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. I've had a node 2i for about a year now. 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. My advice to anyone who asks is to investigate them only after you are satisfied with every other part of your system, with emphasis on the speakers, room acoustics, and electronics. I know the node has USB out (if Bluesound have managed to get it working correctly). 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. 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 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 The Node 2i costs about RM1,000 more than the Yamaha. Crutchfield is a servicemark of Crutchfield Corporation. affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, and Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. Yes, with the caveats that the source device (tablet/ phone / streamer) isnt doing anything to the file before passing it on. Knowing which model headphones youre using lets us remove any sonic coloring from your experience. CXN (in my opinion) has a little darker sound (not to be confused with warm). Virtual audio technology allows you to compare sonic characteristics between speakers so you can make a more informed shopping decision. this can result in this site earning a commission. If your headphones aren't listed, we recommend using our Listening Kit. The former is more detailed, neutral and works with a variety of upstream equipment. It doesnt seem like he needs the storage and disc ripping of the Vault. Yeah no to be clear, the DAC I want to use is in the A-S801 amplifier. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. #streaming #tidal #qobuzSUBSCRIBE TO PATREON to support Honest & Credible and well produced HiFi reviews and for ;-Ad Free Videos-Added Video Review content . Otherwise you need to move up to something like a Lumin U1 Mini. Along with the streaming capabilities, which is the best for playing files from a hard drive. SpeakerCompare gives you a sense of the sonic differences. I mean, why would anyone want the internal DAC limiting the sound, then sending it on to a better DAC? They ARE NOT a streaming service. One thing that strikes me about this product is the combination of competitive sound with the balanced design and dual DACs employed. I think there was an android USB DAC app that did something like that (?) Naim ND5-XS (S/H) 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. 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. Oh, apart from the RCA to DIN, where I have a Chord Crimson and a Chord Chrysalis (iirc?). And from my windows laptop I also have USB C.. so theres that, and Im also concerned about loss of quality over the length of cable, which steers me in the direction of a quality cable, but I dont want to spend $$$ on that trap. 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. Lizard King So Im not sure what to go for between these streamers, or if I should simply stick with a cable for now. File format is predominantly FLAC with some WAV and Mp4 for the 16/44.1's. The CXN V2 is part of Cambridge Audio's midrange CX series, which also includes two integrated amplifiers and a CD transport. Since 1974.SM. The pluses for the CXN2 is good sound quality, overall feel (no plastic), a more powerful processor, and physical controls. Focus on speakers/room where a much more substantive change is possible. The No. Others like Cambridge CXN and 851N or steamers up to 2500 euro/dollar like Teac, Sotm, Lumin, Innuos Zen etc. It is half the price of the Cambridge and has a much better user interface with BluOS. Possibility of dropouts on Tidal in particular due to the small buffer. 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. See which models top our list of best picks for 2023. 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. Can't say for surejust learning about this all myself. with the design (ie look) of it. To be honest, with a good high quality stream there are times when it can give my fairly advanced on the upgrade path LP12 a run for its money. All component separate. Great SQ, suppports just about any streaming platform your likely to want, very reliable and stable over wifi. 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. The new one has touch buttons led lights on top of the unit. I use Airplay for Qobuz. I guess you got confused between "Chromcast audio" and "Chromcast", the former is an audio gear which is currently stopped production. Oldsmobile Sport Utility Stereos and Speakers. It delivers a collection of top music technologies for home use. Node? Great customer service, product expertise & lifetime technical support has me as a happy customer. The website is extremely user friendly, unbeatable product selection, customer support, and audio knowledge. $1,299.00 I have seen numerous posts from people who have and love either unit. Is this the very latest model? A 3.5mm headphone jack can be found in the middle of the front panel, below the Bluesound logo, too. No dealers near me carry it. NAP180 Discussion in 'PCs & Music Servers' started by centralflori, Jul 3, 2021. I was thinking of a chord qute 2 or maybe a moon 300d v2 . Personally, I'd get an Amazon Basics or Ugreen that meets your requirements for terminations and length and give it a go. With its Bluetooth aptX, the Bluesound Node 2i easily supports 24-bit streaming directly from your phone or tablet. company number 03997482, registered in England and Wales. Ok. SpeakerCompare simulates the sound of home and car speakers through your headphones. 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 ? I stream from the Qobuz app. The trade-off is form factor and a higher price. Plus an in-depth review of the service by Jeff Miller, Crutchfield's headphone guy. Use Airplay for Qobuz to CA servers. It might actually sound better but any help would be appreciated. . Anyone have hands on with both? IMO any unit that does not have an MQA decoder will be effectively obsolete within 2 years. Find out what gear you need to hear Qobuz at its best. No complaint about the Cambridge app. I guess your cambridge setup is messed up or the unit is defective. actually working with the Bluesound Node on a SN3. Qobuz skipping files. In an actual listening room, you'd find that some speakers play louder than others when fed the same amount of power. CXN V2 - Network Player | Cambridge Audio US Home CXN V2 Network Player $999.00 4 interest-free payments of $249.75. In equal power mode, you'll hear these differences in loudness as they naturally occur between speakers. Do we get hands-on with the gear we sell? Given all the choices of streaming services, it usually comes down to one or two you really like to keep around. I compare the Cambridge Audio CXN version 2 to the Bluesound Node 2i in this video review. 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/Music Direct - CXN v2 Network Player Network Player on Sale for $725 Awesome deal on this unit! 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. 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. So, if I get an MQA capable DAC, can I bypass the Cambridge DAC and get full MQA? Sony A95L QD-OLED, X95L MINI LED And Full BRAVIA Range For 2023 (In-Depth Interview). Am I correct? It does that both analog out and digital out, - and with AirPlay . Very good units for the price, especially when connected via wired internet as opposed to WiFi. HELP WITH CHOICE OF MUSIC STREAMER-CAMBRIDGE AUDIO OR AUDIOLAB OMNIA & TURNTABLE, Chromecast / Airplay Question - iOS - CXN V2 Streamer. 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. Bryston BDP pi on here. 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 on the hunt for a good streamer. Very bummed they are dropping the black gear though, and very happy I purchased mine in black already. My 2 cents; Buy the CXN v2 it's such a pleasure.the app works really quick and the quality is more then good. Dear friendsWhich one to choose? 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. Makes sense. 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. 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 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. Focus on speakers/room where a much more substantive change is possible. The Node is very new and seems to have great functionality. Is this correct? I use both qobuz and local flac files via Roon so integration with Roon is important too. Bluesound Node 2 vs Cambridge CXN. Panasonic 55FZ950. Other than that, I would like to use Airplay (1). You must log in or register to reply here. Any thoughts on which would be the best idea from the following choices? bumpquestion regarding the need for external DAC above? affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, and The Matirx streamer as well as the audiolab streamer are superb too. 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.. So many options to consider. So have Sony, Onkyo, NAD, and others. I have been reading some threads about the addition of an nDAC being a possible wothwhile upgrade to these, at some point. CXN v2 supports full 192khz if available. No, Im not very aware of software choices at this point. If you do not consent, please do not continue with chat assistance. New Bluesound Node vs Cambridge CXN v2 for High Res Streaming? Any thoughts on which would be the best idea from the following choices? but the IPad USB C is direct audio then? A lot of good advice on this site. 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. Linked to my laptop, other than getting the artwork wrong occasionally, its pretty seamless. 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.