AXN10

Product Overview

The AXN10 is a network player from Cambridge Audio. This document serves as its user manual.

Diagram of the AXN10 front panel: A rectangular device with a central circular button/indicator, a brand logo, and four circular buttons on the right.

What's Included with the AXN10?

Inside the box of your AXN10, you will receive:

• AXN10 player
• WiFi/BT Antenna (x2)
• Safety guide
• Quick start guide
• Regional mains lead

Diagram of box contents: Shows the AXN10 player, two antennas, safety guide, quick start guide, and mains lead, each labeled with a number corresponding to the list.

Front Panel Controls

Diagram of the AXN10 front panel with numbered controls:

1. Power button: Switches the unit between Standby Mode (dim power LED) and On (bright power LED). Standby Mode is a low power mode (0.5 Watts) achievable in Eco mode. The unit should be left in Standby Mode when not in use.
2. Network state LED: Refer to the 'LED descriptions' section for details on colors and flashing states.
3. Preset buttons: Used to access and store presets. For more information, see the 'Presets' section on the Home tab in the StreamMagic app. Long-pressing a preset button will store the currently playing media as a preset.

LED Descriptions

Rear Panel Connections

Diagram of the AXN10 rear panel:

1. Line output: Fixed level analogue output for connecting to an amplifier, pre-amp, or recording device.
2. S/P DIF coaxial digital output: Digital audio output.
3. TOSLINK digital output: Digital audio output.
4. WiFi and Bluetooth antenna: Ensure both antennas are connected securely before use.
5. Service port: For servicing use only. Connecting other devices may cause damage.
6. USB Socket: Connection for USB flash drives. Not intended for Apple mobile devices (no functionality, charging, or otherwise supported).
7. Ethernet: For direct connection to a router.
8. WiFi antenna: Second WiFi antenna.
9. AC Power Socket: Connect the AC power cable here after completing all other connections.

Getting Connected

Basic Connections

The diagram below shows the basic connection of your AXN10 to an AXA35 amplifier.

Diagram illustrating basic connection of AXN10 to an AXA35 amplifier, showing audio and power connections between the units.

Connecting to WiFi

It is vitally important that your AXN10 remains connected to a Wi-Fi network as often as possible to ensure regular updates for security protocols, third-party compatibility, and software requirements. Failure to maintain regular firmware updates will void the product warranty and may cause major issues. Ensure your unit is updated to the most current firmware version.

Note: The AXN10 is not compatible with captive portal networks. It can connect to 2.4GHz/5GHz WiFi networks.

Diagram showing WiFi antennas connected to the AXN10, and the AXN10 connected via Ethernet to a router.

StreamMagic App - Setup

Your player connects to your network, allowing you to listen to devices connected to its inputs and stream music from various sources on your home network and the internet.

To set up your player, download the StreamMagic app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

[Download on the App Store] [Get it on Google Play]

Setup Process:

1. Switch on your player and follow the on-screen instructions to select your preferred language.
2. Open the StreamMagic app and follow the provided instructions to complete setting up your player on your network. This process will also apply any pending updates.

Note: During setup, you will be asked to name your player. A unique name makes it easier to identify when using streaming and smart home services.

Once connected to your home network, you will have full control over sources including internet radio, streaming services, network drives, and USB drives.

For more information on the StreamMagic app, visit: https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/streammagic

Google Home / Chromecast Built-in

Your player is network-connected, enabling you to listen to devices connected to its inputs and stream music from various sources on your home network and the internet.

Your player features Chromecast built-in, allowing integration with your Google Home. To set up, download the Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet.

[Download on the App Store] [Get it on Google Play]

Your Phone is Your Remote:

With Chromecast built-in, your phone acts as your remote. Tap the Cast button in compatible apps to stream music, podcasts, and playlists from your phone, tablet, or laptop to your player.

• Tap the Cast button in apps you know and love. No new logins or downloads are required.
• Use your phone to search, play, pause, and adjust volume from anywhere in your home.
• While streaming, you can continue using your phone for other tasks like social media, texting, or calls.
• Enjoy multi-room audio by casting to Chromecast-enabled speakers throughout your house.
• Use voice commands like "Hey Google" to cast to your player.

Unlimited Entertainment, All on Your Schedule:

• Works with hundreds of apps, with new ones added regularly.
• Access millions of songs from popular music services like Pandora, Spotify, and YouTube Music.

Android, Google Play, and the Chromecast built-in logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Internet Radio

You can assign up to 99 of your favorite Internet Radio stations as presets, recallable via the StreamMagic app or a remote control.

Search and Assign a Preset via the StreamMagic App:

1. Navigate to the Radio tab in the StreamMagic app.
2. Use the search bar or enter a Custom URL by selecting 'URL'.
3. Once the station is located, select it and choose 'Play now' or 'Add to presets'.
4. Add the station to a desired preset number (1-99).
5. You will receive confirmation when the station is saved.

Note: Custom URL streams must be one of the supported file types: ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD (x256), WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+, OGG Vorbis.

To Remove a Preset (iOS):

1. Within the StreamMagic app, navigate to the Home tab.
2. Scroll to your player's Presets and select EDIT.
3. Tap the red circle icon next to the station and press Delete.

To Remove a Preset (Android):

1. Within the StreamMagic app, navigate to the Home tab.
2. Scroll to your player's Presets and select EDIT.
3. Tap the station you wish to remove.

Note: You can also assign a preset by pressing and holding a number on the remote while a station is playing.

AirPlay

AirPlay is an Apple technology for controlling home audio systems and speakers. Play music in multiple rooms in sync, or adjust volume remotely from an iPhone, iPad, HomePod, or Apple TV.

After installing your player, add it to the Apple Home app using your iPhone or iPad.

How to Use AirPlay from iPhone or iPad:

1. Ensure your player is connected to your network.
2. Open the app you want to AirPlay from.
3. Tap [AirPlay icon] or [AirPlay icon].
4. Select your player as the AirPlay device.

How to Use AirPlay from Control Center:

To switch audio on your device from Control Center:

Swipe down from the top right of your device's screen to open Control Center. Touch and hold [Control Center icon] in the upper-right corner, then select your player.

This product supports AirPlay 2 and requires iOS 11.4 or later.

Apple and AirPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc.

The 'Works with Apple' badge signifies that an accessory is designed to work with the identified technology and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.

Built-in Streaming Services

Your player supports the following built-in streaming services:

• Spotify Connect
• TIDAL
• Qobuz
• Deezer

Note: The device you are streaming from (smartphone, tablet, computer, etc.) must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your player for communication.

Spotify Connect

Use your phone, tablet, or computer as a remote control for Spotify. Learn more at spotify.com/connect.

Spotify Software is subject to third-party licenses found at: www.spotify.com/connect/third-party-licenses.

TIDAL (Connect)

1. Open the TIDAL app, choose your playlist, album, or song, and select your player as the output device.
2. TIDAL Connect will stream your chosen content to your player.

Learn more at tidal.com/connect.

TIDAL (via StreamMagic)

1. Open the StreamMagic app, navigate to the Library tab, and select TIDAL.
2. Sign into your TIDAL account when prompted (this is required only for the first instance to link the account).
3. Choose your playlist, album, or song to stream to your player.
4. TIDAL will stream your chosen content to your player.

Qobuz (via Chromecast)

1. Open the Qobuz app, choose your playlist, album, or song, and select your player.
2. Select the Qobuz Connect icon within Qobuz and choose your player from the list.
3. Qobuz will cast your chosen content to your player.

Qobuz (via StreamMagic)

1. Open the StreamMagic app, navigate to the Library tab, and select Qobuz.
2. Sign into your Qobuz account when prompted (this is required only for the first instance to link the account).
3. Choose your playlist, album, or song to stream to your player.
4. Qobuz will stream your chosen content to your player.

Deezer (via Chromecast)

1. Open the Deezer app, choose your playlist, album, or song, and select your player.
2. Select the speaker icon within Deezer, then select 'Google Cast', and choose your player from the list.
3. Deezer will cast your chosen content to your player.

Deezer (via StreamMagic)

*Deezer is available via the StreamMagic app with firmware version 129-b-004 or later and StreamMagic app version 2.9.0 or later.

1. Open the StreamMagic app, navigate to the Library tab, and select Deezer.
2. Sign into your Deezer account when prompted (this is required only for the first instance to link the account).
3. Choose your playlist, album, or song to stream to your player.
4. Deezer will stream your chosen content to your player.

Bluetooth

The Bluetooth source allows your player to receive wireless Bluetooth audio from most phones, tablets, and laptops.

Pairing:

To stream high-quality music from your chosen media source, it must first be paired with your player.

1. Within the StreamMagic app, navigate to the Home tab.
2. Use the "Edit" option of the source to add a Bluetooth source.
3. Return to the Home tab and select the Bluetooth source.
4. Open your mobile device or laptop's Bluetooth settings.
5. Select your player from the list of available devices.
6. Your device should now connect to your player.

Once paired, you can connect to your player at any time by selecting the Bluetooth source on your player and choosing it from the list of previously connected devices.

Notes: Your Bluetooth device can only be connected to your player while the Bluetooth source is selected.

USB Media

You can connect a USB SSD, USB HDD, or flash drive to your player via the USB Media inputs on the rear for playback. Supported formats include: ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD (x512), WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+, OGG Vorbis.

Note: Your player reads large capacity hard drives connected to its USB inputs. However, some larger drives may require their own power supply.

Your player supports USB hard drives formatted to FAT32 and NTFS.

The primary function of your player is as a network music player. The USB ports are intended for convenient connection of USB thumb drives. Compatibility with all USB HDDs cannot be guaranteed.

USB Media Playback (via StreamMagic app):

1. Connect a USB SSD, HDD, or flash drive to the rear panel USB Input.
2. Navigate to the Library tab of the StreamMagic app.
3. Under USB Drives, locate and open your USB Media device.
4. Upon selecting a track, you will have options to 'PLAY FROM HERE', 'PLAY TRACK NOW', 'PLAY TRACK NEXT', or 'QUEUE TRACK'.

Streaming Your Local Digital Music Collection

Your player can play content from various physical sources, including locally stored digital music files on your PC, Mac, or Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices.

To stream local content, you will need the following hardware and software running on your network:

1. Your Cambridge Audio Network Player.
2. A mobile device (smartphone or tablet) capable of running the StreamMagic app.
3. A hard drive, computer, or NAS containing your compatible digital music files.
4. An active UPnP music or media server.
5. A router configured to allow the UPnP service.

Note: These items must be correctly connected and configured. Setup may vary depending on your server, NAS, or computer. A best practice guide is available to help with setup.

Settings

Configure your AXN10 player through the StreamMagic app.

Device Name:

This is how your player appears in the StreamMagic app and on your home network when using services like Spotify, Chromecast built-in, and TIDAL Connect. Giving your player a unique name makes it easier to distinguish.

AirPlay Name:

This is how your player appears when using AirPlay or the Apple Home app.

Standby Mode:

Selects the type of standby mode. 'Network Standby' keeps the player controllable by the StreamMagic app and other network services. 'Eco mode' uses less power but requires the unit to be switched on via the front panel or remote.

Automatic Power Down:

Sets the inactivity time before the player switches to standby.

Roon Ready DSD:

Choose how Roon provides DSD content:

• Use DoP for digital output (if your device supports native DSD in DoP format).
• Use PCM for digital output (if your device does not support native DSD).

Early Update:

Setting this to 'On' allows you to try the latest firmware ahead of general release. For more information, visit the FAQ.

Firmware:

Checks for and applies new firmware available for your player. The player checks and applies new updates automatically when left in network standby overnight.

Factory Reset:

Returns your player to its factory settings. You can also perform a manual reset:

1. Remove the mains power lead.
2. Hold the standby button while re-applying the power lead.
3. The LED will flash red while the factory reset process completes.
4. The player will reboot.

Note: Your network player must be connected to the internet for firmware updates. Keeping it connected ensures optimal performance.

Technical Specifications

Inputs:

Ethernet, USB host (mass storage), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Outputs:

Line out (unbalanced), Digital out (Coax and Optical)

DAC:

ESS Sabre ES9033Q

Frequency response:

20Hz - 70kHz +0/-1dB

THD+N:

0dBFS, 1kHz, 20k BW: <0.001%

S/N Ratio:

(20k BW): >110dB

RCA output level:

2Vrms +/-10%

RCA output Impedance:

50Ohm

Ethernet:

IEEE 802.3 10 Base-T or 100 Base-T

Wi-Fi:

Wi-Fi 5 dual band 2.4/5gHz, WPA2/WPA2-PSK

Bluetooth:

5.0 A2DP/AVRCP supporting SBC and AAC

Compatibility:

UPnP, Local USB media, Chromecast built-in, Spotify connect, Tidal, Qobuz, RoonReady, Airplay2, Amazon Music

Audio formats:

ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD (x512), WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+, OGG Vorbis, HLS/DASH, .m3u, .pls playlists

USB File system support:

FAT32, NTFS, ext3/4, ExFAT

Hi-res support:

Up to 768KHz 32bit PCM, up to DSD512

Mains Voltage:

100-240V ~50/60Hz

Max Power consumption:

20W

Standby power consumption:

<0.5W

Dimensions (H x W x D):

75 x 430 x 305mm

Weight:

3.5kg

Troubleshooting

Network Connection Issues:

• Ensure both supplied Wi-Fi antennas are securely connected.
• Confirm a connected computer can access the internet using the same network.
• If using an encrypted Wi-Fi network, verify the correct key or passphrase is entered (text-format keys are case-sensitive).

Internet Radio Playback Issues:

• The station may not be broadcasting at this time (consider time zones).
• The station may have reached its maximum number of simultaneous listeners.
• The station may no longer be broadcasting.
• The internet connection between the server and your location may be too slow.

StreamMagic App Connection Issues:

• Ensure both supplied Wi-Fi antennas are securely connected.
• Ensure your mobile device and the AXN10 are on the same network.
• Verify the StreamMagic app has network access permissions via your mobile device's app settings.
• Check if any VPN or Anti-Virus apps on your mobile device are preventing the StreamMagic app from detecting the AXN.

UPnP Playback Issues:

• Ensure your UPnP server software supports the file type you are trying to access (e.g., some servers do not serve FLAC).
• The AXN can only play non-DRM files.
• Some servers may authorize and de-crypt Microsoft PlaysForSure content, but this is server-dependent.
• For 24-bit WAV or FLAC content, a wired Ethernet connection is recommended for reliable operation due to bandwidth considerations.
• Check that the AXN supports the file type you are trying to access.

USB Media Playback Issues:

• Check that the AXN supports the file type you are trying to access.
• The AXN can only play non-DRM files.
• Ensure your device does not require more than 1A if powered from the USB socket.
• Verify your device format is supported by the AXN.
• Organize your USB media efficiently: create folders for Artists, subfolders for Albums, and then tracks within Albums. Libraries with thousands of tracks in one folder can slow down media browsing.

No Power:

• Ensure the AC power cord is securely connected.
• Ensure the plug is fully inserted into the wall socket and switched on.
• Check the fuse in the mains plug or adaptor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can the AXN10 support MQA content?

The AXN can receive MQA encoded content but cannot play full MQA files via TIDAL Connect because it lacks a built-in MQA decoder. There are no plans to integrate MQA support, as it would require hardware modification.

How do I set up my AXN10 with a DacMagic 200M for MQA passthrough?

While the AXN can receive MQA encoded content, it cannot play full MQA files via TIDAL Connect due to the lack of an MQA decoder. However, you can bypass the AXN's DAC and process MQA files through an external DAC like the DacMagic 200M. This allows the full unfold of the MQA file in the DacMagic 200M, while you control and queue files via the AXN.

Setup steps:

1. Connect either the SP/DIF Coaxial or Toslink Optical digital output of the AXN to the corresponding Digital Input (D1 or D2) on the DacMagic 200M.
2. Connect the Balanced or Unbalanced Output of the DacMagic 200M to your amplifier.
3. Select the relevant D1/D2 Input on your DacMagic 200M.
4. In the TIDAL app 'Settings' on your smartphone or tablet, confirm streaming quality is set to 'Master'.
5. Select the AXN within the TIDAL Connect menu as your output device.
6. MQA files will be passed through to the DacMagic 200M, and MQA playback will be indicated on the DacMagic 200M by the relevant LED light.

Can I use more than one of the AXN10's outputs at once?

Yes, you can connect up to three devices simultaneously, as all outputs remain active. Note that the AXN does not have a volume control, so connected devices must have their own volume control.

How do I stop the AXN10 from powering down when not in use?

The AXN automatically switches to standby after 20 minutes of inactivity (Automatic Power-Down - APD). This feature can be disabled or the time adjusted by navigating to the device settings within the StreamMagic app and selecting 'Automatic Power-Down'.

Can I play files from a connected USB HD when the AXN10 is not connected to a network?

No, this is not possible. The StreamMagic app is required to play local files from a connected USB HD. It is strongly recommended that the AXN is connected to a network at all times.

What is the Service port on the back of the AXN10 for?

The service port is intended for servicing use only by Cambridge Audio authorised service centres and dealers. Do not connect any devices to it, as this may result in damage to the unit.

Do I need to connect both Antennas for the AXN10 to work?

Yes, connecting both antennas is necessary for full Wi-Fi functionality and the strongest wireless connection. Bluetooth functionality also requires one antenna connected to the port with the Bluetooth symbol.

Does the AXN10 have pre-amp or volume control?

No, the AXN does not have a 'pre-amp' mode. It outputs a fixed volume level and cannot control volume. You will need to control the volume via your connected amplifier or DAC.

Does the AXN10 have a remote control?

The AXN does not have a remote control. The unit can be controlled and settings adjusted via the StreamMagic app.