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 . The factor that most affected my home network music streaming performance was/is the quality of the switch. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. You'd think hardwired would be easier to get right Cambridge Audio/Music Direct - CXN v2 Network Player Network Player on Sale for $725, https://www.audioxpress.com/news/ca-audio-components-with-updated-ess-sabre-dacs, Forum Policies, Rules, and Terms of Service. And as i sold it during first lockdown, sold it for 150 more than I paid. Nice system. Sorry to throw a monkey wrench into the discussion, but after many A-B comparisons, in general the Chromecast sounds better than the Sondstream despite the occasional higher sampling rate. Ok. I read somewhere there would be a partial unfolding (higher res than red book) on MQA titles from Tidal. Ill inquire with Cambridge. CXN (in my opinion) has a little darker sound (not to be confused with warm). For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Jul 27, 2020. and you got the option to use an external dac. So I want a clean signal from a source to be internalised with that DAC. 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. I always choose to support you guys over a big box. Thing is I just bought a Node as a streamer for my main system to find this unit is incapable to play any of the large files while the CXN2 has absolutely no issues going through the same data. The Chromecast is is pretty impressive but it isnt gapless. I've heard the sound quality is superior in the CXN v2 but I also do not believe it even supports Amazon Music HD. The articles & videos are also super-helpful! Let's take a closer look at this device. Cant speak for the CA CXN, but using my Vault 2, going through the DAC in my CA 851C is far better then the DAC in the Vault. Powered by Xenforo, Hosted by Nimbus Hosting, Original design Critical Media Ltd. It offers Roon Ready and Spotify Connect but no Chromecast Built-in. Just a heads up on the Node's USB output when using the Node as a Roon Endpoint - there are still issues with the implementation of this from Bluesound's side of things. I have been recently trying to confirm my understanding of the ascending order of things! So many options to consider. Learn how to choose the best speakers for your home. For Tech Support, call When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, This discussion is important for me. SpeakerCompare is protected by patents and patent applications owned by Crutchfield Corporation. AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited, 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 ? Am I correct? Now changing the amp to Acoustic Portrait Swara v2 integrated amp. Its a brilliant streamer, dac, Preamp, bluetooth & Mqa is also there. I have the Cambridge and really like it, but I have no experience with the bluesound. I really appreciate your technical staff. Every review I saw raves about the sound quality on the CXN-(V2). I stand correctedthe Cambridge does indeed have the Wolfson DAC, question regarding the need for external DAC above?. Messages: 2,061 . Thanks for the update, consider adding this to your profile. #12. I used (and still use) network attached storage. Easy process from start to finish, and the availability of information is second to none. Other than that, I would like to use Airplay (1). you get some phase and time alignment voodoo as well as some system optimization benefits. /Stageline I have a CXN2 on my living room serving as 2 channel multi media interface also connected to a 4Tb HDD for streaming high res ripped vinyl files and some CDs. Nothing comes close. A quality USB-C to USB-B cable from Amazon or Monoprice will got the job done. Given all the choices of streaming services, it usually comes down to one or two you really like to keep around. A better switch dramatically improved performance by eliminating lag, dropouts, arbitration issues when the network is particularly busy, etc. The CXN V2 is part of Cambridge Audio's midrange CX series, which also includes two integrated amplifiers and a CD transport. I have a CXN v2(as source with Flac, streaming Spotify) paired with CA351a and Elac 2.0 B5.2. I just put on a Wireworld mini Electra PC on a Bluesound Node 2i and it made a nice difference in a less harsh quality, to be expected with better power cables. I am looking forwarding to attaching one of my external hard drives to it for playback of lossless vinyl rips while I work. We use automated technology to connect you with an Advisor and to answer some common questions. One thing I appreciated with Bluesound Vault is its app support of many streaming platforms. I compare the Cambridge Audio CXN version 2 to the Bluesound Node 2i in this video review. bumpquestion regarding the need for external DAC above? I purchased a black one this morning from Music Direct at the reduced price. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Find a used Ayre Codex Dac. Local and via tidal, qobuz et al. There are pros and cons on both sides. Pleased with this digital part of my sound system while looking around and saving funds for a more performant replacement. 1) Bluesound to CXA via RCA. 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. DACs, Streamers, Servers, Players, Audio Interface. Estimated wait for next available agent : Well email you a transcript of this conversation for your records. It lets you compare sonic characteristics between speakers so that you can make a more informed shopping decision. They ARE NOT a streaming service. I could purchase the s/h ND5-XS for roughly right inbetween the new prices of the Bluesound and the cambridve. Discussion in 'PCs & Music Servers' started by centralflori, Jul 3, 2021. Plus an in-depth review of the service by Jeff Miller, Crutchfield's headphone guy. Sleek design. I changed out the PC on my Vault 2 and it made a noticeable improvement. But also I really need to know if the signal from the tablet or phone is untouched. This does bit mean that the digital signal is not up/down sampled or otherwise processed in the device before it's passed to the external dac. The SQ isnt a match for my Hugo when I listened to one, but definitely got closer with an upgraded, Naim, interconnect. Not using the internal dacs? The OP was interested in the Node, not the Vault. You are using an out of date browser. Others? https://www.head-fi.org/threads/warm-sounding-vs-dark-sounding.15160/, Buying Advice - Raspberry Pi or Bluesound Node 2021, Digital + Analog Converters (DAC/ADC/DDC), Acoustic Portrait Swara v2 Integrated Amplifier review. In equal volume mode, we've made the loudness of each speaker about the same. So what solutioN do I have? Details -$300.00 Price break. I love my Vault though. Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Audiophile Music Streamer In The House: First Impressions And Unboxing Pics! If I recall correctly the Node 2 did not test well. 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. Thanks for that. Naim ND5-XS (S/H) Bluesound Node (New) You are using an out of date browser. I have been reading some threads about the addition of an nDAC being a possible wothwhile upgrade to these, at some point. But, if I were later still to obtain an NDS2 or NDX2, would the nDAC still serve as an upgrade to them? Will it give full res using Roon? If anyone still on this thread, what is the difference in streaming quality vs the two. JavaScript is disabled. 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). CA has no Roon or direct Qobuz connection. I didn't know that. New Bluesound Node vs Cambridge CXN v2 for High Res Streaming? I have a Node 2i in my listening room, but I work most all day from the family room and wanted to try something different there. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. 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. 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.. 1-888-292-2575. It may not display this or other websites correctly. My place for electronics, great customer service, product expertise & lifetime technical support. You can also consider Matrix mini ipro/3. So Bluesound is both streamer and DAC, CXA is power amp 2) Bluesound to CXA via digital coax. I'm always impressed with their professionalism and sincerity. The Node 2i costs about RM1,000 more than the Yamaha. Have been reading for a long time and happy to finally contribute to this forum. But performance in the real world is affected by the acoustics of your car or home, your choice of amplification, and your source material. 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. On their Support/Community site, they state the Firmware that opened the USB output is still in Beta. Have you checked the review index? The No. Product link at Music Direct. I think that perhaps my options are likely to be focussed on the Node or maybe the iFi Zen streamer (?). Otherwise you need to move up to something like a Lumin U1 Mini. It may have to do with if the hard drive is removed and then attached againI will find it eventually. CXN V2? All using original Naim interconnects and NAC-A5 cabling to an old pair of Castle Harlech speakers. JavaScript is disabled. BlueOS is quite intuitive. This is where the cable game can get me. This has been a fantastic experience. Love Crutchfield! Thank you! I've had a node 2i for about a year now. The CXN V2 is older but likely to have better sound quality. https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/openboxclearance?f%5B0%5D=category%3A10. But it's a little involved and if you don't like to tinker stick with the CXN or get a Node 2i. Bluesound app and library management is much better though and more suited for multi-room.usecases. I use Airplay for Qobuz. I have one and they make a great Roon endpoint. Where did you see that and where does he say it will be compatible with the current CXN series? Carlos and Alex bring our famous DIY spirit to the annual United Way Day of Caring. 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. i have mentioned before, i had an all JBL LSR 3XX system with subwoofer and I could not get the pacing nor timing right until I added Audirvana that was the missing link. For the money I doubt theres anything else out there to beat it until you start spending Naim or similar entry level price points. Which did you prefer and why? Thank you for the replies everyone. Marantz ND8006 vs Cambridge CXN V2 or other? The BluOS constantly updates. The Node can be impressive and always seems to be compatible with every streaming service around. Not sure how all this would sort out, appreciate advise. The first is the Audiolab 6000N Play, which I consider to be the best sounding streamer in that price range. File format is predominantly FLAC with some WAV and Mp4 for the 16/44.1's. displayname, Oct 2, 2019 #12 psulioninks Forum Resident Affiliate programs and 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. I posted this in the Coupons, Discounts & Sales section Its a good sale now that Cambridge has announced the CX Series 2 line coming next week. All Naim streamers have a digital output which allows you to run them with a separate DAC as an upgrade option. Find out what gear you need to hear Qobuz at its best. My first-hand feedback is that the Node works fine as a streamer (MPQ radio sounds good). If it is if any use. So the cambridge gets rave reviews but It would be a struggle finding room in my existing CD6006 and Marantz Pearl Lite set up. Cambridge Audio Support CXN (V2) Troubleshooting Troubleshooting How to optimise your StreamMagic browsing experience (Metadata Tagging) How to connect your CXN (V2) manually using the IP address Windows Audio USB Class 2 Driver Why can't I add Pandora to my CXN (V2)? Well I purchased the Node 2021 and am so pleased! Then I traded up to the CXN 2, and late in 2018 to the Node 2i. A 3.5mm headphone jack can be found in the middle of the front panel, below the Bluesound logo, too. Posted: . The former is more detailed, neutral and works with a variety of upstream equipment.
cambridge audio cxn v2 vs bluesound node