Someone mentioned here that the Cambridge doesnt so full resolution unless using their app? AirPlay 2 and Chromecast compatible, the Cambridge CXN v2 network player can receive music from any iOS or Android smartphone. Messages: 2,061 . Every time I use Crutchfield I am happy. I had the Node 2i for a while and was underwhelmed by their app it does a lot but none of it very well and I found their service a bit meh, but to each their own. Lizard King Now changing the amp to Acoustic Portrait Swara v2 integrated amp. But, if I were later still to obtain an NDS2 or NDX2, would the nDAC still serve as an upgrade to them? And I understand the Node has now been further improved over the 2i. I dont know the Cambridge except for what Ive read. Find out what gear you need to hear Qobuz at its best. With the Node 2i connected to my LAN by ethernet, performance is seamless. model is referred to as Node N130. They're always very helpful! Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) Firmware Update Problems. The trade-off is form factor and a higher price. It seems as the CXN uses dual DACS and has balanced outs. This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb. Why can't I access my USB stick via the USB Audio menu on the CXN (V2)? Like the sound of the old Thorens TT. Unfortunately not. Star Wars 4-6 are the best movies. Roon can run a lot generic audio gear so think about that also but requires a 24/7 computer and $10/mo or $700 lifetime. HELP WITH CHOICE OF MUSIC STREAMER-CAMBRIDGE AUDIO OR AUDIOLAB OMNIA & TURNTABLE, Chromecast / Airplay Question - iOS - CXN V2 Streamer. Any thoughts on which would be the best idea from the following choices? 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 only oversight I can see is not including HDMI arc. JavaScript is disabled. It's a good sale now that Cambridge has announced the CX Series 2 line coming next week. If I recall correctly the Node 2 did not test well. So I want a clean signal from a source to be internalised with that DAC. digital 149206-129624 Difference between Bluesound Node 2i and Cambridge CXN v2 Looking at both of these units and I know there is a $500 difference but can anyone tell me the differences between them and which might be better? Yamaha RX-A2070, Musical Fidelity M6si integrated amp, Benchmark Dac1, Bluesound NODE 2i, Audiolab 6000CDT CD Transport, Parasound Zphono USB Phono Preamp, Fluance RT85, Ortofon 2M Bronze, Polk L600's, L400, L900's, RC80i's, Audioquest Interconnects and Digital Cables, Nordost Silver Shadow Digital Cable, Cullen Gold and Crossover Series Power No one supports Amazon. I could purchase the s/h ND5-XS for roughly right inbetween the new prices of the Bluesound and the cambridve. The Node can be impressive and always seems to be compatible with every streaming service around. Bryston BDP pi on here. With this limited intention I am not bothered that it doesnt match my other sources, although its very listenable. Then I traded up to the CXN 2, and late in 2018 to the Node 2i. Support for Tidal and Spotify, but no other streaming services unless you are prepared to try various workarounds. I prefer Audiolab over Bluesound Node 2i. I guess you got confused between "Chromcast audio" and "Chromcast", the former is an audio gear which is currently stopped production. All Naim streamers have a digital output which allows you to run them with a separate DAC as an upgrade option. That's interested @rvpiano. I am a Qobuz user and for me, it surpasses all other streaming services when it comes to SQ and content. That way I could have all the internal storage, and quality sound signal maybe a Fiio x7 or so. Thatll be $10 of the best $$$ you spend on audio. The Node is very new and seems to have great functionality. One into my Dac and then one analog out from the Node. If you are looking for SQ, go with CXN If you are looking for ease of use, go with Node. 1) Bluesound to CXA via RCA. Sorry, I meant ND5-XS2 and NDX2 not NDS2 and NDX2 Some great advice above, I started a thread covering my own thought processes around streaming options with Naim kit. But the term "chromcast" refers the technology which nowadays available in variety of equipments like TV, Streamer, Sound bar etc. Reviving this old topic as I am looking at both of these streaming devices and cant quite make a decision. The Chromecast is is pretty impressive but it isnt gapless. 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. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, and The factor that most affected my home network music streaming performance was/is the quality of the switch. If so the I guess it just comes down to features/size etc. 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. All the boxes are checked in streaming capability (be nice if BT were included vs an option). 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. Crutchfield: Legendary Service. Marantz BD8006, Bluesound Node 2021, Marantz Pearl Lite, Revel Concerta2 M16, Sony XZ Premium, LGV30. I love my Vault though. This does though, get some good reviews and not too expensive to dip your toe in, as has been suggested. I compare the Cambridge Audio CXN version 2 to the Bluesound Node 2i in this video review. Have tried all possible troubleshooting, followed the Bluesound manual/forums and since formatted HDD to NTFS, Fat32, used different flash drives to the exact same outcome. But performance in the real world is affected by the acoustics of your car or home, your choice of amplification, and your source material. 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? I have seen numerous posts from people who have and love either unit. 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. Im still using a NP5 and Hugo mk1 - it sounds fabulous. Thank you for the replies everyone.
The Bluesound supports a HDD whereas the Yamaha only supports a USB stick. So far, so good! I'm always impressed with their professionalism and sincerity. To help you choose the right speakers, we recommend using Crutchfields SpeakerCompare Listening Kit. So what solutioN do I have? Any further thoughts on these two streamers would be much appreciated. Yeah no to be clear, the DAC I want to use is in the A-S801 amplifier. Ok. Crazy. Can't say for surejust learning about this all myself. JavaScript is disabled. I have my ipad pro connected to my dac/amp via usb c , everything sounds nice. Comparing their single-ended analogue outputs (because the Node 2i doesn't do balanced), the CXN (V2) exposes us to a little more inner detail but a substantially more expansive soundstage. It doesn't just read the files and display them in the Bluos app? 1 Home Entertainment Tech Resource. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. So pure source upto the amplifiers DAC. Itll work with you iPad or out of your Windows laptop. #4. What are some of the differences between the 2 streamers with regards to high res streaming? As already mentionned by others, good streamer with nice corresponding app and added a Teddy Pardo power supply to lift up SQ. I read somewhere there would be a partial unfolding (higher res than red book) on MQA titles from Tidal. Bluetooth is a simple, wireless way to send music from your phone, tablet, or laptop to your home stereo. Focus on speakers/room where a much more substantive change is possible. Inside the a-s801 is ES9010K2M. NAP180 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. Hi, there is no NDS2!? They ARE NOT a streaming service. SpeakerCompare is protected by patents and patent applications owned by Crutchfield Corporation. In equal power mode, you'll hear these differences in loudness as they naturally occur between speakers. What is the difference between 'dark' and 'warm'? Bluesound Node 2i This is another plug-and-play all-in-one box solution similar to the Yamaha. I dont think that is correct. Have been reading for a long time and happy to finally contribute to this forum. 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 19,270. While the cost is about double if the sound quality is as good as . But, if I were later still to obtain an NDS2 or NDX2, would the nDAC still serve as an upgrade to them? It can also transmit studio-quality music to Bluetooth headphones or external speakers. Difference between Bluesound Node 2i and Cambridge CXN v2. Calls may be recorded for training and quality control purposes. I was thinking of a chord qute 2 or maybe a moon 300d v2 . Would this hold true, for the nDAC, if I were to obtain an NDS2 or NDX at a later date, making it more favourable as a longer term investment - or would these mk2s negate the addition of an nDAC ? The Bluesound seems relatively simple and definitely inexpensive. Pleased with this digital part of my sound system while looking around and saving funds for a more performant replacement. The world's largest high-end audio community. Thanks. Love Crutchfield! I know own the Cambridge, and Im using Chromecast for the high Rez Qobuz offerings, Ok thanks. You bet! Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. You are using an out of date browser. The first is the Audiolab 6000N Play, which I consider to be the best sounding streamer in that price range. 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)? All you really need is a craving for good sound and a system-building plan. I know the node has USB out (if Bluesound have managed to get it working correctly). I stream from the Qobuz app. 99 Sale price $299. If I were to go the streamer/DAC/pre-amp route I would buy the Cambridge Audio rig in a heart beat. The only lower cost transport that I know of that does a full MQA or DSD pass through is the Aries Mini. If I needed to play MQA from Tidal, I could just switch the input on my Preamp. Cambridge Audio CXN V2 is a great combination of nice design with consistent geometry and ultra nice buttons, and many great features built-in by the manufacturer. If it isn't double blind, likely is double talk. I also have, from some years ago, a Pro-Ject RPM and a Pro-Ject phono pre, with USB on board that I got with the idea of rippping some vinyl to CD, but never did much, in the end! May 1, 2020. audirvana does make a difference. Cambridge Audio CXC V2 CD speler CD-Spelers, SA-CD-Spelers 699. . One thing that strikes me about this product is the combination of competitive sound with the balanced design and dual DACs employed. DACs, Streamers, Servers, Players, Audio Interface. I've heard the sound quality is superior in the CXN v2 but I also do not believe it even supports Amazon Music HD. Preferred the smsl su-8 over their inbuilt DAC. I use an iPad Air as a streamer into the USB on my Element II DAC/Amp. The CXN V2 has three digital inputs, two digital outputs, analog (single-ended and balanced) outputs and one Ethernet input. I have just returned to this forum, after around 15 years, having finally aquired some upgrades to my original entry level system of NAC92R/NAP90.3 which I bought with the intention of entering the upgrade path, though never got around to it! It may not display this or other websites correctly. Europe's busiest forums, with independent news and expert reviews, for TVs, Home Cinema, Hi-Fi, Movies, Gaming, Tech and more. 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. CXN (in my opinion) has a little darker sound (not to be confused with warm). And as i sold it during first lockdown, sold it for 150 more than I paid. Very good units for the price, especially when connected via wired internet as opposed to WiFi. A second hand Auralic Aries mini is another option worth considering. Very good for the money. I did not try a directly connected HD. I think that perhaps my options are likely to be focussed on the Node or maybe the iFi Zen streamer (?). The Bluesound DAC isnt bad but I wouldnt be surprise if the CXN better. Being able to connect a HDD is much more ideal. marcozero Registered Joined Nov 16, 2021 14 Posts I use a dedicated Roon Rock server for my Roon to PS Audio DAC endpoint. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I first streamed digital files attached to my network computer thinking the USB was only good for smaller capacity flash drives. I thought that was interesting, but I guess the products have been on the market for a few years, and tariffs probably aren't helping things. I think its a home-run product. Do we get hands-on with the gear we sell? Hence the post! I used (and still use) network attached storage. Cambridge Audio CXN Version2. Personally, I'd get an Amazon Basics or Ugreen that meets your requirements for terminations and length and give it a go. You also mentioned the IFI Zen. Carlos and Alex bring our famous DIY spirit to the annual United Way Day of Caring. So the cambridge gets rave reviews but It would be a struggle finding room in my existing CD6006 and Marantz Pearl Lite set up. Through Id never pay such ridiculous prices for cables, but because I cant find support on whether a 3m cable is gonna lose me quality, it makes me now dependent spending more money in hopes to accomplish a good signal, Too many DACs> Too many amps> Too many headphones. 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 am mostly concerned with SQ on the digital outputs. As far as I can tell, so far, the latest (2021?) /Stageline Marantz ND8006 vs Cambridge CXN V2 or other? My advice to anyone who asks is to investigate them only after you are satisfied with every other part of your system, with emphasis on the speakers, room acoustics, and electronics. Great customer service, product expertise & lifetime technical support has me as a happy customer. That's weird. Node app is way superior over the CXN and for me is the best music app after Roon. Sleek design. One thing I appreciated with Bluesound Vault is its app support of many streaming platforms. But i feel I want to know for sure whether it skips the internal DAC or not. You are using an out of date browser. 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. Plenty of other options for less than a new Naim, Lumin U1 mini, Matrix Element I, Ifi Zen Stream. Tags: music streamers sound quality; centralflori Super Member. . Other than that, I would like to use Airplay (1). 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. However its several years old and Im wondering if a new version will be out soon with improved functionality, MQA support most likely. Posted: . This is my experience. The CXN V2 is older but likely to have better sound quality. 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. The SQ isnt a match for my Hugo when I listened to one, but definitely got closer with an upgraded, Naim, interconnect. 1-888-292-2575. Other than that, I would like to use Airplay (1). Not using the internal dacs? Oh, apart from the RCA to DIN, where I have a Chord Crimson and a Chord Chrysalis (iirc?). Is this possible? You know more than I do! I want to load a hard drive up with my library (AIFFs) and play from it. 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. Copyright 1996-2023, Crutchfield New Media, LLC. The improved NDX2 closes the gap somewhat but for me the NDAC is still an upgrade, and at used prices, a pretty cheap one. They do not share. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, The Matirx streamer as well as the audiolab streamer are superb too. I like to focus this list on the streamer sound quality (with the internal dac bypassed if existant). SpeakerCompare gives you a sense of the sonic differences. It lets you compare sonic characteristics between speakers so that you can make a more informed shopping decision. Please help Purchase the Audiolab 6000A Integrated Amplifier at a special offer price. Being able to connect a HDD is much more ideal. Yes, I agree! Which is by no means guaranteed with Android (and possibly Apple- but check the threads on here about that) devices. The Bluesound is also half the price of the Cambridge piece. With its Bluetooth aptX, the Bluesound Node 2i easily supports 24-bit streaming directly from your phone or tablet. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. and you got the option to use an external dac. Please enter a valid 10-digit phone number. Your website is very efficient and easily navigable, selection is wide, and technical/chat support is outstanding. All web chat conversations are recorded. All the node's outputs are active all the time, which makes the Node quite nice for its price. Hello. Apparently the stream magic app is a different one from Connect, and can only drive a specific range of network players, but not the cxn. Bangalore. I had intended to make an introductory post, in the lounge, but got carried away with myriad questions! It works great. Which did you prefer and why? Absolutely outstanding are the words I think of to describe the selection, price, shipping, & the customer service. Plus, our headphone writer reviews the high-res streaming music service. Then I got thinking the money I would spend on a streamer.. Select your brand of headphones in the right-hand column. Do you have any thoughts on cable types and length. Is this the very latest model? My setup is as follows and it sounds great. Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by wingram, Jul 5, 2019. Great SQ, suppports just about any streaming platform your likely to want, very reliable and stable over wifi. Also the means and ways of interacting with the CXN and its 'switchability' in always . It doesn't take deep pockets or "golden ears" to obtain and appreciate good sound. Not familiar with the the streamers youve mentioned, but youre getting some good advice. 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. You can also look at stuff from SMSL, Topping and NuPrime stream 9. Chromecast is not an option as I cant stand non-gapless, although having chromecast would be a plus for using things like SoundCloud. $1,299.00
A curious decision on the model designations! Our Advisors have listened to most of the speakers we carry, and can help you make the best choice for your system. Others? Cambridge Audio/Music Direct - CXN v2 Network Player Network Player on Sale for $725 Awesome deal on this unit! #streaming #tidal #qobuzSUBSCRIBE TO PATREON to support Honest & Credible and well produced HiFi reviews and for ;-Ad Free Videos-Added Video Review content . Do you know what I mean? So, if I get an MQA capable DAC, can I bypass the Cambridge DAC and get full MQA? So have Sony, Onkyo, NAD, and others. Multi-room network audio players Multi-room connectivity emerged with the advent of digital music and wireless streaming. It might actually sound better but any help would be appreciated. I have the moon neo 250i amplifier Top . I think Id much rather get a portable DAP with a good DAC, and use that over a cable connection. Thoughts if so? I suspect a ND5 XS2 is in my future, for simplicity. I had the Yamaha wxa50 before. So, are the prices going on the new paint scheme CXN v2? Dont want the ****** internal DACs to touch the signal. The Cambridge Audio CXN V2 is a powerful network streamer. IMO any unit that does not have an MQA decoder will be effectively obsolete within 2 years. For Tech Support, call
So Im not sure what to go for between these streamers, or if I should simply stick with a cable for now.