Streaming for all
Cambridge Audio has added two music streamers to its ever-increasing arsenal of streaming products — which should catch the attention of those who are looking to modestly modernise their system. The new AXN10 ($1,099) and MXN10 ($899) network audio players sit below the UK hi-fi brand’s established mid-tier CXN V2 ($1,799), and in the case of the MXN10 allows for more flexible placement.
Perhaps surprisingly, the AXN10 and MXN10 oer the exact same streaming features, file compatibility and functionality as one another. The discrepancy between them actually lies in their size. The AXN10 is a typical ‘full size’ music streamer designed to match the existing AX range of aordable hi-fi separates, while the MX has a much smaller footprint — 52 x 215 x 191mm, which is near-identical to that of the company’s DacMagic 200M desktop DAC/headphone amplifier. Cambridge says its flexible form can be used to add “streaming to any music system and bring vintage hi-fi kit back up to date”.
Both models have the brand’s in-house StreamMagic module at their core, the very same that powers the more premium CXN V2 streamer, the Evo streaming amplifiers and the high-end Edge NQ streaming preamplifier.
As such, the AXN10 and MXN10 oer a Smörgåsbord of streaming options, including AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Bluetooth 5.0. UPnP compatibility means you can play any locally stored files on your network through the two streamers, too, and a USB (Type A) input accommodates music stored on a USB key/drive. Music streaming services such as Spotify Connect, Tidal and Qobuz are supported, of course, as is internet radio.
As for outputs, there is one RCA line-level (pair), coaxial and optical. Stuart George, Cambridge Audio’s CEO, notes how connectivity options are important: "We believe in oering our listeners choice. It’s essential to oer diverse routes to the music you love.”
That sentiment clearly extends to file compatibility, with the ESS Sabre ES9033Q DAC in both players able to handle hi-res audio files up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 (though native MQA support for Tidal Masters streams has been left o the menu).
There are no screens on the front panel, which is a shame if you enjoy seeing album artwork in full colour, however both can be controlled by the company’s dedicated StreamMagic app, for iOS and Android.