EXN100 or CXN100: Choosing the Right Cambridge Audio Streamer

Navigating Cambridge Audio’s Streamer Lineup

Cambridge Audio has long been a trusted name in high-fidelity streaming, with its CXN series earning acclaim for delivering quality sound and user-friendly interfaces. The introduction of the CXN100 and its higher-end sibling, the EXN100, has sparked interest among audiophiles seeking the next level in streaming performance.

From Cambridge CXN V2 to EXN100: A Natural Evolution

If you’ve spent any time in the world of digital HiFi, you’ve probably heard of the CXN V2—one of Cambridge’s most successful streaming DACs and a quintessential Cambridge Audio streamer. It wasn’t just good—it became a staple. It delivered, or for many like myself, still delivers clean sound, is dead simple to use, and earned its place in countless systems. So when Cambridge Audio rolled out the new CXN100 and its higher-end sibling, the EXN100, expectations weren’t just high—they were loaded with legacy.

For those seeking an elevated auditory experience, the EXN100 emerges as a compelling option. While it shares many features with its sibling, the CXN100, subtle enhancements in the EXN100 cater to discerning audiophiles who crave that extra nuance in their music.

Cambridge EXN100 vs CXN100 Build and Features: Familiar Face, Finer Functionality

At first glance, the EXN100 mirrors the sleek design of the CXN100. Both are high-end streamer DACs that feature a minimalist aesthetic, complete with a high-resolution color display and intuitive controls. 

However, the EXN100 distinguishes itself with:

• Enhanced Power Supply: A more robust power supply reduces electrical noise, ensuring a cleaner signal path.
• Refined Analog Stage: Upgraded components in the analog circuitry contribute to improved sound clarity and depth.
• Comprehensive Connectivity: Like the CXN100, the EXN100 offers balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, as well as USB, coaxial, and optical inputs, along with Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity.
• StreamMagic Gen 4 Module: Both models utilize Cambridge Audio’s latest streaming platform, which supports services such as TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready compatibility.

EXN100 Sound Quality: What Can You Actually Hear?

While specifications may appear similar on paper, the EXN100 delivers a listening experience that sets it apart:

• Expanded Soundstage: Listeners report a more spacious and immersive sound, with instruments and vocals occupying a well-defined place in the stereo field.
• Enhanced Detail Retrieval: Subtle nuances in recordings become more apparent, offering a richer and more engaging experience.
• Improved Dynamics: The EXN100 handles dynamic shifts with greater finesse, capturing the ebb and flow of music more naturally.
• Balanced Tonality: There’s a noticeable refinement in tonal balance, providing a more accurate and enjoyable reproduction across various genres.

Which Cambridge streamer should you choose?

EXN100 vs. CXN100 vs. CXN V2: Full Feature Comparison

Features	CXN V2	CXN100	EXN100
DAC Chip	Wolfson WM8740	ESS 9028Q2M	ESS 9028Q2M
Streaming Platform	StreamMagic Gen 3	StreamMagic Gen 4	StreamMagic Gen 4
Analog Stage	Standard	Improved	Premium Grade Components
Power Supply	Standard	Enhanced	Superior
Display	Color LCD	High-Res Color	High-Res Color (Larger)
Balanced Outputs	Yes	Yes	Yes
HDMI eARC	No	No	Yes
Price Range (USD)	~$699 (USED)	~$1,099 (under $1k used)	~$1,799 (under $1500 used)

You may be wondering — what are the actual differences? They look pretty close, right?

That’s where the EXN100 starts to quietly reveal its true value. On paper, it may seem like a lightly tweaked CXN100, but in reality, technical refinements and subtle sonic upgrades elevate it to a new tier entirely.

Under the Hood: Technical Differences That Deliver

• Analog Stage & Components: Although both the EXN100 and CXN100 utilize the same ESS ES9028Q2M DAC chip, the EXN100 is built with a refined analog output stage and premium internal components, resulting in purer signal transmission and enhanced detail retrieval.
• Power Supply: The EXN100’s superior power supply minimizes electrical noise and interference, resulting in a cleaner, more dynamic sound.
• Connectivity Boost: The addition of HDMI eARC input on the EXN100 means seamless integration with modern TVs for higher-quality audio, a feature absent in the CXN100.
• Larger Display: The EXN100 streaming DAC also offers a larger, high-resolution screen, improving usability and visual feedback.

In the Room: Sonic Differences You Can Hear

• Soundstage & Imaging: The Cambridge EXN100 produces a more expansive and holographic soundstage, making instruments and vocals more defined and immersive.
• Clarity & Texture: There’s a marked improvement in micro-detail, giving acoustic textures and ambient cues more room to breathe.
• Tonal Weight & Balance: The EXN100 leans toward a richer, more analog-like tonal balance, especially appreciated in systems with high transparency.

In short, while the CXN100 is an excellent all-around performer, the EXN100 is tailored for listeners who crave refinement and realism — even if the differences are more heard than “measured”.

My Listening Impressions: CXN V2 vs CXN100 vs EXN100

I’ve had the opportunity to stream both the CXN100 and the EXN100 extensively over time, and I’ve directly compared them with the original CXN V2. Where the CXN V2 gave a detailed yet warm and musical delivery, thanks to its dual Wolfson DACs, the newer Cambridge streamers take a different approach. Utilizing the ESS Sabre 9028Q2M, paired with upgraded power supplies and a refined analog output stage, both the CXN100 and EXN100 offer a more linear, uncolored presentation.

The most noticeable sonic upgrade over the previous generation is a significantly expanded soundstage, both in width and depth. Detail retrieval remains a strength across all three models, but the EXN100 edges out the CXN100 when it comes to spatial precision and layering.

Staying focused on sound: while the CXN V2’s dual Wolfson DACs deliver a fun and musical sound that plays nicely with almost any system, the new DACs in the CXN100 and EXN100 aim higher. Micro-details are easier to perceive, instruments feel more grounded in space, and the black background allows subtle cues to emerge more clearly. The bass response, in particular, has seen a significant step forward—more controlled, tighter, and deeper. This is especially noticeable if you’re using subwoofers; not just for the boom factor, but because you can now dial in crossovers more precisely, and better differentiate between lower midrange and true sub-bass content.

App & Feature Improvements

Beyond sound, the Cambridge team has continued to refine the experience. I didn’t find the larger screen on the EXN100 to be a game-changer from a seated distance, but if you have a TV in your setup, the HDMI ARC functionality is a fantastic bonus. It’s a real convenience feature that’s increasingly hard to ignore in integrated setups, and if you’re still weighing streamers vs. separates, we break it all down in this Gearhead feature.

Most recently, Cambridge added some standout features to the StreamMagic app, including room EQ, balance controls, and room compensation. These are the kinds of tools you’d typically turn to Roon or other third-party solutions for, but Cambridge has brought them in-house. This not only adds value—it makes these streamers even more adaptable to your room, gear, and personal preferences, without adding cost or complexity.

Final Verdict

In short, the sonic improvement over the CXN V2 is striking. And in the crowded sub-$2,000 category, there’s no shortage of competition—but the CXN100 and EXN100 are very much the streamers to beat. The CXN100 delivers exceptional performance and future-ready features for most systems. Still, if you’re working with a highly resolving setup, the EXN100 pushes imaging, detail, and bass performance to a level that’s easy to hear—and hard to go back from.

So, When Is the EXN100 the Right Choice?

You should consider the EXN100 if:

• You’re chasing audiophile-level performance – Its premium analog stage and superior power supply reveal more nuance, especially in resolving systems.
• You have a high-resolution library – Whether streaming from Qobuz, TIDAL, or a NAS, the EXN100 is built to extract every detail.
• You want a future-proof front end – With HDMI eARC, Roon Ready support, robust app control, and balanced outputs, it’s a modern hub for serious listeners.

That said, if you’re after exceptional performance and value in the $1K range, the CXN100 remains a class leader—and may be all many systems ever need.

The EXN100 Value: Understated but Worthwhile

At approximately $1,799, the EXN100 comes at a premium, but it brings more than just spec upgrades:

• Refined Sound Quality – Improvements in imaging, dynamics, and noise floor make a meaningful impact in resolving systems.
• Better Build = Longer Life – Premium components and construction translate to long-term reliability and consistency.
• Enhanced Daily Use – HDMI eARC, a larger high-res display, and an improved StreamMagic app create a smoother, more intuitive experience.

For those building or refining a high-performance system, these upgrades deliver real value that goes beyond the spec sheet.

So, Is The EXN100 The Best Cambridge Streamer You Might Be Missing?

The Cambridge Audio EXN100 streamer is a testament to the brand’s commitment to audio excellence. While it may not drastically outshine the CXN100 in every aspect, its refined enhancements cater to those who demand the utmost from their audio equipment. If you’re seeking subtle yet impactful improvements to your listening experience, the EXN100 warrants serious consideration.