Cambridge Audio's Minx Xi music streamer packs built-in amp and 24-bit DAC (video)

There are plenty of gadgets that will stream music across the home, but few of them would satisfy the stereotypical audiophile. Cambridge Audio's just-shipped Minx Xi system may appease those fussier listeners. The WiFi sound hub includes its own 24-bit / 96KHz Wolfson DAC, a Class AB amplifier and even a toroidal power supply to minimize interference at higher volumes. It can also decode compression-free formats like AIFF, Apple Lossless and FLAC. There's no want for input sources, either. The Minx Xi takes local music from both Cambridge's mobile apps as well as devices with Bluetooth, optical output, UPnP and USB support; by itself, the hub streams services like BBC iPlayer, Pandora and Rhapsody. The Minx Xi isn't cheap at $899, but it's also one of the few networked audio devices that could be a true complement to high-end speakers.

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Cambridge Audio Debuts Minx Xi Streaming Digital Music System

Minx Xi streams Bluetooth, high resolution music stored on your home network, thousands of internet radio stations, Pandora and Rhapsody in crisp, Hi-Fi sound – On display at CEDIA September 25th-28th at booth #3306

LONDON – September 18, 2013 – Cambridge Audio, a world-class acoustic design team with decades of Hi-Fi audio innovations, announces Minx Xi, the digital music system designed not only to do it all, but to sound great doing it. 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.

However you store your music, Minx Xi plays it to the highest level of quality. Seamlessly combining an unlimited choice of music with a powerful and punchy amplifier in a compact and stylish package, Minx Xi is a brilliant sounding all-in-one player. The clear and intuitive display and the free app for Apple and Android devices make Minx Xi simple for everyone in the family to use and enjoy.

As well as streaming music by Bluetooth, wireless or wired network connectivity, you can also hook up set-top boxes and games consoles to the digital inputs for superior sound, plug in local media to the two USB inputs, or connect devices to the three analog sockets. The two USB sockets will also charge phones and tablets and, in addition, you can add a subwoofer for a 2.1 system.

As well as combining all of Cambridge Audio's streaming and hi-fi expertise into the one product, Minx Xi includes true audiophile quality components that are so rarely found in lifestyle systems. Premium quality components include a Class AB amplifier – for great sound, low distortion and superb power efficiency – an oversized toroidal power supply – for a robust performance at all volume levels – and a Wolfson WM8728 24-bit/96kHz digital-analogue converter that draws the maximum detail from all sound sources.

The result: Minx Xi is not only one of the best-looking do-it-all audio systems around, but one of the best-sounding too. In other words, however you like your music, Minx Xi will make it sound wonderful.

Minx Xi in more depth...

Stylish looks - Available in gloss white or gloss black compact package, designed as an attractive yet subtle addition to any home.

Audiophile components – 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 minimise 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. It will be on display next week in Denver at CEDIA September 25th-28th at booth #3306.