La marque audiophile anglaise Cambridge Audio a annoncé, le 9 octobre, le lancement de sa série EX. Celle-ci se compose du gros ampli stéréo intégré EXA100 et du streamer audiophile EXN100. Ces modèles remplacent ceux de la série Azur 851 qui étaient parmi les best-sellers de Cambridge Audio.
Le Cambridge Audio EXA100 est d'une construction interne impressionnante avec un gros transformateur d'alimentation central entouré des radiateurs en arc-de-cercle des étages de puissance. Il développe une puissance de 2 x 100 watts sous 8 Ω en classe AB et intègre une section DAC (ESS Sabre ES9018K2M) avec prise HDMI eARC. Il est positionné à 2129 €.
Le Cambridge Audio EXN100 dispose d'un large écran couleur. Il intègre une section DAC plus haut de gamme (ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference). Il est compatible Google Cast et Airplay 2. Son prix est de 1799 €.
Ci-dessous, les présentations (en anglais), les spécifications et les images fournies par les services de la marque :
A Serious Step Up: Cambridge Audio EXA100
Stereo Integrated Amplifier9th October 2024: British music and audio pioneer, Cambridge Audio, is excited to launch the EXA100 stereo integrated amplifier – the power behind the new EX Series.
- 100 Watts per channel of Class AB amplification to drive even the most demanding speakers
- HDMI eARC, TOSLINK, Coaxial & USB Audio digital inputs
- Balanced XLR inputs for premium connection to the new EXN100 Music Streamer
- ESS ES9018K2M SABRE32 DAC for exceptional digital-to-analogue conversion
- Bluetooth aptX HD input to wirelessly connect devices such as the Alva TT V2 turntable
- Designed, engineered and acoustically optimised at Cambridge Audio’s own London-based music venue and HQ, Melomania
Over three years in the making, and with almost 60 years of audio expertise behind it, EX Series is the spiritual successor to Cambridge’s legendary Azur 851 range – and EXA100 is its beating heart.
Drawing on trickledown amplifier technology from the flagship Edge M monobloc power amp, EXA100 offers an incredibly visceral, wide soundstage from 100W per channel of Class AB amplification. Power that’s both muscular and refined.
A huge array of connectivity options, a built-in DAC, HDMI eARC and a dedicated Power Amp Mode make it functionally as accomplished as it sounds.
“We believe this is, pound for pound, the finest amplifier we’ve ever built. It exemplifies the new EX Series, overdelivering on performance and versatility in this category,” says James Johnson-Flint, owner and CEO of Cambridge Audio. “EXA100 is a serious step up for anyone upgrading from our CX amps, and the perfect stepping stone to the Edge range.”
EXA100 joins the EXN100 music streamer to form the all-new EX Series.
Above everything, Cambridge Audio is a company of music lovers, musicians, and gig goers. EX Series is created from that passion and designed to bring you closer to the music and artists you love. As with all Cambridge products, EXA100 has been designed, tuned and engineered at our own London-based music venue and HQ, Melomania.
TRANSFORMING AUDIO SINCE 1968
Cambridge Audio has been crafting innovative, transparent-sounding and beautifully engineered British audio products since introducing the revolutionary P40 amplifier in 1968. P40’s influence on audio remains to this day, having pioneered the use of a toroidal transformer, now a staple of high-end hi-fi.
Naturally, then, EXA100 houses an advanced beast of a toroidal transformer, heavily shielded, super-quiet and flanked by crisply polished heavy-duty heat sinks that gleam through the top grilles – as effective as they are striking.
The amplifier modules are based on those in the no-compromise Edge M power amp, and EXA100 even uses the same power transistors as its monobloc stablemate, delivering high-end quality at a fraction of the cost.
The care and thoughtful approach to internal design can also be seen in everything from the four-layer PCBs to the proprietary CAP protection system, which uses four different methods to detect potential issues, such as power and temperature overloads, and take preventive action. Grounding has been carefully considered at every stage.
Outputting 100W per channel of Class AB power, the result of this meticulous design and thousands of hours of listening is incredibly detailed, fabulously textured sound that truly connects you to the power of music.
MAKE SURE YOU’RE CONNECTED
EXA100’s connectivity is truly comprehensive, befitting a modern integrated amplifier.
On the analogue side, inputs comprise a set of Balanced XLRs and three sets of RCA stereo sockets. For output, you get a front-mounted 6.3mm headphone socket, a stereo pre-out, and a subwoofer pre-out for adding extra bass options to your set-up. There are two sets of speaker outputs, allowing you to power music in two different rooms or add a secondary outdoor speaker pair.
EXA100 is also a digital audio powerhouse, thanks to an exceptional ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) and an array of dedicated digital connections. HDMI eARC enables easy connection to a TV, with the benefit of volume control via the TV’s remote. There are also inputs for USB Audio, digital coaxial, and two TOSLINK optical sockets.
Bluetooth aptX HD is also available for added convenience, or to stream vinyl wirelessly from a Cambridge Audio Alva turntable.
POWER AMP MODE
Switch the EXA100 to Power Amp Mode and it transforms literally into that – a stereo power amp – so that it can be paired with the pre-amp of your choice or used as part of a multi-channel home cinema system.
This means it can optionally be used in pre/power combination with the new EXN100 music streamer with its digital-only Preamp Mode. EXN100 provides the streaming brains and volume control, all controllable via the StreamMagic app, while EXA100 delivers breathtaking power and detail.
THOUGHTFUL DESIGN
Our innovation didn’t stop on the inside: EXA100 comes in a stunning new design, with standout features including a milled aluminium front panel and a tactile knurled volume knob. This is an amp that looks as powerful as it sounds and is a tactile delight.
Visually it again partners perfectly with EXN100, with matching Lunar Grey finishes and a full-height centre panel that boldly cuts through the fascia.
EX Series introduces a new remote control, supplied with EXA100, that also provides command over EXN100. It’s reassuringly substantial and intuitive – thoughtfully designed, like everything else about the new EX Series.
Cambridge Audio EXA100 is available at cambridgeaudio.com and approved retailers, priced at £1999/€2199/$2199.
KEY FEATURES
- 2x 100W Class A/B amplification
- HDMI eARC
- ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC
- Hand-picked signal path components, extensively tuned
- Premium EX series chassis, with a milled aluminium fascia
- Bluetooth 5 with aptX HD
- Power Amp mode
- Two speaker zones
- Balanced XLR input. Subwoofer out. 6.3mm headphone socket
- Premium speaker terminals
- Supplied EX system remote control
A New Standard of Streaming Excellence:
Cambridge Audio EXN100 Music Streamer9th October 2024: British music and audio pioneer, Cambridge Audio, is excited to launch the EXN100 music streamer – the streaming brains of the new EX Series.
- ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC and hand-picked signal path components for incredible audio clarity
- Flexible digital connectivity through HDMI eARC, USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK or wirelessly with Chromecast, AirPlay 2 & Bluetooth aptX HD
- StreamMagic Gen 4 technology offers award-winning wireless streaming direct from Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Deezer, Qobuz, Roon Ready and Internet Radio
- Compatible with Google Home, Apple AirPlay and Roon multiroom systems
- Large 1280x720 colour screen with choice of VU meters, album artwork or clock display
- Designed, engineered and acoustically optimised at Cambridge Audio’s own London-based music venue and HQ, Melomania
Our expert engineers took the ESS Reference DAC from the acclaimed CXN100 and drove it to new heights of excellence through meticulous tuning of the signal path. Every last drop of performance has been squeezed out to help it reach its full potential.
Further upgrades from CXN100 include the addition of HDMI eARC for connection to a TV; Bluetooth aptX HD for easy high-resolution wireless streaming from devices such as Cambridge Audio’s Alva turntables; and a 25% larger colour display. This is all wrapped up in a new premium design, with thicker casework, a milled aluminium front panel and a beautifully knurled control knob.
“We’ve spent 13 years developing and honing our StreamMagic platform, listening to customers to create a stable, great-sounding streaming experience. EXN100 is the perfect modern vehicle for that StreamMagic technology, and our best music streamer yet,” says Matt Dore, Chief Technical Officer of Cambridge Audio.
EXN100 joins the EXA100 stereo integrated amplifier to form the all-new EX Series.
SOUND THAT’S MADE BY MUSIC
Cambridge Audio has been crafting innovative, transparent-sounding and beautifully engineered British audio products since introducing the revolutionary P40 amplifier in 1968. As with all Cambridge products, EXN100 has been designed, tuned and engineered at our own London-based music venue and HQ, Melomania.
The ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC at the heart of EXN100 can handle PCM digital signal inputs up to 32-bit 768kHz and DSD 512 with precision, superb dynamic range and ultra-low distortion.
There have been significant changes made to the post-DAC analogue stage to squeeze the very best performance from the DAC, with hand-picked components increasing the clarity and separation.
BETTER CONNECTED THAN EVER
EXN100 is built around the 4th generation of StreamMagic, Cambridge Audio’s industry-leading streaming platform for seamless, stable listening across an enormous number of services and formats.
StreamMagic enables direct streaming from Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Deezer, Qobuz, Roon Ready, UPnP and Internet Radio with support for hi-res audio over Wi-Fi, Ethernet or USB Audio. As Cambridge owns and develops the StreamMagic platform itself, new features and services are regularly added to improve and increase its functionality.
Digital connectivity is more flexible than ever before, with the option to hook up devices through USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK or wirelessly with Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth aptX HD – perfect for high-resolution wireless streaming from an Alva turntable.
And now, thanks to the inclusion of HDMI eARC, it’s simple to hook up your TV and enjoy more immersive sound from your favourite shows, movies, games and more.
For sharing music across devices all around the home, EXN100 is fully compatible with Google Home, Apple AirPlay and Roon multiroom systems.
Analogue output is available through stereo RCA sockets or balanced XLR for the finest possible connection.
FULLY UNDER CONTROL
Like all Cambridge music streamers, EXN100 is controlled in full by the StreamMagic app, which allows for intuitive operation from the comfort of an armchair. It can also be controlled with the new EX Series system remote, supplied with EXA100. This remote can be purchased separately from cambridgeaudio.com for those who require one.
Adorning EXN100’s beautifully crafted front panel is a high-resolution 1280x720 colour screen, offering a 25% increase in size and resolution from the CXN100 display. This means listeners can see the displayed album artwork even more clearly from across the room.
THE PERFECT PARTNER
EXN100 is a versatile streaming addition to any system, thanks to its array of connections and the wide compatibility afforded by StreamMagic. Activate EXN100’s Preamp Mode to make it a digital control hub, with volume controllable via the StreamMagic app, EX remote control or the front-mounted rotary dial.
Preamp Mode also gives the digital-first option of forming a pre/power combo with the new EXA100 stereo integrated amplifier, which has a dedicated Power Amp Mode to bypass its own preamp section. Together they offer brains and brawn in perfectly controlled synergy.
Cambridge Audio EXN100 is available at cambridgeaudio.com and approved retailers, priced at £1599/€1799/$1799.
KEY FEATURES
- StreamMagic Gen 4 module supporting TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Roon Ready, UPnP and Internet Radio
- HDMI eARC for connection to your TV
- ESS Sabre ES9028Q2M DAC
- Hand-picked signal path components including super-premium Nisshinbo Muses Op Amps for an incredible soundstage
- Premium EX series chassis, with a milled aluminium facia
- Bluetooth 5 with aptX HD
- Digital Preamp Mode
- USB, TOSLINK optical and S/PDIF digital inputs. Balanced XLR output
- Large 1280x720 colour screen with choice of VU meters, album artwork or clock display
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