Any further thoughts on these two streamers would be much appreciated. BlueOS is quite intuitive. Otherwise you need to move up to something like a Lumin U1 Mini. bumpquestion regarding the need for external DAC above? The Bluesound Node 2 comes with an MQA decoder.. Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group, which make up 75% of the recorded music industry, have committed to MQA. The No. Im sure some are going to throw in the Node does MQA but even so a superior DAC w/o MQA is still going to be better. No dealers near me carry it. JavaScript is disabled. Hows that for humble? affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, and Great customer service, product expertise & lifetime technical support has me as a happy customer. I mean, why would anyone want the internal DAC limiting the sound, then sending it on to a better DAC? It may not display this or other websites correctly. Unfortunately not. Ned's best friend helps him evaluate frequencies only dogs can hear. I suspect a ND5 XS2 is in my future, for simplicity. I guess really my question is which sounds better (if we discount the internal dacs) or are they going to be pretty much the same. Purchased both as opened box/clearance from CA with warranty. 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. Sounds like folks are leaning to the NODE which I think I am as well. No, Im not very aware of software choices at this point. Getting hands-on with our products helps us pick what's best for our customers. Tags: music streamers sound quality; centralflori Super Member. It seems as the CXN uses dual DACS and has balanced outs. Nice system. But, if I were later still to obtain an NDS2 or NDX2, would the nDAC still serve as an upgrade to them? . My guess is, very few have listened carefully to both, so it's going to be difficult to get this specific feedback. Oldsmobile Sport Utility Stereos and Speakers. I prefer Audiolab over Bluesound Node 2i. SpeakerCompare gives you a sense of the sonic differences. Hello. Others? 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. Learn how to choose the best speakers for your home. BUT. This discussion is important for me. All you really need is a craving for good sound and a system-building plan. 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.. While the cost is about double if the sound quality is as good as . Naim ND5-XS (S/H) I am looking forwarding to attaching one of my external hard drives to it for playback of lossless vinyl rips while I work. No one supports Amazon. Europe's busiest forums, with independent news and expert reviews, for TVs, Home Cinema, Hi-Fi, Movies, Gaming, Tech and more. 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. I purchased a black one this morning from Music Direct at the reduced price. Learn how to get great sound from your computer, tie it into your home audio system, and improve your user experience. 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. displayname, Oct 2, 2019 #12 psulioninks Forum Resident IMO any unit that does not have an MQA decoder will be effectively obsolete within 2 years. Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by wingram, Jul 5, 2019. So I'm thinking of buying my first streamer. the Amazon Associates Program via amazon.com. Thoughts if so? The Node is very new and seems to have great functionality. The No. I had intended to make an introductory post, in the lounge, but got carried away with myriad questions! The CXN 2 sounds better. Sony A95L QD-OLED, X95L MINI LED And Full BRAVIA Range For 2023 (In-Depth Interview). I owned a CXN (first version) and the original Bluesound Node for a couple of years. It doesn't just read the files and display them in the Bluos app? Jul 27, 2020. I have one and they make a great Roon endpoint. AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited, With this limited intention I am not bothered that it doesnt match my other sources, although its very listenable. 19,270. It works great. 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. 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. Any thoughts on which would be the best idea from the following choices? Sleek design. I don't need to spend thousands but it's a toss up between the Bluesound Node 2i and the CXN. Crutchfield collects state sales tax on items shipping to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY. Make sure its MIDI compatible and youll be good to go. The CXN V2 has three digital inputs, two digital outputs, analog (single-ended and balanced) outputs and one Ethernet input. 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? 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. Do you have any thoughts on cable types and length. I can't comment on the internal DAC on the new NODE, but I have the Node 2i and I think its internal DAC is very good. No support for AirPlay, Chromecast, Roon. I found the Bluesound Node 2 to sound a lot better than the CCA through a cheap Schiit Dac. You are using an out of date browser. Personally, I think you are better off with the NODE. Have been reading for a long time and happy to finally contribute to this forum. So pure source upto the amplifiers DAC. Bluesound app and library management is much better though and more suited for multi-room.usecases. Preferred the smsl su-8 over their inbuilt DAC. I read somewhere there would be a partial unfolding (higher res than red book) on MQA titles from Tidal. New Bluesound Node vs Cambridge CXN v2 for High Res Streaming? The articles & videos are also super-helpful! I guess your cambridge setup is messed up or the unit is defective. Bangalore. In an actual listening room, you'd find that some speakers play louder than others when fed the same amount of power. Help on getting the maximum from cxn v2 and tidal. So I want a clean signal from a source to be internalised with that DAC. It's a good sale now that Cambridge has announced the CX Series 2 line coming next week. Do you know what I mean? /Stageline This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb. I had the Yamaha wxa50 before. The CXN V2 is older but likely to have better sound quality. Thank you for the replies everyone. I like to focus this list on the streamer sound quality (with the internal dac bypassed if existant). Learn about the terms used to describe sound, so you can find the right audio gear. 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 . Hi, there is no NDS2!? The Chromecast is is pretty impressive but it isnt gapless. Connect the CXC to one of the digital inputs on the CXN V2 using either S/P DIF for a shorter connection, or TOSLINK optical for a longer connection. Inside the a-s801 is ES9010K2M. Weve carefully chosen the components of this kit to ensure a crystal-clear listening experience. My 2 cents; Buy the CXN v2 it's such a pleasure.the app works really quick and the quality is more then good. It seems as the CXN uses dual DACS and has balanced outs. Yes, with the caveats that the source device (tablet/ phone / streamer) isnt doing anything to the file before passing it on. 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 C 658 is pure high resolution from input to output and features NAD's Direct Digital 35 bit 844kHz DAC, one of the . I dont think that is correct. For the money I doubt theres anything else out there to beat it until you start spending Naim or similar entry level price points. All Naim streamers have a digital output which allows you to run them with a separate DAC as an upgrade option. Thorens TT (Cant recall the model, its from around 1968 and maybe TD125 or TD150, but I do remember its a MkII !) 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. Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) Firmware Update Problems. Taking into consideration Chris comment above about the Naim streamers limitations, out of the two remaining options I would recommend the Bluesound Node.The latest version is a great streamer for toe dipping and the app is a dream. Very bummed they are dropping the black gear though, and very happy I purchased mine in black already. It offers Roon Ready and Spotify Connect but no Chromecast Built-in. Well I purchased the Node 2021 and am so pleased! JavaScript is disabled. Crutchfield has and always will be the number one source for all electronic needs, there is no one better. If you do not consent, please do not continue with chat assistance. I mean, why would anyone want the internal DAC limiting the sound, then sending it on to a better DAC? Other than that, I would like to use Airplay (1). Not sure how much better it is than a Node but it supports all major streaming platforms plus ROON. It can also transmit studio-quality music to Bluetooth headphones or external speakers. The NAD C399 has higher output and also the possibility of upgrading and having room correction. It doesn't take deep pockets or "golden ears" to obtain and appreciate good sound. New Bluesound Node vs Cambridge Audio Day Magic 200. I'll be a customer for as long as they are in business. Its a brilliant streamer, dac, Preamp, bluetooth & Mqa is also there. Not using the internal dacs? I find it an excellent combination. You bet! A curious decision on the model designations! 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. 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. In addition to its new Roon Ready support, the CXN features Chromecast built-in, making it easy for users to access content from Sirius XM, Soundcloud, and hundreds of other music sources. Bluetooth is a simple, wireless way to send music from your phone, tablet, or laptop to your home stereo. There are pros and cons on both sides. With the Node 2i connected to my LAN by ethernet, performance is seamless. 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. Yeah no to be clear, the DAC I want to use is in the A-S801 amplifier. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . A network music streamer lets you play digital music from different sources, and play them through connected speakers and devices in your home. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Local and via tidal, qobuz et al. Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 9:39 pm . So Bluesound is both streamer and DAC, CXA is power amp 2) Bluesound to CXA via digital coax. Easy process from start to finish, and the availability of information is second to none. I know own the Cambridge, and Im using Chromecast for the high Rez Qobuz offerings, Ok thanks. So I want a clean signal from a source to be internalised with that DAC. The CXN V2. First, Yamaha wxc 50 in preamp mode does SRC to 48 KHz with everything . I am mostly concerned with SQ on the digital outputs. Is this possible? 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. Sorry if this is a duplicate of some sort (lots of threads to sort through) but I was hoping to get some help from you guys. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Poor WiFi performance: you need to use an Ethernet cable for reliable performance. I have been reading some threads about the addition of an nDAC being a possible wothwhile upgrade to these, at some point. 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. 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'm always impressed with their professionalism and sincerity. The first is the Audiolab 6000N Play, which I consider to be the best sounding streamer in that price range. I get the feeling the prices on these needed to go up to keep them in circulation and including them in a "new" series is a pretty common move. But also I really need to know if the signal from the tablet or phone is untouched. I could purchase the s/h ND5-XS for roughly right inbetween the new prices of the Bluesound and the cambridve. As already mentionned by others, good streamer with nice corresponding app and added a Teddy Pardo power supply to lift up SQ. Too many DACs> Too many amps> Too many headphones. Other than that, I would like to use Airplay (1). Since 1974.SM. 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. Crutchfield is a servicemark of Crutchfield Corporation. Anyone have hands on with both? I use a dedicated Roon Rock server for my Roon to PS Audio DAC endpoint. CA has no Roon or direct Qobuz connection. CD3.5/Flatcap Im not even sure which service might be best, for me. The NDAC was certainly an upgrade on the internal DAC on the original NDX. 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. Connect the CXN V2 outputs to one of the analogue inputs of the CXA61/81 via balanced XLR (CXA81 only), or unbalanced RCA. 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! The other possible route is to put a PSU on the NDX2 such as an XPS. $1,299.00 Let's take a closer look at this device. model is referred to as Node N130. Jaded1 Nov 20, 2020 cxn marantz J Jaded1 Established Member Nov 20, 2020 #1 So I'm thinking of buying my first streamer. If you are willing to pay that fine. #4. 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. Thanks for the update, consider adding this to your profile. 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. Select your brand of headphones in the right-hand column. Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. I own both the CA 851n and the CXN 1. company number 03997482, registered in England and Wales. This device lets you stream stunning sound quality and let you play music files from various apps such as Spotify and Deezer. In equal volume mode, we've made the loudness of each speaker about the same. So I'm biased there and also multi-room can get expensive. So have Sony, Onkyo, NAD, and others. AirPlay 2 and Chromecast compatible, the Cambridge CXN v2 network player can receive music from any iOS or Android smartphone. It does that both analog out and digital out, - and with AirPlay . All my music servers play it from the NAS drive over Ethernet. The Cambridge Audio CXN V2 is a powerful network streamer. Lizard King Another vote for the Blusound here, like you I was curious and dipping my toes, auditioned a Node 2i and it stayed. Plus, our headphone writer reviews the high-res streaming music service. I guess you got confused between "Chromcast audio" and "Chromcast", the former is an audio gear which is currently stopped production. Hopefully this will be fixed with a future Firmware update, but at the moment it's an issue. It doesnt seem like he needs the storage and disc ripping of the Vault. 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. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, If you want to save some money and still want Tidal MQA you could go with a Bluesound Node 2i instead of the CXN. CXN (in my opinion) has a little darker sound (not to be confused with warm). The BluOS constantly updates. The Node, no question. Cambridge Audio CXN(v2) Streamer . You are using an out of date browser. with the design (ie look) of it. I have the moon neo 250i amplifier Top . For Tech Support, call Marantz BD8006, Bluesound Node 2021, Marantz Pearl Lite, Revel Concerta2 M16, Sony XZ Premium, LGV30. On March 6, 2020 By hifitr5_wp There are a couple of budget (around $500) Audiophile Music Streamers I recommend. I have a CXN v2(as source with Flac, streaming Spotify) paired with CA351a and Elac 2.0 B5.2. 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. Virtual audio technology allows you to compare sonic characteristics between speakers so you can make a more informed shopping decision. I have the CXN V2 and with a Qutest it performs brilliantly. Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 3:29 pm Posts: 9 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. Difference between Bluesound Node 2i and Cambridge CXN v2. One thing I appreciated with Bluesound Vault is its app support of many streaming platforms. 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 ? Dear friendsWhich one to choose? The CXN is great at $900, but even better at less than that. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, Will it give full res using Roon? Affiliate programs and I use an iPad Air as a streamer into the USB on my Element II DAC/Amp. Crazy. May 1, 2020. Then I got thinking the money I would spend on a streamer.. Please consider the user interface. Thatll be $10 of the best $$$ you spend on audio. The mk2 is possibly out of my budget, for the time being. What is the difference between 'dark' and 'warm'? The only lower cost transport that I know of that does a full MQA or DSD pass through is the Aries Mini. DACs, Streamers, Servers, Players, Audio Interface. My place for electronics, great customer service, product expertise & lifetime technical support. Bluesound Node (New) Reviving this old topic as I am looking at both of these streaming devices and cant quite make a decision. Product link at Music Direct. I would go for the Cambridge over the Bluesound myself well regarded for its price. JL audio E-sub e110 . Learn More Find a dealer $999.00 Stunning Sound Quality - hear every detail from your digital files Twin Wolfson DACs - for stunning digital performance Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect & Qobuz built in - for the best possible choice Any thoughts on which would be the best idea from the following choices? I dont know the science around it, but my thinking is youd need to have a cable much longer that 2-3 meters to experience any noticeable degradation in sound quality. marcozero Registered Joined Nov 16, 2021 14 Posts 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. Possibility of dropouts on Tidal in particular due to the small buffer. HELP WITH CHOICE OF MUSIC STREAMER-CAMBRIDGE AUDIO OR AUDIOLAB OMNIA & TURNTABLE, Chromecast / Airplay Question - iOS - CXN V2 Streamer. Both can be Roon endpoints, thought the Cambridge is by virtue of Chromecast. CXN V2 - Network Player | Cambridge Audio US Home CXN V2 Network Player $999.00 4 interest-free payments of $249.75. 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. 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. This gives you a more direct comparison of subtle voicing differences between speakers. Itll work with you iPad or out of your Windows laptop. File format is predominantly FLAC with some WAV and Mp4 for the 16/44.1's. If your headphones aren't listed, we recommend using our Listening Kit. You must log in or register to reply here. 1) Bluesound to CXA via RCA. They're always very helpful! Focus on speakers/room where a much more substantive change is possible. It lets you compare sonic characteristics between speakers so that you can make a more informed shopping decision. AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited, So, if I get an MQA capable DAC, can I bypass the Cambridge DAC and get full MQA? Hi all, just considering dipping my toe into the sreaming world 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)? CXN v2 supports full 192khz if available. Unfortunately not. JavaScript is disabled. 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. Star Wars 4-6 are the best movies. 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. It is half the price of the Cambridge and has a much better user interface with BluOS. Oh, apart from the RCA to DIN, where I have a Chord Crimson and a Chord Chrysalis (iirc?). Being able to connect a HDD is much more ideal. Yeah no to be clear, the DAC I want to use is in the A-S801 amplifier. The latter comprises mini optical/3.5mm combo and HDMI eARC inputs for connecting audio sources or a TV, plus a range of outputs that includes RCA, coaxial, optical and subwoofer. Have you tried plugging a hard drive into the Node 2i? Yeah I want to get full resolution from what files and services I'm using so that's a con on the Cambridge. I stream from the Qobuz app. 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. ND5-XS vs Bluesound Node vs Cambridge CXN v2 Streaming Audio Realitycomputer August 31, 2022, 3:30pm #1 Hi all, just considering dipping my toe into the sreaming world (Not sure if I can get the correct interconnect for my toe though!) Marantz ND8006 vs Cambridge CXN V2 or other? Dont want the ****** internal DACs to touch the signal. Being wireless is great, but that cable option is simple. We use automated technology to connect you with an Advisor and to answer some common questions. You are using an out of date browser. Do you know what I mean? Support for Tidal and Spotify, but no other streaming services unless you are prepared to try various workarounds. Can't say for surejust learning about this all myself. For free personalized advice, call 1-888-291-8923. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Built my own and took ten minutes. Just forget about indexing or playing a large HDD library.