Cambridge Audio MXN10 Compact Network Player - Dreamedia AV

Vendor: Cambridge Audio

Cambridge Audio MXN10 Compact Network Player

Compact network player with high-res audio and streaming

$499.00; $499.00
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Cambridge Audio MXN10 Compact Network Player

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Unveiling the Elegance of Sound: The Cambridge Audio MXN10 Compact Network Player

In a world where music streaming has become the beating heart of home entertainment, the Cambridge Audio MXN10 emerges as a symphony of technological artistry. It's a device that doesn't just play music; it breathes life into every note, every chord, every melody.

Imagine a network player so compact it blends seamlessly into your living space, yet so powerful it fills the room with impeccable sound. The MXN10 is designed to be the centerpiece of your auditory experience, a testament to Cambridge Audio's commitment to high-fidelity sound.

The Heart of Your Home Audio System

Craftsmanship and Design

Model: Cambridge Audio MXN10
Dimensions: 215 x 52 x 191mm
Weight: 1.2kg
Finish: Lunar Grey aluminum fascia with a black 'floating' base
Construction: Aesthetic and durable

The MXN10's lunar grey aluminum fascia and sleek 'floating' base are more than just a visual treat. They're a statement of quality and a promise of performance. At just 1.2kg, the MXN10's lightweight design belies its robust capabilities.

Connectivity at Its Core

Network Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Inputs: USB Type A for mass storage
Outputs: Coaxial, Optical, RCA Line Level
Bluetooth: Version 5.0 A2DP/AVRCP supporting SBC and AAC

With a plethora of connectivity options, the MXN10 is the hub that brings your digital music collection to life. Whether it's through Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Bluetooth 5.0, your music is always at your fingertips.

High-Resolution Audio Redefined

The Pinnacle of Sound Quality

DAC: ESS Sabre ES9033Q
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 70kHz +0/-1dB
Max File Resolution: 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512

The MXN10's heart beats with the ESS Sabre ES9033Q DAC, renowned for its ability to handle high-resolution files with grace. The expansive frequency response ensures that from the deepest bass to the highest treble, every detail is rendered with clarity.

A Sonic Experience Like No Other

The sound quality of the MXN10 is a revelation, offering a spacious and well-organized soundscape. Its strengths lie in its composed performance, ability to convincingly render the tone and texture of instruments, and deliver a powerful yet clean and organized rendition of various music genres.

Effortless Streaming and Control

Streaming Services at Your Command

Streaming Services: UPnP, Local USB media, Internet Radio, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Roon Ready, Airplay 2
Control: StreamMagic app for mobile devices, physical buttons on the unit

The MXN10 is a gateway to a world of streaming services. From the classics to the cutting-edge, your preferred audio content is always within reach. The intuitive StreamMagic app puts control of your music right in the palm of your hand.

A Symphony of Features

Audio Compatibility: ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD (up to x512), WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+, OGG Vorbis
Hi-Res Audio Support: Up to 768KHz 32bit PCM, up to DSD512

The MXN10 doesn't just play music; it celebrates it. With compatibility for a vast array of audio formats and support for hi-res audio, your music is played back with the fidelity and richness it deserves.

Seamless Integration and Easy Setup

Quick Start, Endless Enjoyment

Box Contents: MXN10 Player, WiFi/BT Antenna, Safety Guide, Quick Start Guide, Regional Mains Lead
Easy Setup: Immediate recognition by the app

Setting up the MXN10 is a breeze. With everything you need right in the box, you'll be ready to immerse yourself in your favorite tunes in no time. The quick start guide ensures a hassle-free experience, while the StreamMagic app instantly recognizes the player.

The Verdict: A Sound Investment

The Cambridge Audio MXN10 stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of form and function. Its impressive sound quality, broad feature set, and compact design make it an exceptional choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio experience. With the MXN10, you're not just listening to music; you're experiencing it.

Pros:

Compact design that fits any space
Broad array of streaming services at your fingertips
High-resolution audio with the ESS Sabre ES9033Q DAC
Intuitive control with the StreamMagic app
Quick and easy setup for immediate enjoyment

In the end, the Cambridge Audio MXN10 Compact Network Player isn't just a device; it's the key to unlocking a new realm of audio fidelity. It's where elegance meets excellence, bringing with it the promise of countless hours of musical bliss. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a casual listener, the MXN10 is designed to elevate your home audio experience.

Dreamedia is here to help you integrate the MXN10 into your home theater system seamlessly. Our expertise ensures that you get the most out of this compact network player, making every listening session a memorable journey through sound.

Our Review

Cambridge Audio MXN10 Compact Network Player Review

Introduction

Cambridge Audio has established itself as a purveyor of high-fidelity audio equipment, offering products that often strike a balance between performance and value. The network player market segment is rapidly evolving, with users expecting not just high-quality audio, but also versatile streaming capabilities and ease of use. The Cambridge Audio MXN10 Compact Network Player enters this competitive field with the promise of delivering on all these fronts.

Design

The MXN10 sports a minimalistic yet elegant lunar grey finish that should blend seamlessly into most home theater setups. The build quality is typical of Cambridge Audio—solid with a premium feel, despite the unit's small footprint of 5.2 x 21.5 x 19.1cm and a lightweight chassis at 1.2kg. This compactness is a boon for those with limited space.

Input and Output Layout

The rear panel of the MXN10 is home to a variety of connections. There's a USB Type A input for direct digital connection, while outputs include coaxial, optical, and RCA line level. The absence of balanced outputs may be a downside for audio purists seeking the cleanest signal path, but for most users, the provided options will suffice.

Features

Connectivity

The MXN10 offers both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, catering to the needs of wireless aficionados and those who prefer a wired network connection for stability. Despite the wired option not being gigabit-capable, which can limit network throughput, it should not impede the streaming of high-resolution audio for most users.

Streaming Services and App Compatibility

The player supports an impressive array of streaming services, including Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz, and others, alongside Google Chromecast and AirPlay 2. This caters to a broad audience, ensuring that most users' streaming needs are met. However, the absence of native support for Tidal Masters' MQA files and Apple Music's high-resolution streaming may deter some users.

Internet Radio and File Playback Capabilities

The inclusion of internet radio with MPEG-DASH support is a welcome feature, offering high-quality streaming radio options. The MXN10's ability to locate and play music files from NAS devices on the same network enhances its appeal as a central audio hub.

User Interface and Control

StreamMagic App Functionality and User Experience

The StreamMagic app is the control center for the MXN10. It's responsive and intuitive, allowing users to navigate through various settings and music libraries with ease. The setup process is straightforward, with the app quickly recognizing the MXN10 upon installation.

Lack of a Physical Remote and Its Implications

The omission of a physical remote means users are reliant on the StreamMagic app for control. While this is in line with modern usage patterns, it could be a drawback for those who prefer the tactile response of a remote or do not always have a mobile device within reach.

Volume and Playback Control Options

Volume can be adjusted via the app or from within supported streaming apps, offering flexibility for users. This approach is in keeping with the MXN10's streamlined ethos but may be limiting for users who seek more granular control.

Audio Technology

DAC Specifications and File Resolution Support

The ESS Sabre ES9033Q DAC is a hallmark of quality, supporting file resolutions up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512. This ensures that the MXN10 is more than capable of delivering high-resolution audio fidelity.

Absence of MQA Support and Balanced Outputs

While the DAC is impressive, the lack of MQA support for Tidal Masters may alienate audiophiles who have embraced this format. Similarly, the absence of balanced outputs is a point of contention for those seeking professional-grade audio connections.

Bluetooth 5.0 and Its Performance

Bluetooth 5.0 is present, offering a stable and quality wireless connection for compatible devices. This adds to the versatility of the MXN10, though it's worth noting that the best audio quality will always be through a wired connection or high-resolution streaming protocols.

Performance

Sound Quality

The MXN10 delivers a spacious and well-organized soundstage, with a dynamic expression that will please audiophiles. Its strengths lie in its composed performance, convincing rendering of tone and texture, and the ability to deliver rhythm and swing. It handles a variety of music genres with a powerful yet clean and organized rendition, standing up well against competitors in its price range.

Streaming and Network Performance

The MXN10's setup is user-friendly, and the network recognition is immediate. The non-gigabit Ethernet does not hamper performance significantly, and the responsiveness of the streaming services is excellent, with little to no buffering or connectivity issues.

Practicality and Use Cases

The MXN10 is suited to a wide range of users, from those looking to dip their toes into high-resolution audio streaming to seasoned audiophiles seeking a compact and feature-rich network player. It integrates well with existing setups, though high-resolution enthusiasts might miss the MQA and balanced output options.

Pros and Cons Recap

Pros:
- Compact and stylish design
- Wide array of streaming services
- High-resolution file support with a quality DAC
- Intuitive StreamMagic app control
- Simple setup and network integration

Cons:
- No physical remote included
- No MQA support for Tidal Masters
- Lack of balanced outputs
- No native Apple Music high-resolution streaming
- Non-gigabit wired networking

Final Thoughts

The Cambridge Audio MXN10 is an impressive entry-level network player that offers high-quality sound, a broad feature set, and a user-friendly experience at an affordable price point. Its compact design and streaming capabilities make it a strong contender in its segment. Despite its few drawbacks, for those who can live without MQA, balanced outputs, and a remote, the MXN10 is an excellent choice that punches above its weight, offering a high-value proposition to both newcomers and audiophiles alike.

Specifications

General Specifications

Model: Cambridge Audio MXN10
Product Type: Compact Network Player
Dimensions (W x H x D): 215 x 52 x 191mm
Weight: 1.2kg
Construction: Lunar Grey aluminum fascia, black 'floating' base
Color: Lunar Grey

Technical Specifications

DAC: ESS Sabre ES9033Q
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 70kHz +0/-1dB
Power Consumption: 20W (max)
Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
Inputs: Ethernet, USB socket (mass storage), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Outputs: Line out (unbalanced), Digital out (Coax and Optical)
Network Connectivity: Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 10 Base-T or 100 Base-T), Wi-Fi 5 dual band 2.4/5gHz
Bluetooth: 5.0 A2DP/AVRCP supporting SBC and AAC
Audio Compatibility: ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD (up to x512), WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+, OGG Vorbis
Hi-Res Audio Support: Up to 768KHz 32bit PCM, up to DSD512

Features

Streaming Services: UPnP, Local USB media, Internet Radio, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Roon Ready, Airplay 2
Control: StreamMagic app for mobile devices, physical buttons on the unit
Additional Features: Apple Airplay2, Chromecast built-in, Roon Ready, Bluetooth playback, over-the-air updates