cambridge audio cxn v2 vs bluesound node

Another vote for the Blusound here, like you I was curious and dipping my toes, auditioned a Node 2i and it stayed. The customer support team is personal and phenomenal. I owned a CXN (first version) and the original Bluesound Node for a couple of years. The CXN is great at $900, but even better at less than that. and you got the option to use an external dac. On their Support/Community site, they state the Firmware that opened the USB output is still in Beta. Have you tried plugging a hard drive into the Node 2i? Thanks for the update, consider adding this to your profile. Plus an in-depth review of the service by Jeff Miller, Crutchfield's headphone guy. No, Im not very aware of software choices at this point. 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 SpeakerCompare is protected by patents and patent applications owned by Crutchfield Corporation. The Matirx streamer as well as the audiolab streamer are superb too. Bluesound Node or WXC-50 or Cambridge CXN V2 or. a cable? Being able to connect a HDD is much more ideal. Preferred the smsl su-8 over their inbuilt DAC. What not a PI streamer with a Hat like Hifiberry or Allo. The OP was interested in the Node, not the Vault. 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. 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!) Now changing the amp to Acoustic Portrait Swara v2 integrated amp. Am I correct? Difference between Bluesound Node 2i and Cambridge CXN v2 Our Advisors have listened to most of the speakers we carry, and can help you make the best choice for your system. Jaded1 Nov 20, 2020 cxn marantz J Jaded1 Established Member Nov 20, 2020 #1 So I'm thinking of buying my first streamer. All web chat conversations are recorded. Thanks for that. Have you checked the review index? 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. Hi all, just considering dipping my toe into the sreaming world But just to emphasise, digital coax output to a DAC works absolutely fine with the Node as Roon Endpoint. The Node 2i costs about RM1,000 more than the Yamaha. Hi. They ARE NOT a streaming service. Posted: . with the design (ie look) of it. Affiliate programs and 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. You also mentioned the IFI Zen. Pleased with this digital part of my sound system while looking around and saving funds for a more performant replacement. That's interested @rvpiano. 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. So what solutioN do I have? Yeah I hope sound doesnt drop over 3 meters. It works great. Find out what makes high-res audio sound better, and how you can experience it. Streamers ranked by sound quality - Networking, Networked Audio, and You are using an out of date browser. Cambridge Audio/Music Direct - CXN v2 Network Player Network Player on Sale for $725 Awesome deal on this unit! 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. And I understand the Node has now been further improved over the 2i. CD3.5/Flatcap (Not sure if I can get the correct interconnect for my toe though!). JL audio E-sub e110 . This has been a fantastic experience. Unfortunately not. 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. Cambridge Audio CXC V2 CD speler CD-Spelers, SA-CD-Spelers 699. . 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. Purchased both as opened box/clearance from CA with warranty. They do not share. My overall interaction with Crutchfield was easy and pleasant. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. The CXN 2 sounds better. If you no longer wish to receive the call, please click the button to cancel your request. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Plus, our headphone writer reviews the high-res streaming music service. CA CXN V2 + CXA81 or the new NAD C399 | AVS Forum 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! You are using an out of date browser. Find out what gear you need to hear Qobuz at its best. Copyright 1996-2023, Crutchfield New Media, LLC. Hopefully this will be fixed with a future Firmware update, but at the moment it's an issue. Streaming Newbie: Cambridge 851N, NAD C 658 Or Inside the a-s801 is ES9010K2M. Then I got thinking the money I would spend on a streamer.. Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 9:39 pm . Too bad the matching amp is priced so high. If using toslink it could be the cable as some do not work well above 24/96 . I would go for the Cambridge over the Bluesound myself well regarded for its price. 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. Definitely not looking for a Sonos or any bluetooth type audio, or multi-room stuff. JavaScript is disabled. To help you choose the right speakers, we recommend using Crutchfields SpeakerCompare Listening Kit. Wiim Pro? Thank you! 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 ? 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. Difference between Bluesound Node 2i and Cambridge CXN v2. $1,299.00 Bluesound app and library management is much better though and more suited for multi-room.usecases. In equal volume mode, we've made the loudness of each speaker about the same. Thank you djones. I use a dedicated Roon Rock server for my Roon to PS Audio DAC endpoint. 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 This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Bluesound Node (New) @wgosma: Opinions vary on the efficacy of aftermarket power cords. It offers Roon Ready and Spotify Connect but no Chromecast Built-in. Affiliate programs and But, if I were later still to obtain an NDS2 or NDX2, would the nDAC still serve as an upgrade to them? So Im not sure what to go for between these streamers, or if I should simply stick with a cable for now. 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. All the boxes are checked in streaming capability (be nice if BT were included vs an option). I prefer Audiolab over Bluesound Node 2i. 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 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! The Bluesound is also half the price of the Cambridge piece. So the cambridge gets rave reviews but It would be a struggle finding room in my existing CD6006 and Marantz Pearl Lite set up. Do you have any thoughts on cable types and length. I really appreciate your technical staff. Details -$300.00 Price break. The world's largest high-end audio community. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Just forget about indexing or playing a large HDD library. To be fair Blue Sound vaguely mentions this and favors the use of a NAS but personally unable to justify the extra hustle. 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 ? This discussion is important for me. If you are looking for SQ, go with CXN If you are looking for ease of use, go with Node. I stream from the Qobuz app. Especially with Tidal MQA, would the node 2i unfold MQA to a partial level since the Yggy is not MQA compatible? If anyone still on this thread, what is the difference in streaming quality vs the two. bumpquestion regarding the need for external DAC above? Connect the CXN V2 outputs to one of the analogue inputs of the CXA61/81 via balanced XLR (CXA81 only), or unbalanced RCA. Im not even sure which service might be best, for me. You are using an out of date browser. The articles & videos are also super-helpful! Like the sound of the old Thorens TT. JavaScript is disabled. Files are large as unable to justify individual track ripping for some music styles (jazz, classical) and instead do full record sides. The only oversight I can see is not including HDMI arc. Cambridge Audio CXN(v2) Streamer . Bluetooth is a simple, wireless way to send music from your phone, tablet, or laptop to your home stereo. 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. I guess. Love Crutchfield! Yes, I agree! 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? 7 Best Music Streamers of 2023 [For Real Audiophiles] - DownHomeDigital I guess your cambridge setup is messed up or the unit is defective. Not using the internal dacs? It outperforms the Dac in my Cambridge 851C cd player. Looks like the only changes to the CXN v2 is a new paint job Agree, same for the CXC as well. 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. 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. I read somewhere there would be a partial unfolding (higher res than red book) on MQA titles from Tidal. To be fair it looks a little better than the micro rendu. I am looking forwarding to attaching one of my external hard drives to it for playback of lossless vinyl rips while I work. Marantz BD8006, Bluesound Node 2021, Marantz Pearl Lite, Revel Concerta2 M16, Sony XZ Premium, LGV30. Will it give full res using Roon? 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 Ill inquire with Cambridge. The CXN is great at $900, but even better at less than that. AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited, Make sure its MIDI compatible and youll be good to go. Anyone have hands on with both? Oh, apart from the RCA to DIN, where I have a Chord Crimson and a Chord Chrysalis (iirc?). For Tech Support, call But the term "chromcast" refers the technology which nowadays available in variety of equipments like TV, Streamer, Sound bar etc. Is this the very latest model? So Bluesound is both streamer and DAC, CXA is power amp 2) Bluesound to CXA via digital coax. Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 3:29 pm Posts: 9 The Bluesound supports a HDD whereas the Yamaha only supports a USB stick. 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. Europe's busiest forums, with independent news and expert reviews, for TVs, Home Cinema, Hi-Fi, Movies, Gaming, Tech and more. Carlos and Alex bring our famous DIY spirit to the annual United Way Day of Caring. I currently have both the bluesound node2i and the Cambridge CXNv2 and IMO, the DAC in the CXNv2 is better. Not sure how all this would sort out, appreciate advise. 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 lets you compare sonic characteristics between speakers so that you can make a more informed shopping decision. 1 Home Entertainment Tech Resource. Thank you for the replies everyone. 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. You must log in or register to reply here. If I were to go the streamer/DAC/pre-amp route I would buy the Cambridge Audio rig in a heart beat. Very bummed they are dropping the black gear though, and very happy I purchased mine in black already. But i feel I want to know for sure whether it skips the internal DAC or not. I have the Cambridge and really like it, but I have no experience with the bluesound. Any difference? 1 Home Entertainment Tech Resource. Read the manual, the CXN v2 passes digital through up to 24/192 on the toslink or coax. It's a good sale now that Cambridge has announced the CX Series 2 line coming next week. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I use Qobuz via a Raspberry Pi running MoOde Audio software. For the money I doubt theres anything else out there to beat it until you start spending Naim or similar entry level price points. I own both the CA 851n and the CXN 1. The other possible route is to put a PSU on the NDX2 such as an XPS. You bet! All rights reserved. But what about the sound quality? One into my Dac and then one analog out from the Node. 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. Otherwise you need to move up to something like a Lumin U1 Mini. I am on the hunt for a good streamer. I guess you got confused between "Chromcast audio" and "Chromcast", the former is an audio gear which is currently stopped production. So I'm biased there and also multi-room can get expensive. company number 03997482, registered in England and Wales. Also in my humble opinion spending BIG bucks on a streamer is a waste when you can get a PI streamer with Roon, AirPlay2, and DNLA support for next to nothing. I use both qobuz and local flac files via Roon so integration with Roon is important too. AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited, 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. CXN is amongst a handful of players to have Chromecast built-in. Knowing which model headphones youre using lets us remove any sonic coloring from your experience. Itll work with you iPad or out of your Windows laptop. #12. So far, so good! displayname, Oct 2, 2019 #12 psulioninks Forum Resident No DAC used? 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. Please enter a valid 10-digit phone number. 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. Is this correct? The NDAC was certainly an upgrade on the internal DAC on the original NDX. Then I traded up to the CXN 2, and late in 2018 to the Node 2i. You dont have to spend a lot of money to get a decent stereo system. JavaScript is disabled. New Bluesound Node vs Cambridge Audio Day Magic 200 Naim ND5-XS (S/H) Bluesound Node (New) Not sure how much better it is than a Node but it supports all major streaming platforms plus ROON. Both are good but prefer my PS Audio Directstream with Bridge II overall. If it isn't double blind, likely is double talk. It can also transmit studio-quality music to Bluetooth headphones or external speakers. A comparison of the best network audio players of 2021 I mean, why would anyone want the internal DAC limiting the sound, then sending it on to a better DAC? It doesnt seem like he needs the storage and disc ripping of the Vault. I have been recently trying to confirm my understanding of the ascending order of things! Unfortunately not. Cambridge Audio CXN v2 & BlueSound Node 2i - YouTube I dont know the Cambridge except for what Ive read. A curious decision on the model designations! JavaScript is disabled. It seems as the CXN uses dual DACS and has balanced outs. Reviving this old topic as I am looking at both of these streaming devices and cant quite make a decision. The CXN V2. iTunes ( my Windows computer) rips my CDs directly to my NAS Ethernet drives. What is the difference between 'dark' and 'warm'? A lot of good advice on this site. No support for AirPlay, Chromecast, Roon. DACs, Streamers, Servers, Players, Audio Interface. Cambridge Audio CXN Version2 - 13th Note HiFi Reviews Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by wingram, Jul 5, 2019. The Bluesound Node 2i is designed with enhanced dual-band WIFI to render the best-in-class performance even in crowded airspaces. Node app is way superior over the CXN and for me is the best music app after Roon. I first streamed digital files attached to my network computer thinking the USB was only good for smaller capacity flash drives. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Bryston BDP pi on here. Bluesound Node 2 vs Cambridge CXN - Canuck Audio Mart Built my own and took ten minutes. The first is the Audiolab 6000N Play, which I consider to be the best sounding streamer in that price range. I think that perhaps my options are likely to be focussed on the Node or maybe the iFi Zen streamer (?). Cambridge Audio CXN v2 streamer vs Bluesound Node 2i No one supports Amazon. you get some phase and time alignment voodoo as well as some system optimization benefits. I have seen numerous posts from people who have and love either unit. .The C 658 is pure high resolution from input to output and features NAD's Direct Digital 35 bit 844kHz DAC, one of the . Sony A95L QD-OLED, X95L MINI LED And Full BRAVIA Range For 2023 (In-Depth Interview). Use Airplay for Qobuz to CA servers. If you do not consent, please do not continue with chat assistance. The Chromecast is is pretty impressive but it isnt gapless. Cambridge CXN V2 or Bluesound Node 2i paired with external DAC? Hello. 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. Cambridge Audio CXN v2 streamer vs Bluesound Node 2i