cambridge audio cxn v2 vs bluesound node cambridge audio cxn v2 vs bluesound node

Any thoughts on which would be the best idea from the following choices? Easy process from start to finish, and the availability of information is second to none. The Bluesound seems relatively simple and definitely inexpensive. Difference between Bluesound Node 2i and Cambridge CXN v2. Focus on speakers/room where a much more substantive change is possible. 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 #streaming #tidal #qobuzSUBSCRIBE TO PATREON to support Honest & Credible and well produced HiFi reviews and for ;-Ad Free Videos-Added Video Review content . bumpquestion regarding the need for external DAC above? Personally, I'd get an Amazon Basics or Ugreen that meets your requirements for terminations and length and give it a go. Ill inquire with Cambridge. My setup is as follows and it sounds great. 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. 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. To help you choose the right speakers, we recommend using Crutchfields SpeakerCompare Listening Kit. I have only used it for streaming from Apple Music with the intention of hearing new music which I might then buy in physical form. It doesnt seem like he needs the storage and disc ripping of the Vault. 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. I own both the CA 851n and the CXN 1. @wgosma: Opinions vary on the efficacy of aftermarket power cords. No, Im not very aware of software choices at this point. Hello. The more I read about the Node 2i, the better it seems for my purposes. But it's a little involved and if you don't like to tinker stick with the CXN or get a Node 2i. Just forget about indexing or playing a large HDD library. They ARE NOT a streaming service. This has been a fantastic experience. Powered by Xenforo, Hosted by Nimbus Hosting, Original design Critical Media Ltd. Please consider the user interface. I Have the Node and like the connectivity, and supported features to other services like Roon, Qobuz, TuneIn and many more. Am I correct? 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. No complaint about the Cambridge app. the Amazon Associates Program via amazon.com. The CXN 2 sounds better. The NAD C399 has higher output and also the possibility of upgrading and having room correction. Jaded1 Nov 20, 2020 cxn marantz J Jaded1 Established Member Nov 20, 2020 #1 So I'm thinking of buying my first streamer. 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. Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 9:39 pm . It doesn't just read the files and display them in the Bluos app? I would go for the Cambridge over the Bluesound myself well regarded for its price. Will it give full res using Roon? 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. Crutchfield has and always will be the number one source for all electronic needs, there is no one better. The Matirx streamer as well as the audiolab streamer are superb too. If I were to go the streamer/DAC/pre-amp route I would buy the Cambridge Audio rig in a heart beat. Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Stereo Network Streamer - All-in-One Wireless Media Streaming with WiFi (Lunar Grey) Visit the Cambridge Audio Store 179 ratings | 117 answered questions Amazon's Choice in Streaming Media Players by Cambridge Audio Lowest price in 30 days -23% $99900 List Price: $1,299.00 See more About this item SpeakerCompare is protected by patents and patent applications owned by Crutchfield Corporation. Hi all, just considering dipping my toe into the sreaming world All the node's outputs are active all the time, which makes the Node quite nice for its price. Linked to my laptop, other than getting the artwork wrong occasionally, its pretty seamless. CXN V2 - Network Player | Cambridge Audio US Home CXN V2 Network Player $999.00 4 interest-free payments of $249.75. Qobuz skipping files. 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!) If using toslink it could be the cable as some do not work well above 24/96 . JL audio E-sub e110 . Cambridge CXN v2 (New). 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. So I want a clean signal from a source to be internalised with that DAC. Multi-room network audio players Multi-room connectivity emerged with the advent of digital music and wireless streaming. The world's largest high-end audio community. 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. So it's not the Connect app anymore but one called Stream Magic? Personally, I think you are better off with the NODE. AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited, My guess is, very few have listened carefully to both, so it's going to be difficult to get this specific feedback. 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. But also I really need to know if the signal from the tablet or phone is untouched. Unfortunately not. company number 03997482, registered in England and Wales. It may have to do with if the hard drive is removed and then attached againI will find it eventually. Hi. Wi-Fi speakers are the building blocks for wireless multi-room audio systems from Sonos, Bose, and other brands. You are using an out of date browser. A 3.5mm headphone jack can be found in the middle of the front panel, below the Bluesound logo, too. 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. Being wireless is great, but that cable option is simple. Connect the CXN V2 outputs to one of the analogue inputs of the CXA61/81 via balanced XLR (CXA81 only), or unbalanced RCA. Yeah no to be clear, the DAC I want to use is in the A-S801 amplifier. Node app is way superior over the CXN and for me is the best music app after Roon. JavaScript is disabled. Cambridge Audio CXN V2. From their Facebook page post of 9/20/19: I sold off the CXN 2 because it sat unused. As already mentionned by others, good streamer with nice corresponding app and added a Teddy Pardo power supply to lift up SQ. It may not display this or other websites correctly. How to make the most of Amazon's high-res and CD-quality music streams. I have been recently trying to confirm my understanding of the ascending order of things! One into my Dac and then one analog out from the Node. Well I purchased the Node 2021 and am so pleased! I owned a CXN (first version) and the original Bluesound Node for a couple of years. . All web chat conversations are recorded. Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. You bet! Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled, ND5-XS vs Bluesound Node vs Cambridge CXN v2. That way I could have all the internal storage, and quality sound signal maybe a Fiio x7 or so. I do use an external Meridian DAC (which I had already owned) and the difference between the two DACs is very subtle. Others? 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. Not sure how much better it is than a Node but it supports all major streaming platforms plus ROON. Very good for the money. Given all the choices of streaming services, it usually comes down to one or two you really like to keep around. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. BUT. But I've heard consistently that the Cambridge sounds better which I would expect. Any opinions on BS node 2i into Yggdrasil Dac. Thanks for the update, consider adding this to your profile. Good luck. I was just surprised to see the ND5-XS at a comparable price (although s/h) to the other 2 aforementioned products, which made me wonder 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. 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! DACs, Streamers, Servers, Players, Audio Interface. It's a good sale now that Cambridge has announced the CX Series 2 line coming next week. This raises the question of what you mean by dipping your toe in - what do you want to find out? Unfortunately not. The No. The CXN V2 is part of Cambridge Audio's midrange CX series, which also includes two integrated amplifiers and a CD transport. 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. I am a Qobuz user and for me, it surpasses all other streaming services when it comes to SQ and content. CD3.5/Flatcap Do you know what I mean? Im not even sure which service might be best, for me. Your website is very efficient and easily navigable, selection is wide, and technical/chat support is outstanding. For free personalized advice, call 1-888-291-8923. iTunes ( my Windows computer) rips my CDs directly to my NAS Ethernet drives. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Others like Cambridge CXN and 851N or steamers up to 2500 euro/dollar like Teac, Sotm, Lumin, Innuos Zen etc. The trade-off is form factor and a higher price. Too many DACs> Too many amps> Too many headphones. HELP WITH CHOICE OF MUSIC STREAMER-CAMBRIDGE AUDIO OR AUDIOLAB OMNIA & TURNTABLE, Chromecast / Airplay Question - iOS - CXN V2 Streamer. 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. Carlos and Alex bring our famous DIY spirit to the annual United Way Day of Caring. 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 had intended to make an introductory post, in the lounge, but got carried away with myriad questions! Do we get hands-on with the gear we sell? Thanks for that. Bangalore. In equal power mode, you'll hear these differences in loudness as they naturally occur between speakers. Plus, our headphone writer reviews the high-res streaming music service. 1) Bluesound to CXA via RCA. Cambridge Audio CXN Version2. 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. Bluesound Node (2021) or CXN V2? It may not display this or other websites correctly. The Node is very new and seems to have great functionality. Find out what gear you need to hear Qobuz at its best. Im still using a NP5 and Hugo mk1 - it sounds fabulous. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 19,270. Not sure how all this would sort out, appreciate advise. Best streamer for Qobuz? So what solutioN do I have? 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. 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. 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 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. 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 If it is if any use. On March 6, 2020 By hifitr5_wp There are a couple of budget (around $500) Audiophile Music Streamers I recommend. More modern, more compact, headphone out, sub out with cutoff filters for bass management, and allegedly blue sound is the best streaming software around. 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. But, if I were later still to obtain an NDS2 or NDX2, would the nDAC still serve as an upgrade to them? CXN (in my opinion) has a little darker sound (not to be confused with warm). I think Id much rather get a portable DAP with a good DAC, and use that over a cable connection. I have the moon neo 250i amplifier Top . .The C 658 is pure high resolution from input to output and features NAD's Direct Digital 35 bit 844kHz DAC, one of the . Our Advisors have listened to most of the speakers we carry, and can help you make the best choice for your system. Does anyone have any insight. 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. Has both digital and analog outputs, SQ is likely superb and available at a small fraction of their top of the line products, and resale value, however limited, is likely high among competing products. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Have been reading for a long time and happy to finally contribute to this forum. I use a dedicated Roon Rock server for my Roon to PS Audio DAC endpoint. Hi, there is no NDS2!? But what about the sound quality? I find it an excellent combination. $1,299.00 the Amazon Associates Program via amazon.com. Sure, you can carry a small handheld speaker with you, but Deia takes her portable tunes more seriously. I am looking forwarding to attaching one of my external hard drives to it for playback of lossless vinyl rips while I work. No DAC used? It delivers a collection of top music technologies for home use. I found the Bluesound Node 2 to sound a lot better than the CCA through a cheap Schiit Dac. Bluesound Node 2i This is another plug-and-play all-in-one box solution similar to the Yamaha. 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. Please help Purchase the Audiolab 6000A Integrated Amplifier at a special offer price. DACs, Streamers, Servers, Players, Audio Interface. 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 . Then again, I do need to think forward and perhaps an outside/backyard setup may be advantageous. The Bluesound DAC isnt bad but I wouldnt be surprise if the CXN better. Thanks. 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. They're always very helpful! JavaScript is disabled. I have the CXN V2 and with a Qutest it performs brilliantly. Cambridge Audio CXN(v2) Streamer . 1 Home Entertainment Tech Resource. 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. Do you have any thoughts on cable types and length. What are some of the differences between the 2 streamers with regards to high res streaming? Since 1974.SM. 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. 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. But i feel I want to know for sure whether it skips the internal DAC or not. Along with the streaming capabilities, which is the best for playing files from a hard drive. The website is extremely user friendly, unbeatable product selection, customer support, and audio knowledge. I suspect a ND5 XS2 is in my future, for simplicity. Copyright 1996-2023, Crutchfield New Media, LLC. So Bluesound is both streamer and DAC, CXA is power amp 2) Bluesound to CXA via digital coax. Thats sort of the point of external USB DACs. Bryston BDP pi on here. Thanks everyone, So I presently just use an Audioengine D2 wireless out of my MacBook and connect via Audioquest Cinnamon Toslink into my Krell Digital Vanguard. Europe's busiest forums, with independent news and expert reviews, for TVs, Home Cinema, Hi-Fi, Movies, Gaming, Tech and more. this can result in this site earning a commission. Otherwise you need to move up to something like a Lumin U1 Mini. /Stageline No dealers near me carry it. NAP180 JavaScript is disabled. This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb. So I want a clean signal from a source to be internalised with that DAC. When I had the Node 2 I used two outputs. Then I traded up to the CXN 2, and late in 2018 to the Node 2i. 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. May 1, 2020. Let's take a closer look at this device. 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. displayname, Oct 2, 2019 #12 psulioninks Forum Resident audirvana does make a difference. Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) Firmware Update Problems. My first-hand feedback is that the Node works fine as a streamer (MPQ radio sounds good). Possibility of dropouts on Tidal in particular due to the small buffer. Hence the post! Also the means and ways of interacting with the CXN and its 'switchability' in always . I want to add a streamer to my existing set up and have my eye on the new Bluesound Node 2021 and the Cambridge Audio CXN V2. This is my experience. Bluesound app and library management is much better though and more suited for multi-room.usecases. 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? So have Sony, Onkyo, NAD, and others. Crutchfield: Legendary Service. Mac Mini? 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. The OP was interested in the Node, not the Vault. On their Support/Community site, they state the Firmware that opened the USB output is still in Beta. Too bad the matching amp is priced so high. Dear friendsWhich one to choose? Itll work with you iPad or out of your Windows laptop. #4. A lot of good advice on this site. 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. If it isn't double blind, likely is double talk. I think there was an android USB DAC app that did something like that (?) Which is by no means guaranteed with Android (and possibly Apple- but check the threads on here about that) devices. The CXN v2 upsamples everything to 24/384 when using it in preamp mode. I am mostly concerned with SQ on the digital outputs. I have my ipad pro connected to my dac/amp via usb c , everything sounds nice. 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. The No. Is this the very latest model? Looks like the only changes to the CXN v2 is a new paint job Agree, same for the CXC as well. This gives you a more direct comparison of subtle voicing differences between speakers. Cambridge Audio/Music Direct - CXN v2 Network Player Network Player on Sale for $725 Awesome deal on this unit! I guess. Lizard King And as i sold it during first lockdown, sold it for 150 more than I paid. Oldsmobile Sport Utility Stereos and Speakers. Jul 27, 2020. actually working with the Bluesound Node on a SN3. If I am using an outboard DAC then is there much difference in SQ between these two streamers? Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. To be fair it looks a little better than the micro rendu. 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. I think that perhaps my options are likely to be focussed on the Node or maybe the iFi Zen streamer (?). 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. Naim ND5-XS (S/H) Otherwise you need to move up to something like a Lumin U1 Mini. I know own the Cambridge, and Im using Chromecast for the high Rez Qobuz offerings, Ok thanks. I use both qobuz and local flac files via Roon so integration with Roon is important too. 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. I was thinking of a chord qute 2 or maybe a moon 300d v2 . USB-C on iPada makes the a legit streamer option IMO. The CXN V2 has three digital inputs, two digital outputs, analog (single-ended and balanced) outputs and one Ethernet input. 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. SpeakerCompare simulates the sound of home and car speakers through your headphones. 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 ? Great SQ, suppports just about any streaming platform your likely to want, very reliable and stable over wifi. That's weird. Hopefully this will be fixed with a future Firmware update, but at the moment it's an issue. The factor that most affected my home network music streaming performance was/is the quality of the switch. Tags: music streamers sound quality; centralflori Super Member. Learn about the terms used to describe sound, so you can find the right audio gear. So the cambridge gets rave reviews but It would be a struggle finding room in my existing CD6006 and Marantz Pearl Lite set up. Inside the a-s801 is ES9010K2M. For the money I doubt theres anything else out there to beat it until you start spending Naim or similar entry level price points. New Bluesound Node vs Cambridge CXN v2 for High Res Streaming? That USB-C is direct, right? I'll be a customer for as long as they are in business. 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. 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 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. CA has no Roon or direct Qobuz connection. Then I got thinking the money I would spend on a streamer.. I have one and they make a great Roon endpoint. The Node, no question. Any difference? All the boxes are checked in streaming capability (be nice if BT were included vs an option). this can result in this site earning a commission. 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. 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. Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 3:29 pm Posts: 9 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. It lets you compare sonic characteristics between speakers so that you can make a more informed shopping decision. 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. Problems with DSD, flacs skipping, bad WiFi connection. Other than that, I would like to use Airplay (1). Very bummed they are dropping the black gear though, and very happy I purchased mine in black already. 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. Purchased both as opened box/clearance from CA with warranty. Ive also hooked it up to my integrated amp and it works great as well. you get some phase and time alignment voodoo as well as some system optimization benefits. You also mentioned the IFI Zen. It seems as the CXN uses dual DACS and has balanced outs. Very good units for the price, especially when connected via wired internet as opposed to WiFi. The mk2 is possibly out of my budget, for the time being. Someone mentioned here that the Cambridge doesnt so full resolution unless using their app? Thatll be $10 of the best $$$ you spend on audio. I didn't know that. Yes, I agree! You really need to listen to these combinations yourself as personal preference comes into play and we will not always reach the same conclusions. Please enter a valid 10-digit phone number. The customer support team is personal and phenomenal. Weve carefully chosen the components of this kit to ensure a crystal-clear listening experience.