Cambridge Audio AXN10 Network Streamer

This is a review of the ‘entry-level’ Cambridge Audio AXN10 streamer. Cambridge Audio’s networked-based options are this classic HiFi width AXN 10, a mini-MXN 10 or the CXN V2, which has a small screen with track details and artwork. After this, on the networked side, it is the magnificent Edge NQ, that really does make this AXN 10 feel ‘entry-level’. We should not forget the terrific EVO 150 in this streaming world too.

The highlight thus far on receiving the Cambridge Audio AXN10 was learning it was a ‘No Cables in the Box’ version. This is perfect in this modern world of cables and waste everywhere, this is a big tick mark for me.

Design

This Cambridge Audio AXN10 is a streaming DAC or ‘Network Player’. It boasts an ESS Sabre ES9033Q DAC chip at the centre, and it is controlled with the excellent in-house Cambridge Audio StreamMagic App.

The AXN10 has a high degree of connectivity with Roon Ready certification, Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2 & Bluetooth 5 as well as Spotify Connect. Tidal, Qobuz and all the others are built into the App, there is a decent bespoke Radio stations tab, as well as networked server access.

Quality

The casing with this Cambridge Audio AXN10 is solid enough to the touch, the reality though is I suspect this unit is a fairly hollow box. Given that a WiiM Pro Plus does roughly the same as this on a footprint ten times less than this, it is not surprising. Notwithstanding this, the unit is very attractive to look at and there is no feeling of ‘corners cut’ in the quality of the unit.

The Cambridge Audio AXN10 is retailing widely at £549 in the UK.

Performance

Review Equipment

I’m using the Cambridge Audio AXN10 wireless, analogue out, with my Moor Amps Angel preamplifier and power Angel 6 combination, to a pair of Kudos Titan 505s, this is all slightly over the top but if there are any issues with the AXN10, I’ll hear them. Interconnects are by Atlas and I’m using their Eos dd power leads on an Atlas Eos 2.5 power block. On the pure streaming side, I’m going digital output to an iFi Pro iDSD into the preamplifier.

Physically

My review sample has come with a very clear notification on the side saying “Warning, this unit does not contain cables”. I love this idea, as I am certain half of the cables ever supplied are unused, particularly in the HiFi world.

The MagicStream App was very easy to re-setup in my case, and it has operated faultlessly thus far, as it did with the Edge NQ and the EVO 150.

WiFi setup could not have been easier with the MagicStream App on the iPad. I fired up the AXN10, waited for the blue flashing LED on the front, went to iOS Settings, connected it to the WiFi and ‘Bob’ really was my uncle. It probably took 2 minutes.

Analogue Out Sound Quality

The sound quality is excellent and there is nothing to complain about here. There is plenty of depth, heft and volume in the analogue output to my preamplifier. I have the output fixed, so the in-built preamplifier is switched OFF, but it can be ON, and you can control the volume, easily, through the App. The idea of brighter Sabre DACs seems to have faded in my recent experience and this feels like a fairly neutral analogue output.

Streamer, Digital Out

On the streaming side, this is a great streaming source with the App being excellent. I’m going optical into the iFi Pro iDSD DAC. My digital sources (Qobuz, Naim Server, etc) have plenty of detail and the step up in performance with the iFi Pro iDSD is clear to hear in the Titan 505s.

Cambridge Audio StreamMagic App

The App is excellent and right up there with Lightning DS (Auralic) and BluOS (Bluesound). High praise indeed. The presets are excellent in the App, see below.

Naim UnitiServe

The StreamMagic App connects beautifully to my dodgy (it’s rather old) Naim Server with no problem at all and it sounds at least as good as I would want it to.

Wireless v Wired

Using an Atlas Cables Ethernet cable in place of the WiFi makes little difference in my view and I would take issue with anyone who uses the word ‘nuanced’ to describe any difference between the two at this level.

The Playlist

Here’s the playlist from my listening sessions with this Cambridge Audio AXN10.

Presets

There are 4 presets on the front of the box, and up to 99 in the App. They are super easy to set up in the App, and I have 6 Music Radio and the Sports radio setup for the cricket as well as a couple of Qobuz playlists, this is basically a really nice and simple, well-executed feature. Presets can be punched at any time on the four buttons on the front of the unit, and they can include a Qobuz or Tidal Playlist or even a Networked library source/file, this is useful.

Thoughts

The AXN10 is a fine streamer and it offers an exceptional DAC performance at this price

The AXN10 is a fine streamer and it offers an exceptional DAC performance at this price, it is hard to find fault. In this sub £1000 price point there are the recently reviewed Bluesound Node X and the Eversolo DMP-A6 streaming DACs.

These three DACs have very similar streaming and/or DAC performance. The differences in analogue performance are fairly marginal. In my view, you are choosing the £699 Bluesound Node X for the BluOS operating system, just ahead of the StreamMagic App. You are choosing the £759 Eversolo DMP-A6 for its funky and fun display, and the networked server option it offers (as I did). You would certainly choose this £549 AXN10 for the full-width look, and the StreamMaguc platform and then have an extra £150/200 in your pocket. As an aside the WiiM Pro Plus Streaming DAC review will follow in the next couple of weeks, and at £219, it is exceptionally competitive.

Don’t forget, as we are streaming to an amplifier there are many excellent streaming amplifiers, not least the Cambridge Audio EVO 75 at £1, 499 or the EVO 150 at £1,999, reviewed here, also based in the StreamMagic App.

Overall

This DAC… with the very good StreamMagic App, must be on your review shortlist

This is that classic review where you really need to decide what your budget is and listen to a few streaming DACs as indicated in my Thoughts above. This DAC, however, with the very good StreamMagic App, must be on your review shortlist, it not only looks sleek but it sounds just right at this price point.

Specification

Full details are on the company’s site.