EX Series: An Exploration of Our New Lineup

"We had a clear vision for EX Series: to bridge the gap between our CX and Edge series, setting a new standard in sound and performance. The legacy 8 Series once filled this space, but as technology evolved and components became obsolete, it was time to aim higher—to redefine this part of our lineup.

EXA100 marked a fresh start. The CX Series architecture couldn’t take us where we wanted—especially not to a powerful 100-watt amplifier. So, we built it from the ground up, using this opportunity to introduce features our community asked for, including power amp mode, a chassis ground switch, and eARC. Every design choice brought us closer to the performance we knew we could achieve. 

EXN100 took a different path. Building on CXN100’s architecture, we pushed performance further by investing in upgraded components and extensive tuning. With new advancements in eARC and Bluetooth, EXN100 confidently delivers a significant step up from its predecessor. "

"With EXA100, we didn’t take anything directly from the 8 Series but drew extensively from Edge. Edge was a milestone project where performance took priority above all else—no compromises. This experience guided us in creating EXA100’s power amp section, modelled closely after the Edge M Amp design to capture that same high standard.

We had an ambitious goal of surpassing the performance of the CXA, which had set a high bar in its price range through years of refinement and evolution. But with the Edge-inspired design, we felt confident EXA100 could exceed expectations. 

We knew right away that taking cues from the Edge M amp was the right call when the first EXA100 prototype arrived. We were hitting those performance levels between the CXA and Edge series and were genuinely “wowed” by how good it sounded. It was a rare success in prototyping and confirmed we had something special. We knew further tuning would only enhance it."

"CXN100 set a solid foundation for EXN100, having spent two years in development and receiving high praise from customers and the wider audio community. Building on that success, we looked at every detail we could refine. One standout improvement is the EXN100’s display, which is taller with a clearer, crisper look. Album art is now much easier to see from across the room, and it just gives the whole EX Series a fresh aesthetic.

HDMI eARC was initially tested for EXA100, but we quickly saw its potential for EXN100. Adding eARC makes EXN100 the central hub in any setup, so it’s ready to pair with modern or legacy amplifiers. We listened to what our customers wanted—more flexibility to connect with TVs and audio systems—and eARC makes that possible.

We also included Bluetooth AptX HD, offering another level of audio quality for wireless streaming.

The real transformation, though, is under the hood. We spent hundreds of hours tuning the ESS9028 DAC, surrounding it with handpicked components to draw out every last detail. We ran blind listening tests, comparing it to the CXN100 and others, and we’re thrilled with the results: more clarity, detail, emotion, and openness. While CXN100 sounds fantastic, the fine-tuning in EXN100 takes it that extra step, giving you a sound that really shines."

"We set out to achieve a level of performance that goes beyond CX. In our blind listening tests against both CX and key competitors, EX consistently came out on top—it just had something extra that caught everyone’s attention.

Countless hours of listening have gone into EX Series, and what’s special is that it never gets tiring. The sound stays fresh and inviting, packed with clarity, depth, and precision that makes you want to keep listening.

The bass has this incredible control and depth, grounding every track, while the soundstage opens up wide and natural, almost like the music is filling the room around you. There’s a striking openness to the sound, like you’re hearing everything exactly as it’s meant to be heard.

That spacious, detailed soundstage really became the defining feature of the EX, and it stood out in every single blind test, no matter what we put it up against. For us, EX isn’t just a step up; it’s pound-for-pound the best we’ve ever made."
 

"Rather than creating a completely new design, we kept visual continuity with the CX Series styling in mind. We know some customers like to mix and match, so it was important that, say, a CXN100 would look right at home next to an EXA100. Everything aligns between CX and EX, making it easy to create a cohesive setup.

At the same time, we wanted EX to feel like a visual upgrade. Many elements were refined with higher-end processes and materials. The front panel, for instance, is now solid aluminium, giving it a robust, premium feel. We’ve added a knurled volume knob for better tactility—something you can really feel with each adjustment. The Cambridge Audio logo and product name are punched through the back of the panel, then painted and polished for a sharp, eye-catching look. Finally, the full black stripe window running down the centre adds a modern, distinctive edge that demands attention. "
 

"It was all about finding a new performance level that justified its new price point—something clearly above CXA and edging closer to the high standards of Edge. Initially, we focused on surpassing the CXA81 Mk II, which set a high bar in its own right. But as we refined EX, it began to develop its own unique sound signature, perhaps even closer to Edge than we initially anticipated.

The EXA100, while visually similar to CXA, is a completely different beast under the surface. Every component and circuit board were designed from scratch, incorporating lessons we’ve learned from Edge and other recent innovations. Audiophiles upgrading to EXA100 can expect an experience that builds on the foundation of the CXA81 Mk II but brings even more clarity, depth, and detail to their listening."

We relied on a few key tracks during the tuning process, each chosen to reveal a different aspect of the EX Series’ capabilities: 
 

1. Elbow - ‘Mirrorball’: A listening panel favourite, perfect for testing engagement and depth. This track showcases EX’s ability to position the soundstage and convey emotion as the song builds. 
    
2. Lorde - ‘Royals’: Ideal for evaluating bass control and spatial dynamics. EX delivers this track with precision, managing both the bass and soundstage in a way that really stands out. 
    
3. James Blake - ‘When We’re Older’: This dense, layered track tests the system’s clarity amidst complexity. EX handles it beautifully, demonstrating control and precision even in the busiest passages." 

"With nearly 24 years in the audio industry, I can confidently say that EX is the best pound-for-pound system I’ve ever heard. It’s a major step up from CX. I’m fortunate to test products in a dedicated listening room where we conduct blind comparisons with competitor products. EX consistently stood out for me, and our 10-member listening panel largely agreed—it was the top pick every time.

I’ve also had EX units at home for the past year, and they’ve become my go-to for daily listening. The clarity, depth, and immersive soundstage make each session a pleasure. If you’re considering an upgrade, I highly recommend giving EX a listen."