Hands-on With Cambridge Audio’s New AXN10 and MXN10 Streamers

Cambridge Audio has launched the AXN10 and MXN10 network players that bring fresh pricing and form-factor options to its renowned StreamMagic line-up.

Taking the widely popular CXN V2 network streamer as a starting point, the music-loving British hi-fi brand has boiled it down to the essentials to provide everything music lovers need while being able to save the buyer some money.

From internet radio to music streaming services to your own digital music collection, the new dedicated players serve them up in style, with simple control via the StreamMagic app.

Sporting an ESS Sabre ES9033Q DAC the network streamers offer Ethernet, USB socket (mass storage), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 inputs alongside Line out (unbalanced), Coax and Optical outputs.

This results in being able to decode Up to 768KHz 32bit PCM, up to DSD512 and a claimed 20Hz – 70kHz +0/-1dB frequency response. Naturally, you can stream from the popular subscription services such as Spotify connect, TIDAL and Qobuz.

The full-size AXN10 joins Cambridge Audio's introductory level AX Series of hi-fi separates, adding a dedicated music streaming option alongside the AX series' popular integrated amplifier, CD player and tuner models.

Meanwhile, the mini MXN10 offers the same features and functionality in a more compact form factor, making it perfect for those looking to discretely add to an analogue system, create a desktop/ head-fi system or simply add Roon to another room - yes, both streamers are also Roon Ready as well as playing nice with Airplay 2 and Chromecast.

Both players offer incredible performance for the money, benefiting from Cambridge Audio's significant ongoing investment in streaming technology R&D.

During a listening session at Cambridge Audio's South London HQ StereoNET's UK Team were treated to the AXN10 being played through the company's AX and CX series amplifiers and the MXN10 plumbed into one of Cambridge Audio's 'legacy' offerings. These were output through the longstanding test set of PMC floorstanders.

The tracks played varied from Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles through to numbers by The Weekend and Taylor Swift, finishing with Dolly Parton's Jolene. The streamers performed well in the listening room, with only the characteristics of the trio of amplifiers making any real difference to the experience.

We are looking forward to spending longer with them in our own systems but we already predict that these are not only going to plug a gap in the company's offerings but provide a popular 'first-step' to anyone looking to add a quality network streamer to their system.

The MXN10 and AXN10 are expected to be available from March - but Australian pricing has not yet been confirmed.

Visit Cambridge Audio for more information