I am mostly concerned with SQ on the digital outputs. JavaScript is disabled. If your headphones aren't listed, we recommend using our Listening Kit. Hi all, just considering dipping my toe into the sreaming world I think there was an android USB DAC app that did something like that (?) Please help Purchase the Audiolab 6000A Integrated Amplifier at a special offer price. The Node can be impressive and always seems to be compatible with every streaming service around. Bryston BDP pi on here. Let's take a closer look at this device. I read somewhere there would be a partial unfolding (higher res than red book) on MQA titles from Tidal. Being able to connect a HDD is much more ideal. JL audio E-sub e110 . It doesn't just read the files and display them in the Bluos app? They ARE NOT a streaming service. Itll work with you iPad or out of your Windows laptop. But the term "chromcast" refers the technology which nowadays available in variety of equipments like TV, Streamer, Sound bar etc. I Have the Node and like the connectivity, and supported features to other services like Roon, Qobuz, TuneIn and many more. Ill inquire with Cambridge. That USB-C is direct, right? The Cambridge Audio CXN V2 is a powerful network streamer. It is half the price of the Cambridge and has a much better user interface with BluOS. More modern, more compact, headphone out, sub out with cutoff filters for bass management, and allegedly blue sound is the best streaming software around. Or, would the DAC quality in these streamers have surpasseed that offered by the nDAC, by this point, making the nDAC now redundant? #12. If you want to save some money and still want Tidal MQA you could go with a Bluesound Node 2i instead of the CXN. I have not heard the Bluesound. Plus an in-depth review of the service by Jeff Miller, Crutchfield's headphone guy. The Bluesound DAC isnt bad but I wouldnt be surprise if the CXN better. Personally, I think you are better off with the NODE. In equal volume mode, we've made the loudness of each speaker about the same. Thanks for the update, consider adding this to your profile. Just forget about indexing or playing a large HDD library. If you decide on the CXN, spend a little extra to upgrade the power cord. You can also consider Matrix mini ipro/3. JavaScript is disabled. I prefer Audiolab over Bluesound Node 2i. It does that both analog out and digital out, - and with AirPlay . With this limited intention I am not bothered that it doesnt match my other sources, although its very listenable. It's a good sale now that Cambridge has announced the CX Series 2 line coming next week. Wi-Fi speakers are the building blocks for wireless multi-room audio systems from Sonos, Bose, and other brands. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Thats sort of the point of external USB DACs. I think its a home-run product. So pure source upto the amplifiers DAC. I really appreciate your technical staff. However, since I'll mostly be using the streamers as simply pass through, things like the music service compatibility and app UX is probably more important for me in this scenario. Im passed this point of temptation for now, but Ive decided Ill just buy it either next year or if there is a great deal. Copyright 1996-2023, Crutchfield New Media, LLC. USB-C on iPada makes the a legit streamer option IMO. I know own the Cambridge, and Im using Chromecast for the high Rez Qobuz offerings, Ok thanks. So, if I get an MQA capable DAC, can I bypass the Cambridge DAC and get full MQA? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The Chromecast is is pretty impressive but it isnt gapless. So I decided on getting a cable, and I wanted a mid-range quality cable, so decided on the usb b>c and spends days looking for this cable to find out that they dont do that size? this can result in this site earning a commission. I dont know the Cambridge except for what Ive read. It may not display this or other websites correctly. In an actual listening room, you'd find that some speakers play louder than others when fed the same amount of power. They announced a new app as well, which I believe is supposed to work with the current CXN series as well, so I'm excited to see that. Find out what gear you need to hear Qobuz at its best. Am I correct? Any thoughts on which would be the best idea from the following choices? All the node's outputs are active all the time, which makes the Node quite nice for its price. Calls may be recorded for training and quality control purposes. Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Audiophile Music Streamer In The House: First Impressions And Unboxing Pics! To be fair Blue Sound vaguely mentions this and favors the use of a NAS but personally unable to justify the extra hustle. Cambridge Audio's popular Connect iOS and Android app, compatible with the CXN (V2) and the company's other network audio streamers, has been given a major feature overhaul and rebrand. Nothing comes close. Then again, I do need to think forward and perhaps an outside/backyard setup may be advantageous. I am looking forwarding to attaching one of my external hard drives to it for playback of lossless vinyl rips while I work. I love my Vault though. Being wireless is great, but that cable option is simple. Powered by Xenforo, Hosted by Nimbus Hosting, Original design Critical Media Ltd. I use Airplay for Qobuz. I had the Yamaha wxa50 before. Tags: music streamers sound quality; centralflori Super Member. If CXN has Google Chromcast Audio ( GCA) built in, I wonder ( out of curiosity) how it's SQ would compare with a set up using GCA plus highEnd external DAC t o a Preamp ? Plenty of other options for less than a new Naim, Lumin U1 mini, Matrix Element I, Ifi Zen Stream. Great customer service, product expertise & lifetime technical support has me as a happy customer. Cambridge CXN v2 (New). I compare the Cambridge Audio CXN version 2 to the Bluesound Node 2i in this video review. SpeakerCompare tailors your listening experience to the exact headphones you have, so that what you hear is comparable to auditioning speakers side-by-side in person. Thoughts if so? Ive been looking at Audioquest cables, and Im think about 2 or 3 meter, and I guess a 2 meter is going to be better for sound than 3, but ideally 3 would be great. Easy process from start to finish, and the availability of information is second to none. I have the CXN V2 and with a Qutest it performs brilliantly. Very good for the money. All using original Naim interconnects and NAC-A5 cabling to an old pair of Castle Harlech speakers. Phones /tablets should never go through their internal DACs when connected to an external dac and any player software should tell you where it is sending it to. 4, was the latest, and supports multi-room use, resampling, and Memory Playback. The Bluesound node and the Bluos app have my highest recommendation,been using them for six months streaming Qobuz an Amazon music to Electrocompaniet amplifier and Dali Menuet SE speakers,sounds amazing,I have considered the Cambridge,but reading reviews of it's control app put me off,sticking with the Bluesound. Ordered list Unordered list I can't speak for apple devices but android ones most certainly do do that processing unless you use special software like USB audio player Pro app. Hi, looking for some advice please. Hm, lets see what others have to say, but i think any random long usb a to b (there were plenty because of the printers) + an adapter to whatever usb you need should be more than fine. A network music streamer lets you play digital music from different sources, and play them through connected speakers and devices in your home. Cambridge Audio CXN V2. I currently have both the bluesound node2i and the Cambridge CXNv2 and IMO, the DAC in the CXNv2 is better. The NDAC was certainly an upgrade on the internal DAC on the original NDX. Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) tech specs High resolution 24-bit/192kHz, DSD64 Streaming features UPnP, AirPlay, internet radio, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Inputs USB type A x2, USB type B, optical, coaxial Outputs Optical, coaxial, balanced XLR, RCA Network Ethernet, wi-fi Remote Yes Finishes 2 Dimensions (hwd) 9 x 43 x 31cm Weight 4kg The Bluesound supports a HDD whereas the Yamaha only supports a USB stick. Cambridge Audio CXN V2 and CXA81 NAD C399 The advantage with CA is the decoupling between the streamer component and the amplifier, allowing future upgrades of each component and keeping the other one. It may have to do with if the hard drive is removed and then attached againI will find it eventually. DACs, Streamers, Servers, Players, Audio Interface. But how can i use it from my couch? Both can be Roon endpoints, thought the Cambridge is by virtue of Chromecast. I would prefer to have a streamer that connects to my existing pre, rather that one that replaces the pre, at these price ranges, as I havea long term plans to keep going up the Naim pre/power ladder. That's interested @rvpiano. Please enter a valid 10-digit phone number. This discussion is important for me. The mk2 is possibly out of my budget, for the time being. All the boxes are checked in streaming capability (be nice if BT were included vs an option). The only lower cost transport that I know of that does a full MQA or DSD pass through is the Aries Mini. I always choose to support you guys over a big box. Are you aware that the original ND5XS uses rather dated streaming tech compared to its Mk2 replacement and has limitations if you are intending to stream from internet sources rather than a music collection stored on your local network? Being able to connect a HDD is much more ideal. The world's largest high-end audio community. No DAC used? And I understand the Node has now been further improved over the 2i. It is similar in terms of inputs and versatility, packed in a classy looking black or white box with a single LED and somewhat useless controls on the top. 19,270. JavaScript is disabled. The Cambridge is in the list because i like the idea that I could use the internal DAC instead of my A-erhalten DAC, if It is better. audirvana does make a difference. Then I got thinking the money I would spend on a streamer.. NAC102/HiCap/NAPSC Oh, apart from the RCA to DIN, where I have a Chord Crimson and a Chord Chrysalis (iirc?). Oldsmobile Sport Utility Stereos and Speakers. Knowing which model headphones youre using lets us remove any sonic coloring from your experience. I owned a CXN (first version) and the original Bluesound Node for a couple of years. I purchased a black one this morning from Music Direct at the reduced price. Sounds like folks are leaning to the NODE which I think I am as well. CD3.5/Flatcap With its 24-bit/384kHz Wolfson DACs, the CXN V2 delivers great sound quality and support for Internet Radio, Tidal, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth aptX, and your networked music collection. (,,,) The node is appealing pricewise and I like what I have seen/heard but have yet to see or hear a cxn in the wild. Problems with DSD, flacs skipping, bad WiFi connection. Some great advice above, I started a thread covering my own thought processes around streaming options with Naim kit. I have a CXN v2(as source with Flac, streaming Spotify) paired with CA351a and Elac 2.0 B5.2. Panasonic 55FZ950. To be honest, with a good high quality stream there are times when it can give my fairly advanced on the upgrade path LP12 a run for its money. There is a thread talking about how it re-indexes and that it takes a whileI got the impression it will workbut was not really designed to do this. They're always very helpful! The Bluesound supports a HDD whereas the Yamaha only supports a USB stick. One caveat with the Cambridge you should know. Another vote for the Blusound here, like you I was curious and dipping my toes, auditioned a Node 2i and it stayed. It offers Roon Ready and Spotify Connect but no Chromecast Built-in. So I know if I get a streamer and hook-up a hard drive to my files then I know Ill get clean source if I bypass the streamers DAC, however what Im trying to find out, is that if I skip the streamer and directly go from USB-B on the A-S801, through an appropriate cable, and straight into a tablet or phone, HOW to bypass the internal processing of the tablet or phone, so it can send a direct signal to the cable and onto my A-S801. If the Sonos integration is important, get the Port (I haven't heard it, might be better than what WHF review says, especially if you add a good external DAC). So I'm biased there and also multi-room can get expensive. That way I could have all the internal storage, and quality sound signal maybe a Fiio x7 or so. If it isn't double blind, likely is double talk. Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by wingram, Jul 5, 2019. Love Crutchfield! I appreciate its going to be affected by the DAC, I currently have a Chord Mojo (and will possibly upgrade to Hugo) and I prefer the USB, but thats not a deal-breaker. I have one and they make a great Roon endpoint. (Not sure if I can get the correct interconnect for my toe though!). I have not tried the cxn v2 , but the node2i DAC was ok when I tried. Focus on speakers/room where a much more substantive change is possible. IMO any unit that does not have an MQA decoder will be effectively obsolete within 2 years. Ive also hooked it up to my integrated amp and it works great as well. I first streamed digital files attached to my network computer thinking the USB was only good for smaller capacity flash drives. I'm always impressed with their professionalism and sincerity. Not the earlier Node model though that pre dates the 2i, just to confuse matters I see Bluesound are now naming its latest iteration The Node. Based on how I hear the Node 2i indexes, I think the CXN v2 may be the better bet for thisit's how I plan to use it mostly. Certainly got a point Seeker-smith,i was on the other side of this before, drooling over these big streamers, but then Im even considering just a cable. I would go for the Cambridge over the Bluesound myself well regarded for its price. .The C 658 is pure high resolution from input to output and features NAD's Direct Digital 35 bit 844kHz DAC, one of the . Yes, I agree! Cambridge Audio CXN(v2) Streamer . SpeakerCompare simulates the sound of home and car speakers through your headphones. Marantz ND8006 vs Cambridge CXN V2 or other? Looks like the only changes to the CXN v2 is a new paint job Agree, same for the CXC as well. Bangalore. I changed out the PC on my Vault 2 and it made a noticeable improvement. No dealers near me carry it. you get some phase and time alignment voodoo as well as some system optimization benefits. Along with the streaming capabilities, which is the best for playing files from a hard drive. Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) & CXA80 Double Review | The Master Switch The Master Switch Search Home Theater Best Full Systems 5.1 Home Theater Systems 7.1 Home Theater Systems AV Receivers Multi-room network audio players Multi-room connectivity emerged with the advent of digital music and wireless streaming. I've used the USB out to my DAC, and like many others have had to revert to a digital coax connection for Roon as crackles and pops make listening impossible. Thorens TT (Cant recall the model, its from around 1968 and maybe TD125 or TD150, but I do remember its a MkII !) Find a used Ayre Codex Dac. Support for Tidal and Spotify, but no other streaming services unless you are prepared to try various workarounds. #streaming #tidal #qobuzSUBSCRIBE TO PATREON to support Honest & Credible and well produced HiFi reviews and for ;-Ad Free Videos-Added Video Review content . This is my experience. If you're using an outboard DAC I believe the signal just passes through. Crazy. If not, for just a bit more money than a new Node 2i, you can get a second hand Cambridge Audio CXN V2, which is in a completely different league, and . Please consider the user interface. Unfortunately not. JavaScript is disabled. This does though, get some good reviews and not too expensive to dip your toe in, as has been suggested. If you're doing Roon just get a Sonore Ultra Rendu and go USB to the DAC, Yeah, Ive looked at those and I just dont think I can get along. Cambridge Audio CXN Version2. Any thoughts on which would be the best idea from the following choices? Do you know what I mean? So have Sony, Onkyo, NAD, and others. I found the Bluesound Node 2 to sound a lot better than the CCA through a cheap Schiit Dac. AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited, Very bummed they are dropping the black gear though, and very happy I purchased mine in black already. Our Advisors have listened to most of the speakers we carry, and can help you make the best choice for your system. this can result in this site earning a commission. Others? CXN (in my opinion) has a little darker sound (not to be confused with warm). Depending how serious you want to be with streaming and the law of diminishing returns you might find the Node to be perfectly adequate for quite a while, had it about 4 or 5 years now (I think), might find the Node to be perfectly adequate, Just to clarify I mean the Node 2i, a decent used model could be a good bargain or the newer improved version. My entry into streaming was an cxnv2. It took some time to get it all indexed but once it did it worked just fine and I could access my music files via usb or network drives with equal facility and sound quality. The CXN 2 sounds better. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, Where did you see that and where does he say it will be compatible with the current CXN series? The articles & videos are also super-helpful! So far, so good! Marantz BD8006, Bluesound Node 2021, Marantz Pearl Lite, Revel Concerta2 M16, Sony XZ Premium, LGV30. New Bluesound Node vs Cambridge CXN v2 for High Res Streaming? And it sounds great. CXN (in my opinion) has a little darker sound (not to be confused with warm). My place for electronics, great customer service, product expertise & lifetime technical support. Now changing the amp to Acoustic Portrait Swara v2 integrated amp. You are using an out of date browser. displayname, Oct 2, 2019 #12 psulioninks Forum Resident That's weird. Been down this road; if you're using the Yamaha DAC and want plug/play convenience, easy to use interface with self updating software, very good customer support, excellent resale, and access to EVERY source known to man just get the Node or used Node 2i and be done with it. Dear friendsWhich one to choose? USB-C audio and the iPad Pro: Everything you need to know, Cambridge DacMagic vs Cambridge CXN v2 /v3, cambridge streamer cxn v2 USB tracklist error, issue with ECI-2, CXN v2 and external 2.5" HDD, Amplifiers, Phono preamp, and Analog Audio Review, Streamer/Dac Suggestions For AE1 Active's. Shop smart & save time when you connect with an advisor, Your advisor will be able to share relevant pages and add items to your cart, Please turn active noise cancelling off for best results, Streaming music player with built-in Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, Network audio streamer with Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and optional Bluetooth, Streaming music player for amplified components and speakers. Not familiar with the the streamers youve mentioned, but youre getting some good advice. On their Support/Community site, they state the Firmware that opened the USB output is still in Beta. This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb. I thought I'd just see how well it worked for larger drives so I connected my Toshiba 2TB drive with about 1TB of music files via the USB input. The customer support team is personal and phenomenal. The internal device DAC isnt used when you connect via USB. So Bluesound is both streamer and DAC, CXA is power amp 2) Bluesound to CXA via digital coax. How USB Storage Differs From A Local Library, Cambridge Audio Introduces CX Series 2 Audio Components with Updated ESS Sabre DACs, https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/gbr/en/beta-testing, Forum Policies, Rules, and Terms of Service. Im still using a NP5 and Hugo mk1 - it sounds fabulous. No one supports Amazon. See our in-depth review of the Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) streamer and CXA80 amp, with our analysis of the design, sound quality, accessories, and more. So it's not the Connect app anymore but one called Stream Magic? I'm probably recalling it badly but I think the USB spec is 3m (or maybe 5). With the Node 2i connected to my LAN by ethernet, performance is seamless. Learn how to choose the best speakers for your home. So the cambridge gets rave reviews but It would be a struggle finding room in my existing CD6006 and Marantz Pearl Lite set up. As far as I can tell, so far, the latest (2021?) Audioquest said they dont do that size but on their product sheet they state they do, Ive checked all over the internet and found some odd shops that do, but are too far for Germany. In other states where we don't collect sales tax, it may be the customer's responsibility to assure that all appropriate state use taxes are paid. But I've heard consistently that the Cambridge sounds better which I would expect. So bluesound is streamer and CXA is both DAC and power amp 3) Bluesound to external DAC via digital coax, external DAC to CXA via RCA. Affiliate programs and When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, But performance in the real world is affected by the acoustics of your car or home, your choice of amplification, and your source material.