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Cambridge Audio EXA100 Review
Cambridge Audio EXA100

Main Features

  • 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • USB Input
  • HDMI Input (eARC)
  • Bluetooth
  • Weight: 28.20 lbs / 12.82 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):4-1/2 x 16-15/16 x 14-9/16 inch
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Cambridge EXA100 Review
Cambridge EXA100 Cambridge EXA100
See at AMAZON

The EXA100 is an Integrated Amplifier by Cambridge that delivers 100 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 155 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the EXA100 compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. Thanks to its built-in ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC, you can play digital sources directly without the need for an external DAC unit. Cambridge EXA100 has an MSRP of 2199$.

Cambridge EXA100 Amplifier Internal View
Cambridge EXA100 Amplifier Internal View

There are 9 Cambridge amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.

Cambridge Integrated Amplifier Series
Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Bluetooth
Cambridge Audio CXA81
Compare
80 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge Audio AXA25
Compare
25 watts8-ohmsNoNo
Cambridge Audio CXA61
Compare
60 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge Audio Evo 150
Compare
150 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge Audio Evo 75
Compare
75 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge Audio AXA35
Compare
35 watts8-ohmsNoNo
Cambridge Audio Edge A
Compare
100 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge CXA81 II
Compare
80 watts4-ohmsYesYes
Cambridge EXA100
100 watts4-ohmsYesYes


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Performance Specs

One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements.The Cambridge EXA100 is rated at 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms. Cambridge provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.002% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).

Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:

  • 100 watts into 8-ohms (20-20k) at 0.002%
  • 155 watts into 4-ohms
  • 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
  • 91dB Signal to Noise Ratio

When pairing the Cambridge EXA100 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels. Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.


What size of room is the Cambridge EXA100 Amplifier good for?

An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Cambridge EXA100 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:

Listening Environment Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomAverage

Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the Cambridge EXA100, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers. Cambridge EXA100 has total of 5 Analog inputs .

Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 5
  • 2 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB Type-B input for connecting a computer
  • HDMI Input (eARC)

Cambridge EXA100 connection
Cambridge EXA100 Connections

Outputs
  • Stereo RCA, Sub Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output

Cambridge EXA100 Terminals
Cambridge EXA100's terminals

Bluetooth Connectivity

Cambridge EXA100 features built-in Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops.

Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:

  • Marantz Model 40n - MSRP 2499$ - Compare w/ EXA100
  • Rotel RA-1572 MKII - MSRP 2100$ - Compare w/ EXA100
  • Audiolab 9000A - MSRP 2999$ - Compare w/ EXA100
  • Cambridge Audio Evo 75 - MSRP 2499$ - Compare w/ EXA100
  • Rotel S14 - MSRP 2499$ - Compare w/ EXA100

Cambridge EXA100 supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:

  • AptX HD
  • AptX

Phono Input

Cambridge EXA100 doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, Cambridge EXA100 has to be paired with a Phono Preamp that is MM (Moving Magnet) or/and MC (Moving COil) depending on your cartridge type.

Subwoofer Output

Cambridge EXA100 has a dedicated subwoofer output which can be used to connect it directly to a powered subwoofer via an LFE(Low Frequency Effects) cable.
Check our Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with Cambridge EXA100 amp and your speakers.

DAC and Digital Music

The Cambridge EXA100's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC. The DAC chip that is used in the EXA100 is the ESS Sabre ES9018K2M, and supports resolutions up to 24-bit, 384KHZ.
 Handheld Remote
Cambridge EXA100 Handheld Remote

Cambridge EXA100 External Dimensions and Weight

Cambridge EXA100 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 4-1/2inch x 16-15/16inch x 14-9/16inch (115.0mm x 431.0mm x 370.0mm ). The unit weighs 12.82kg / 28.2lbs.

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of the Cambridge EXA100 is approximately 1594.7cm2 / 247.2inch2.

  • Width: 431.0mm (16-15/16")
  • Height: 115.0mm (4-1/2")
  • Depth: 370.0mm (14-9/16")
  • Weight: 12.82 kg (28.20lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~1594.7cm2 / 247.2inch2
  • Volume: ~18.3 liter / 4.8 gallon
Cambridge EXA100  - Top View
Cambridge EXA100 - Top View

Cambridge EXA100  - Side View
Cambridge EXA100 - Side View

What's in the Box of Cambridge EXA100?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of EXA100:
  • Power cords, Remote control, Welcome letter, Registration Card, Safety guide
  • User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Cambridge Audio EXA100, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for Cambridge EXA100

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Cambridge Audio EXA100 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Cambridge EXA100

    Warranty

    2 Yr (3 Yr registered) of parts warranty and 2 Yr (3Yr registered) of labor warranty is generally provided for the Cambridge EXA100 by the manufacturer.

    Cambridge EXA100  Lifestyle
    Cambridge EXA100 Lifestyle

    Cambridge EXA100 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Cambridge
    Full Model Name Cambridge Audio EXA100
    Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
    Amp Class Class AB
    Performance
    Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 100 watts
    Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms N/A
    Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms 155 watts
    Frequency Bandwidth 20-20k
    THD 0.002%
    Minimum Impedance 4
    Signal to Noise Ratio 91 dB
    Digital Music
    Built-in DAC Yes
    DAC Specs ESS Sabre ES9018K2M
    Bluetooth Yes
    WiFi N/A
    Ecosystem
    Apple AirPlay No
    Apple AirPlay2 No
    DTS Play-Fi No
    Chromecast built-in No
    Roon Tested
    HEOS No
    BluOS No

    CONNECTIONS
    Total Analog Inputs 5
    Phono Input No
    Optical Digital Inputs 2
    Coaxial Digital Inputs 1
    USB Input Yes
    USB Type USB Type-B input for connecting a computer
    Preamp Outputs Stereo RCA, Sub
    Pre-out / Main-in Loop No
    Headphone Output 3.5mm
    Subwoofer Output Yes
    Removable Power Cord IEC 3-prong
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height 115.0mm (4-1/2")
    Width 431.0mm (16-15/16")
    Depth 370.0mm (14-9/16")
    Weight 12.82 kg (28.20lbs)
    OTHER
    Parts Warranty 2 Yr (3 Yr registered)
    Labor Warranty 2 Yr (3Yr registered)
    Cambridge Audio EXA100 Alternatives in No Streaming Amplifiers
    Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Phono Stage
    Cambridge CXA81 II
    Compare
    80 watts4-ohmsYesNo
    Cambridge Audio Evo 150
    Compare
    150 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    Audiolab 9000A
    Compare
    100 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    Cambridge Audio CXA81
    Compare
    80 watts4-ohmsYesNo
    Marantz Model 40n
    Compare
    70 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    Cambridge Audio Edge A
    Compare
    100 watts4-ohmsYesNo
    Rotel RA-1572 MKII
    Compare
    120 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    Cambridge Audio CXA61
    Compare
    60 watts4-ohmsYesNo
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