Cambridge Audio EXA100 Integrated Amplifier

Introduction

This guide is designed to make installing and using the EXA100 as easy as possible. Information has been carefully checked for accuracy, but Cambridge Audio's policy of continuous improvement means design and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced by any mechanical, electronic or other means, in any form, without prior written permission of the manufacturer. All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Audio Partnership Plc is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries, used with permission. aptX is a trademark of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd., registered in the United States and other countries, used with permission. Qualcomm aptX is a product of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd.

© Copyright Cambridge Audio Ltd

For news on future products, software updates, and exclusive offers, register your product at https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/register.

What's Included with the EXA100?

Inside the box, you will receive:

• 1. EXA100 Integrated Amplifier
• 2. Remote Control
• 3. 3 x AAA Batteries
• 4. Regional power cord
• 5. Bluetooth Antenna
• 6. Orange Control Bus Cable
• 7. Safety Guide
• 8. Quick start Guide

Front Panel Controls

The front panel features the following controls:

1. Standby/On: Switches the unit between Standby mode (indicated by a dim power LED) and On (indicated by a bright power LED). Standby mode is a low power mode where consumption is less than 0.5 Watts. The EXA has Auto Power Down (APD) enabled by default, switching to standby after 20 minutes of inactivity. APD is disabled in power amp mode when A1 or A1 balanced are selected, or when a Bluetooth device is connected.
2. Headphones: For connecting suitable headphones. Connection automatically mutes the loudspeaker and pre-out.
3. Analogue Source Select: Push the appropriate input selection button to select the source. The A1 input selection button toggles between balanced (A1 lit orange) and unbalanced (A1 lit blue) inputs. Ensure the correct input light is active for your connection.
4. Bluetooth: Press to turn on the Bluetooth input for wireless audio streaming from phones, tablets, and laptops.
5. Speaker A/B: Press to scroll through speaker sets connected to the rear panel terminals (A, B, or A and B).
6. Mute Indicator: Flashes when outputs are muted by the remote control. Solid light indicates A1 Power Amp mode is active.
7. Protection Indicator: Refers to CAP4 protection details.
8. USB Audio: Press to select the USB audio input.
9. Digital Source Select: Push the appropriate input selection button to select the digital source.
10. Volume: Use to increase/decrease the sound level for all outputs, except when in A1 Power Amp mode.

Rear Panel Connections

The rear panel provides various connection options:

1. AC Power Socket: Connect the AC power cable here.
2. RS232C: A standard serial data communication protocol for home automation systems. A custom install protocol is available on the Cambridge Audio website.
3. Control Bus: RCA sockets for sending and receiving power and volume commands from other connected EX Series products.
4. Triggers:
   • Trigger Out: Use a link wire to synchronize power state with a product that has a trigger input.
   • Trigger In/IR In: Trigger In uses a link wire from a product with a trigger output. IR In receives modulated IR commands from IR repeaters or custom install systems.
5. Speaker Terminals: Two sets of loudspeaker terminals (A and B) are available. Connect your left channel loudspeaker to the left terminals and the right channel loudspeaker to the right terminals. Ensure positive (+) and negative (-) connections are correctly matched. Red terminal is positive, black is negative. Take care to avoid stray wire strands shorting terminals. Ensure terminals are tightened for a good electrical connection. Note: Round pips on terminals may need removal for banana plugs.
6. Signal Ground: A switch with two positions: Position 1 (Normal/default) lifts the audio ground from chassis earth. Position 2 connects the audio ground directly to chassis ground, potentially reducing hum or noise.
7. Sub Out: Connect to the LFE/Sub input of an active subwoofer. Features a low-pass filter of approximately 2.3 kHz.
8. eARC: Enhanced Audio Return Channel connection for TVs supporting ARC and eARC.
9. Pre-out: For connecting to the unbalanced inputs of a power amplifier or active subwoofer. No low-pass filter is applied.
10. Bluetooth Antenna: Connect the supplied antenna for Bluetooth audio streaming.
11. USB Audio In: A USB B type socket for playback of audio from computers (Windows, macOS, some Linux). Use a high-quality USB Hi-Speed 'A to B' cable. USB cable connections longer than 3m may result in inconsistent performance. Always turn volume to minimum, switch input, or turn off the EXA before plugging/unplugging USB cables or during PC/Mac boot-up/shut-down. The Signal Ground/Lift switch on the EXA can help reduce electronic hum when using USB audio.
12. Digital Inputs (D1, D2, D3): TOSLINK (optical) and S/P DIF (coaxial) inputs. Coaxial supports up to 192kHz, TOSLINK up to 96kHz.
13. Analogue Inputs (A1-A4): For line-level sources like CD players, tuners. A1 supports both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) connections. XLR wiring: Pin 1 - Ground, Pin 2 - Hot (in-phase), Pin 3 - Cold (phase-inverted).

A1 Inputs and Power Amp Mode

The A1 inputs offer either unbalanced (phono/RCA) or balanced (XLR) connections. Balanced connections offer higher quality and noise rejection. The EXA is designed for optimal performance with balanced interconnects.

To select the balanced input, press the A1 button twice on the front panel or remote control; the A1 light will turn orange. Repeatedly pressing toggles between balanced and unbalanced inputs.

A1 Power Amp Mode:

• Off: Default position.
• On: Activates amplifier mode, matched to an external pre-amplifier.

Note: Turn down the volume before enabling Power Amp mode.

Remote Control

The remote control duplicates front panel functions and can control other EX series products. Ensure AAA batteries are fitted before use.

Buttons include:

1. Brightness: Adjusts display brightness (two levels, option to switch off backlight).
2. Mute: Mutes/unmutes loudspeakers, pre-out, sub, and headphone outputs. Indicator light flashes when muted.
3. Standby/On: Switches the unit between On and Standby mode.
4. Sources: Selects source inputs. The A1 button has a dual function for selecting balanced/unbalanced A1 inputs.
5. Volume up/down: Adjusts volume level.

If the remote control does not function, check batteries and ensure the IR receiver is not blocked.

Getting Connected

The EXA offers flexible connection options, including Pre-Out and Speaker B connections.

Note: Ensure speaker terminals are tightened before inserting banana plugs. Round pips on terminals may need removal for banana plugs.

Basic Connections: A diagram illustrates connecting the amplifier to a CD player via the D3 coaxial digital input and to a pair of loudspeakers.

Speaker B Connections: Allows connection of a second set of speakers, for example, in another room. The Speaker A/B button on the front panel cycles through speaker selections (A only, B only, A and B).

Sub Out and Preamp Out Connections

Sub Out Connections: For connecting to the LFE/Sub input of an active subwoofer. A diagram shows the connection.

Preamp Out Connections: For connecting to the input sockets of a power amplifier or active subwoofer. A diagram shows the connection.

Balanced Audio Connections and TV Connectivity

Balanced Audio Connections: Diagrams show connecting the EXA to a Network Player (e.g., EXN) using balanced XLR connectors. Balanced connections reject electrical noise and interference by using a three-wire system to subtract common-mode noise.

Connecting a TV: A TV can be connected via digital inputs (Optical or Coaxial) if it has the required output. Ensure TV audio output is set to PCM or Stereo, as the EXA decodes stereo signals only. Select the corresponding digital input (D1, D2, or D3) on the EXA.

Enabling 'TV Mode': Some TVs may send inconsistent sample rates, causing audio dropouts. 'TV Mode' can be enabled in the amplifier's setup menu to improve compatibility.

TV Input (ARC/eARC Input) and Troubleshooting

The ARC/eARC function allows a TV to send audio and control commands to the connected product, enabling TV remote control of volume and power. TV Power Control is enabled by default.

Troubleshooting TV Connectivity:

• Ensure TV's HDMI input supports ARC/eARC.
• Set TV to use an external audio system, not internal speakers.
• Set TV audio output to 'Stereo PCM (Uncompressed)'.
• Ensure HDMI cable is compatible with HDMI 1.4 or above.
• For TV power control issues, check CEC and ARC settings on the TV and ensure TV Power Control mode is enabled on the EXA.

If issues persist, contact the support team.

USB Audio Connection

The EXA USB Audio input enables audio playback from Windows or macOS computers (and some Linux builds). The computer identifies the EXA as an audio device.

Important Notes:

• Always turn the volume to minimum, switch to another input, or turn the EXA off before plugging/unplugging USB cables or during PC/Mac boot-up/shut-down.
• Use a high-quality USB 'A to B' cable certified as USB Hi-Speed. Cables longer than 3m may result in inconsistent performance.

The EXA supports USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) and USB 1.1 (Full-speed). It also works with USB 3.0 ports.

USB Audio Protocols:

• USB Audio Class 1: Works over USB 1.1 ports, supports up to 24-bit/96kHz (asynchronous).
• USB Audio Class 2: Requires a USB 2.0 port, supports up to 24-bit/384kHz (asynchronous) and up to DSD-256. Default is Class 2.

Connecting a Windows PC:

1. Connect PC to EXA via USB A to B cable (with EXA in Standby/minimum volume).
2. Ensure EXA is set to USB 2.0 mode via the 'Setup Menu'.
3. Download the Cambridge Audio USB Audio 2.0 Driver from the website.
4. Select the USB Audio source on the EXA's front panel.
5. Choose the EXA as the output speaker in Windows sound settings. Ensure maximum sample rate is selected (up to 384 kHz).

Installing the Latest USB Audio Driver for the EXA100

Follow these steps to install the driver:

1. Download the correct driver for your Windows operating system from https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/gbr/en/driver-updates.
2. Unzip the downloaded folder and run the application file.
3. Follow the installer instructions.
4. Complete the installation.
5. Confirm installation by opening the CA Control Panel and checking the driver version.

Connecting an Apple Mac to the EXA via USB Audio

No extra drivers are required for macOS. The EXA works with native macOS Audio 1.0 (for Class 1) or Audio 2.0 (for Class 2) drivers.

1. Connect Mac to EXA via USB A to B cable (or C to B cable).
2. Select the USB Audio source on the EXA's front panel.
3. Choose the EXA as the output speaker in your Mac's sound settings. Ensure maximum sample rate is selected (up to 384 kHz) via 'Audio Midi Setup'.

Use with Linux:

Most Linux builds work with USB Audio Class 1. Newer builds may support USB Audio Class 2. Generic 'Class drivers' may be available from the Linux community.

Note: The 'USB Audio' input is for direct connection with a PC or Mac only, not for USB drives or HDDs. Use a network player for such purposes.

Setup Menu

To Enter the Setup Menu:

1. Put the EXA in standby mode.
2. While in Standby, press and hold the Speaker A/B button until the A/B lights flash alternatively and the sources A1-A4 and TV input LED light up. (The TV input LED indicates TV Power Control is enabled by default).

Configuration Options: (Button selected is indicated by a blue light)

• Auto Power Down (APD):
  • A1 on: Sets APD time to 20 minutes.
  • A1 off: Disables the APD function. APD automatically switches the EXA to standby if there is no audio for a set period.
• Clipping Function: Button A3 selects amplifier clip protection.
  • A3 on: Clipping function enabled. Volume reduces if signal clipping is detected.
  • A3 off: Clipping function disabled.
• USB Mode: Button A4 selects USB Audio mode.
  • A4 on: EXA in USB Audio Class 2 mode.
  • A4 off: EXA in USB Audio Class 1 mode.
• TV Mode: Button A2 selects TV optimized mode for D2 and TV inputs.
  • A2 on: DAC in SYNC mode.
  • A2 off: DAC in ASYNC mode.
• TV Power Control: TV input button selects TV Power Control via ARC (default is on). TV LED on means enabled, TV LED off means disabled.
• USB Firmware Update Mode: USB input button switches the rear panel USB connector between USB Audio (default) and firmware update mode. This mode is not persistent across power cycles.

Factory Reset: Restores original factory settings. In standby, press and hold Speaker A/B, then press D1, D3, Bluetooth, D2 in sequence.

To Save Settings: Press the Speaker A/B button once.

To Exit Without Saving: Press the power button.

Bluetooth

The EXA receives Bluetooth audio from phones, tablets, and laptops. The supplied Bluetooth antenna must be inserted into the rear of the unit for functionality.

Pairing: Select the Bluetooth source on the EXA to enter discovery mode. Your device can only be paired when the Bluetooth source is selected. The EXA is always discoverable when no Bluetooth connection is active.

Bluetooth Troubleshooting Guide:

• Ensure the Bluetooth antenna is properly connected.
• Ensure the Bluetooth source is selected on the EXA.
• Ensure your Bluetooth device is in pairing mode and not connected to another unit.
• Forget the EXA from your device's Bluetooth list and restart the pairing process.
• Perform a factory reset on the EXA.

Control Bus

The Control Bus allows compatible Cambridge products to synchronize when powering up. It also allows the StreamMagic app to control the EXA via an EXN.

StreamMagic App (via EXN): Using the app to control the EXN also controls the EXA's power and volume. Connect EXN control bus out to EXA in.

EXA with CXC: Turning the EXA on/off also turns the CXC on/off. Connect EXA control bus out to CXC in.

EXA with EXN: Turning the EXA on/off also turns the EXN on/off. Connect EXA control bus out to EXN in.

EXA with EXN and CXC: Connecting EXN Control Bus out to EXA Control Bus in, then EXA Control Bus out to CXC Control Bus in, synchronizes all three devices. Do not loop back from CXC out to EXN in. Control Bus must be enabled and set to 'Amplifier' in the EXN's StreamMagic app settings.

Note: The EXA, EXN, and CXC have an Auto Power Down (APD) function. If APD is enabled and a device is inactive, it will power down after the selected APD time, switching off other connected devices. Disable APD if automatic standby is not desired.

CAP Protection

Cambridge Audio's proprietary protection system ensures reliability and longevity. It comprises four main methods:

1. DC Detection: Protects speakers from high constant voltage (DC) output due to internal faults. Indication: Unit switches off, speaker A/B white LEDs flash with red LED (one quick flash, long pause). Remedy: Contact dealer if hard clipping triggers DC protection.
2. Over Temperature Detection: Protects the amplifier from overheating, often caused by high listening levels and low impedance speakers. Indication: Unit switches off, speaker A/B white LEDs flash with red LED (two quick flashes, long pause). Remedy: Leave unit for 15 minutes to cool down before resuming operation.
3. Overvoltage/Overcurrent (V/I) Detection: Monitors output transistors to keep them within Safe Operating Area (SOA). Indication: Unit continues to operate but may produce distortion. Speaker A/B white LEDs flash with red LED (three quick flashes, long pause). Remedy: Reduce volume; check speaker connections and ratings if distortion persists.
4. Intelligent Clipping Detection: Detects amplifier clipping (overdrive) which can damage loudspeakers and degrade sound. Indication: Volume is reduced automatically. Clipping distortion occurs when output signal attempts to exceed maximum voltage. When CAP4 detects clipping, volume is reduced until an undistorted output is detected.

Note: Clipping detection is disabled by default and can be enabled in the Setup menu. Ensure speakers are compatible (4-8 Ohms impedance) as incorrect impedance can activate CAP4 protection.

Troubleshooting

No Power: Ensure AC power cord is secure, plug is fully inserted and switched on, and check mains fuse.

No Sound: Ensure unit is not in Standby, source is connected, speakers are connected correctly, Speaker A/B light matches terminals, unit is not muted, and correct input is selected.

No Sound on One Channel: Check speaker connections and interconnects.

Weak Bass or Diffused Stereo Imaging: Ensure speakers are not wired out of phase.

Speaker A/B and Mute Light Flashing: Refer to CAP4 protection system section.

Remote Handset Not Functioning: Check batteries and ensure the IR receiver is not blocked.

No Audio when Connecting Mac/PC to USB Audio Input: Follow 'USB Audio Connection' steps, ensure USB Audio source is selected, use correct USB cable, and ensure correct USB driver is downloaded and EXA is set to USB Audio Class 2 in Setup Menu if applicable.

No Audio when Connecting TV to EXA: Ensure TV audio settings are PCM or Stereo, correct input is selected on EXA, EXA is selected as TV's external speaker, and eARC/ARC settings are enabled on TV if using eARC.

Audio Dropouts when Connected to TV via Toslink: Refer to 'Getting Connected' > 'Connecting a TV' section.

Technical Specifications

• Continuous Power Output: 100W RMS into 8 Ohms, 155W RMS into 4 Ohms
• DAC: ES9018K2M
• THD (unweighted): <0.002% 1kHz at rated power (8 Ohms); <0.02% 20Hz – 20kHz at rated power (8 Ohms)
• Frequency Response: <3Hz - >40kHz +/-1dB
• S/N Ratio (Ref 1W into 8 OHM): >91 dB
• S/N Ratio (Ref Full Power): >105 dB
• Input Sensitivity (Input A1-A4, unbalanced): 395mV RMS
• Input Impedances: Input A1 (balanced) 100 kOhm; Input A1-A4 (unbalanced) 45 kOhm
• Inputs: Balanced, Unbalanced, Coax SPDIF, TOSLINK, Bluetooth, USB Audio, eARC
• Outputs: Speakers, Headphone, Preamplifier Output, Sub Output
• Power Amp Damping Factor: >160 at 1kHz into 8 Ohm
• USB Audio Input: USB Type B conforming to USB Audio Class 1 or USB Audio Class 2 (user selectable)
• Compatibility: USB Audio Class 1: Up to 24-bit 96kHz (asynchronous); USB Audio Class 2: Up to 24-bit 384kHz (asynchronous) and up to DSD-256
• Bluetooth: 5.0 A2DP/AVRCP supporting SBC, aptX and aptX HD codecs
• TOSLINK: 16/24-bit 32-96kHz
• Coax SPDIF: 16/24-bit 32-192kHz
• Max Power Consumption: 1200W
• Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
• Dimensions: 115 x 430 x 341mm (4.5 x 16.9 x 13.4")
• Weight: 12.8kg (28.2Lbs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How do I select the Balanced or Unbalanced inputs on the EXA?

  Press the A1 input selection button. Balanced input is shown by A1 lit orange, unbalanced by A1 lit blue. Ensure the correct input is selected for your connection.

• Can I connect an external HDD to ‘USB Audio In’ on the EXA100?

  No, the 'USB Audio' input only supports direct connection with a PC or Mac. Use a Network Player for external HDDs.

• Why can't I adjust the volume of the EXA100 with my mobile device when connected via Bluetooth?

  When using Bluetooth, the amplifier's volume control takes over. The mobile device outputs a fixed-level stream, adjusted by the amplifier. Volume adjustments can be made on the amplifier itself or via the remote.

• What is the crossover frequency on the EXA100?

  The EXA100 has a low-pass filter of 2.3 kHz applied at the Sub Out output. This allows you to set your own crossover frequency on the subwoofer.

• What would the power output of the EXA be if I connect two pairs of speakers?

  Connecting two pairs of speakers halves the combined impedance. For example, two 8 Ohm speakers result in a 4 Ohm load. The EXA100 is rated at 100W RMS into 8 Ohms and 155W RMS into 4 Ohms. Connecting 2 pairs of 4 Ohm or 6 Ohm speakers is not recommended as it can lead to impedance issues (2 or 3 Ohms respectively) and potentially activate CAP4 protection or cause damage.

• Will the EXA100 playback 32-bit files via the USB Audio input?

  While the EXA's hardware supports 32-bit audio, the USB interface reports the host as 24-bit capable. 32-bit files will be converted to 24-bit by the USB driver.