This Renowned British Hi-Fi Company Announced Its “Finest” Amplifier Yet

Cambridge Audio, the popular British audio maker, has released its new EX Series, which the brand claims harnesses 60 years of audio expertise and is the “spiritual successor” to its legendary Azur 851 range.

The EX Series features two audiophile-grade hi-fi components: the EXN100 music streamer ($1,799) and the EXA100 integrated amplifier ($2,199). The latter is most exciting.

Not only are integrated amplifiers some of the most popular components in hi-fi, but the EXA100 utilizes trickle-down technologies from Cambridge Audio’s $5,000 Edge M amplifier.

According to James Johnson-Flint, owner and CEO of Cambridge Audio, the EXA100 is “pound for pound, the finest amplifier we’ve ever built.”

Cambridge Audio EXA100

Cambridge Audio

Cambridge Audio EXA100 Integrated Amplifier

Specs

Power	100 watts per channel (into 8 Ohms)
Amplification	Class-A/B
Frequency Response	20Hz — 20kHz

• $2,199 at Cambridge Audio

100-watt power, trickle-down tech

Earlier this year, Cambridge Audio announced the CXA81 MKII integrated amplifier ($1,199) — and the EXA100 is positioned as a “serious step up” from that and right below the company’s high-end Edge range.

The Cambridge Audio EXA100 is a Class AB amplifier that outputs 100 watts per channel. It borrows technologies from the company’s flagship Edge M amplifier — including the same power transistors — and puts them in a more affordable, more versatile amplifier.

The EXA100 is an integrated amplifier — meaning it combines a power amp and preamp — that uniquely supports a dedicated “power amp” mode. This mode allows you to pair it with a separate preamp and upgrade your system down the line.

Cambridge Audio

A modern-day integrated amp

As is true with a lot of modern integrated amplifiers, the Cambridge Audio EXA100 is incredibly versatile, boasting a number of wired and wireless connections.

It has A and B speaker connections and can power two different pairs of loudspeakers. It has a 6.3mm jack and can work as a dedicated headphone amp. And it features Balanced XLR input and RCA stereo inputs (3x) for connecting other music players and hi-fi components.

Cambridge Audio

Thanks to a built-in DAC (ESS Sabre ES9018K2M), it supports several digital connections, including USB, digital coaxial and Toslink optical (2x). It also features an HDMI eARC connection, allowing you to easily hook it up to your TV.

On the streaming side, it supports Bluetooth (up to aptX HD). For high-resolution streaming over Wi-Fi, you’ll want to stack it with the company’s new EXN100 music streamer.

One noteworthy omission is the EXA100 lacks a built-in phono stage and thus, connecting a turntable isn’t as straightforward; you’ll need an external phono preamp or an integrated turntable (which comes with its own built-in phono preamp).

Cambridge Audio

Price and availability

Cambridge Audio’s EXA100 integrated amplifier — as well as its EXN100 music streamer ($1,799) — is available now. You can purchase it from Cambridge Audio or other authorized retailers.

It costs $2,199 and comes in one “Lunar Grey” finish.

Cambridge Audio

Cambridge Audio EXA100 Integrated Amplifier

• $2,199 at Cambridge Audio

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