Cambridge Audio EXA100

Sounds brilliant across all inputs ; Excellent connectivity ; Extremely well made and easy to use

No phono stage ; Matching EXN100 streamer has considerable function overlap ; Looks quite a lot like the cheaper CXA81 MkII

The EXA100 takes everything that the CXA81 MkII does, proceeds to do a bit more and then goes on to do it all that little bit better. It’s a seriously capable amplifier that never loses sight of being an absolute joy to listen to

Clean, spacious, powerful sound ; Wide soundstage and refined detail ; Ample connectivity ; Excellent build quality

Could do with more dynamic subtlety ; Rivals offer greater rhythmic drive and transparency ; No phono stage

An impressive, powerful amplifier with generous connectivity and large-scale, refined sound, but it stops just short of troubling the class leaders