The Cambridge Audio EXA100 is a 100W Class AB integrated stereo amplifier from Cambridge Audio's EX Series, designed and tuned at the company's London headquarters over three years of dedicated development. It delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 155 watts into 4 ohms, with technology inherited from the flagship Edge M monoblock power amplifier.
At its core is a custom audio-grade shielded toroidal transformer, continuing a legacy that began with Cambridge Audio's original P40 amplifier in 1968, the first hi-fi amplifier to feature a toroidal design. Heavy-duty heat sinks, a four-layer printed circuit board for signal purity, and a specially selected reservoir capacitor for deep, consistent power delivery complete the analogue amplification stage. ProHiFi is an authorised Cambridge Audio dealer in India.
The EXA100 also handles digital sources with a built-in ESS ES9018K2M SABRE32 DAC, supporting USB audio up to 24-bit/384kHz and DSD 256, HDMI eARC for TV audio, two Toslink optical inputs, one coaxial digital input, and Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD. A balanced XLR input, four RCA analogue inputs, a dedicated subwoofer output, a headphone output, and two sets of speaker terminals round out the connectivity. A Power Amp mode allows the EXA100 to function as a pure power amplifier when paired with an external preamp.
The Ear gave it a Best Buy, calling it "formidable." AV Forums awarded Best in Class, praising its superb tonal quality. Stereonet gave it an Applause Award, calling it one of the best integrated amplifiers in its class. Forbes, TechRadar, and What Hi-Fi have all covered the EX Series positively.
Key Features
- 100W per channel into 8 ohms; 155W into 4 ohms
- Class AB amplification with Edge M trickledown technology
- Custom shielded toroidal transformer; P40 legacy design
- ESS ES9018K2M SABRE32 DAC built in
- HDMI eARC input for TV audio (PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz)
- USB audio up to 24-bit/384kHz and DSD 256
- Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD
- 1 x balanced XLR input; 4 x RCA analogue inputs
- 2 x Toslink, 1 x coaxial digital inputs
- Subwoofer output, headphone output, 2 speaker outputs
- Power Amp mode for external preamp pairing
- RS232 system control; Lunar Grey finish; 12.8kg
- The Ear Best Buy; AV Forums Best in Class; Stereonet Applause Award
Warranty:
1-year manufacturer's warranty
Why Consider the Cambridge Audio EXA100
The EXA100 is the right choice for listeners who want a refined, well-built British integrated amplifier that handles both analogue and digital sources at a high standard without requiring separate components. The Class AB amplification stage inherits engineering from Cambridge Audio's flagship Edge M, and the built-in ESS SABRE32 DAC, HDMI eARC, and Bluetooth aptX HD mean every modern source, from turntable to TV to phone, connects natively. Two sets of speaker terminals allow music in two rooms, the subwoofer output extends low-frequency capability, and Power Amp mode opens integration into larger systems. For an Indian audiophile comparing integrated amplifiers at this level, the EXA100 offers a rare combination of analogue refinement and digital versatility in a single, well-reviewed chassis.
Ideal for
- Listeners wanting a single amplifier for turntable, CD, streaming, and TV audio
- TV setups needing HDMI eARC for lossless audio from a smart TV
- Those upgrading from a CXA81 or similar mid-range integrated amplifier
- Systems requiring balanced XLR input for cleaner source connection
- Multi-room setups using dual speaker output terminals
- Installations needing Power Amp mode for external preamp integration
What's in the Box
- Cambridge Audio EXA100 Integrated Stereo Amplifier
- Remote Control
- Power Cord
- Welcome Letter and Registration Card
- Safety Guide
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Detail |
| Amplification |
| Output Power (8 ohm) |
100W RMS per channel (less than 1% THD+N) |
| Output Power (4 ohm) |
155W RMS per channel (1kHz, less than 1% THD+N) |
| Amplifier Class |
Class A/B |
| Transformer |
Custom audio-grade shielded toroidal |
| Frequency Response |
Less than 3Hz to greater than 40kHz, plus or minus 1dB |
| THD (Unweighted) |
Less than 0.002% at 1kHz, 80% rated power (8 ohm) |
| Signal to Noise Ratio (ref 1W) |
Greater than 91dB |
| Crosstalk at 1kHz |
Greater than 90dB |
| Damping Factor |
Greater than 160 at 1kHz |
| Power Amp Mode |
Yes |
| Preamp Mode |
Yes |
| Digital to Analogue Conversion |
| DAC Chipset |
ESS ES9018K2M SABRE32 |
| USB Audio (Class 1) |
Up to 24-bit/96kHz (asynchronous) |
| USB Audio (Class 2) |
Up to 24-bit/384kHz (asynchronous) and DSD 256 |
| S/PDIF Toslink |
16/24-bit, 32 to 96kHz |
| S/PDIF Coaxial |
16/24-bit, 32 to 192kHz |
| HDMI eARC |
PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz |
| Analogue Inputs |
| Balanced XLR Input |
1 pair (100k ohm impedance) |
| RCA Analogue Inputs |
4 pairs (45k ohm impedance) |
| Digital Inputs |
| Toslink Optical |
2 |
| S/PDIF Coaxial |
1 |
| USB Type-B (Audio) |
1 (Class 1 or Class 2, user selectable) |
| HDMI eARC |
1 |
| Bluetooth |
5.0 (SBC, aptX, aptX HD) |
| Outputs |
| Speaker Outputs |
2 pairs (A and B) |
| Preamp Output |
1 x RCA |
| Subwoofer Output |
1 x RCA |
| Headphone Output |
Yes |
| Bi-wiring |
Yes |
| Control and Integration |
| RS232 |
Yes |
| General |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) |
115 x 430 x 341 mm |
| Weight |
12.8 kg |
| Maximum Power Consumption |
1200W |
| Standby Consumption |
Less than 0.5W |
| Available Finishes |
Lunar Grey |
| Country of Design |
United Kingdom (London) |
| Awards |
The Ear Best Buy; AV Forums Best in Class; Stereonet Applause Award |