CABRIDGE AUDIO AXN10

The Cambridge AXN10 is a network streamer designed to deliver a high-resolution digital music experience with excellent value for money. Created to complement Cambridge Audio’s AX entry-level series, this network player allows direct access to major music streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz, as well as a wide range of internet radio stations. Its connectivity is comprehensive, featuring Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, and support for UPnP/DLNA protocols, enabling playback of locally stored files over a home network.

The streamer is also Roon Ready, making it an ideal source for integrating your digital music library and streaming services into a single, advanced interface. A software update introduced in July 2023 added digital preamplification, allowing users to control the volume of the analog outputs directly via the StreamMagic app, designed for intuitive use from a smartphone or tablet. This proprietary app is the central control hub for the AXN10, providing a user-friendly interface to manage playlists, browse album covers, and save playback presets.

At the heart of the device is Cambridge Audio’s fourth-generation StreamMagic module, the same found in the CXN V2, Evo series, and flagship Edge NQ. This enables the AXN10 to support resolutions up to 768 kHz at 32-bit, as well as PCM and DSD512 file formats. The AXN10 can also function as a digital transport, with optical Toslink and coaxial S/PDIF outputs for direct connection to an external DAC. However, it already includes a high-quality digital-to-analog converter, the ESS Sabre ES9033Q, capable of delivering detailed and transparent sound when connected directly to RCA inputs on amplifiers or Hi-Fi systems, including vintage setups.

The player also supports direct playback from USB storage devices—such as flash drives, SSDs, or hard disks—provided it is connected to the network and operated through the StreamMagic app. Supported formats include ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD up to x512, WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+, and OGG Vorbis. The AXN10's design reflects the brand's philosophy, with an aluminum front panel, Lunar Grey finish, and minimalist appearance with no display, creating a sleek and understated look that aligns with other products in the AX series.

The sound reproduction aligns with the “British Sound” philosophy—neutral, uncolored, and true to the artist’s original intent. This approach ensures a precise, natural listening experience. Thanks to firmware upgradeability, the product is built to last and stay current with future Cambridge Audio innovations.

To achieve the best performance, it is recommended to use high-quality signal cables such as the C-Line or Clearway series from Chord Company, and for network connectivity, an RJ45 Ethernet cable—ideally from the C-Stream or Clearway Stream lines. For optimal network performance and reduced electromagnetic interference, the English Electric 8Switch is also recommended, helping to deliver cleaner signals and improved playback accuracy.

Technical specifications:

• Inputs: Ethernet; USB host (mass storage); Wi-Fi; Bluetooth
• Outputs: Unbalanced RCA line out; digital coaxial and optical out
• DAC: ESS Sabre ES9033Q
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 70kHz +0/-1dB
• THD+N (0dBFS, 1kHz, 20kHz BW): <0.001%
• Signal-to-noise ratio (20kHz BW): >110dB
• RCA output level: 2Vrms ±10%
• RCA output impedance: 500 Ohm
• Ethernet: IEEE 802.3 10 Base-T or 100 Base-T
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 5 dual-band 2.4/5GHz; WPA2/WPA2-PSK support
• Bluetooth: Version 5.0 A2DP/AVRCP; supports SBC and AAC
• Compatibility: UPnP; local USB media; built-in Chromecast; Spotify Connect; Tidal; Qobuz; Roon Ready; AirPlay 2; Amazon Music
• Supported audio formats: ALAC; WAV; FLAC; AIFF; DSD (up to x512); WMA; MP3; AAC; HE AAC; AAC+; OGG Vorbis; HLS/DASH; .m3u and .pls playlists
• USB file system support: FAT32; NTFS; ext3/4; ExFAT
• Hi-Res support: Up to 768kHz 32-bit PCM; up to DSD512
• Mains voltage: 100–240V ~50/60Hz
• Max power consumption: 20W
• Standby power consumption: <0.5W
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 75 x 430 x 305 mm
• Weight: 3.5 kg