Cambridge Audio CXN100 SE adds HDMI eARC—and quietly fixes a major hi-fi limitation

The award winning streamer gets a subtle but meaningful upgrade, finally bridging the gap between traditional hi-fi and modern TV setups.

Cambridge Audio has unveiled the CXN100 SE, a revised version of its highly regarded network streamer—and while the update might look minor on paper, it addresses one of the most frustrating limitations in modern hi-fi systems.

The headline addition? HDMI eARC.

Finally, your TV joins the hi-fi system

At its core, the new Cambridge Audio CXN100 SE is identical to the standard Cambridge Audio CXN100—same DAC, same streaming platform, same design. But the inclusion of HDMI eARC fundamentally changes how it fits into a real-world setup.

For the first time, you can route everything from your TV—Netflix, YouTube, live sports, gaming—directly through your hi-fi system, without workarounds.

And honestly, it’s about time.

For years, hi-fi enthusiasts have had to rely on optical cables, external DACs, or awkward AV receiver setups just to get decent TV sound through proper speakers. By adding eARC, Cambridge Audio is acknowledging a simple reality:the TV is now the central media hub in most homes.

This move brings the CXN100 SE closer to an all-in-one digital hub—without compromising its audiophile roots.

Same internals—and that’s a good thing

Beyond the HDMI addition, nothing else has changed—and that’s very much intentional.

The CXN100 SE retains:

• The ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 DAC, known for low distortion and a clean, dynamic presentation

• Support for 32-bit / 192kHz hi-res audio over Wi-Fi or Ethernet

• Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic Gen 4 platform, one of the most stable and fully featured ecosystems in the game

Streaming support is as comprehensive as ever, including:

• Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Qobuz

• Roon Ready certification

• Amazon Music, Deezer, and internet radio

• Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and Bluetooth

Physically, you still get a generous set of connections: USB, coaxial and optical inputs, plus both balanced XLR and RCA outputs—making it flexible enough for a wide range of systems.

A small update with big implications

Let’s be honest: this isn’t a revolutionary product launch.

But it is a smart one.

By adding HDMI eARC without touching the core architecture, Cambridge Audio has effectively turned an already excellent streamer into something far more versatile—without risking what made it great in the first place.

And in today’s market, that kind of restraint is refreshing.

The CX Black aesthetic push

Alongside the CXN100 SE, Cambridge Audio is also introducing a CX Black range, featuring limited black editions of:

• Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II

• Cambridge Audio CXC

There are no internal changes here—just a stealthier aesthetic. But combined with the CXN100 SE, it’s clear Cambridge is leaning into a more cohesive, lifestyle-friendly visual

identity.

Pricing and availability

The CXN100 SE launches in:

• April (limited black finish)

• June (lunar grey)

Pricing remains unchanged from the original CXN100:

• £899 / $1099 / AU$1899

The CX Black editions of the CXA81 Mk II and CXC also arrive in April at their standard prices.

Final thoughts

The CXN100 SE is a perfect example of a small change that actually matters.

HDMI eARC might not sound exciting, but in practice, it solves a real problem—one that has existed at the intersection of hi-fi and home cinema for years.

If anything, this raises a bigger question:why haven’t more hi-fi brands done this already?

With the CXN100 SE, Cambridge Audio isn’t reinventing the streamer—it’s simply making it fit modern life better. And for many users, that might be the most valuable upgrade of all.