cambridge audio cxn v2 vs bluesound node

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. The Bluesound supports a HDD whereas the Yamaha only supports a USB stick. Yes, with the caveats that the source device (tablet/ phone / streamer) isnt doing anything to the file before passing it on. When I had the Node 2 I used two outputs. Support for Tidal and Spotify, but no other streaming services unless you are prepared to try various workarounds. You know more than I do! Node app is way superior over the CXN and for me is the best music app after Roon. Not familiar with the the streamers youve mentioned, but youre getting some good advice. Unfortunately not. The only lower cost transport that I know of that does a full MQA or DSD pass through is the Aries Mini. The Node 2i costs about RM1,000 more than the Yamaha. marcozero Registered Joined Nov 16, 2021 14 Posts Focus on speakers/room where a much more substantive change is possible. The CXN is great at $900, but even better at less than that. Europe's busiest forums, with independent news and expert reviews, for TVs, Home Cinema, Hi-Fi, Movies, Gaming, Tech and more. 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. Then again, I do need to think forward and perhaps an outside/backyard setup may be advantageous. 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? I have not heard the Bluesound. I find it an excellent combination. Cambridge CXN v2 (New). How to make the most of Amazon's high-res and CD-quality music streams. the Amazon Associates Program via amazon.com. No dealers near me carry it. Some great advice above, I started a thread covering my own thought processes around streaming options with Naim kit. 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. Weve carefully chosen the components of this kit to ensure a crystal-clear listening experience. But, if I were later still to obtain an NDS2 or NDX2, would the nDAC still serve as an upgrade to them? However its several years old and Im wondering if a new version will be out soon with improved functionality, MQA support most likely. So Im not sure what to go for between these streamers, or if I should simply stick with a cable for now. 99 Sale price $299. 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. ND5-XS vs Bluesound Node vs Cambridge CXN v2 - Naim Audio affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, and You are using an out of date browser. It outperforms the Dac in my Cambridge 851C cd player. 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. No, Im not very aware of software choices at this point. Sorry, I meant ND5-XS2 and NDX2 not NDS2 and NDX2 If you're using an outboard DAC I believe the signal just passes through. Hello. 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. 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. 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. Lizard King Yeah no to be clear, the DAC I want to use is in the A-S801 amplifier. 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! I use a dedicated Roon Rock server for my Roon to PS Audio DAC endpoint. Compare Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) vs Bluesound NODE Free 2-day shipping to Washington 1-888-955-6000 Contact us Your account 0 Your cart Shop all departments Articles & videos Car audio & video Home audio TVs & video Headphones & wireless Marine Smart home Cameras & drones Pro audio Health More Specials Articles & videos B2B Sales Go Back One caveat with the Cambridge you should know. 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.. To be fair Blue Sound vaguely mentions this and favors the use of a NAS but personally unable to justify the extra hustle. Plus, our headphone writer reviews the high-res streaming music service. I want to load a hard drive up with my library (AIFFs) and play from it. If you are willing to pay that fine. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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? 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. It was getting too late at night for me! Absolutely outstanding are the words I think of to describe the selection, price, shipping, & the customer service. 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. The improved NDX2 closes the gap somewhat but for me the NDAC is still an upgrade, and at used prices, a pretty cheap one. 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. Wiim Pro? . Another vote for the Blusound here, like you I was curious and dipping my toes, auditioned a Node 2i and it stayed. Node? The main issues with the 1st gen models include: New Bluesound Node vs Cambridge Audio Day Magic 200 Problems with DSD, flacs skipping, bad WiFi connection. 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. the Amazon Associates Program via amazon.com. Learn how to get great sound from your computer, tie it into your home audio system, and improve your user experience. Sony A95L QD-OLED, X95L MINI LED And Full BRAVIA Range For 2023 (In-Depth Interview). Our Advisors have listened to most of the speakers we carry, and can help you make the best choice for your system. JavaScript is disabled. bumpquestion regarding the need for external DAC above? File format is predominantly FLAC with some WAV and Mp4 for the 16/44.1's. Details -$300.00 Price break. But how can i use it from my couch? Built my own and took ten minutes. SpeakerCompare is protected by patents and patent applications owned by Crutchfield Corporation. 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 auditioned both the Node and the Cambridge. If it is if any use. 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! Crazy. I guess you got confused between "Chromcast audio" and "Chromcast", the former is an audio gear which is currently stopped production. 1-888-292-2575. One thing that strikes me about this product is the combination of competitive sound with the balanced design and dual DACs employed. 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. Sounds like folks are leaning to the NODE which I think I am as well. Other than that, I would like to use Airplay (1). The other possible route is to put a PSU on the NDX2 such as an XPS. Calls may be recorded for training and quality control purposes. To be fair it looks a little better than the micro rendu. All using original Naim interconnects and NAC-A5 cabling to an old pair of Castle Harlech speakers. 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. Good luck. Find a used Ayre Codex Dac. AUDIO X Post subject: Re: Bluesound Node 2 vs Cambridge CXN. A 3.5mm headphone jack can be found in the middle of the front panel, below the Bluesound logo, too. Any further thoughts on these two streamers would be much appreciated. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. The more I read about the Node 2i, the better it seems for my purposes. 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. It doesn't just read the files and display them in the Bluos app? Messages: 2,061 . The SQ isnt a match for my Hugo when I listened to one, but definitely got closer with an upgraded, Naim, interconnect. 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. Sonos Port or Bluesound Node 2i? | What Hi-Fi? Forum 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 DAC isnt bad but I wouldnt be surprise if the CXN better. (,,,) 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. 390. Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) & CXA80 Double Review Along with the streaming capabilities, which is the best for playing files from a hard drive. I stream from the Qobuz app. 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. this can result in this site earning a commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, Well I purchased the Node 2021 and am so pleased! All the node's outputs are active all the time, which makes the Node quite nice for its price. AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited, That way I could have all the internal storage, and quality sound signal maybe a Fiio x7 or so. For Tech Support, call https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/openboxclearance?f%5B0%5D=category%3A10. 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 may not display this or other websites correctly. Crutchfield is a servicemark of Crutchfield Corporation. The CXN V2. 1) Bluesound to CXA via RCA. Ok. Cambridge Audio CXN Version2. I like to focus this list on the streamer sound quality (with the internal dac bypassed if existant). Crutchfield: Legendary Service. I mean, why would anyone want the internal DAC limiting the sound, then sending it on to a better DAC? Which is by no means guaranteed with Android (and possibly Apple- but check the threads on here about that) devices. Both are good but prefer my PS Audio Directstream with Bridge II overall. 7 Best Music Streamers of 2023 [For Real Audiophiles] - DownHomeDigital Make sure its MIDI compatible and youll be good to go. It delivers a collection of top music technologies for home use. 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. If it isn't double blind, likely is double talk. 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. .The C 658 is pure high resolution from input to output and features NAD's Direct Digital 35 bit 844kHz DAC, one of the . You are using an out of date browser. Especially with Tidal MQA, would the node 2i unfold MQA to a partial level since the Yggy is not MQA compatible? The No. A network music streamer lets you play digital music from different sources, and play them through connected speakers and devices in your home. I've had a node 2i for about a year now. From their Facebook page post of 9/20/19: I sold off the CXN 2 because it sat unused. Hence the post! Find out what gear you need to hear Qobuz at its best. 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. Plus an in-depth review of the service by Jeff Miller, Crutchfield's headphone guy. Find out what makes high-res audio sound better, and how you can experience it. 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)? Definitely get a cable to connect you iPad to the as801. Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 3:29 pm Posts: 9 My entry into streaming was an cxnv2. company number 03997482, registered in England and Wales. The mk2 is possibly out of my budget, for the time being. In an actual listening room, you'd find that some speakers play louder than others when fed the same amount of power. The Bluesound supports a HDD whereas the Yamaha only supports a USB stick. 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. Yeah I hope sound doesnt drop over 3 meters. But it's a little involved and if you don't like to tinker stick with the CXN or get a Node 2i. 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 don't need to spend thousands but it's a toss up between the Bluesound Node 2i and the CXN. Every review I saw raves about the sound quality on the CXN-(V2). No complaint about the Cambridge app. It may not display this or other websites correctly. BlueOS is quite intuitive. 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. The website is extremely user friendly, unbeatable product selection, customer support, and audio knowledge. I would go for the Cambridge over the Bluesound myself well regarded for its price. So what solutioN do I have? 853. 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. CXN is also 40% more expensive. I used (and still use) network attached storage. Bangalore. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled, ND5-XS vs Bluesound Node vs Cambridge CXN v2. Is this possible? 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. 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 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. I think its a home-run product. So the cambridge gets rave reviews but It would be a struggle finding room in my existing CD6006 and Marantz Pearl Lite set up. Any thoughts on which would be the best idea from the following choices? More modern, more compact, headphone out, sub out with cutoff filters for bass management, and allegedly blue sound is the best streaming software around. Thoughts if so? The OP was interested in the Node, not the Vault. This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb. audirvana does make a difference. Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) Firmware Update Problems. What is the difference between 'dark' and 'warm'? My first-hand feedback is that the Node works fine as a streamer (MPQ radio sounds good). #4. If I am using an outboard DAC then is there much difference in SQ between these two streamers? Copyright 1996-2023, Crutchfield New Media, LLC. It lets you compare sonic characteristics between speakers so that you can make a more informed shopping decision. The Bluesound is also half the price of the Cambridge piece. Easy process from start to finish, and the availability of information is second to none. Yeah no to be clear, the DAC I want to use is in the A-S801 amplifier. If your headphones aren't listed, we recommend using our Listening Kit. Others like Cambridge CXN and 851N or steamers up to 2500 euro/dollar like Teac, Sotm, Lumin, Innuos Zen etc. Select your brand of headphones in the right-hand column. Audiogon Discussion Forum So Bluesound is both streamer and DAC, CXA is power amp 2) Bluesound to CXA via digital coax. It includes a pair of studio-quality headphones, and a guide to getting the most out of your session, and a few other necessary items. You can also look at stuff from SMSL, Topping and NuPrime stream 9. 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. As already mentionned by others, good streamer with nice corresponding app and added a Teddy Pardo power supply to lift up SQ. I dont think that is correct. The first is the Audiolab 6000N Play, which I consider to be the best sounding streamer in that price range. Reviving this old topic as I am looking at both of these streaming devices and cant quite make a decision. Streamers ranked by sound quality - Networking, Networked Audio, and The internal device DAC isnt used when you connect via USB. 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. The CXN 2 sounds better. Learn about the terms used to describe sound, so you can find the right audio gear. JL audio E-sub e110 . Marantz ND8006 vs Cambridge CXN V2 or other? | AVForums Panasonic 55FZ950. Product link at Music Direct. 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 Being able to connect a HDD is much more ideal. Or, would the DAC quality in these streamers have surpasseed that offered by the nDAC, by this point, making the nDAC now redundant? And it sounds great. Help on getting the maximum from cxn v2 and tidal. The factor that most affected my home network music streaming performance was/is the quality of the switch. SpeakerCompare simulates the sound of home and car speakers through your headphones. Any difference? If I recall correctly the Node 2 did not test well. 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. Focus on speakers/room where a much more substantive change is possible. Like the sound of the old Thorens TT. On March 6, 2020 By hifitr5_wp There are a couple of budget (around $500) Audiophile Music Streamers I recommend. Chromecast is not an option as I cant stand non-gapless, although having chromecast would be a plus for using things like SoundCloud. 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. But i feel I want to know for sure whether it skips the internal DAC or not. The Cambridge CXN (V2) is $1100. 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? Multi-room network audio players Multi-room connectivity emerged with the advent of digital music and wireless streaming. Marantz ND8006 vs Cambridge CXN V2 or other? The former is more detailed, neutral and works with a variety of upstream equipment. Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. My 2 cents; Buy the CXN v2 it's such a pleasure.the app works really quick and the quality is more then good. We still believe that the gold standard for auditioning speakers is hearing them in your own environment thats why we offer a 60-day money-back guarantee. 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. 10 Best Music Streamers in 2023 - HomeToys Thats sort of the point of external USB DACs. New Bluesound Node vs Cambridge CXN v2 for High Res Streaming? What I was trying to figure out was this: If I were to purchse, for example, a Node and then later add an nDac to it, presumably this would now sound better. All component separate. Do you know what I mean? with the design (ie look) of it. 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. I need to replace my modded Sonos connect with a new streamer. Please consider the user interface. Personally, I think you are better off with the NODE. So, if I get an MQA capable DAC, can I bypass the Cambridge DAC and get full MQA? 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. You really need to listen to these combinations yourself as personal preference comes into play and we will not always reach the same conclusions. Tags: music streamers sound quality; centralflori Super Member. The Node can be impressive and always seems to be compatible with every streaming service around. The Node is very new and seems to have great functionality. Any opinions on BS node 2i into Yggdrasil Dac. The CXN V2 is older but likely to have better sound quality. Im still using a NP5 and Hugo mk1 - it sounds fabulous. 8 Best Music Streamers Of 2023 - Audiosolace - Rebirth of Audio Learn how to choose the best speakers for your home. 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 No support for AirPlay, Chromecast, Roon. With the Node 2i connected to my LAN by ethernet, performance is seamless. I am a Qobuz user and for me, it surpasses all other streaming services when it comes to SQ and content. CXN v2 supports full 192khz if available. bunno77; 1 Link to comment . Thanks. CXN V2 - Network Player | Cambridge Audio US A lot of good advice on this site. But what about the sound quality? What not a PI streamer with a Hat like Hifiberry or Allo. Is this the very latest model? Bluesound Node (2021) or CXN V2? Difference between Bluesound Node 2i and Cambridge CXN v2. Connect the CXN V2 outputs to one of the analogue inputs of the CXA61/81 via balanced XLR (CXA81 only), or unbalanced RCA. I guess your cambridge setup is messed up or the unit is defective. Inside the a-s801 is ES9010K2M.