Cambridge Audio Minx Xi Digital Music System

Cambridge Audio showed us the Minx Xi digital music system at CEDIA 2013. Developed by Cambridge Audio's experts in the heart of London, Minx Xi is a seriously accomplished yet versatile music player, ideal for hi-fi enthusiasts as well as the more casual music lover.

Want to stream music from a smartphone or tablet? Minx Xi features Bluetooth connectivity, compatible with any brand of Bluetooth device. Want to play high resolution music stored on your home network? Minx Xi can wirelessly play back music stored on any UPnP server, NAS drive or computer. Want to enjoy internet radio? Tune into your favorite stations in seconds or discover new ones from around the world. Plus, there's built-in support for many streaming services including BBC iPlayer Radio, Pandora and Rhapsody.

Components rarely found in this kind of wireless designer system include a high-quality 24-bit/96kHz Wolfson WM8728 DAC that means all sources are delivered in sparkling detail; an oversized toroidal power supply for improved audio quality performance across a wide volume range; Class AB amplifier for great sound, low distortion and superb power efficiency; and external clocking taken from our award winning NP30 network player to minimize jitter in digital audio streams. The result is that Minx Xi sounds as good as it looks.

Power output – 40W RMS (into 8 Ohms), 55W RMS (into 4 Ohms)

Wireless connectivity – Bluetooth wireless connectivity lets you stream music from any smartphone, tablet or computer to Minx Xi. As well as the Standard Bluetooth CODEC (SBC), Minx Xi also supports the much higher quality Bluetooth system, aptX, which sounds even better and squeezes the absolute maximum digital detail out of Bluetooth audio streaming.

Meanwhile, Minx Xi can also wirelessly access music stored on any UPnP enabled NAS drive, PC or Mac. There's support for up to 24-bit/96kHz streaming of studio quality 24-bit WAV and FLAC downloads as well as all popular CODECs including Apple Lossless, MP3, AAC, and OGG Vorbis as well as 88.2kHz files.

Network connectivity – Wireless 802.11 b/g and n plus Ethernet network connectivity built in. Ethernet port provided for those who prefer physical connection (recommended for transfer of music files greater than 16-bit).

Firmware updates can be pushed to Minx Xi, ensuring it will continue to work with the latest internet services, apps and protocols.

Digital connections – Rear-mounted TOSLINK and S/PDIF inputs allow devices such as TVs, Blu-ray players and games consoles to be connected and enjoyed in superior audio quality.

Physical and analogue – As well as widespread wireless support, Minx Xi has many traditional analogue and physical connections. Three hi-fi analogue inputs for CD players etc., two device-charging USBs and a subwoofer output to turn Minx Xi into a compact and stylish 2.1 system.

Control via Cambridge Audio's free Stream Magic app (iOS and Android versions available) or the supplied custom designed remote control.

Eco-friendly <0.5W standby power consumption and auto power down

Minx Xi is available from Cambridge Audio specialists for $899.00.

For more information, please visit www.cambridgeaudio.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.