Cambridge Audio is excited to launch the EXA100 stereo integrated amplifier – the power behind the new EX Series.
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.
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
“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.”
