Half-Width HI-FI That will SURPRISE You! Cambridge Audio MXN10 and MXW70
United States of Analog | August 15, 2025
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video reviews two compact Cambridge Audio components designed to work together: the MXN10 network streamer/player and the MXW70 70-watt Class-D amplifier. The host focuses on these “half-width” components as Cambridge Audio’s entry into the compact hi-fi market, similar to what “fun-fi” companies in Asia have been producing.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- Cambridge Audio MXN10 [00:00:48]: Network player/streamer with 9033Q DAC, supports Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer; PCM up to 32-bit 768kHz, DSD up to DSD512; dimensions 8.5″ wide x 2″ tall x 7.5″ deep
- Cambridge Audio MXW70 [00:00:48]: 70-watt Class-D amplifier designed to pair with the MXN10
- Cambridge Audio EVO 150 [00:01:25]: Mentioned as reference point behind the host for size comparison
- Cambridge Audio DACMagic DAC [00:02:17]: Suggested as optional upgrade that can be sandwiched between the two main components
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- [00:01:07] Full disclosure: He’s been a Cambridge Audio fan and knows company representatives from audio shows
- [00:01:29] Appreciates Cambridge’s simple and classic design language, well-built equipment that sounds great
- [00:02:40] The built-in 9033Q DAC is described as “a workhorse” and “good-sounding”
- [00:02:42] Suggests the DAC can be improved by adding an external one, but the built-in is solid enough to avoid over-complicating the setup
What are the host’s strong recommendations or warnings?
- [00:02:24] Promises to give “a couple tips before the end” to get the best performance out of this gear
- [00:03:30] Does not recommend placing the components “cockeyed” despite thinking it looked cool and “punk rock”
What are the host’s funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- [00:00:08] Self-aware moment: “Did that make any sense? It sounded good when I wrote it”
- [00:00:40] UK reference comparing the components working together “probably better than Noel and Liam Gallagher”
- [00:01:41] Slip: “comes in at price points that most of us can’t afford” (likely meant “can afford”)
- [00:03:33] Describes the cockeyed placement as “punk rock”
Summary
The video opens with host Bob introducing two compact Cambridge Audio components – the MXN10 network streamer and MXW70 amplifier – positioning them as Cambridge’s answer to the popular compact “fun-fi” components from Asian manufacturers. He establishes his credibility and bias upfront, noting his longtime appreciation for Cambridge Audio and personal connections with company representatives, while praising their music-first philosophy and human touch, even noting that their business cards feature favorite songs.
Bob focuses initially on the MXN10 streamer, detailing its comprehensive streaming capabilities and connectivity options. The unit features a built-in 9033Q DAC that he describes as solid and workmanlike, supporting high-resolution formats up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512. He emphasizes the unit’s versatility with support for major streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz, plus Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Roon Ready functionality, along with multiple physical connection options for external DACs.
The appeal of these components lies in their compact form factor – roughly half the width and three-quarters the depth of Cambridge’s full-size EVO 150 – making them suitable for space-conscious setups. Bob appreciates Cambridge’s simple, classic design philosophy and notes that while these components work well together out of the box, there’s room for upgrading with external DACs like Cambridge’s own DACMagic. He promises practical tips for optimizing performance and playfully warns against unconventional placement arrangements, despite finding them visually appealing.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- Cambridge Audio MXN10 network player ($499 USD) [00:04:46]
- Cambridge Audio MXW70 Class D amplifier ($599 USD) [00:04:15, 00:04:46]
- Hypex Encore (amplifier technology in the MXW70) [00:04:26]
- StreamMagic app [00:03:47]
- DAC magic (mentioned as optional addition) [00:06:26]
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- [00:04:05] Super easy setup process – connected via Ethernet and running within minutes
- [00:04:51] $1,100 total price is “pretty reasonable for a great network player and a powerful amplifier”
- [00:04:56] Great for small and medium rooms, great for near-field listening
- [00:05:34] 7-band equalizer functionality is “not optimum, but it’s pretty cool”
- [00:05:45] No problem with lack of display screen on network player
- [00:07:01] Has flexibility, very good functionality, and a great app
- [00:07:16] Don’t expect the small amp to fill up a giant living room with sound
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- MXW70 amplifier specs: 70 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 125 watts into 4 ohms [00:04:29]
- Can bridge to mono for 250 watts per side (requires two units) [00:04:35]
- Has balanced inputs with switch for balanced/unbalanced and stereo/bridge mono [00:06:28]
- StreamMagic app includes 7-band equalizer for room tuning [00:05:10]
- Can preset internet radio stations [00:05:07]
- Units can be connected with trigger cable [00:05:00]
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- [00:03:42] Leave extra space for terminals and Bluetooth antennae (there are two)
- [00:03:49] Download the StreamMagic app since no remote control is included
- [00:05:39] Host prefers spending time listening to music rather than dialing in room correction
- [00:06:50] Components are flexible and not locked into the system – can be used independently
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- [00:04:16] “Yeah, I know, I said it. It’s Class D. Once again, in the United States of analog, we delve into the digital, but it’s all analog once it hits your ear”
- [00:04:18] “When it hits your ear, it’s pretty good because this is the class-leading Hypex Encore”
- [00:06:18] “Did I mention you won’t lose your remote control because there isn’t one?”
- [00:05:39] “A lot of us don’t want to spend a half an hour dialing in room correction when we can spend a half hour listening to glorious music”
Summary
In this portion, the host provides a detailed walkthrough of the Cambridge Audio MXN10 network player and MXW70 Class D amplifier setup process and features. He emphasizes the simplicity of installation, noting that the system was up and running within minutes using an Ethernet connection and the StreamMagic app, which eliminates the need for a physical remote control. The MXW70 amplifier uses Hypex Encore technology and delivers 70 watts per channel, with the option to bridge to mono for higher power output.
The host discusses the practical features of both components, including the 7-band equalizer in the app for basic room correction, preset functionality for internet radio stations, and the ability to connect the units with a trigger cable. He acknowledges that while the equalizer isn’t optimal, it provides a convenient alternative to spending extensive time on room correction. The lack of a display screen on the network player doesn’t concern him, as he believes smartphones provide better viewing experiences anyway.
At a combined price of $1,100, the host considers this setup reasonable value for a quality network player and amplifier combination that works well in small to medium rooms and near-field listening scenarios. He emphasizes the flexibility of the system, noting that each component can be used independently with other gear, and concludes with the caveat that the amplifier shouldn’t be expected to fill large living spaces adequately.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion:
- Cambridge Audio MXW70 and MXN10 stack (priced at $1,100 for the pair) [00:09:06]
- Chesky LC1 speakers [00:07:35]
- Klipsch Forte 4 speakers [00:07:35]
- Stream Magic app [00:08:18]
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion:
[00:09:06] The host gives a positive verdict, calling it a “cool stack, easy to set up, easy to use, easy on the eyes” and stating he “can’t say enough about” the Cambridge Audio units as “a great little system”
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider:
- Buy recommendation for bedroom, office, small to medium-sized rooms [00:09:18]
- Recommends pairing with high-efficiency speakers for bigger sound [00:07:27]
- Notes this is “probably a second system anyway” [00:10:07]
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers:
- Set preamp to “on” in Stream Magic app before first use [00:08:18]
- Start volume at 40-50% to avoid speaker damage [00:08:31]
- Use room correction and equalization features [00:09:05]
- Don’t fear using tone controls – “they’re there for a reason” [00:09:56]
- Important caveat: No subwoofer output available [00:09:45]
How did the video wrap up:
[00:10:10] Standard YouTube outro thanking viewers for watching “United States of Analog,” directing them to another recommended video, and asking for likes, subscriptions, and notification bell activation [00:10:33]
Memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions:
- “There’s nothing to fear. Sometimes we feel a little weird about tone controls and things like that, but they’re there for a reason” [00:09:55]
- “You know, we don’t want to add more expense to a system like this with a subwoofer. Do we? Nah, just go with this” [00:10:04]
Summary:
In this final portion, the host provides practical setup advice and his overall assessment of the Cambridge Audio MXW70 and MXN10 stack. He emphasizes the importance of proper initial setup, particularly enabling preamp mode in the Stream Magic app and starting with conservative volume levels to avoid damaging speakers. He shares a personal anecdote about getting a “loud bark” from his speakers when he didn’t follow his own advice initially.
The host delivers a positive final verdict on the $1,100 Cambridge Audio stack, praising it as an excellent system for bedrooms, offices, and small to medium rooms. He notes that while it drove both his Chesky LC1s and Klipsch Forte 4s well, the more efficient Klipsch speakers performed slightly better in terms of volume output. He suggests that users wanting bigger sound should consider high-efficiency speakers rather than looking for more powerful amplification.
The review concludes with the host addressing potential concerns about sound customization and the lack of subwoofer output. He encourages viewers not to shy away from using the built-in tone controls and room correction features, arguing they serve a purpose and can help achieve satisfying bass response even without a dedicated subwoofer. He frames this as likely being a secondary system where additional complexity and expense wouldn’t be desired anyway, before wrapping up with a standard YouTube outro.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
