Focus on speakers/room where a much more substantive change is possible. Nice system. Personally, I think you are better off with the NODE. First, Yamaha wxc 50 in preamp mode does SRC to 48 KHz with everything . I have the Cambridge and really like it, but I have no experience with the bluesound. DACs, Streamers, Servers, Players, Audio Interface. So it's not the Connect app anymore but one called Stream Magic? I guess. Is this possible? #streaming #tidal #qobuzSUBSCRIBE TO PATREON to support Honest & Credible and well produced HiFi reviews and for ;-Ad Free Videos-Added Video Review content . SpeakerCompare simulates the sound of home and car speakers through your headphones. Star Wars 4-6 are the best movies. Being wireless is great, but that cable option is simple. Is this the very latest model? 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. Discussion in 'PCs & Music Servers' started by centralflori, Jul 3, 2021. 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. 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. Thats sort of the point of external USB DACs. Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by wingram, Jul 5, 2019. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. So far, so good! But also I really need to know if the signal from the tablet or phone is untouched. Plenty of other options for less than a new Naim, Lumin U1 mini, Matrix Element I, Ifi Zen Stream. Bryston BDP pi on here. Both are good but prefer my PS Audio Directstream with Bridge II overall. Easy process from start to finish, and the availability of information is second to none. All using original Naim interconnects and NAC-A5 cabling to an old pair of Castle Harlech speakers. This is where the cable game can get me. NAP180 No dealers near me carry it. Inside the a-s801 is ES9010K2M. 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. It might actually sound better but any help would be appreciated. With its Bluetooth aptX, the Bluesound Node 2i easily supports 24-bit streaming directly from your phone or tablet. JavaScript is disabled. Itll work with you iPad or out of your Windows laptop. 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. The Bluesound DAC isnt bad but I wouldnt be surprise if the CXN better. 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. Also the means and ways of interacting with the CXN and its 'switchability' in always . I think its a home-run product. Dear friendsWhich one to choose? The SQ isnt a match for my Hugo when I listened to one, but definitely got closer with an upgraded, Naim, interconnect. Hows that for humble? If I were to go the streamer/DAC/pre-amp route I would buy the Cambridge Audio rig in a heart beat. Will it give full res using Roon? The CXN V2. 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. If your headphones aren't listed, we recommend using our Listening Kit. You also mentioned the IFI Zen. The NAD C399 has higher output and also the possibility of upgrading and having room correction. Not using the internal dacs? Have tried all possible troubleshooting, followed the Bluesound manual/forums and since formatted HDD to NTFS, Fat32, used different flash drives to the exact same outcome. affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, and The Node 2i costs about RM1,000 more than the Yamaha. My entry into streaming was an cxnv2. Bluetooth is a simple, wireless way to send music from your phone, tablet, or laptop to your home stereo. Do you have any thoughts on cable types and length. I mean, why would anyone want the internal DAC limiting the sound, then sending it on to a better DAC? company number 03997482, registered in England and Wales. The OP was interested in the Node, not the Vault. Purchased both as opened box/clearance from CA with warranty. 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. The CXN is great at $900, but even better at less than that. If so the I guess it just comes down to features/size etc. Learn how to get great sound from your computer, tie it into your home audio system, and improve your user experience. On their Support/Community site, they state the Firmware that opened the USB output is still in Beta. All the node's outputs are active all the time, which makes the Node quite nice for its price. Cambridge Audio CXN Version2. CXN v2 supports full 192khz if available. Calls may be recorded for training and quality control purposes. It lets you compare sonic characteristics between speakers so that you can make a more informed shopping decision. The customer support team is personal and phenomenal. Ned's best friend helps him evaluate frequencies only dogs can hear. If you're using an outboard DAC I believe the signal just passes through. I have not heard the Bluesound. So Bluesound is both streamer and DAC, CXA is power amp 2) Bluesound to CXA via digital coax. There are pros and cons on both sides. So I'm thinking of buying my first streamer. You really need to listen to these combinations yourself as personal preference comes into play and we will not always reach the same conclusions. Others like Cambridge CXN and 851N or steamers up to 2500 euro/dollar like Teac, Sotm, Lumin, Innuos Zen etc. The Cambridge CXN (V2) is $1100. It can also transmit studio-quality music to Bluetooth headphones or external speakers. The website is extremely user friendly, unbeatable product selection, customer support, and audio knowledge. 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. @wgosma: Opinions vary on the efficacy of aftermarket power cords. 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. 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. Reviving this old topic as I am looking at both of these streaming devices and cant quite make a decision. SpeakerCompare gives you a sense of the sonic differences. I've had a node 2i for about a year now. Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. Naim ND5-XS (S/H) Bluesound Node (New) 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. One thing I appreciated with Bluesound Vault is its app support of many streaming platforms. New Bluesound Node vs Cambridge Audio Day Magic 200. 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 Too bad the matching amp is priced so high. 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. For free personalized advice, call 1-888-291-8923. 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 I guess your cambridge setup is messed up or the unit is defective. Or, would the DAC quality in these streamers have surpasseed that offered by the nDAC, by this point, making the nDAC now redundant? Others? 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 ? Not familiar with the the streamers youve mentioned, but youre getting some good advice. Inside the a-s801 is ES9010K2M. Jul 27, 2020. Europe's busiest forums, with independent news and expert reviews, for TVs, Home Cinema, Hi-Fi, Movies, Gaming, Tech and more. 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 . 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. 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 Oh, apart from the RCA to DIN, where I have a Chord Crimson and a Chord Chrysalis (iirc?). 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. 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. 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 find it an excellent combination. No support for AirPlay, Chromecast, Roon. Difference between Bluesound Node 2i and Cambridge CXN v2. Posted: . I have my ipad pro connected to my dac/amp via usb c , everything sounds nice. CXN is also 40% more expensive. No one supports Amazon. Definitely get a cable to connect you iPad to the as801. CXN is amongst a handful of players to have Chromecast built-in. 1 Home Entertainment Tech Resource. But it's a little involved and if you don't like to tinker stick with the CXN or get a Node 2i. Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 9:39 pm . The pluses for the CXN2 is good sound quality, overall feel (no plastic), a more powerful processor, and physical controls. Please enter a valid 10-digit phone number. model is referred to as Node N130. So Im not sure what to go for between these streamers, or if I should simply stick with a cable for now. Hi, there is no NDS2!? I have not tried the cxn v2 , but the node2i DAC was ok when I tried. Crutchfield: Legendary Service. Help on getting the maximum from cxn v2 and tidal. 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. I use Airplay for Qobuz. The Bluesound supports a HDD whereas the Yamaha only supports a USB stick. 1) Bluesound to CXA via RCA. The first is the Audiolab 6000N Play, which I consider to be the best sounding streamer in that price range. 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. 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 like to focus this list on the streamer sound quality (with the internal dac bypassed if existant). 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 would go for the Cambridge over the Bluesound myself well regarded for its price. Thanks. I Have the Node and like the connectivity, and supported features to other services like Roon, Qobuz, TuneIn and many more. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I have the CXN V2 and with a Qutest it performs brilliantly. I purchased a black one this morning from Music Direct at the reduced price. So I want a clean signal from a source to be internalised with that DAC. Yeah I hope sound doesnt drop over 3 meters. The former is more detailed, neutral and works with a variety of upstream equipment. 99 Sale price $299. The NDAC was certainly an upgrade on the internal DAC on the original NDX. So the cambridge gets rave reviews but It would be a struggle finding room in my existing CD6006 and Marantz Pearl Lite set up. iTunes ( my Windows computer) rips my CDs directly to my NAS Ethernet drives. CXN (in my opinion) has a little darker sound (not to be confused with warm). Love Crutchfield! Do you know what I mean? I mean, why would anyone want the internal DAC limiting the sound, then sending it on to a better DAC? 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. I didn't know that. But the term "chromcast" refers the technology which nowadays available in variety of equipments like TV, Streamer, Sound bar etc. 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. This device lets you stream stunning sound quality and let you play music files from various apps such as Spotify and Deezer. Bluesound app and library management is much better though and more suited for multi-room.usecases. I love my Vault though. The trade-off is form factor and a higher price. 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. The improved NDX2 closes the gap somewhat but for me the NDAC is still an upgrade, and at used prices, a pretty cheap one. Personaly I'm not interested in other functionality like dac and pre amp. AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited, Find out what makes high-res audio sound better, and how you can experience it. Very bummed they are dropping the black gear though, and very happy I purchased mine in black already. They do not share. This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb. 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!) 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. I use Qobuz via a Raspberry Pi running MoOde Audio software. You can also look at stuff from SMSL, Topping and NuPrime stream 9. 4, was the latest, and supports multi-room use, resampling, and Memory Playback. 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. Preferred the smsl su-8 over their inbuilt DAC. 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. My setup is as follows and it sounds great. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The NODE has native integration with just about every streaming service with the exception of Apple Music (and it does have access to Amazon, despite a previous post). I am looking forwarding to attaching one of my external hard drives to it for playback of lossless vinyl rips while I work. 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.