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 3 responses by vthokie83

vthokie83
1,019 posts
 

Macg19, I actually just posted this on another thread 5 minutes ago:

Two DAC recommendations: Denafrips Ares 12th, or the Musician Pegasus. I have not heard the 12th Anniversary Ares at $1,000, but seems to improved quite a bit over the Ares II.....which I have auditioned in my system and really enjoyed it. I did end up buying the Denafrips Pontus II at $1,800.

I have heard the Musician Pegasus as well, and it also is a great value DAC at $1,100......would have been a close call with the Ares for me, had I not heard the Pontus II.

I'm also probably going to buy the upgraded power supply kit below, as soon as I talk to the owner Alvin Chee.....also the importer for Denafrips

 

vthokie83
1,019 posts
 

Macg,

Alvin got back to me as well, ordered the PSU upgrade with the LPS this morning 

vthokie83
1,019 posts
 

Burtlake, but the Iris DDC is so sweet between the Node 130 and Pontus using I2S

More to discover