit 32-96kHz PCM only
- S/PDIF coaxial: 16/24bit 32-192kHz PCM only
- UPnP: up to 32bit, 768kHz
- Local USB media: PCM up to 32-bit 768kHz, DSD up to x512
- USB audio: PCM up to 32-bit 768kHz,
- DSD up to x512
- Bluetooth: SBC, AAC
- Support: Airplay 2, Chromecast built-in, Internet Radio, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, MQA, Qobuz, Deezer, Roon Ready.
- Audio Formats: ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD (x512), WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+, OGG Vorbis
- ETHERNET: 10/100Mbit
- WI-FI: IEEE 802.11 ac (2.4GHz / 5GHz)
- Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W (eco), <2W (network standby)
- Dimensions (W X H X D): 430 x 85 x 305mm (16.9 x 3.4 x 12.2″)
- Weight: 3.55Kg (7.83lbs)
MSRP (black or silver):
- US: $1,099.00
- UK: £899.00
- EU: €1,049.00
For more information visit the Cambridge Audio web site.
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