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Cambridge Audio EXA100
- Best-in-Class Sound: Amplifier tech inspired by our flagship Edge M monobloc delivers an incredibly wide, detailed soundstage. Be moved by your music like never before.
- Power With Control: 100 Watts per channel of perfectly tuned Class AB amplification skilfully drives even the most demanding speakers with ease.
- Digital Connectivity: Get your TV, CD, USB drives and more connected via HDMI eARC, TOSLINK, Coaxial & USB Audio digital inputs
- Balanced XLR Inputs: Enjoy the best possible analogue sound quality with these premium analogue connections.
- ESS ES9018K2M SABRE32 DAC: For exceptional digital-to-analogue conversion; tuned in London like no other for peak performance.
- Bluetooth aptX HD: Wirelessly connect devices such as the Alva TT V2 turntable and stream in glorious hi-def quality.
- Power Amp Mode: For use with a dedicated preamp or as part of a multi-channel system.
- Dual Speaker Zones: Why limit the fun to just one room? Two sets of speaker outputs offer a second zone option.
The Power of Three
The beating heart of EX, our EXA100 integrated amplifier took three years to develop; more than a thousand dedicated days of tuning at our London HQ has created a massive step up in power and performance from the CX Series amps.
An amplifier for the modern age, lovingly Made By Music.
Different Class
Boosted by trickledown technology from our flagship Edge M monobloc power amplifier, EXA100 uses its 100W of beautifully refined Class AB amplification to drive even high-end speakers with ease.
Effortless power with bags of control.
Sounding Great Since 1968
Back in the Summer of Love, our P40 amplifier was the very first to feature a toroidal transformer – and transformed audio forever.
EXA100’s advanced toroidal transformer is amply shielded, super-quiet and flanked by heavy-duty heat sinks for impeccable performance that’s more than worthy of extending the P40 legacy.
Shout Out to My EX
The EXA100 lets you listen how and wherever you want, in sublime quality. Balanced XLR inputs offer a premium analogue connection, while two sets of speaker outputs can power music in two different rooms.
Bass-heads can even add a subwoofer to the dedicated pre-out. With EX, you get a world of listening possibilities.
Digital Love
From its exceptional hi-res DAC to the HDMI eARC input and Bluetooth aptX HD, EXA100 is a digital audio powerhouse. Whatever music service or source device you choose, EXA100 will breathe new life into your digital sounds.
A Strong Look
Our innovation doesn’t stop on the inside: the EXA100 has a stunning new design, complete with a milled aluminium front panel and a tactile knurled volume knob you can’t keep your hands off.
This jaw-dropping amp looks as powerful as it sounds.
Power to the People
Switch it to Power Amp Mode and the EXA100 pairs brilliantly with any pre-amp, giving flexibility you never knew you needed – whether in a stereo or multi-channel system.
And The Beat Goes On
To ensure a longer, happier listening life for our amps and the speakers they power, we developed an exceptional proprietary protection system, CAP.
It uses an array of different methods to detect potential issues, such as power and temperature overloads, and take preventive action. So you can just relax and enjoy the music, worry-free.
Everything and Then Some
From its precision build to the technology inside, the EXA100 is gloriously over-engineered. Whether it’s a four-layer PCB or a reservoir capacitor, every component is specially selected and expertly implemented. We sweat the small stuff; it matters.
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Cambridge Audio's EXA100 pairs muscular 100W Class A/B power with a refined, spacious presentation that punches above its price. Its sound delivers tight, authoritative bass, a detailed midrange that brings vocals forward, and a crisp treble that rewards careful speaker matching. Reviewers such as Simon Lucas, The Ear and What Hi‑Fi? highlight the amp's headroom, imaging and consistent neutrality across sources. Inside, a large toroidal transformer, prominent heatsinks and four-layer PCB engineering underpin a solid build, while HDMI eARC, USB-B/DSD support and aptX HD Bluetooth make it a versatile hub for music and TV. Ideal for listeners who want large-scale, detailed sound without compromise, the EXA100 represents excellent value-for-money in its class.
Pros
- Powerful, dynamic performance with ample headroom and confident transient control.
- Expansive, well-defined soundstage and precise imaging that keep complex recordings articulate.
- Comprehensive connectivity and robust engineering — HDMI eARC, USB-B (hi‑res/DSD), aptX HD Bluetooth, toroidal transformer and protection systems.
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Cons
- Top-end can be forward with lively speakers, so careful speaker pairing is recommended.
- Some reviewers note slightly limited low-level dynamic subtlety and one review observed a minor left-channel imbalance at extremely low volumes.
Sound Quality
90/100
Dynamics
89/100
Dynamics are a clear strength — multiple reviewers call it powerful, 'ballsy' and capable of punch and drive without sounding strained (Pursuit Perfect System: 'delivers dynamics in spades'; The Ear: 'delivered with punch and drive'). What Hi‑Fi notes slightly limited low-level micro-dynamics in places, but headroom and transient control relative to its 100W Class‑AB rating are widely praised (Stereonet: 'dynamic headroom is considerable').
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
The EXA100 consistently impresses with scale, width and precise imaging — reviewers report a large, open and well‑organised soundstage with good instrument placement (What Hi‑Fi: 'wide soundstage and refined detail'; The Ear: 'large, open and well-organised soundstage'). Multiple reviews highlight depth and separation that keep complex recordings articulate and airy (Stereonet: 'remarkable sense of space and scale').
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Build Quality
92/100
Build and industrial design are repeatedly praised: hefty toroidal transformer, prominent heatsinks, solid volume control and a premium fit-and-finish (Pursuit Perfect System: 'built very well'; Stereonet: 'four-layer PCBs' and robust protection systems). Reviewers describe it as a well-engineered compact package with careful thermal and grounding design.
Features Connectivity
93/100
Very well featured for an integrated: ESS ES9018K2M DAC, USB-B (high-res/DSD), HDMI eARC, aptX HD Bluetooth, balanced XLR input, four analogue inputs, two speaker outputs (A/B), pre-outs, subwoofer out and a switchable power-amp mode (StereoNET, Pursuit Perfect System, What Hi‑Fi). The connectivity is forward-thinking for both hi‑fi and TV use and includes thoughtful extras like ground-lift options and RS232 control.
Value for Money
94/100
Multiple reviewers explicitly praise the EXA100's value — 'great value-for-money', 'Easily a Best Buy' and 'not much at the price that can do as much' are direct endorsements (The Ear: 'Best Buy'; Audiophilepure: 'there really isn’t very much at the price'). The combination of sound, power, features and build at the stated price (GBP £1,999) is repeatedly framed as highly competitive and justified.
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