John Darko
Cambridge Audio has announced the CXN100, the successor to its exceedingly popular CXN V2 streaming DAC. The new model retains its predecessor’s dimensions, volume knob and 4.75″ display screen but reworks the internals in two key areas.
Firstly, the CXN100’s DAC circuit. The new ESS ES9028Q2M-centric design reportedly outperforms the CXN V2’s Wolfson-based circuit on the test bench and in the listening chair. 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.”
According to Cambridge, an uplift in SNR and a downshift in overall distortion have also been brought about through the use of superior-quality capacitors and op-amps in the DAC’s analogue output stage, which sees audio signals exiting the CXN 100 via balanced XLR and single-ended RCA sockets.
The DAC supports input signals of up to 32bit/768kHz PCM, MQA and DSD512 with hard-wired accessibility coming via the CXN100’s rear-panel coaxial, TOSLINK and USB sockets.
However, the main thrust of the CXN100’s utility is its streaming functionality for which Cambridge Audio has borrowed the Gen4 StreamMagic module from its EVO series of streaming amplifiers. Bluetooth no longer requires a dongle and the Ethernet/wi-fi streaming portion of the module collates Roon Readiness, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect. Those not using Apple’s AirPlay 2 or Google’s Chromecast – both of which are also on board – are given access to additional streaming services via Cambridge’s StreamMagic smartphone app (iOS and Android). MPEG-DASH support throws hi-res Internet radio streams into the mix.
Pricing on the CXN 100 has been set at US$1099, ยฃ899 or โฌ1049 with availability starting today.
Further information: Cambridge Audio
