2. digital
  3. 181843-172314

Cambridge CXN V2 or Innuos Pulse Mini?

These two streamers popped up in a few recent threads and got me thinking about upgrading my Bluesound Node, so I would appreciate some advice.

Both are in the $1200 range which is about all I’m willing to spend on digital at this time, so I’m wondering which one I should get and will the difference in SQ be significant, or should I stay where I am for now? (My understanding is the DAC is key to good SQ, but I know zero about DAC brands/specs)

  • I stream only, mostly Tidal, then SirusXM, and I am auditioning QoBuz
  • I don’t care about MQA
  • I don’t need file storage or CD ripping
  • I’m reasonably happy with the BluOS app
  • Better library / favorites management would be nice
  • Input is ethernet cable
  • Output is analogue / RCA

Thank you!

macg19

Showing 2 responses by soix

soix
10,139 posts
 

Thanks for the feedback - I read in a review of the Innous Pulsemini that some higher-res file formats required an external DAC - can you comment on that and do you know would that be the same with Cambridge

Yes, I believe I read the onboard DAC on the PulseMini is limited in resolution to either 24/96 or maybe 24/192. That wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me because I find even 24/96 to sound pretty damn good, and sorry but I’m unfamiliar with the Cambridge so really can’t help there.  That said, I’d only use the internal DAC until I could afford a good standalone DAC because it is such an important component in the signal chain, so I only view the onboard DAC of the PulseMini as a stopgap and nothing more. But that’s me. Hope this helps at least somewhat.

soix
10,139 posts
 

Go with Innuos.  They filter down a lot of tech from their big $$$ streamers, and the newest version of their Sense app is getting great reviews and is free.  

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