The Cambridge Audio MXW70 perfectly embodies the new direction taken by the British brand with its MX series. Designed to pair seamlessly with the MXN10 network player, this power amplifier adopts the same compact minimalist look that made this critically acclaimed streamer so successful. Together, they form a high-performance streaming system fully controlled via the StreamMagic app, fitting naturally into any contemporary listening space.
Design and Build: Harmony of Premium Materials
The MXW70 boasts a refined aesthetic, combining a Lunar Grey aluminum front panel with an anthracite steel chassis. This blend of premium materials reflects Cambridge Audio’s attention to detail, continuing the “Great British Sound” legacy established in 1968. The all-metal enclosure creates a minimalist, timeless design, finished in signature Lunar Grey to perfectly match the MXN10 and the DacMagic 200M.
With its mini form factor at just 215mm wide, the amplifier redefines compactness standards in its category. This reduced size in no way compromises sonic capabilities, as Cambridge Audio has optimized every cubic centimeter to maximize acoustic efficiency. The half-width format allows for perfect stacking with other MX series components, creating a visually and technically coherent system.
Amplification Technology: Hypex nCore Customized by Cambridge Audio
At the heart of the MXW70 is a Hypex nCore class D amplification module, meticulously tuned by Cambridge Audio engineers. This customized module, similar to the one used in the five-star Evo 75 and Evo 150 streaming amplifiers, preserves the brand’s British sound signature. The engineers worked directly with Hypex to optimize the module, achieving clean, efficient power and exceptional speaker control.
The amplifier delivers 70W per channel in stereo at 8Ω, rising to 125W at 4Ω. This ability to adapt to varying impedances ensures broad compatibility, from studio monitors to high-end bookshelf speakers. Despite its compact size, the MXW70 proves “capable of driving the most demanding speakers,” without the bulk required by traditional power amplifiers.
Stereo/Mono Versatility: Scalable, Adjustable Power
A distinctive feature of the MXW70 is its ability to switch from stereo to mono mode via a simple switch. In mono configuration, it unlocks a striking 250W at 8Ω, radically expanding the system’s possibilities.
This versatility meets a range of evolving needs: start with a compact stereo setup, then switch to mono mode to power more demanding speakers. Two MXW70s in mono mode thus provide up to 250W per channel at 8 ohms—an ideal solution for large rooms or less efficient speakers. This approach also allows you to place the amplifiers closer to the speakers, shortening cables and optimizing signal transmission.
Professional Connectivity and Smart Automation
The MXW70 offers connectivity designed for both home and semi-professional integration. Inputs include a pair of stereo RCA and a pair of studio-grade XLR, allowing it to receive signals from various sources at the appropriate quality level. This dual connectivity ensures compatibility with both home preamps and professional sources.
4mm banana plugs with binding posts make connecting any type of speaker easy. The 12V Trigger input with pass-through function enables automatic power on/off, synchronizing the amplifier with the main source. A USB adapter cable is included for automatic power control with the MXN10, allowing the StreamMagic app to simultaneously power on both the streamer and the MXW70.
Cambridge Audio Ecosystem: Synergy and Modularity
Pairing with the MXN10 creates a complete streaming system, with the latter, in preamp mode, managing all volume and source functions. This centralization via the StreamMagic app simplifies daily use while maintaining physical separation of functions—a preferred approach among audiophiles.
The MXW70 can also be paired with the award-winning DacMagic 200M, offering additional benefits: a physical volume knob, a wide range of digital inputs (optical, coaxial, USB audio), and a high-resolution headphone output. This modularity allows you to build a custom system tailored to your specific needs, whether for CD players, Blu-ray players, laptops, or gaming consoles.
Technical Innovation and Manufacturing Heritage
Since the introduction of the revolutionary P40 amplifier in 1968, Cambridge Audio has shaped the iconic British sound. The MXW70 continues this tradition by combining modern class D efficiency with the brand’s historic expertise. Cambridge engineers worked closely with Hypex to customize the nCore module, ensuring the rich, musical sound signature for which Cambridge Audio is renowned.
This technical approach aims to deliver “high efficiency and a compact form without compromising the rich, musical sound quality” characteristic of the British brand.
Custom acoustic tuning by Cambridge Audio engineers
General Information
Design matches the MXN10 network player and DacMagic 200M DAC
Compact size: only 215 mm wide for easy integration
Smooth operation in a modular hi-fi system with other products from the brand
Premium aesthetics for audio design enthusiasts
Remarkable power in a compact format, ideal for demanding speakers
Centralized control with StreamMagic for an intuitive user experience
Audio Performance
Frequency response: 10 Hz – 30 kHz (-1 dB)
THD+N (unweighted): < 0.015% @ 5 W / 8 ohms
Signal-to-noise ratio (REF 1 W - 20 kHz BW): > 92 dB (XLR), > 89 dB (RCA)
Crosstalk at 1 kHz: < -82 dB
Gain: 22.2 dB (XLR), 28.8 dB (RCA)
Input sensitivity: 3.6 V (XLR mono), 1.65 V (RCA mono), 0.9 V (RCA stereo), 1.9 V (XLR stereo)
Input impedance: 22 kΩ (RCA), 35 kΩ (XLR)
Damping factor: > 180 @ 1 kHz 8 ohms
Connectivity
Analog inputs:
1 stereo RCA input (unbalanced)
1 stereo XLR input (balanced)
Speaker outputs: 1 set of terminals compatible with 4 mm banana plugs
12 V trigger input
12 V trigger output (pass-through)
Bi-wiring capability
Power Supply and Consumption
Power supply type: SMPS (switch-mode power supply)
Maximum power consumption: 300 W
Standby power consumption: < 0.5 W
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions (H x W x D): 57 x 215 x 215 mm
Weight: 1.65 kg
Control and Automation
12 V trigger input: automatic power on/off with compatible devices
Control via the StreamMagic app (when paired with the MXN10)
Easy switch from stereo to mono mode via a toggle switch
Box Contents
Power cord
Welcome letter
Registration card
Safety guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the actual difference between power at 8Ω and 4Ω?
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The 125W output at 4Ω allows for efficient powering of lower-impedance speakers, common in modern designs. This adaptability ensures optimal performance regardless of the load presented by the speakers, with ample power reserve for most setups.
Does mono mode require special rewiring?
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No, switching to mono mode is done via a simple switch. You only need to connect one speaker instead of two; the amplifier automatically combines the channels to deliver 250W. This simplicity allows for quick adaptation as your needs evolve.
Can the MXW70 operate independently of the Cambridge Audio ecosystem?
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Absolutely. The MXW70 functions as a standalone power amplifier with any analog source featuring RCA or XLR outputs. StreamMagic integration and trigger functions are only needed for centralized control with the MXN10.
What’s the benefit of trigger pass-through?
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This feature allows you to chain multiple devices to the same 12V trigger signal. Turning on the main source can automatically power up the MXW70 and other connected components in series, simplifying daily system use.
Does the half-width format affect thermal performance?
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Class D technology and the efficiency of the Hypex nCore module greatly limit heat buildup. Even under heavy use, temperatures remain moderate, allowing operation in confined spaces without the need for forced ventilation.
What setup is recommended for getting started with the MXW70?
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For a first system, the MXW70 + MXN10 pairing offers a complete streaming solution controlled by smartphone. For those who prefer physical volume control or need more digital inputs, adding the DacMagic 200M is the perfect complement.
User reviews
Clément
On the sound side, I’m fully satisfied. The device is connected to my PC via a Topping DX5 II and powers a pair of PSB Alpha P5. They were previously driven by an Aiyima DO3, and the difference is undeniable—I’m rediscovering my speakers.
Aesthetically, the front panel is clean and minimalist, exactly what I was looking for.
A few areas for improvement, however:
Very little difference in LED brightness between the device being off and in standby.
No power switch to completely cut the power.
The auto-standby mode (after 20 minutes without a signal) kicks in at low volume. Fortunately, it can be disabled.
The chassis is decent but feels a bit below what you’d expect for the price point.
Overall, I’m very satisfied with the sound quality it delivers.
Comment from February 13, 2026 — Experience from February 02, 2026
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Côté son, je suis pleinement satisfait. L’appareil est branché sur mon PC via un Topping DX5 II et alimente des PSB Alpha P5. Elles étaient auparavant alimentées par un Aiyima DO3, et la différence est sans appel, je redécouvre mes enceintes.
Esthétiquement, la façade est propre et minimaliste, exactement ce que je recherchais.
Quelques points perfectibles toutefois :
Très peu de différence de luminosité de la LED entre l’appareil éteint et en veille.
Pas d’interrupteur pour couper totalement l’alimentation.
Le mode veille automatique (après 20 min sans signal) se déclenche à faible volume. Heureusement, il est désactivable.
Le châssis est correct mais paraît un peu en dessous du positionnement tarifaire.
je suis globalement très satisfait pour la qualité sonore proposée.
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