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Great thoughtful review. While I do like gear I can control with an app, they on the same time have me worried a little about longevity. Maybe something to consider when doing reviews. Being able to use a app depends on having a phone or tablet that works with what system the app was programmed for, plus also access to download the app (not all apps are released globally). So some time in the future it may be that an app isn't kept available, or maybe you wanna move to some new phone not running either of the big two system. Anyway, what ever the reason I thing all gear should also run a build in webserver as well as have an app - gear that works as a webserver is about as universally accessible as there is, you can then control it using anything with a browser ie. computer, smart tv, smart phone, gaming console... be it an old one or something not even made yet.
Andrew and Kristi, Thank You for once again putting together a quality review. Cambridge may not enjoy the honest feedback, however we do. I hope they are receptive to the constructive suggestions. They are a solid brand.
hey andrew / Kristi just wanted to say i picked up a Rotel A11 Tribute as an upgrade to a very old consumer reicever, you reviewed this integrated amp a year or so ago. i matched it with the A11 tribute cd player and i absolutely love the sound. Thanks for the review which helped w/ confidence in my purchase. Just wanted to say thanks and kudos for all the work you guys put in.
I have the first CXN in my work rig and use it every day. It is paired with a CXA80 (bass and treble controls) and a CXC. The speakers are my vintage Vandersteen model 1b's. I stream using FLAC files on a USB drive in the back of the CXN though I have tried Tidal and the internet radio. I love this rig and enjoy the sound from the CXN.
Great video! I currently have the Cambridge AXA25 with a WiiM Pro. I'm considering getting the AXN10 because they would look cool together. 😅 Thanks for including it in your comparisons.
Being a Cambridge audio fan, I enjoyed this review and I am in agreement with what you stated. Having no HDMI was a huge miss. I own the CXA81,,CXC, and CXN2, Solo Phone Amp and I love the combination. I don't use my CXN2 as a preamp, just streamer and DAC. I wouldn't upgrade anything. The only thing I'm after? Is more listening time. Keep up the good work and putting out the straight dope. PS Miss Kristi’s take, just saying.
@@joylessdancer4554 Yeah, but I can tell you from the Facebook pages, they took some heat not having that feature. It was a cost play, they didn’t want to hurt their margin. But I say, $1,000 for this feature is table stakes but that's my opinion.
Anyone paying attention lately will note that we are being sold the same capabilities that we already have, packed in a stylized box, and distinguished largely by the omission of features. Anyone with an iPad or home computer knows what I’m talking about. If you’re a bit of a geek, peripheral DACs are readily available to turn your Mac Mini or iMac into a very capable streamer and fully built and connectorized solutions number in the dozens as well. That’s a pretty brutal market concept we’re being asked to support.
I totally agree. I had CXNv2 and it sounded average. Now I have Bluesound Node i2 connected to Denon PMA-A110 amp with it's own DAC. Sounds much superior.
Good morning, friends! I enjoyed the review and appreciated the specific details that you pointed out. I'm sure many will agree with your statement about expecting more. Have a great weekend!
I may not be into streaming, but if i were, the inclusion of xlr and rca outs is pretty cool. Missed Kristi’s take on this one. Hope everyone has a great weekend!
The flexibility of both outputs is nice for sure. Kristi and I are going to be bringing you some new types of content that we think will be more interactive with you all. Stay tuned!
#teameversolo! I just can’t get into what Cambridge offers for the cost, but always appreciate seeing what they’re up to. No Kristi take on this one? That discussion portion is always my favorite part. Happy Sunday to both of you, I enjoyed starting mine with a fun gear review.
I own and love the CXN 2. I am most definitely a Cambridge customer. I would have upgraded if they included HDMI or the sound was much better with features such as room eq. Maybe the sound is much better but I haven't seen a review say that yet. So I don't know how well they understood their customers in the update of this product. It seems like a missed opportunity to transform the CX suite.
@@Skye_the_toller can't disagree. The Evo was on paper a great product but I didn't like the sound. Compared to brands like NAD they are now behind the times and they don't offer the same sound quality /£ as Audiolab.
Great video Andrew. Given the thumbs-up from you on the sound coming from it's built-in DAC, at least one analog input and an HDMI input would have made the CXN100 so much more irresistible of a product for me buy.
GREAT rundown and overview Andrew. I personally have been living with many of these "All in One" style units and MAN, I am really loving the ease, lack of cable mess, set it and forget it, and total builder synergy you can get.. It is hard for some to see past the "Another Black Box" in my rack addiction some audio peeps seem to have. Anyway, awesome review, and I hope you and Kristi are doing great and have an awesome day!! PS - My wife and I are heading to see DUNE part 2 in IMAX today!!... OMG, i am soooo excited.. :)
Thank you so much for your support. If you enjoy all-in-one solutions, be sure to tune in next week. Probably one of my favorite products I've bought and reviewed in a long, long time. Enjoy the film!
Not sure what happened. Regarding the echo chamber, there is a lot of good hifi product out there. And there are lots of parrots. I appreciate that this channel doesn’t pay much attention to other hifi channels, and really strives to give your personal experience.
HDMI is a must! Have my CXA81 in my room using a Node X... When I turn on the TV boom! audio through my Focal Vestias. If I want music I go to the App and play from Tidal and done!
Thank you, Andrew! Great review as always. My current setup is WiiM Pro into a Denafrips Enyo. The CXN100 is relatively the same amount of money as that setup, and I have no buyer's remorse.
In my experience, within the Cambridge Audio lineup, the step up from the CXN is the Azur 851 streamer, which I use in my lounge, while the CXN V2 is set up in my second music room. The difference in quality between these two DACs is significant, and a second-hand Azur can be found on eBay in the UK for around 500 pounds. However, when it comes to whether the CXN 100 represents amazing value for money, I’m not entirely sold on the idea of trading in my CXN V2 for it. The new features don’t excite me as much as I hoped. I believe the CXN series could benefit from a more substantial refresh, perhaps with the addition of tone and EQ controls. I find these controls particularly missed when switching genres, for example, from neo-classical to house music. Similarly, when comparing streaming services like Qobuz and Tidal, the need for tone adjustment becomes apparent-Qobuz can sound overly bright, requiring tonal tempering, while Tidal sometimes lacks brightness, a gap that tone controls could easily bridge. This feature could also enhance the streaming quality of vinyl recordings on RU-vid, where tone control can significantly improve the listening experience.
That is my question. I purchased a Cambridge Azure 851N a couple years ago and it has been a solid performing DAC. I use it to play FLAC files from a USB SSD drive. I wonder if this CXN100 has a little more sparkle on the top end which I would prefer. Generally speaking British audio products tend to sound a bit rolled off on the top (the British sound).
Good morning Andrew and Kristi. Excellent review. Love your honest opinions on these products and contrasting them with other options. As someone who uses an outboard DAC (Denafrips Ares II) using an R2R based approach that many consider to offer a warmer sound, I find it interesting that many streamers featuring the latest ESS Sabre chip based DAC's seem to be trending more in this warmer direction versus the previous more detailed end of the spectrum. What's truly great with the Denafrips was the ability to update the FPGA's software with newer software that truly altered the sound character of the DAC from one that was previously on the very warm side to one that is a little more on the detailed side. If one didn't like the new sound, they could simply reinstall the old software. A real bonus in my opinion. Anyway keep the great reviews coming.
Listen, Wiim is rockin the whole damn industry for a streamer. There is truly no reason to use anything else unless you're buyin this for the DAC or just love Cambridge stuff. I feel like their market is quickly shrinking.
NO, It very much depends on the inclusion but as an example, if it was the choice of including the latest HDMI vs a little increase in cost, without a second thought, I want HDMI on all HI-FI equipment I buy and the problem with customer based surveys is that I as a potential customer Won't buy an Amp or Receiver that doesn't include HDMI. My only question I am interested in asking is, does it include the latest HDMI and USB C or not. I Love my music but 95% of my music source is my computer and want the option to connect a Blu-ray player via HDMI.
This is an odd review in the sense Andrew clearly doesn’t rate the product (and should be commended for letting people read between the lines) but indicates the Eversolo EQ means the A6 is equal to the Cambridge on SQ , yet there is mention of buy the Cambridge if you want a certain sound character. Also despite the fact the A6 is cheaper and has loads of features.
Listening pleasure it’s what a music lover yearns for. My sole purpose for streaming is to find new music that I don’t have in my CD or vinyl collections and purchase an occasional hard version. My PS Audio DSD DAC/Streamer has all of a sudden stopped performing at all except to my iPad endpoint which I use for GUI and not for listening. This may be an inexpensive fix rather than repairing my current unit
Instead of the CXN100, I would go for the EVO 75. It doesn't cost much more, it can do everything the cxn can do and it also has an amplifier, HDMI and an analogue input as well as a headphone jack. I somehow don't understand the product policy...
Weird comparison. The CXN is a streamer the EVO 75 is an amplifier. If you’re looking for a separate component for your existing system the EVO is pointless. Different target audiences
I would argue the audience is very similar, and if CA wants to argue cost savings, then why wouldn't their customer base go for the better overall value of the Evo line?@@CommanderGinyu
@@CommanderGinyu The CXN is also marketed by CA as a preamp. So completely comparable in this respect. The EVO is better equipped and processed in all respects. In contrast to the cxn, the display is also of a usable size. And how much would it cost without an amplifier? So that just makes me think.
So many choices. As much as I research and try creative keywords the recurring theme is that only after I purchase my best choice in audio equipment does the real informative and best choices pop up automatically!
Very fair review. Absolutely agree that a product can be excellent on many things yet lack features that are important. You definitely have to compare it with the competition. I think room EQ and HDMI are two big missed opportunities. If anything CA should take this review as a reasonable nudge in the right direction.
We are using new Sony cameras? This is Kristi and Andrews new level of 4k content production. I am assuming very good Sony cameras and Mac based editing and production workflow. The look of the the equipment front on direct shots is fantastic mesmerizing. Revealing equipment we want and you are still reviewing but assembled in your space as they are a primary fixed permanent fixtures in your main listening area. Like showing your Focal towers flanking your main front wall screen proscenium is the main feature in the content. And the beautiful stone room with the concrete credenza and 100" flat screen just sit on the wall is so appealing and integrated into a living space is engaging. Your living room, the lighting and mise-en-scène mix of crutch field and modern living home decor i is why I come back over and over again. Your living channel will be amazing.
Nope, it's the same camera we've used for the last two-plus years. I'm just dialing in the image each week using filters and lenses. When we started off the year shooting in this new direction with the window more behind or over my shoulder, I had to rethink my prior lens and filter setup. It took me a few weeks to work it out, but I think we're there now. Do you agree?
Seems like Andrew overall isnt very impressed with new Cambridge Audio gear...I love my EVO 150. Its better than my Uniti Atom was, and that's saying a lot.
Thank you very much for the quick and thorough review. I have been using the CXA81 and CXN v2 for two years and have tested with many speakers and have always heard a very satisfying and wonderful sound. But after watching many reviews of CXN100, I got a little discouraged. Because I mostly use it as a pre-amp, I expected that the changes I needed, including tone control and HDMI, would be added to the new version (balance is available in CXN v2). I am waiting for your suggestion for a Streamer+DAC+ Pre Amp with SLR output to connect to power amplifier. The result of my searches was the EverSolo DMP-A8 Many thanks
As an Apple Music user I think my Eversolo DMP-A6 serves me better. The fact that I have the Apple Music app natively on the Eversolo was a big win for me. I have downloaded my entire Apple Music Library in Hi Res on my 2TB internal NVME SSD (Sold separately) so I am able to play these Hi Res files offline. I’ll always opt for the A6 over this. The Eversolo has many more features at a lower price point. Sorry Cambridge Audio!
Cambridge Audio CXA 81, CXC V2, CXN V2 and a DacMagic 200M here. I'm using the DacMagic's DAC for the sound. So I am using my V2 purely as a streamer. The DacMagic having the same DAC as the new CXN 100, but as a twin DAC variety. I don't see a reason to upgrade to the CXN 100 as I am more than happy with the Cambridge stack that I currently have. The only gripe I have with Cambridge is that they still haven't updated the V2's firmware to get Tidal Max working with both Tidal Connect and Tidal with StreamMagic. You can get up to 24/192 with Roon though.
Great review, thanks! No HDMI, means no enticement for me. I run into this with high end stereo where the hard choice is great equipment or A/V pleasure (unless you spend 60K).
Appreciate you watching and commenting Lonnie. Be sure to tune in next week. I think you'll really enjoy that product. One of my favorite purchases I've made in a long time!
Good morning to all and Happy Sunday! And screw you Daylight Savings Time! For me, this piece strikes me as a bit underwhelming; hard to eliminate value oriented feature sets that are missing and purists are likely taking a different route. But, good to know it’s SQ has an attractive analog appeal 👍. Hope everyone enjoys the day.
I would love to hear mr Andrew after your so nice video as I have heard also your video for the old one cxn v2 if this cxn 100 has of course more open stage and clarity but lose the warth analog sound of v2 ?? I will be happy to hearing back from any that have heard both …..! Thank you 🙏
Andrew, as usual you do an exceptional job with your reviews...but, please don't change the format. Kristi needs to come at the end and have a candid, intimate, and less formal discussion with you. That's the arrangement. I hope she's OK. Also, if you need help killing the copyright infringement content, let us know. Your audience is an army ready to fight with "thumbs down" and "Report". #recoveringarmy #wherethefuckiskristi
I’m a little late today but wonder, what do you think of a piece like this not having an HDMI? I know I’m being a bit of a broken record, but I feel like a piece of equipment that can be used as a full digital preamp, should have it just like super integrates. Is it just me? Either way, Cambridge Audio feels to me like it’s a brand that truly cares about audio and style. They look good, sound good (Evo doesn’t count), and they truly can last a long time. Lovely piece. But they just need a bit more attention to detail (market itself specifically) and they’d be absolutely killing it. Great review and I like the room more and more!
Honest and maybe ignorant question here... Why is "cost" the prevailing excuse HiFi companies don't include HDMI in their $1000+ products, yet other companies have no financial problems adding multiple HDMI in $300 AVRs?
precise. I use an avr only because I have the opportunity to have my apple tv set to it and control everything with the apple remote and I don't want to run everything through my tv before it gets down to my amplifier so therefore the choice has become an avr but I have no use for 9 channels and everything else it can do, I simply don't understand why more manufactures don't throw hdmi in and out on their amplifiers, preamplifiers and these streamers, after all we are in 2024 and you had that option last year for almost 1000 years, so the hifi manufacturers simply have to enter the game and become a bit more modern 😁
AVR with cost of 300 will have built-in significantly cheaper components. CXN (from v1) has also linear power supply and it is a really great product. Are we able to hear differences in sound between cheaper and more expensive product - that's another question.
Thanks for another informative video. I have a Cambridge CXA80 and was debating adding the CXN100 for the streaming component, or selling the CXA and getting the Yamaha RN2000A. I do not need HDMI. Do you have a leaning?
A Borreson X series review would be nice so that we could get a good idea of how that tweeter behaves, not to mention the rest of the bandwidth, with a measurement of it's response in your room. This speaker is getting alot of attention and a proper shakedown of it from you guys would be nice.
Good afternoon! Thanks for this review. It was Uber helpful! I have always been curious whether you receive a bump and sound quality by using a higher quality streamer. But from what you are saying, it depends on if you are using it as a DAC, correct? So, question: I'm running the WiiM Pro on my Emotiva PT2 via light pipe (digital). Since I wouldn't be using any of these products as a DAC, would upgrading to the Eversolo going digital to the PT2 provide me with a discernable difference in instrument, separation and sound stage?
I purchased a Cambridge Azure 851N a couple years ago and it has been a solid performing DAC. I use it to play FLAC files from a USB SSD drive. I wonder if this CXN100 has a little more sparkle on the top end which I would prefer. Generally speaking British audio products tend to sound a bit rolled off on the top (the British sound).
Good afternoon Andrew, just seen a previous and seen you had a what looks to be a swollen lymph node on your arm usually caused by irritation by working on a desk. Although harmless it will keep building up blood. You should still get it removed before it starts to grow to the bone and will start to cause discomfort.
The back of the CXN100 and DAC's chip are pretty similar to the Dacmagic 200M, I wonder whether they share similar sound quality and signature Thanks for the review!
About what i expected. Nothing stands out that says i NEED this. As an owner of a bluesound NODE 2, i could probably spend a 1000 dollars getting a killer DAC to my tastes, or a 1000 towards getting a really nice preamp. this product is for someone getting their first system who doesn't have one, not someone wanting to upgrade.
The Node is a great product. My 2 cents -- Someone getting their first system is probably looking at something from WiiM which does more than this product for less.
@@YouSoundButtHurt Maybe in your head. Probably because you love snake oil. I don't have much to compare it to but I do know that it beats the Bluesound Powernode N330 in a number of ways. And it's less than half the price.
Hi Andrew and Kristi. I left a comment/question on your video here after viewing it, but I did a poor job of being clear in what I was asking. I'm sorry! I'm going to try again. Question/clarification: If I'm using optical from a streamer into a DAC, would I necessarily experience a change in soundstage (as an example) between products - say the WiiM Pro and EverSolo A6. I think you were speaking from the perspective of using the EverSolo A6 as a DAC which is where you would find the differences, but I'm not certain. If so, that's good to know. I know you discussed this in the video, but can you clarify that for me? Thanks for being awesome!!
@@Skye_the_toller They're also twice the output voltage. And, the short cable argument fails when the short cable is amongst a rat's nest of other overlapping noise.
@@Skye_the_toller Don't forget XLR's are dual mono too. Each side, L&R, has it's own OpAmp whereas RCA's share an OpAmp for both channels. Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
Another great critical review Andrew - how would you compare it to the (more affordable) digital source from iotavx (the np3) which runs the WiiM software ?
Great review. I have the V2, love the way it sounds -- particularly online radio and SoundCloud (via AirPlay). Playing hi-res Qobuz via StreamMagic has been patchy*. I really think Cambridge missed on opportunity by not including HDMI. And I *always* use my remote for volume, skipping tracks and putting the unit back into sleep mode when I'm done listening - they should have continued including a remote. Ironically, if I were to get the 100 I'd be most concerned about the sound. I know the Wolfson chips aren't as highly regarded as the new ones but they sure work well in the V2. (*Qobuz shares a lot responsibility, they lamely don't have a Connect feature, so you have to stream via StreamMagic)
If I still had our v2 I'm not sure I'd feel the urge to upgrade to the 100 either, especially given the fact that Cambridge didn't really add any features I would've really benefited from in my everyday life. Thanks for watching!
I own the cxn V2. Loved the sound of it but once i've put it into my accuphase cd player dac... What a difference... Not going to buy the newer version thow 😅
If HDMI is that important you could always get a HDMI audio extractor box and go Optical to HDMI input on the extractor box then connect HDMI out to the TV
What stereo amp would you suggest for the Magnat T1000B Transpuls 1000 speakers? Nothing more than 2000 CND. Listen to mostly jazz, chill, house, reggae. I'm with you, I am not really impressed with the Denon PMA-900HNE. Because I have a Denon av 2800 receiver, the dealer thought I might like the 900 since it would match. Personally, I think that the sound would leave me wanting, and I am with your partner in saying it's ugly. I like the looks of something like Yamaha, Marantz, and Cambridge. Any suggestions?
I got the Matrix Mini i pro (2015 model with the ES9016 Ultra chip)... I wonder how it might differ other than its price (they're like twice as expensive) to the new streaming versions (mini i pro 4). It's still a really great DAC and I can't afford Roon or the new model either!
Hi Andrew, I’ve been considering the CXN 100 to connect to my Technics SU-R1000 amp. I’m not THAT into streaming but I use Roon and would like a streamer that’s “full-size” in my stereo rack. I think you’re saying the CXN 100 is a good choice? 😅
I have the CXN V2. Can't see me changing. I have used it as a preamp since day one and apart from one thing, it does all I need. The one thing? No analogue input. Just one would be enough... I didn't find the thing confusing as a product. I saw it. I thought it ticked the boxes, apart from the analogue input, which was easily solved. But, get the remote control. I hardly ever touch the app, but I use the remote all the time.
Christy, you and Andrew need to do a episode and talk about PS5 games you play together. You two appear to really enjoy each other which is not something all married couples can say, so I’d love to know what you two play together.
I have a top of the line Pioneer Elite AV receiver with 11 channels. It will stream music from several services and from my NAS. Am I missing anything by not having an appliance like the CXN100 streamer? I assume the DAC in my Receiver that was over $2000 is in the same league as the DAC in the CXN100
Good Sunday everyone. Kind of feel let down by the design coming from Cambridge Audio, I love their design on most products, but the screen on this model feels disconnected from the unit.
The design is largely unchanged from the 4-5-year-old CXN v2. I would've liked a little more of a visual refresh but as far as streamers go, the 100 is still a looker in my book.
Hi! I would like to see companies take advantage of the full screen or at least reduce the casing around the screen to give the display a cleaner look.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I think it could also be the screen, it looks cheap for the asking price, I can’t tell if it’s the background on the unit or if the screen has really poor black levels. The EverSolo looks much more modern. Still, Cambridge Audio’s design has been one of my favourites over the years.
@@KristiWright this! I think one of the best screen-integration designs out there on Hi-Fi are from Lyngdorf, screen doesn’t look out of place and feels like a part of the design. Do you have any examples of your favourites, Kristi?
Still waiting for a solid streamer with a hdmi out so we can art display on our tv while the music is playing. Roon has this feature and it is great if not a bit clunky.
Wow go Kristi and Andrew just getting out the word about Zidoo and Eversolo. I really want to get your review of the new line of Zidoo media player like Zidoo Z2600 with dual HDMI output for audio and video. Only Eversolo can output multichannel DSD on 7.1 channels. Game changing. Could you guys do a review that discuss the risks of not backing up your physical media. Or it is time rip and backup your physical media onto a NAS or file server. All of our physical media will rot and the players optics and motors will break. It is critical backup our investment in physical media. You can't get this stuff in streaming. DT-HD Master or Dolby TrueHD. This should really be discussed many DVD(s) are rotting. A lot of UltraHD Blu-ray large media will stop working. The players warranty and parts will disappear.
I'm an old guy. I understand little if anything concerning the use of a streamer. Admittedly, listening to Andrew Robinson wax eloquent about this Cambridge unit catches my interest, but I am unwilling to take the plunge and buy a music streamer. As regards how one connects and operates a streamer like the Cambridge CXN100 is beyond my knowledge. I have the fear that if I was to buy this music streamer it would sit unused.
I have the original CXN. Its sound is nothing special and improves vastly when hooked up to an external DAC such as the Roksan k3, Adi2 or chord mojo 2.
