CAMBRIDGE AUDIO EXA100

The Cambridge EXA100 is not just an amplifier, but a masterpiece of audio engineering, designed to provide the best possible listening experience. With its controlled power, advanced digital connectivity, design versatility, and state-of-the-art protection, it represents the perfect choice for music enthusiasts looking for an audio system that can truly make a difference.

Available from December 29th

Cambridge EXA100: The Perfect Alchemy Between Design and Audio Performance

The Cambridge EXA100 sets a new standard in stereo amplification, offering superior performance thanks to technologies inspired by the renowned Edge M monoblock amplifier. The EXA100 uses 100 Watts per channel in Class AB, ensuring a powerful and detailed sound delivery capable of driving even the most demanding speakers with unprecedented precision.

The Class AB amplification system of the Cambridge EXA100 has been designed to maintain a perfect balance between power and refinement. Unlike Class D amplifiers, which sometimes sacrifice sound quality for energy efficiency, Class AB offers a richer, more detailed, and engaging sound with a natural timbre and no compromises.

A distinctive aspect of the Cambridge EXA100 is its advanced toroidal transformer, which offers excellent shielding to eliminate any interference and disturbance. This technology, perfected over three years of research and development, is inspired by Cambridge Audio's long tradition, which has revolutionized audio since 1968 with the introduction of the first toroidal transformer in the renowned P40 amplifier. Thanks to a state-of-the-art power architecture, the EXA100 guarantees a constant and clean energy distribution, supported by robust heat sinks for silent and reliable operation.

Advanced Digital Connectivity

The EXA100 is not only a powerful amplifier but also a true nerve center for managing digital sources. It is equipped with a wide range of digital inputs, including HDMI eARC, TOSLINK optical, coaxial, and USB Audio, which allow easy connection of devices such as TVs, CD players, and USB sticks. This variety of inputs makes the EXA100 extremely versatile, suitable for those who want an immersive audio experience for both home entertainment and high-quality music.

The digital heart of the Cambridge EXA100 is the ESS ES9018K2M SABRE32 DAC, one of the best digital-to-analog converters on the market, capable of transforming every bit of information into crystal-clear sound. Every component of the DAC has been carefully optimized at Cambridge Audio's headquarters in London to ensure extremely high-fidelity sound reproduction that allows you to hear every hidden detail in the music, even at the highest resolutions.

Another key feature is support for Bluetooth aptX HD, which allows you to wirelessly connect compatible devices, such as the Alva TT V2 turntable, and transmit high-definition music. This means that the EXA100 not only supports wired digital source playback but also offers wireless freedom without compromising sound quality.

Design Flexibility and Versatility

The Cambridge EXA100 stands out for its unparalleled flexibility in the integrated amplifier landscape. In addition to digital inputs, it also features balanced XLR connections, which offer the best possible quality for analog sources. Balanced connections are essential for minimizing background noise and improving signal purity, ensuring distortion-free sound rendering even with long cables.

Another aspect that makes the EXA100 extremely versatile is the presence of two sets of speaker outputs, which allow you to create a second listening zone. Thanks to this option, you can spread music to two different rooms without sacrificing sound quality. This feature is ideal for those who want to enjoy music in multiple rooms of the house without having to install a second audio system.

The EXA100 is also equipped with a dedicated pre-out output for connecting a subwoofer, perfect for those who want to further extend the low-frequency range of their system. This allows you to further enrich the listening experience, offering deep and powerful bass that complements the already detailed and dynamic sound of the amplifier.

In Power Amp mode, the EXA100 can be used as a final amplifier in a multi-channel system, or in combination with a dedicated preamplifier to increase configuration flexibility. This option allows you to adapt the amplifier to any system, whether stereo or surround, making it an ideal choice for home theater or high-performance audio enthusiasts.

Cutting-edge Design and Protection

The design of the Cambridge EXA100 is the perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality. The milled aluminum front panel and knurled volume knob offer a touch of elegance and robustness that perfectly matches the power and technical precision of the amplifier. Every aesthetic detail has been carefully designed to ensure an engaging tactile and visual experience, making the EXA100 not just an amplifier, but a true piece of technological art.

The innovation of the Cambridge EXA100 doesn't stop at sound quality or external design. The amplifier is equipped with a proprietary protection system called CAP (Cambridge Audio Protection), developed to ensure long life and prevent any technical problems. This system constantly monitors parameters such as overheating and overvoltage, automatically intervening to protect the amplifier and connected speakers. Thanks to CAP, the EXA100 offers a safe and worry-free listening experience, even during extended listening sessions.

Every component of the EXA100 has been selected and implemented with meticulous care. From the four-layer PCB to the reserve capacitors, nothing is left to chance. This meticulous engineering approach ensures that the EXA100 is built to last, providing exceptional performance year after year. Every aspect of the internal design has been optimized to achieve the highest sound quality and long-term reliability, making this amplifier the ultimate choice for those seeking the best.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Power Output: 100W RMS into 8 Ohms @ <1%THD+N, 155W RMS into 4 Ohms @ 1kHz <1%THD+N

Amplification: Class-A/B DAC: ES9018K2M

Preamp Mode: Yes

Frequency Response: <3Hz – >40kHz +/-1dB

Toroidal Transformer: Yes

Bi-wiring possible: Yes

Analogue RCA Inputs: 4 pairs

Balanced XLR Input: 1 pair

S/PDIF TOSLINK Input: 2

S/PDIF Coaxial Input: 1

Asynchronous USB Input: USB Type B conforming to USB Audio Class 1 or USB Audio Class 2 (user selectable)

Bluetooth: 5.0 aptX HD

HDMI ARC Input: 1 (eARC compatible)

Preamp Output: RCA pre-out

Headphone Output: Yes

Subwoofer Output: 1 x RCA

Speaker Outputs: Yes

S/PDIF TOSLink Optical: TOSLINK: 16/24-bit 32-96kHz

S/PDIF Coaxial: Coax

SPDIF: 16/24-bit 32-192kHz

HDMI eARC: PCM up to 24bit/192kHz

USB Audio: USB Audio Class 1: Up to 24-bit 96kHz (asynchronous) | USB Audio Class 2: Up to 24-bit 384kHz (asynchronous) and up to DSD-256

Bluetooth: 5.0 A2DP/AVRCP supporting SBC, aptX and aptX HD codecs

RS232 Control: Yes

THD (Unweighted): <0.002% 1kHz at 80% of rated power (8 Ohms) | <0.02% 20Hz – 20kHz at 80% of rated power

S/N Ratio (REF 1W): >91 dB

Crosstalk @1kHz: >90

Input Sensitivity: Input A2-A4 (unbalanced) 395mV RMS

Input Impedances: Input A1 (balanced) 100 kOhm Input A2-A4 (unbalanced) 45 kOhm

Power Amp Damping Factor: >160 at 1kHz

Subwoofer Output: 1 x RCA

Max Power Consumption: 1200w

Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W

Dimensions (W x H x D): 115 x 430 x 341mm