Streamer

Cambridge Audio CXN100 — British Streaming Heritage

Cambridge Audio has been a cornerstone of British HiFi since 1968. The CXN100 is their latest network streamer, and it represents everything the company does well — serious engineering at a price that doesn’t require selling the family silver. As a fellow Brit, I have a soft spot for Cambridge Audio’s no-nonsense approach.

Build & Design

Handsome in that understated British way. The CXN100 has a full-width HiFi component design with a colour display, brushed aluminium front panel, and solid construction. It looks the part sitting in a traditional HiFi stack, and the build quality reflects Cambridge Audio’s decades of manufacturing experience.

Bluesound Node X — Streaming Done Properly

The Bluesound Node has been the go-to recommendation for audiophile streaming for years. The Node X ups the ante with an improved DAC section and MQA-free future-proofing. Built on the BluOS platform — one of the most mature multi-room audio ecosystems available — it’s the establishment choice for serious streaming.

Build & Design

Sleek, compact, and well-built. The Node X has a subtle redesign with a touch-sensitive top panel and clean lines that blend into any living room setup. Build quality is a step up from the WiiM — it feels more premium, with better material choices and a heavier, more solid chassis.

WiiM Ultra — The Streamer That Changed Everything

WiiM has done to streaming what Schiit did to amplification — taken a category dominated by expensive products and delivered exceptional performance at a price that embarrasses the competition. The Ultra is their flagship, and it’s sent shockwaves through the streaming world.

Build & Design

Compact and attractive with a touchscreen display that actually works well. The Ultra packs streaming, DAC, preamp, and headphone amp into a surprisingly small package. Build quality is good — solid plastic and metal construction that feels well-made without being premium. Connectivity is excellent: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, USB, optical, coaxial, and HDMI ARC. Outputs include RCA, optical, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.