Head to squarespace.com/cheapaudioman to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code cheapaudioman Cambridge Audio MXN10 howl.me/cjXcCe4PuJy Cambridge Audio DACMAGIC200M howl.me/cjXcEnwGies Intro graphics by johnvilardi.com Support the Channel by Shopping on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK Cheap Audio Man Store Front shop.howl.me/cam Join the best hifi community out there! patreon.com/cheapaudioman TRY ROON roonlabs.com/r/RTmYWdCP9kitqouBa5pcIw Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5
Paired the MXN10 with the Rega IO and a set of B&W 606 S2s - is the perfect 2 channel set up for me and have vinyl, CD and streaming all covered! Tidal Master tracks through the MXN sound full, rich and incredible clarity - couldn’t be happier
I have had to deal with Cambridge a couple of times over the years. They are excellent as far as personal service. We need more companies like them in the industry. Glad to see they are still putting out good electronics.
I was suffering from dropouts and stuttering while playing on my brand new CXNv2. After a few e-mails with them. They recommended to change the network connection from WiFi to Ethernet. Even though the WiFi signal was pretty much maxed out. Haven't heard a stutter or dropout since. Neither with Roon nor StreamMagic. Their support is excellent indeed
I have one of these MXN10's. Software has been absolutely solid, not one hiccup in over 2 months. Seems Cambridge has improved their software from the last time I used it with the CXN2 a couple years ago. I have yet to listen to the internal dac on the MXN10 but I think I'll hook up the analog outs today after watching this. Digital transport only and I can tell no difference between it and the WiiM mini. The 4 buttons on the front of the Cambridge is pretty cool, you can assign your favorite playlists to it or internet radio stations. It's like a shortcut button. I will say if you can deal with or get the Zen Stream to function properly for you it does have a blacker background over all these other "budget" type streamers, it is the only one that stands out as a transport only. I'll assume it's due to their isolation and noise reducing products they put into their streamers, but as noted the Zen has been super buggy for a lot of people. What good does that do ya? I feel the MXN10 has really reliable software.
Just compare the blue sound node with the MXN 10. bluesound node beats at hands down for set up, ease of use and sound. Blue sound no also comes with base and treble mxn10 does not. returning the MX-10. These reviews have the positively review quit equipment otherwise they're out of a job
@@Dan-iy8ig I didn't feel there was much difference between the Node & Cambridge..but I was using a $1k external DAC. Cambridge dac/sound seemed pretty good though. Tad warm. Not sure how one or the other is hands down better than the other with set-up & software..they both seemed pretty much plug and play, neither software seemed like an issue. Not sure how you are hooking yours up though, maybe wifi is different. I tried a couple other streamers since I posted that comment and I've found the Primare Prisma to have great sound quality...it has no DAC though. Anyway, I didn't think there was anything wrong with that Cambridge, seemed average. Probably why it got decent reviews. I commented cause I was curious what the issues were that you thought it so terrible. Granted it has less functions than a Node, but sound quality and software function you feel the Node is that much better huh? Thanks & Happy New Year
@@NosEL34Nemo of Nemo Propaganda said the same thing about the Node & the MXN10. He said he could not hear difference at all between the two. He actually raved about the MXN10 Many have lauded the simplicity and ease of use of Cambridge’s DacMagic app. Everyone is different, different rooms, other gear, different listening preferences. I want a streamer to sound good and be easy to use. I also believe that many want to justify their purchase, staunchly defending their buying decision. 👍🏼🎶😎
I bought the iFi Zen Stream several months ago on sale (holiday pricing) from BH photo and it has worked flawlessly for me in my TP Link Deco mesh WiFi setup. I use it with Roon connected to my Denafrips Ares II and sounds wonderful. I built a Roon Rock / Mock with a used HP Elitedesk Mini 800 G5 intel i5 9500 which had worked without any issues. I must admit I was concerned about the connectivity issues people were reporting but I think a lot of the early release bugs have been worked out. I would say the iFI Zen Stream is a good alternative to the Cambridge audio streamer.
Just got this.. AMAZING app and sound. Much better then my node 2i. The DAC actually sounds better then my SMSL-SU8s Using it standalone with a Cambridge Audio CXA-61 Couldn’t be happier! Playing DSD files from USB too is a treat!
Thanks for posting this. Are you still happy year later? Just curious. I just got the CXA61, and I’m considering this to add a streamer to my rig. Thanks again! 🎶👍🏼
I own 2 dedicated streamers, next to my Octavio AMP and Marantz M-CR612 network streaming amps. The first one is the tiny WiiM Mini. I tend to call it the hockey puck. The second one is my personal pride and joy. A Cambridge Audio CXNv2. Both work through Roon. The WiiM through AirPlay, the Cambridge is fully Roon Ready. I like both the WiiM's Home app and the Cambridge's StreamMagic app. Both are easy to use. And each offers support for Qobuz, Tidal and Deezer. To which I'm subbed. I also love the preset option the CXNv2 offers. I can store up to 99 favorites. Being Internet Radio stations, albums, tracks etc. Not sure if the MXN10 offers the same option. Sound quality wise. The Cambridge sounds awesomely when hooked up to my Octavio AMP and Dali Spektor 2 speakers. Both analog and digital. The WiiM Mini sounds good when connected digitally, but analog it's not so great. When it comes to value for money. You can't beat the WiiM. About the whole MQA story. I do own 2 DAC's which can decode MQA. An iFi Zen DAC V2 and a Loxjie D30. They both sound good in their own rights. The iFi is connected to my 2014 Mac Mini which is setup as my Roon Core running on Linux Mint. The Loxjie is connected to my daily laptop. Out of all these devices, the Cambridge gets by far the most playtime. I don't care that it doesn't support MQA. I have other devices which can handle that. And truth be told. I don't think I'll be missing it if it were to go away.
The ground loop works like a charm. I had my Windows PC connected to vintage Spectral pre/power combo and the buzz over USB was unbearable. My dealer loaned me a CA DacMagic 200M to try. As soon as I turned on the ground loop, all became dead quiet. It’s worth the money just for that if you know how irritating the ground noise buzz is.
I have the DacMagic 200m and I downloaded a 512x DSD album from NativeDSD and it sounds amazing. Best file format I've ever heard hands-down, and it's a shame that big record labels don't record DSD versions of their albums in-studio.
Hi Randy. Thanks for the video. Entertaining and informative as always. I will stay with my Wiim Pro and Schitt Modi+ and have the flexibility of being able to upgrade the DAC at a later stage. Point taken regarding company longevity but im willing to take the gamble. All the best.
Really depends on your use-case scenario with the Zen Stream. If you’re using it with Roon as an endpoint, have a good external DAC, and use an ethernet connection, it really can’t be beat for any streamer under $1500. With this config, it’s been rock solid with zero issues for going on a month now and it sounds just as clean and impressive as the Hifi Rose RS150B I compared it to and noticeably better than the Bluesound Node (2021) when running both USB out. Even beat the Node on reliability. All this for $300 (Zen Stream) on the used market.
Use to have issues with the ifi zen streamer when i just bought it, but now it is rock solid, no drop outs no issues, not sure why, but it working fine now.
Tried their AXR100 stereo receiver and the musicality (I can’t think of a better word) was stunning and brought out emotion in all my music especially masters of lower quality (I thought Lullabies to Paralyze by QOTS sounded incredible through it). The Yamaha A-S801 that I auditioned it against was noticeably brighter but extremely unemotional despite being very good. It’s hard to explain how I felt but it sounded perfect to me. That said there was a very low level ticking noise from the CA that chalked up to home wiring quality but ended up returning it anyway and got one of CAs integrateds and I am very happy although thought the Wolfson DAC in the other model sounded fuller. I want to get the DAC magic 100 and see if it can recreate the experience I had with the AXR100. Truly one of the best amps I personally enjoyed. EDIT - context and structuring
Randy I couldn’t agree more on your comments on this! I am currently running a WiiM Pro streamer based on your recommendation and love it. An internal dac means nothing to me as I run it to my separate Dac/pre. Eversolo can’t keep the dmp-a6 in stock and obviously that is what us audio folks want. A quality streamer with a display, with great software for $800 or less. It would sell like hotcakes!!! Come on Wiim, Bluesound and others…
I’m not so sure about the streamer with the screen thing. I often use my iPad connected via USB cable to Schiit Modi+ DAC, which kinda makes this a Hi-Res Lossless streamer with beautiful display. But you know, I have to get up in order to change tracks. So oftentimes I just stream Airplay from my iPhone to WiiM Pro which is also connected to the same Modi+ DAC. The screen is my iPhone. Unfortunately, Apple Music doesn’t do Lossless with Airplay. So I still have to use iPad and get up when I want better quality 😂
@@kiv9431 lol yep I have the same setup. I use my Wiim mini for convenience and I use my iPad via usb for hi-rez and mqa files. The display is nice. I guess I am just lazy. I need to just setup playlists and I should be good to go.
The Cambridge Audio CXN has been around for years and that has a screen. Now on v2. The screen isn't awesome or enormous but it tells you what's playing and shows you the album art. Great product with a brilliant built in dac.
Yes the dac is aged a little now, but it sounds dam good . I think the eversolo beats it now, I have a b them however using pre amp mode the Cambridge still has it .
It’s £799 and for what you’re actually getting it’s way overpriced, as is the one being reviewed here. You can get similar performance from a Wiim Mini and an SMSL SU-1 for £160. I have the CXA60 which has a very similar DAC to the V2, and there’s nothing in it. The 60 is in my living room and the SU-1 is in my office with an old Audiolab 8000a.
@@doifeellucky If you're not bothered about a screen that's fine but if you want the option of always being able to see what's playing by just moving your eyes the choices are limited. The Eversolo is clearly much better though and hopefully the competition will rise to that challenge.
And the highs roll-off put me off. Sold, went back to Bluesound, life's good again. Bass control of speakers on CXN V2 is exemplary, but nobody seems to talk about the almost abrupt roll-off of the high frequencies, and I can still hear good, thank deities.
I use DSD. I find that DACs handle it better than PCM, even with music which has been upsampled to DSD. It lets the DAC focus more on the output stage, without working so hard on the conversion processing and filtering. Generally results in a blacker background and improved soundstage and dynamics. Some people may be accustomed to, or prefer, the bite that PCM can give you. I guess it's a matter of taste.
I have the Wiim Mini that was purchased to add streaming for an older top-of-the-line Yamaha HTR. The Yamaha has a handful of extra optical ports, so the Wiim can leverage the DAC inside the Yamaha. The internal DAC inside the Wiim seems to work well when hooked directly to a higher-quality portable speaker like the KEF Muo, as it sounds better than BT APTX from the phone. I completely agree with your assessment regarding the iFi vs the Cambridge. I've done a fair amount of research into the iFi and wouldn't buy it unless I were heavy into Tidal Connect or Roon. All told the iFi seems like kind of a missed opportunity.
Yes, the flaky Internet connectivity of the Zen Stream killed it for me. Not everyone can run a long Ethernet cable from their router to their audio system. Can't believe Zen hasn't fixed it and come out with a better "mk. 2" version. If a WiiM Mini can solidly connect to the Internet for $80, iFi has no excuse for putting out such inferior gear at $400. My WiiM Mini does Tidal Connect just fine (I don't use MQA, I'm at their "Hi-Fi" tier).
@@rosswarren436 Completely agree. I would have bought one but at the time was told the Node was the safer option. As I didn’t need the DAC I stuck with my Chromecast Audio into my amp. I now have a mini and a pro in different systems. I got the pro for the optical input from my TV. Any idea how stable the stream is via Ethernet as I’d only need a few feet of cable to connect one to my switch?
@@doifeellucky ah, it varies. Some reviewers have said it practically makes no difference - If you have a solid wi-fi connection (and that is the key) - I'd keep using it. Some routers can be configured to give priority to audio/video streams if you want to get that granular about it. Now, there's no harm in using a good Ethernet cable though and it might make make a small difference if your network gets bogged down (say when relatives come to visit for Thanksgiving) or your kid is playing a data intensive video game online. Good luck. Many of the people who seem to have the most issues are those using "mesh" networks" or "wi-fi extenders" on their wi-fi. I don't use any of those. My wi-fi router is plenty strong throughout my small house.
I'm serious about my audio too, that's why i just purchased the HIBY R6III DAP WiFi streamer, with two mono ESS SABRE 9038 dacs per channel, that has a slightly lower noise floor at ( -120db ) including a slightly lower distortion figure of 0.0004, than that particular Cambridge audio streamer and dac combination you have just reviewed 🤔 . I'm using the line out of the HIBY R6III DAP into my pre and power mono amplifiers . The HIBY R6III DAP also has the choice of CLASS A or CLASS AB mode, and with my particular audio system with my two way monitors, i prefer the HIBY R6III DAP on the CLASS AB mode. It even sounds absolutely wonderfully fine and kicks the sound quality ass even with my spotify premium subscription 🤔 .
@@sdrtcacgnrjrc the 35 sounds a tad more detailed but because I have Martin Logan electro static speakers I'm using the 100. But if you have easy to drive speakers and don't need too much power I would go with the 35.
I almost forgot, the dmp a6 ALSO as a SSD slot that you can add, it accepts up to 4 TB, so it also can be a server, and in one of the 2 usb A ports you can use a cd drive to rip your audio cds into it, and it fetches album art and other metadata from the Web. ATM I'm saving for it, although I'm also curious about the Holo red. The only common ground is the streamer ability, the Red isn't a server, nor has analog outputs ( single ended rca and xlr) like the DMP-A6.
I have been very happy with Bluesound Node so far and I was planning to buy a second one for another room... Node is $100 more and seems to about the same stuff. I am more inclined to stick with Bluesound so I only have to use one app to control both. But I am also considering Roon eventually where it won't matter. Decisions decisions...
I just got the Cambridge Audio MXN10, and would normally stream to my Burson Audio Conductor x3 Performance. Today, I decided instead to connect it to my Topping DX3 Pro + and when using my Shure 1840 headphones, swapping between the DAC of the MXN10 and DX3 Pro +, Both use ESS dacs, I couldn't hear any difference in the sound of the two systems. Previously, I had done a similar test between the Arcam CDS50 steamer/cd player, which also used an ESS DAC and again I couldn't tell any difference between the sound.
I’m using DacMagic 200M as a DAC and the WiiM Pro just as a streamer. I wonder if the MXN10 as a streamer would improve the sound besides being a matching product for thr DAC Magic 200M? Anyone with experience in this?
I have a WIIM Pro feeding a Cambridge DacMagic and I think it all sounds pretty good. I would also have to mention that I had some issues with the WIIM (which turned out to be my fault) and I must say that the WIIM Customer Services was way beyond excellent.
Thanks for your time and effort to share this with us. Not sure if either of these products have a place in my systems as I rip and stream from my PC or NAS, and imo there are other options available in my price range. Stay well, Sir.
Like the channel and like what you do, however just a bit of hopefully constructive feed back, this was titled as "on the verge of dominating the Blue Sound Node", however 95% of the comparisons you gave were against other products some miles cheaper, you hardly mentioned the node, or how the features compared like for like with the node, and what the Cambridge sounded like compared to the Blue sound node. Given the price this is most likely what it would be compared against.... So I got to the end of the vid and thought well despite the title of the video I am still none the wiser how it compares to the Node so felt a bit short changed..... that aside all delivered with your normal fun and enjoyment which I love about this channel, Would love to know how you thought it actually sounded against the node with out the DAC Magic and how it compared feature wise.
Honestly... you don't need a turn table... CD player... or ANYTHING ELSE than this thing... MXN10 pluggued via analogs and BAM... you unleash a totaly different beast from your gear
@@rosswarren436 In the U.K. it's quite a bit cheaper, I didn't allow for the export tax, apologies. I have the same problem with American products imported to my country.
@@MrGorpmIt’s £799 and for what you’re actually getting it’s way overpriced, as is the one being reviewed here. You can get similar performance from a Wiim Mini and an SMSL SU-1 for £160. I have the CXA60 which has a very similar DAC to the V2, and there’s nothing in it. The 60 is in my living room and the SU-1 is in my office with an old Audiolab 8000a.
@@doifeellucky I have owned a CXA60 and there is a big difference between the two. Your choice of speakers and setup may be restricting your ability to hear the differences.
@@MrGorpm Which speaker were/are you using? In general most of what I’ve read and had feedback on says you get the most significant differences in the following order 1) speaker, 2) amp, 3) sub, with 4) DAC, 5) source, 6) cables and other associated stuff, being much less significant. As the DAC in the CXA and CXN are both Wolfson I’d be interested to know the sort differences you heard. What other equipment are you using now?
Nice black bay 😉 with those airplay streamer can I plug a vinyle on a cambridge system ( ampli and streamer ) and swtiching the sound on a sonos speaker on airplay ? thanks
Good video, Randy. I use the WiiMPro with the SMSL SU 1 in my bedroom. Awesome combination. I'd consider the Cambridge DAC and I just don't need the headphone section.
As always, enjoyable watching your videos. Often watch you review things I have no interest in bying, but still make time to watch your videos. This on the other hand I might buy, I have a question thoug. How is it with Apple music? If I stream from an iPhone or an iPad to the bluesound Node 130 using Apple music, it only streams in 16 bit 44.1 regardles of Apple music file for that specific song or album. How does the Cambridge hold up to that?
The Cambridge audio CXN has been around and it has a remote control, with a screen to boot. It is around $1000 I don't know about the app. Does not appear to have Tidal Connect, the dac is an older dual Wolfson WM8740 24-bit DACs. No headphone amp.
So, i have a CA DacMagic Upsampling (predecessor to the Dacmagic Plus). Should i buy a WiiM Pro and use the CA DAC i have, or should i buy the MXN10 ? Or maybe the MXN10 and connect it to the CA DacMagic ?
I was surprised to see Wiim gives me easy access to all my local FM radio stations through the internet, so no crappy connectivity issues. I don't know why Spotify quit working on it though. Says I need premium to listen now. That ain't happening
Hi I’m the first to admit I’m completely ignorant regarding Audio, in fact I’m pretty lost in the audiophile warren. That said I recently purchased a CA AXR100 and AXC35, both are great and I’m very happy with them. I’m playing Amazon music via the Bluetooth on the AXR from my iPad and it sounds fine. Question is, would I benefit from buying a AX or MX100?
I have also seen a product AXN10 listed for same price and same or similar specs. The difference seems to be mostly the shape of the case? What is actually the difference?
Thank you for your video review. Can I make a suggestion? Can you have some videos with all examples of how to use/connect all of these components, including the smart TV? Those with and without a headphone? We have Smart TVs, We have DACs, We have Amps, We have Streamers, We have Douk Audio A/B switchers... I think that a lot of people are not really that clear with Analog and Digital signals, and what goes where. Thanks.
As I’m getting back into audio…dacs are probably the biggest fleecing. Streamers are a close second. It’s a chip and inputs/outputs. I get manufactures try to process their sound but come on… $500 and up? Yes, we like our new gadgets, I just think dacs are over done for what they do. Ted talk over…
Uh, you can't build a Raspberry Pi based DAC now with a good Allo digi-hat and power supply for less than about $400 these days. And then you end up with something looking like an 8th grade science fair project instead of a finished product. Just saying, these devices cost what they do and in general are worth it depending on what quality of sound you are after and how good your stereo system is. Compare a low cost DAC like a Schiit Modi against a Gustard R26 and you will hear significantly better sound from the Gustard. Is the Gustard worth $1600 compared to the $150 Modi? Many people think so.
The chipsets are pennies, it's the R&D (and err marketing...) for the implementation that costs. Add to that software and licensing. WiiM devices are cheap because the app is built on already existing software and they probably didn't hire electronics engineers with an audio background. It works though and it shows just what can be achieved without milking the customers wallet. Traditional audio companies are going to have a very hard time with the new breed, especially as Chinese brands can offer "state of the art" (Amirm - Audio Science Review) DACs for under 200.
I love my Cambridge AXR100. Really woke up the bass extension of my towers. I just can’t justify 500$ for a streamer that doesn’t even have digital input to analog output. Like, it has a high quality DAC built in, why the hell would I output a bit stream to another DAC that’s connected to my TV/PC? For it to be worth five bills, I’d need it to perform all those functions, have digital input with full 2.1 analog out, volume control via pot and remote, and if we are being truly honest, I think it should have dual DAC chips and 1/4” TRS outputs for balanced amplifiers. Otherwise you could daisy chain a Wiim streamer to a SMSL D6, and have every feature I mentioned for half the price.
You could also just run the WiiM Pro or Mini into the DAC of your AXR100. I've heard that set up recently and it sounded absolutely fantastic with Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bookshelf speakers (no sub). We also tried adding my Schiit Audio Modi 3E DAC, which made a noticeable difference in my system (Emotiva BASX-TA100 integrated amp), and apparently, the DAC in the AXR100 is better than the DAC in my Emotiva TA-100, because the Modi 3E did not make much difference. The AXR100 is really solid on its own.
@@MechAdv Then I totally agree! Also, had the SMSL D6 (loved the idea of the dual AKM DACS), and did not like it. It made things sound too bright/harsh on the top end and recessed my mids that weren't like that before. Bought the SMSL SU-1, and MUCH smoother! So, SU-1 + WiiM Pro = super sweet budget stream set up or even cheaper, WiiM Mini + SU-1 for ultimate bargain set up. I just prefer the Pro for the full-sized outputs and Ethernet input (that I actually use). Thanks for the chat!
@@ramondelgado6778 No worries, good to know you didn’t like the D6, I’ve been considering getting one for my office to pair with JBL 308s since they only have balanced input. I guess I’ll have to try out a few options if I decide to put together that powered system.
The WiiM Pro isn't worth the extra over the Mini unless you require the specific connectivity options the Pro offers. They both perform the same in terms of responsiveness and measure the same as each other on both digital and analogue outputs.
It has Chromecast built in so yes it can be considered a replacement, but it does a lot more, and has a decent built-in DAC. The WiiM Pro also has Chromecast built in and is much cheaper, but the DAC is so-so. For critical listening most would use the WiiM Pro with an external DAC offering better sound.
I have some WiiM Minis and love them, but as you stated, company longevity can be a concern, especially for devices costing $500 to $1000. Knowing Cambridge will be around 5 years from now becomes important. Many are reviewing (and liking) the ~$750 Eversolo DMP-A6 streamer (has a cool screen like a poor man's Hi-Fi Rose), but it is based on a flavor of Android that is already 2 years old. How long would that device continue to function if Eversolo exits the marketplace or decides to stop doing software updates? If that happens to WiiM, I'm out $160, not $750.
If you get the Ifi Zen Stream running, it is worth the time you put into it. It's not plug and play like most streamers but once it's set up through the odd menu system, you can forget about it and just have a very clean signal with their iPower included.
Hi @cheapaudioman, quick question, as a bit of a novice with audio equipment I'm, not sure if my Marantz amp features a DAC. I bought it 18 years ago. Was a DAC standard for Marantz amps back then? Thanks
If there’s no USB or Toslink input, not likely - Bluetooth or AirPlay streaming wouldn’t require those of course, but the age of unit may well precede those having been standard features on a two channel audio only amp - but a simple Google search on the model number should answer that.
@@fonkenful Thanks, right I was trying to weigh up whether to go with the Wiim Pro or not. I have the Wiim Mini and it is great but I can't stream Bandcamp to it via Chromecast and Pro solves that. So if the Wiim Mini works with my amp then the Pro will right? Thanks again
@@LiamFlanagan-dd9wb I’ve had no experience with either WIIM products, but have been enjoying my BlueSound Node for at least a year now; it replaced a several years old Marantz CR611 (cute enough little all in-one networking receiver) that died, and good luck getting service these days😠 As is the case for many greybeards, I had a spare 2 channel,power amp, so just the pre-amp version of Node was sufficient for my use case. If the WIIM Pro offers more connectivity/natively accessible streaming options than you’ve currently got, it could certainly be a logical,step. Whether its DAC would need future upgrading only your ears could tell.
@@Laissez_Faireany amps don’t have built in DAC and streaming capabilities. I have a Cambridge amp which is about 7 years old with an internal DAC that I connect a Wiim Pro into. In my office I use an old Audiolab 8000a that I use with a Wiim Mini and an SMSL SU-1 DAC, as the Audiolab has no digital connectivity. It’s about 25 years old.
@@Laissez_Faire as doifeellucky noted, many people have older receivers and/or even brand-new integrated amps or amps that do not have built-in DACs or any streaming apps. Buying external ones is the only way to get streaming services into them. Other times, a better external DAC can get more life out of an older integrated amp that they are very happy with otherwise, bypassing its internal DAC. Also, some older devices have pretty bad software user interfaces (like Play-Fi or ones based on it) causing more user aggravation than many of the much easier to use streamers available now. And most all late model streamers have Tidal Connect, Roon, Spotify Connect, Airplay, and some offer Chromecast. These native apps can make life easier and music more fun and simpler to enjoy.
@@rosswarren436 oh I see now. Thanks for the explanation 👍 My system is sounding awesome at the moment. Although the tidal app through play-fi is not the best interface it does work. I wish it would work like Spotify or better yet I wish Spotify would offer lossless 🤷🏻♂️. I love how Spotify work and at times I find myself just using Spotify because of how intuitive it is and how it turn on everything the second I ask it to play something on my anthem.
WiiM Mini or Pro - it's a no brainer. Measured and confirmed Bit perfect digital output (up to 24 bit 192KHz) solid WiFi or Ethernet LAN (Pro only) connection and the Linkplay phone app is pretty good and claims not to spy on you. Neither model has USB data transfer, which is a shame but the units are inexpensive (in HiFi terms) and you'd honestly have to be more than a touch simple to not follow the guided setup. If you can live with wireless only (WiFi/Bluetooth) and an optical S/PDIF output then the cheaper Mini is honestly much better value. The Pro adds some connectivity options but doesn't really function any better as a streaming transport unless you need coaxial output or your WiFi is a bit rubbish. You can even slave several units on your home network to one "master" unit for multi room playback. They do have an internal DAC (same chipset and implementation on both) so you can have your main setup and add another Mini or Pro for a cheap kitchen or garden setup. They also support internet radio and DNLA for playing files on a NAS. And I repeat: bit perfect digital output up to 24/192, measured and confirmed by the Audio Science Review community.
They should be the same as long as they don’t add much digital noise (and they probably don’t). In terms of sound, this would be external DAC that makes the difference, not these.
The Eversolo DMP - A6 streamer does Amazon HD, Tidal, Apple music, Qobuz, and more. Around 860 Euro in Europe. If it's above your limit, the wiim Pro and mini also stream Amazon HD.
I run the Wiim Pro into. Topping E50 ( IFI power supply) …and I’m good …for a faction of that price ( I’m in CANADA 🍁 and the exchange rate is brutal) Great review 👍☕️🍕
You dismiss the Zen Stream based on its software. However, you don't need a third party software to use the ZS. It has Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon (which works great) and Upnp. You said you've used the Cambridge with Tidal Connect. So, why not comparing it with the Zen Stream as a transport, using Tidal Connect or Roon, for example? I've had the Zen Stream for 18 months now and never had problems with it. I agree that the internal volumio-based software, used mostly for settings, is not the most straightforward and elegant interface, but it's not so difficult or clumsy either. All I can say is that it's a very good device, sounds very good and works like a charm as a Roon Bridge (that's how I use it). It's a pitty you've turned it down based on unreasonable claims because I was genuinely interested in your impressions on how it compares with this new Cambridge streamer.
Great company but the lack of full Pandora or Amazon Music streaming is a no go in my universe. Using Airplay provides a lo-fi audio result. Add these services and I will purchase their streaming products today.
My first Cambridge was 4.1 computer setup back in 2000. I still have their minx subwoofers. Solid stuff if you have room for two channel. Edit…here’s your upthumb
Do you think you'll review any of the raspberry pie based streamers or dacs? Cambridge Audio does produce excellent product across their entire line. I also like their sublime style cues. Darko has been raving about that new turntable with Bluetooth.
Streamers and DACs are expensive gadgets. I have an AppleTV for Radio Paradise and a Firestick for Amazon Music HD. I did purchase a Bluesound Node 2i, though it sounds fine, it is essentially a brick. And 24/192? Can’t hear the difference from CD quality.
i've been streaming qobuz from my ipad with a camera adapter to a modi3 to rotel a11 ,would a streamer like this be an improvement in sound quality, or should i just upgrade my dac, also have a rotel 1572 cd player with a wolfson dac that sounds better it's fuller and a little better imaging trying to get streaming to match or surpass that
I missed the live stream, but I wanted to raise my hand as one that uses DSD. I use PCM a lot more FWIW. I bought a bunch of San Francisco Symphony Mahler SACDs back in the early 2000's and really love those recordings. I ripped them to DSF files and I play them back on a Schiit Loki (from back when the Loki was DSD DAC) using a Pi running Volumio. I have both the PCM (just 44.1/16) and DSD versions of those Mahler albums and the DSD version has a noticably lower noise floor (very good for Mahler!) and sounds very slightly more natural to me. But it's perhaps not a fair comparison since 44.1/16 is a much lower bit rate than DSD.
Ditto having a WIIM Pro feed a Cambridge DacMagic 200M . . . Excellent streaming combo for my main system. I especially like the Amazon Music interface that Wiim offers . . . it helps you to bypass the problem with the Echo Dot & Echo view devices not being able to provide a COAX or Optical input into your DAC for better decoding. You could go the Bluetooth route but eh . . ya know? 😕
Missed the live stream, but I am the proud owner of the debut Boston album in DSD64. So I use it, but I was just looking for something in that format I knew, for a test drive. Doubt I would purchase DSD again if things remain as is in digital audio. Nothing wrong with it, it's still a great listen. It's a cost/value issue for me.
I have Spotify on my TV. My TV is connected to a DAC and then into my integrated. Would dropping $500 on a streamer really make that much of a difference?
I'd consider it from a use case. You wouldn't have to leave your TV on all the time, needlessly wasting power and putting hours on it. A streamer/DAC won't use nearly as much electricity as a TV. But if you are using lossy Spotify (which can still sound fine), I'd go for a WiiM Mini or WiiM Pro - both are much cheaper than this device. The WiiM Pro adds Google Chromecast functionality (like this Cambridge) if you need it.
@@Final_Resolution Ahh, but digital outputs are not all the same... OK, well engineered digital outputs ARE all the same as long as the product doesn't do anything to the data in between receiving it and passing it on to whatever connection the device is using to output. The Bit perfect output of the WiiM devices is the number one reason they have become so popular. Well, aside from being fairly cheap, having a decent app and getting the products plastered all over RUclips(!) I really wouldn't get worked up about 320 Mp3 either as so many recordings won't sound any better at 16 or 24 bit anyway. Now when you go lower than 320 there tends to be quite a noticeable difference... As long as the data is received without alteration, then it's really down to the quality of the DAC and if the user is satisfied with the UI and stability of connection of whichever device they are using as a streaming transport.
Hi Randy I've been watching your videos for a long time now but unfortunately this video flew straight over my head , too many numbers & machines dacs etc left me confused. I'm new to the digital world and now I will just stick with my Dac Magic 1 for my CD player & Tuner.
Have the Mxn 10 like the sound but after 4 days of the app working on my iPad, it will no longer connect to the unit….Cambridge has been no help, nothing in my network or systems has changed and everything else still works…..the application needs help….😢
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Paired the MXN10 with the Rega IO and a set of B&W 606 S2s - is the perfect 2 channel set up for me and have vinyl, CD and streaming all covered! Tidal Master tracks through the MXN sound full, rich and incredible clarity - couldn’t be happier
I have had to deal with Cambridge a couple of times over the years. They are excellent as far as personal service. We need more companies like them in the industry. Glad to see they are still putting out good electronics.
That's music to our ears. Very happy to hear you had such a good experience!
I was suffering from dropouts and stuttering while playing on my brand new CXNv2. After a few e-mails with them. They recommended to change the network connection from WiFi to Ethernet. Even though the WiFi signal was pretty much maxed out. Haven't heard a stutter or dropout since. Neither with Roon nor StreamMagic.
Their support is excellent indeed
I have one of these MXN10's. Software has been absolutely solid, not one hiccup in over 2 months. Seems Cambridge has improved their software from the last time I used it with the CXN2 a couple years ago. I have yet to listen to the internal dac on the MXN10 but I think I'll hook up the analog outs today after watching this. Digital transport only and I can tell no difference between it and the WiiM mini. The 4 buttons on the front of the Cambridge is pretty cool, you can assign your favorite playlists to it or internet radio stations. It's like a shortcut button. I will say if you can deal with or get the Zen Stream to function properly for you it does have a blacker background over all these other "budget" type streamers, it is the only one that stands out as a transport only. I'll assume it's due to their isolation and noise reducing products they put into their streamers, but as noted the Zen has been super buggy for a lot of people. What good does that do ya? I feel the MXN10 has really reliable software.
Just compare the blue sound node with the MXN 10. bluesound node beats at hands down for set up, ease of use and sound. Blue sound no also comes with base and treble mxn10 does not. returning the MX-10.
These reviews have the positively review quit equipment otherwise they're out of a job
@@Dan-iy8ig I didn't feel there was much difference between the Node & Cambridge..but I was using a $1k external DAC. Cambridge dac/sound seemed pretty good though. Tad warm. Not sure how one or the other is hands down better than the other with set-up & software..they both seemed pretty much plug and play, neither software seemed like an issue. Not sure how you are hooking yours up though, maybe wifi is different. I tried a couple other streamers since I posted that comment and I've found the Primare Prisma to have great sound quality...it has no DAC though. Anyway, I didn't think there was anything wrong with that Cambridge, seemed average. Probably why it got decent reviews. I commented cause I was curious what the issues were that you thought it so terrible. Granted it has less functions than a Node, but sound quality and software function you feel the Node is that much better huh? Thanks & Happy New Year
@@NosEL34Nemo of Nemo Propaganda said the same thing about the Node & the MXN10. He said he could not hear difference at all between the two. He actually raved about the MXN10 Many have lauded the simplicity and ease of use of Cambridge’s DacMagic app. Everyone is different, different rooms, other gear, different listening preferences. I want a streamer to sound good and be easy to use. I also believe that many want to justify their purchase, staunchly defending their buying decision. 👍🏼🎶😎
Just made coffee coincidentally. I'm partial to Bluesound just being from Canada but Cambridge Audio has always been part of my gear over the years.
I bought the iFi Zen Stream several months ago on sale (holiday pricing) from BH photo and it has worked flawlessly for me in my TP Link Deco mesh WiFi setup. I use it with Roon connected to my Denafrips Ares II and sounds wonderful. I built a Roon Rock / Mock with a used HP Elitedesk Mini 800 G5 intel i5 9500 which had worked without any issues. I must admit I was concerned about the connectivity issues people were reporting but I think a lot of the early release bugs have been worked out. I would say the iFI Zen Stream is a good alternative to the Cambridge audio streamer.
What mode do you use and which streaming service(s) do you use? I think those can be part of the problem for some. Thanks.
Just got this..
AMAZING app and sound. Much better then my node 2i.
The DAC actually sounds better then my SMSL-SU8s
Using it standalone with a Cambridge Audio CXA-61
Couldn’t be happier!
Playing DSD files from USB too is a treat!
Thanks for posting this. Are you still happy year later? Just curious. I just got the CXA61, and I’m considering this to add a streamer to my rig. Thanks again! 🎶👍🏼
Thank you. This is exactly the comparison I was looking for and delivered in you inimitable way!
Thank you. I have been waiting for your take on the streamer.
I own 2 dedicated streamers, next to my Octavio AMP and Marantz M-CR612 network streaming amps.
The first one is the tiny WiiM Mini. I tend to call it the hockey puck. The second one is my personal pride and joy. A Cambridge Audio CXNv2.
Both work through Roon. The WiiM through AirPlay, the Cambridge is fully Roon Ready.
I like both the WiiM's Home app and the Cambridge's StreamMagic app. Both are easy to use. And each offers support for Qobuz, Tidal and Deezer. To which I'm subbed. I also love the preset option the CXNv2 offers. I can store up to 99 favorites. Being Internet Radio stations, albums, tracks etc. Not sure if the MXN10 offers the same option.
Sound quality wise. The Cambridge sounds awesomely when hooked up to my Octavio AMP and Dali Spektor 2 speakers. Both analog and digital. The WiiM Mini sounds good when connected digitally, but analog it's not so great.
When it comes to value for money. You can't beat the WiiM.
About the whole MQA story. I do own 2 DAC's which can decode MQA. An iFi Zen DAC V2 and a Loxjie D30. They both sound good in their own rights. The iFi is connected to my 2014 Mac Mini which is setup as my Roon Core running on Linux Mint. The Loxjie is connected to my daily laptop.
Out of all these devices, the Cambridge gets by far the most playtime. I don't care that it doesn't support MQA. I have other devices which can handle that. And truth be told. I don't think I'll be missing it if it were to go away.
The ground loop works like a charm. I had my Windows PC connected to vintage Spectral pre/power combo and the buzz over USB was unbearable. My dealer loaned me a CA DacMagic 200M to try. As soon as I turned on the ground loop, all became dead quiet. It’s worth the money just for that if you know how irritating the ground noise buzz is.
I have the DacMagic 200m and I downloaded a 512x DSD album from NativeDSD and it sounds amazing. Best file format I've ever heard hands-down, and it's a shame that big record labels don't record DSD versions of their albums in-studio.
Thank you for all your videos and sincerity. Kudos from Mexico.
Hi Randy. Thanks for the video. Entertaining and informative as always. I will stay with my Wiim Pro and Schitt Modi+ and have the flexibility of being able to upgrade the DAC at a later stage. Point taken regarding company longevity but im willing to take the gamble. All the best.
Really depends on your use-case scenario with the Zen Stream. If you’re using it with Roon as an endpoint, have a good external DAC, and use an ethernet connection, it really can’t be beat for any streamer under $1500.
With this config, it’s been rock solid with zero issues for going on a month now and it sounds just as clean and impressive as the Hifi Rose RS150B I compared it to and noticeably better than the Bluesound Node (2021) when running both USB out. Even beat the Node on reliability. All this for $300 (Zen Stream) on the used market.
Use to have issues with the ifi zen streamer when i just bought it, but now it is rock solid, no drop outs no issues, not sure why, but it working fine now.
Tried their AXR100 stereo receiver and the musicality (I can’t think of a better word) was stunning and brought out emotion in all my music especially masters of lower quality (I thought Lullabies to Paralyze by QOTS sounded incredible through it). The Yamaha A-S801 that I auditioned it against was noticeably brighter but extremely unemotional despite being very good. It’s hard to explain how I felt but it sounded perfect to me. That said there was a very low level ticking noise from the CA that chalked up to home wiring quality but ended up returning it anyway and got one of CAs integrateds and I am very happy although thought the Wolfson DAC in the other model sounded fuller. I want to get the DAC magic 100 and see if it can recreate the experience I had with the AXR100. Truly one of the best amps I personally enjoyed.
EDIT - context and structuring
Hi, I'm unclear : which "CA" had ticking noises (the AXR100?)
And curious: which integrated did you get?
Thanks in advance
Can't wait when you check out the Eversolo DMP-A6
Love your intros! Especially the one in this video 😃👏
Thanks! 😃
Randy I couldn’t agree more on your comments on this! I am currently running a WiiM Pro streamer based on your recommendation and love it. An internal dac means nothing to me as I run it to my separate Dac/pre. Eversolo can’t keep the dmp-a6 in stock and obviously that is what us audio folks want. A quality streamer with a display, with great software for $800 or less. It would sell like hotcakes!!! Come on Wiim, Bluesound and others…
I’m not so sure about the streamer with the screen thing.
I often use my iPad connected via USB cable to Schiit Modi+ DAC, which kinda makes this a Hi-Res Lossless streamer with beautiful display.
But you know, I have to get up in order to change tracks. So oftentimes I just stream Airplay from my iPhone to WiiM Pro which is also connected to the same Modi+ DAC. The screen is my iPhone.
Unfortunately, Apple Music doesn’t do Lossless with Airplay. So I still have to use iPad and get up when I want better quality 😂
@@kiv9431 lol yep I have the same setup. I use my Wiim mini for convenience and I use my iPad via usb for hi-rez and mqa files. The display is nice. I guess I am just lazy. I need to just setup playlists and I should be good to go.
I missed the Cambridge Audio room at Axpona this year. Ugh. Glad you were able to review some of their gear. Well done.
Picked up a brand new MXN10 today for £341 GBP instead of 449. Very very pleased! 🥰
@@demontraitor69 how and from where?
£350 in Richer Sounds now
The Cambridge Audio CXN has been around for years and that has a screen. Now on v2.
The screen isn't awesome or enormous but it tells you what's playing and shows you the album art. Great product with a brilliant built in dac.
Yes the dac is aged a little now, but it sounds dam good . I think the eversolo beats it now, I have a b them however using pre amp mode the Cambridge still has it .
It's 900 bucks, tho...
It’s £799 and for what you’re actually getting it’s way overpriced, as is the one being reviewed here.
You can get similar performance from a Wiim Mini and an SMSL SU-1 for £160. I have the CXA60 which has a very similar DAC to the V2, and there’s nothing in it. The 60 is in my living room and the SU-1 is in my office with an old Audiolab 8000a.
@@doifeellucky If you're not bothered about a screen that's fine but if you want the option of always being able to see what's playing by just moving your eyes the choices are limited.
The Eversolo is clearly much better though and hopefully the competition will rise to that challenge.
And the highs roll-off put me off. Sold, went back to Bluesound, life's good again. Bass control of speakers on CXN V2 is exemplary, but nobody seems to talk about the almost abrupt roll-off of the high frequencies, and I can still hear good, thank deities.
Happy Amzn music, Wiim pro and Ares II combo user here. Voice remote is the icing on the cake.
Great intro today! Enjoyed the video as always. You had me chuckling and thinking about streamers.
I use DSD. I find that DACs handle it better than PCM, even with music which has been upsampled to DSD. It lets the DAC focus more on the output stage, without working so hard on the conversion processing and filtering. Generally results in a blacker background and improved soundstage and dynamics. Some people may be accustomed to, or prefer, the bite that PCM can give you. I guess it's a matter of taste.
I have the Wiim Mini that was purchased to add streaming for an older top-of-the-line Yamaha HTR. The Yamaha has a handful of extra optical ports, so the Wiim can leverage the DAC inside the Yamaha. The internal DAC inside the Wiim seems to work well when hooked directly to a higher-quality portable speaker like the KEF Muo, as it sounds better than BT APTX from the phone. I completely agree with your assessment regarding the iFi vs the Cambridge. I've done a fair amount of research into the iFi and wouldn't buy it unless I were heavy into Tidal Connect or Roon. All told the iFi seems like kind of a missed opportunity.
Yes, the flaky Internet connectivity of the Zen Stream killed it for me. Not everyone can run a long Ethernet cable from their router to their audio system. Can't believe Zen hasn't fixed it and come out with a better "mk. 2" version. If a WiiM Mini can solidly connect to the Internet for $80, iFi has no excuse for putting out such inferior gear at $400. My WiiM Mini does Tidal Connect just fine (I don't use MQA, I'm at their "Hi-Fi" tier).
@@rosswarren436 Completely agree. I would have bought one but at the time was told the Node was the safer option. As I didn’t need the DAC I stuck with my Chromecast Audio into my amp. I now have a mini and a pro in different systems. I got the pro for the optical input from my TV.
Any idea how stable the stream is via Ethernet as I’d only need a few feet of cable to connect one to my switch?
@@doifeellucky ah, it varies. Some reviewers have said it practically makes no difference - If you have a solid wi-fi connection (and that is the key) - I'd keep using it. Some routers can be configured to give priority to audio/video streams if you want to get that granular about it. Now, there's no harm in using a good Ethernet cable though and it might make make a small difference if your network gets bogged down (say when relatives come to visit for Thanksgiving) or your kid is playing a data intensive video game online. Good luck.
Many of the people who seem to have the most issues are those using "mesh" networks" or "wi-fi extenders" on their wi-fi. I don't use any of those. My wi-fi router is plenty strong throughout my small house.
I'm serious about my audio too, that's why i just purchased the HIBY R6III DAP WiFi streamer, with two mono ESS SABRE 9038 dacs per channel, that has a slightly lower noise floor at ( -120db ) including a slightly lower distortion figure of 0.0004, than that particular Cambridge audio streamer and dac combination you have just reviewed 🤔 . I'm using the line out of the HIBY R6III DAP into my pre and power mono amplifiers . The HIBY R6III DAP also has the choice of CLASS A or CLASS AB mode, and with my particular audio system with my two way monitors, i prefer the HIBY R6III DAP on the CLASS AB mode. It even sounds absolutely wonderfully fine and kicks the sound quality ass even with my spotify premium subscription 🤔 .
I have the AXA35 and AXR100 both really good amps
Have you found limitations of the AXA35, e.g. due to less power?
@@sdrtcacgnrjrc the 35 sounds a tad more detailed but because I have Martin Logan electro static speakers I'm using the 100. But if you have easy to drive speakers and don't need too much power I would go with the 35.
@@vinyljoe1940 thanks!
Talking about getting to a $700 streamer with a screen, there's the eversolo dmp-a6. Seems like a really good piece of gear.
It's been getting a lot of love of late but I can't seem to find it for sale!
amazon sells it. But no wifi?
@@Laissez_Faire it has wifi.
I almost forgot, the dmp a6 ALSO as a SSD slot that you can add, it accepts up to 4 TB, so it also can be a server, and in one of the 2 usb A ports you can use a cd drive to rip your audio cds into it, and it fetches album art and other metadata from the Web.
ATM I'm saving for it, although I'm also curious about the Holo red. The only common ground is the streamer ability, the Red isn't a server, nor has analog outputs ( single ended rca and xlr) like the DMP-A6.
@@zefiro2k yes. all of the units i mentioned are feature packed. dmp6 seems like the best one but also the most expensive.
I have been very happy with Bluesound Node so far and I was planning to buy a second one for another room... Node is $100 more and seems to about the same stuff. I am more inclined to stick with Bluesound so I only have to use one app to control both. But I am also considering Roon eventually where it won't matter. Decisions decisions...
I just got the Cambridge Audio MXN10, and would normally stream to my Burson Audio Conductor x3 Performance. Today, I decided instead to connect it to my Topping DX3 Pro + and when using my Shure 1840 headphones, swapping between the DAC of the MXN10 and DX3 Pro +, Both use ESS dacs, I couldn't hear any difference in the sound of the two systems. Previously, I had done a similar test between the Arcam CDS50 steamer/cd player, which also used an ESS DAC and again I couldn't tell any difference between the sound.
I’m using DacMagic 200M as a DAC and the WiiM Pro just as a streamer. I wonder if the MXN10 as a streamer would improve the sound besides being a matching product for thr DAC Magic 200M? Anyone with experience in this?
I have a WIIM Pro feeding a Cambridge DacMagic and I think it all sounds pretty good. I would also have to mention that I had some issues with the WIIM (which turned out to be my fault) and I must say that the WIIM Customer Services was way beyond excellent.
I run my WiiM Mini through my Technics SU G 700 M2 with optical cable and it sounds awesome.
I didn’t quite catch how it compares to the Blusound Node. Just as good?
I'm hoping to see you review the new Eversolo DMP-A6 Dac/Streamer sometime soon
Thanks for your time and effort to share this with us. Not sure if either of these products have a place in my systems as I rip and stream from my PC or NAS, and imo there are other options available in my price range. Stay well, Sir.
Like the channel and like what you do, however just a bit of hopefully constructive feed back, this was titled as "on the verge of dominating the Blue Sound Node", however 95% of the comparisons you gave were against other products some miles cheaper, you hardly mentioned the node, or how the features compared like for like with the node, and what the Cambridge sounded like compared to the Blue sound node. Given the price this is most likely what it would be compared against.... So I got to the end of the vid and thought well despite the title of the video I am still none the wiser how it compares to the Node so felt a bit short changed..... that aside all delivered with your normal fun and enjoyment which I love about this channel, Would love to know how you thought it actually sounded against the node with out the DAC Magic and how it compared feature wise.
Honestly... you don't need a turn table... CD player... or ANYTHING ELSE than this thing... MXN10 pluggued via analogs and BAM... you unleash a totaly different beast from your gear
Streamer with a screen from Cambridge? It already exists in the CXN v2 network streamer/DAC.
yes, but it is $999 USD, not $700. Maybe one day....
@@rosswarren436 In the U.K. it's quite a bit cheaper, I didn't allow for the export tax, apologies. I have the same problem with American products imported to my country.
@@MrGorpmIt’s £799 and for what you’re actually getting it’s way overpriced, as is the one being reviewed here.
You can get similar performance from a Wiim Mini and an SMSL SU-1 for £160. I have the CXA60 which has a very similar DAC to the V2, and there’s nothing in it. The 60 is in my living room and the SU-1 is in my office with an old Audiolab 8000a.
@@doifeellucky I have owned a CXA60 and there is a big difference between the two. Your choice of speakers and setup may be restricting your ability to hear the differences.
@@MrGorpm Which speaker were/are you using? In general most of what I’ve read and had feedback on says you get the most significant differences in the following order 1) speaker, 2) amp, 3) sub, with 4) DAC, 5) source, 6) cables and other associated stuff, being much less significant. As the DAC in the CXA and CXN are both Wolfson I’d be interested to know the sort differences you heard. What other equipment are you using now?
How does this compare with the Arylic S50 Pro+, Andover Songbird HR, WiiM Pro, NAD CS1 or Yamaha WXC 50? They are all under $500
Nice black bay 😉 with those airplay streamer can I plug a vinyle on a cambridge system ( ampli and streamer ) and swtiching the sound on a sonos speaker on airplay ? thanks
Good video, Randy. I use the WiiMPro with the SMSL SU 1 in my bedroom. Awesome combination. I'd consider the Cambridge DAC and I just don't need the headphone section.
As always, enjoyable watching your videos.
Often watch you review things I have no interest in bying, but still make time to watch your videos.
This on the other hand I might buy, I have a question thoug.
How is it with Apple music? If I stream from an iPhone or an iPad to the bluesound Node 130 using Apple music, it only streams in 16 bit 44.1 regardles of Apple music file for that specific song or album.
How does the Cambridge hold up to that?
The Cambridge audio CXN has been around and it has a remote control, with a screen to boot. It is around $1000 I don't know about the app. Does not appear to have Tidal Connect, the dac is an older dual Wolfson WM8740 24-bit DACs. No headphone amp.
So, i have a CA DacMagic Upsampling (predecessor to the Dacmagic Plus). Should i buy a WiiM Pro and use the CA DAC i have, or should i buy the MXN10 ?
Or maybe the MXN10 and connect it to the CA DacMagic ?
For my gym system I bought a Wiim Pro and hooked up a cheap Topping DAC, sounds good to me and is hundreds $ less.
I ordered a Eversolo DMP A-6 from Summit hifi. It's on backorder, but they expect to backfill and ship within 2 weeks.
I was surprised to see Wiim gives me easy access to all my local FM radio stations through the internet, so no crappy connectivity issues.
I don't know why Spotify quit working on it though. Says I need premium to listen now. That ain't happening
How will you compare the Cambridge MXN10 to the NAD CS1? I use TIDAL HiFi as my streamer 🎶
Hi I’m the first to admit I’m completely ignorant regarding Audio, in fact I’m pretty lost in the audiophile warren. That said I recently purchased a CA AXR100 and AXC35, both are great and I’m very happy with them. I’m playing Amazon music via the Bluetooth on the AXR from my iPad and it sounds fine. Question is, would I benefit from buying a AX or MX100?
How does this compare to the bluesound node?
I have also seen a product AXN10 listed for same price and same or similar specs. The difference seems to be mostly the shape of the case?
What is actually the difference?
I was asking myself the same question. I guess the only difference is the form factor.
Have read it is all the same internals Just a different cabinet
@@bawtreerd Makes sense.
Thank you for your video review. Can I make a suggestion? Can you have some videos with all examples of how to use/connect all of these components, including the smart TV? Those with and without a headphone? We have Smart TVs, We have DACs, We have Amps, We have Streamers, We have Douk Audio A/B switchers... I think that a lot of people are not really that clear with Analog and Digital signals, and what goes where. Thanks.
As I’m getting back into audio…dacs are probably the biggest fleecing. Streamers are a close second. It’s a chip and inputs/outputs. I get manufactures try to process their sound but come on… $500 and up? Yes, we like our new gadgets, I just think dacs are over done for what they do. Ted talk over…
Uh, you can't build a Raspberry Pi based DAC now with a good Allo digi-hat and power supply for less than about $400 these days. And then you end up with something looking like an 8th grade science fair project instead of a finished product. Just saying, these devices cost what they do and in general are worth it depending on what quality of sound you are after and how good your stereo system is.
Compare a low cost DAC like a Schiit Modi against a Gustard R26 and you will hear significantly better sound from the Gustard. Is the Gustard worth $1600 compared to the $150 Modi? Many people think so.
The chipsets are pennies, it's the R&D (and err marketing...) for the implementation that costs.
Add to that software and licensing.
WiiM devices are cheap because the app is built on already existing software and they probably didn't hire electronics engineers with an audio background.
It works though and it shows just what can be achieved without milking the customers wallet.
Traditional audio companies are going to have a very hard time with the new breed, especially as Chinese brands can offer "state of the art" (Amirm - Audio Science Review) DACs for under 200.
I love my Cambridge AXR100. Really woke up the bass extension of my towers. I just can’t justify 500$ for a streamer that doesn’t even have digital input to analog output. Like, it has a high quality DAC built in, why the hell would I output a bit stream to another DAC that’s connected to my TV/PC? For it to be worth five bills, I’d need it to perform all those functions, have digital input with full 2.1 analog out, volume control via pot and remote, and if we are being truly honest, I think it should have dual DAC chips and 1/4” TRS outputs for balanced amplifiers. Otherwise you could daisy chain a Wiim streamer to a SMSL D6, and have every feature I mentioned for half the price.
You could also just run the WiiM Pro or Mini into the DAC of your AXR100. I've heard that set up recently and it sounded absolutely fantastic with Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bookshelf speakers (no sub). We also tried adding my Schiit Audio Modi 3E DAC, which made a noticeable difference in my system (Emotiva BASX-TA100 integrated amp), and apparently, the DAC in the AXR100 is better than the DAC in my Emotiva TA-100, because the Modi 3E did not make much difference. The AXR100 is really solid on its own.
@@ramondelgado6778 I agree, and I do use the DAC on my AXR100. My post was more about if I were starting from scratch and considering this product.
@@MechAdv Then I totally agree! Also, had the SMSL D6 (loved the idea of the dual AKM DACS), and did not like it. It made things sound too bright/harsh on the top end and recessed my mids that weren't like that before. Bought the SMSL SU-1, and MUCH smoother! So, SU-1 + WiiM Pro = super sweet budget stream set up or even cheaper, WiiM Mini + SU-1 for ultimate bargain set up. I just prefer the Pro for the full-sized outputs and Ethernet input (that I actually use). Thanks for the chat!
@@ramondelgado6778 No worries, good to know you didn’t like the D6, I’ve been considering getting one for my office to pair with JBL 308s since they only have balanced input. I guess I’ll have to try out a few options if I decide to put together that powered system.
@@MechAdv all my research leads to the Gesheli Labs J2. I’m just being cheap. Haha!!!! Go with that one for sure!!!!
Old reliable here…
Good stuff Randy, keep up the great work, and thanks for giving me direction in my life: cell phone charger enthusiast 😂
I have doubts the streamer is worth 5x the wiim pro but obviously nice if you're getting the matching pre-amp
The WiiM Pro isn't worth the extra over the Mini unless you require the specific connectivity options the Pro offers.
They both perform the same in terms of responsiveness and measure the same as each other on both digital and analogue outputs.
@@pauln6803 agreed. I got the pro just because I prefer the Ethernet connection since I have a switch next to all the a/v components.
Do you think this network streamer would work well with an Anthem MRX1140?
Sorry if this is an ignorant question, but is this streamer a chromecast audio replacement, and if so, is it that much better?
It has Chromecast built in so yes it can be considered a replacement, but it does a lot more, and has a decent built-in DAC. The WiiM Pro also has Chromecast built in and is much cheaper, but the DAC is so-so. For critical listening most would use the WiiM Pro with an external DAC offering better sound.
Is it correct, the Cambridge sounds better than the bluesound?
I have some WiiM Minis and love them, but as you stated, company longevity can be a concern, especially for devices costing $500 to $1000. Knowing Cambridge will be around 5 years from now becomes important. Many are reviewing (and liking) the ~$750 Eversolo DMP-A6 streamer (has a cool screen like a poor man's Hi-Fi Rose), but it is based on a flavor of Android that is already 2 years old. How long would that device continue to function if Eversolo exits the marketplace or decides to stop doing software updates? If that happens to WiiM, I'm out $160, not $750.
If you get the Ifi Zen Stream running, it is worth the time you put into it. It's not plug and play like most streamers but once it's set up through the odd menu system, you can forget about it and just have a very clean signal with their iPower included.
Hi @cheapaudioman, quick question, as a bit of a novice with audio equipment I'm, not sure if my Marantz amp features a DAC. I bought it 18 years ago. Was a DAC standard for Marantz amps back then? Thanks
If there’s no USB or Toslink input, not likely - Bluetooth or AirPlay streaming wouldn’t require those of course, but the age of unit may well precede those having been standard features on a two channel audio only amp - but a simple Google search on the model number should answer that.
@@fonkenful Thanks, right I was trying to weigh up whether to go with the Wiim Pro or not. I have the Wiim Mini and it is great but I can't stream Bandcamp to it via Chromecast and Pro solves that. So if the Wiim Mini works with my amp then the Pro will right? Thanks again
@@LiamFlanagan-dd9wb I’ve had no experience with either WIIM products, but have been enjoying my BlueSound Node for at least a year now; it replaced a several years old Marantz CR611 (cute enough little all in-one networking receiver) that died, and good luck getting service these days😠 As is the case for many greybeards, I had a spare 2 channel,power amp, so just the pre-amp version of Node was sufficient for my use case.
If the WIIM Pro offers more connectivity/natively accessible streaming options than you’ve currently got, it could certainly be a logical,step. Whether its DAC would need future upgrading only your ears could tell.
@@LiamFlanagan-dd9wb Wiim pro is great so far
Just get a Wiim Pro and an SMSL SU-1 DAC.
Tell me why I shouldn't use the built in Tidal on my Anthem AVM60 hooked up to my Anthem P5 hooked up to my Dynaudio C2?
You should.
@@rosswarren436 well, I am now but I’m wondering why these streaming devices are so talked about ?
@@Laissez_Faireany amps don’t have built in DAC and streaming capabilities. I have a Cambridge amp which is about 7 years old with an internal DAC that I connect a Wiim Pro into. In my office I use an old Audiolab 8000a that I use with a Wiim Mini and an SMSL SU-1 DAC, as the Audiolab has no digital connectivity. It’s about 25 years old.
@@Laissez_Faire as doifeellucky noted, many people have older receivers and/or even brand-new integrated amps or amps that do not have built-in DACs or any streaming apps. Buying external ones is the only way to get streaming services into them.
Other times, a better external DAC can get more life out of an older integrated amp that they are very happy with otherwise, bypassing its internal DAC.
Also, some older devices have pretty bad software user interfaces (like Play-Fi or ones based on it) causing more user aggravation than many of the much easier to use streamers available now.
And most all late model streamers have Tidal Connect, Roon, Spotify Connect, Airplay, and some offer Chromecast. These native apps can make life easier and music more fun and simpler to enjoy.
@@rosswarren436 oh I see now. Thanks for the explanation 👍
My system is sounding awesome at the moment. Although the tidal app through play-fi is not the best interface it does work. I wish it would work like Spotify or better yet I wish Spotify would offer lossless 🤷🏻♂️. I love how Spotify work and at times I find myself just using Spotify because of how intuitive it is and how it turn on everything the second I ask it to play something on my anthem.
Crutchfield says it does Amazon HD music!
Take a Listen of The Argon Solo with half the price !
Is the dac of mxn10 alone comparable to sabaj a20d 2022?
While Cambridge is more sexy looking, the Bluesound Node interests me more as it includes HDMI eARC input.
Curious how the DAC Magic 2 compares to the J2.
I have a great external DAC and looking for a just a good streamer.
WiiM Mini or Pro - it's a no brainer.
Measured and confirmed Bit perfect digital output (up to 24 bit 192KHz) solid WiFi or Ethernet LAN (Pro only) connection and the Linkplay phone app is pretty good and claims not to spy on you.
Neither model has USB data transfer, which is a shame but the units are inexpensive (in HiFi terms) and you'd honestly have to be more than a touch simple to not follow the guided setup.
If you can live with wireless only (WiFi/Bluetooth) and an optical S/PDIF output then the cheaper Mini is honestly much better value.
The Pro adds some connectivity options but doesn't really function any better as a streaming transport unless you need coaxial output or your WiFi is a bit rubbish.
You can even slave several units on your home network to one "master" unit for multi room playback.
They do have an internal DAC (same chipset and implementation on both) so you can have your main setup and add another Mini or Pro for a cheap kitchen or garden setup.
They also support internet radio and DNLA for playing files on a NAS.
And I repeat: bit perfect digital output up to 24/192, measured and confirmed by the Audio Science Review community.
So if the WiiM Pro and Cambridge use an external DAC they sound about the same?
My question too.
They should be the same as long as they don’t add much digital noise (and they probably don’t). In terms of sound, this would be external DAC that makes the difference, not these.
How do I play Spotify with this without using bluetooth?
Does it do the Radio Paradise app? (lossless and interactive)
Never ending rising prices at an astronomical pace.
I would be all over this streamer IF it supports Amazon Music natively, which sadly, is still rather rare...
The Eversolo DMP - A6 streamer does Amazon HD, Tidal, Apple music, Qobuz, and more. Around 860 Euro in Europe. If it's above your limit, the wiim Pro and mini also stream Amazon HD.
I run the Wiim Pro into. Topping E50 ( IFI power supply) …and I’m good …for a faction of that price ( I’m in CANADA 🍁 and the exchange rate is brutal)
Great review 👍☕️🍕
My Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) has a screen.
You dismiss the Zen Stream based on its software. However, you don't need a third party software to use the ZS. It has Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon (which works great) and Upnp. You said you've used the Cambridge with Tidal Connect. So, why not comparing it with the Zen Stream as a transport, using Tidal Connect or Roon, for example? I've had the Zen Stream for 18 months now and never had problems with it. I agree that the internal volumio-based software, used mostly for settings, is not the most straightforward and elegant interface, but it's not so difficult or clumsy either. All I can say is that it's a very good device, sounds very good and works like a charm as a Roon Bridge (that's how I use it). It's a pitty you've turned it down based on unreasonable claims because I was genuinely interested in your impressions on how it compares with this new Cambridge streamer.
Great company but the lack of full Pandora or Amazon Music streaming is a no go in my universe. Using Airplay provides a lo-fi audio result. Add these services and I will purchase their streaming products today.
My first Cambridge was 4.1 computer setup back in 2000. I still have their minx subwoofers. Solid stuff if you have room for two channel.
Edit…here’s your upthumb
Do you think you'll review any of the raspberry pie based streamers or dacs? Cambridge Audio does produce excellent product across their entire line. I also like their sublime style cues. Darko has been raving about that new turntable with Bluetooth.
My smart tv through an external dac does a great job as a streamer.
Wont get 24/192 tho
I. K. R!
@@Marc-Andre_G CD quality is what my ears can hear.
@@stephenbailey9969 good for you
Streamers and DACs are expensive gadgets. I have an AppleTV for Radio Paradise and a Firestick for Amazon Music HD. I did purchase a Bluesound Node 2i, though it sounds fine, it is essentially a brick. And 24/192? Can’t hear the difference from CD quality.
Cambridge MXN10 can play DSD / Flac / MP3 via USB drive input. Wiim Pro cannot.
I do not agree hooking up usb stick/hard drive used to be fine 20years ago;it IS still nowadays and I do it :)
I’m not really sure of the point of another streamer beyond the WiiM Pro. It’s bit perfect, just add your dac of choice.
i've been streaming qobuz from my ipad with a camera adapter to a modi3 to rotel a11 ,would a streamer like this be an improvement in sound quality, or should i just upgrade my dac, also have a rotel 1572 cd player with a wolfson dac that sounds better it's fuller and a little better imaging trying to get streaming to match or surpass that
Is this the same Cambridge Audio that Henry Kloss founded after he left Advent?
Cambridge SoundWorks.
I missed the live stream, but I wanted to raise my hand as one that uses DSD. I use PCM a lot more FWIW. I bought a bunch of San Francisco Symphony Mahler SACDs back in the early 2000's and really love those recordings. I ripped them to DSF files and I play them back on a Schiit Loki (from back when the Loki was DSD DAC) using a Pi running Volumio.
I have both the PCM (just 44.1/16) and DSD versions of those Mahler albums and the DSD version has a noticably lower noise floor (very good for Mahler!) and sounds very slightly more natural to me. But it's perhaps not a fair comparison since 44.1/16 is a much lower bit rate than DSD.
Ditto having a WIIM Pro feed a Cambridge DacMagic 200M . . . Excellent streaming combo for my main system. I especially like the Amazon Music interface that Wiim offers . . . it helps you to bypass the problem with the Echo Dot & Echo view devices not being able to provide a COAX or Optical input into your DAC for better decoding. You could go the Bluetooth route but eh . . ya know? 😕
Missed the live stream, but I am the proud owner of the debut Boston album in DSD64. So I use it, but I was just looking for something in that format I knew, for a test drive. Doubt I would purchase DSD again if things remain as is in digital audio. Nothing wrong with it, it's still a great listen. It's a cost/value issue for me.
I’ll take the WiiM any day.
I wish “everything”
was 25% off… especially these days !! 👨🏻
What are your obscure metal picks?
Wiim pro vs Cambridge streamer
I have Spotify on my TV. My TV is connected to a DAC and then into my integrated. Would dropping $500 on a streamer really make that much of a difference?
If you are satisfied with spotify, then I wouldn't recommend the upgrade. Spotify maximum quality is 320 kbps MP3, even if you are a paying customer.
I'd consider it from a use case. You wouldn't have to leave your TV on all the time, needlessly wasting power and putting hours on it. A streamer/DAC won't use nearly as much electricity as a TV. But if you are using lossy Spotify (which can still sound fine), I'd go for a WiiM Mini or WiiM Pro - both are much cheaper than this device. The WiiM Pro adds Google Chromecast functionality (like this Cambridge) if you need it.
@@Final_Resolution
Ahh, but digital outputs are not all the same...
OK, well engineered digital outputs ARE all the same as long as the product doesn't do anything to the data in between receiving it and passing it on to whatever connection the device is using to output.
The Bit perfect output of the WiiM devices is the number one reason they have become so popular.
Well, aside from being fairly cheap, having a decent app and getting the products plastered all over RUclips(!)
I really wouldn't get worked up about 320 Mp3 either as so many recordings won't sound any better at 16 or 24 bit anyway.
Now when you go lower than 320 there tends to be quite a noticeable difference...
As long as the data is received without alteration, then it's really down to the quality of the DAC and if the user is satisfied with the UI and stability of connection of whichever device they are using as a streaming transport.
Hi Randy I've been watching your videos for a long time now but unfortunately this video flew straight over my head , too many numbers & machines dacs etc left me confused. I'm new to the digital world and now I will just stick with my Dac Magic 1 for my CD player & Tuner.
I’ll stick with my Wiim Mini and J2!
Have the Mxn 10 like the sound but after 4 days of the app working on my iPad, it will no longer connect to the unit….Cambridge has been no help, nothing in my network or systems has changed and everything else still works…..the application needs help….😢
No. Remote