Can this updated music streamer reach the heights of its illustrious predecessor?
Music streamer| £899| whf.cm/CXN100
Following a much-loved, illustrious product is no easy task in the world of hi-fi. At best, the replacement can improve upon every element to deliver an even more engaging performance without sacrificing the original’s essence. At worst, it can completely detract from what made it so special in the first place.
Naturally, Cambridge Audio aims (and hopes) for its new CXN100 music streamer to be in the first camp. It has the ambitious task of following in the footsteps of the excellent CXN (V2), which has won a What Hi-Fi?Award six years in a row and has the distinction of being the first network audio streamer to enter our Hall of Fame.
But with the brand’s recent track record of five-star products, surely it should be plain sailing? The CXN100 doesn’t stray too far from its popular formula on the surface, but it has been completely redesigned internally – bringing with it more advanced features and specification and, for the most part, an improved audio performance.
The Cambridge Audio CXN100 costs £899 and is available to buy now globally. The CXN (V2) launched at £700 back in 2018, but the retail price has since risen to £799 in recent years. However, last year’s winter sales saw the price slashed to a very tempting £599. The new CXN100 fully replaces the CXN (V2) and the latter will now be sold only while stocks last – if you can find it, there may be a good deal to be had.
We’re not surprised to see a price hike in the new model, but nevertheless we are pleased that Cambridge Audio has been able to keep its streamer under the £1000 mark.
Around this price level are rival streamers such as the Eversolo DMP-A6 at £759, while more affordable options from Bluesound (Node 2021), Audiolab (7000N Play) and Cambridge Audio itself – the MXN10 – are worthy alternatives.
Sleek finish
At first glance, the CXN100 looks identical to the CXN (V2). It sports the same sleek, metal chassis in Cambridge’s trademark lunar grey finish, and the dimensions are identical. The design is elegant and the build quality is on par with the rest of the CX range.
Look closer, and there are small cosmetic refinements made to the new model for a cleaner, more minimalist look. The front panel’s display screen is higher resolution and a smidge larger at 4.8in (up from the predecessor’s 4.3in). It remains easy to
