Cambridge audio upgrades cxn100: hdmi earc finally arrives
Cambridge Audio, a name synonymous with high-fidelity audio, has quietly but strategically refreshed its CX series, adding a feature long overdue in the streaming landscape: HDMI eARC. The new CXN100 SE, while retaining the core DNA of its lauded predecessor, now offers a significantly more integrated experience for modern home Entertainment setups.
Seamless audio integration for the modern home theater
The CXN100 has consistently earned praise for its reliable performance and excellent sound quality within its price bracket. This updated version doesn't reinvent the wheel; instead, it addresses a critical limitation. The addition of HDMI eARC (and ARC) allows for a direct connection to your television, effortlessly transmitting audio from integrated apps, gaming consoles, and any connected devices to your high-fidelity system, receiver, or powered speakers. No more convoluted workarounds or external devices cluttering your setup.
But the upgrade isn't solely about connectivity. The CXN100 SE preserves all the strengths of the original, including Cambridge Audio’s fourth-generation StreamMagic platform. This provides access to a comprehensive suite of streaming services: Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, and internet radio, alongside Roon compatibility, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and Bluetooth. The ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 DAC remains the heart of the operation, delivering exceptional audio reproduction with support for up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512.
Furthermore, the CXN100 SE's versatility extends beyond streaming. Its array of digital inputs—USB, coaxial, and TOSLINK—transforms it into a practical upgrade hub for legacy sources. Dust off that old CD player or transport; this streamer can breathe new life into its digital signal with its superior DAC section, streamlining your system without adding additional components. The 4.76-inch high-resolution color display, with selectable VU meters and album art, maintains the user-friendly and visually engaging experience that defined the original.
A dash of noir: the cx black limited edition
Beyond the CXN100 SE, Cambridge Audio is also introducing the CX Black, a limited-edition finish for select components in the CX series. This isn't a hardware overhaul; rather, a purely aesthetic refresh, swapping the familiar Lunar Grey for a sophisticated matte black finish. The CXA81 Mk II integrated amplifier, the CXC CD transport, and the CXN100 SE itself are all available in the new black guise. The pricing remains consistent with the original models—€1,199 for the CXA81 Mk II, €599 for the CXC, and €1,049 for the CXN100 SE.
The CXN100 SE, arriving in April 2026 (black) and June 2026 (Lunar Grey), isn’t a radical departure. It's a focused refinement, acknowledging the evolving demands of the modern audiophile—one who wants pristine audio quality alongside seamless integration with their entire home Entertainment ecosystem. Cambridge Audio hasn't just updated a product; they've addressed a need.