Cambridge Audio MXN10: Editor’s Choice 2023

Was 2023 the year that audiophiles actually started to push back against the high prices being demanded by manufacturers for network players and streamers?

We think that would be the start of an excellent trend.

Don’t get me wrong — I would spring for an Innuos ZENinth ($6,299) if some additional funds fell from the sky during Chanukah, but none of the affordable network players or streamers like the WiiM Pro Plus, Bluesound NODE, Roon Nucleus, or Cambridge Audio MXN10 have left me feeling shortchanged.

Whilst the app needs some refinements, the MXN10 has proven to be one of the best sounding affordable network players we have tried in a while.

Why this focus on affordability?

One of the biggest obstacles to mainstream adoption of hi-res audio and high-end network players has been the price of admission. Most consumers view their smart phone as the only network player they will ever need; and that is especially true for those who prefer to use Bluetooth loudspeakers and want to minimize any additional components or cables.

For the rest of us who want access to Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Roon, Chromecast, TIDAL, Qobuz, and our home networks — a smart phone doesn’t really work as well unless your wireless speakers support all of those platforms and lossless playback.

Adding a network player to a system shouldn’t be a complicated or expensive endeavor and we’re starting to see a trend emerging in the entry-level and mid-tier categories with a new range of affordable high-end network players that offer access to almost everything but without the fancy touchscreen or headphone amplifier.

You can read our in-depth review of the MXN10 here; excellent sonic performance, flexibility, and support for the streaming platforms that matter to me made this a very easy recommendation this year.

If your budget is below $250, the WiiM Pro Plus is the way to go — but those with some extra cash and more neutral sounding systems, need to audition the Cambridge.

The MXN10 offers the same features and functionality of the larger (and more expensive) Cambridge AXN10 in a much smaller chassis. The goal was to offer a hi-res network player that could be placed out of sight or be integrated more easily into a vintage audio system with a free set of analog inputs. 

Fans of MQA will be disappointed to learn that the MXN10 does not support the codec, but with so many things up in the air about the technology even with its recent acquisition by Lenbrook, that might not a strong knock against the streamer in the long run. TIDAL has been replacing MQA files with hi-res FLAC versions and those are supported by the streamer.

Downloading the StreamMagic app and installing it properly should not take more than 5 minutes; especially if you have all of your passwords handy. 

Whilst one would probably not describe the app as “slick,” it does provide rather responsive operation that allows one to cycle between streaming platforms without any noticeable lags and searching for albums or tracks is quite simple. 

The app also provides access to built-in internet radio that offers MPEG-DASH support, giving one access to an extensive list of radio stations around the globe. The sound quality listening to radio stations in Israel during the current conflict was excellent and almost on par with the Naim Uniti Atom that we reviewed back in 2021. 

It can also locate and play any music file stored on the same home network, such as from NAS devices connected to your router.

The MXN10 is easy to use, delivers a robust and very dynamic sounding presentation that worked well in almost every system at home, and it calls almost no attention to itself on your rack or bookshelf.

At $499, the MXN10 is a steal and our Editor’s Choice for 2023 between $300 and $1,000.

Where to buy: $499 at Amazon | Crutchfield

Continue reading more of our Editor’s Choice Awards from 2023.