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Difference between Cambridge Audio CXN and CXN V2 and other Network Streamers

So I am looking for a Network Streamer and the Cambridge CXN and CXN V2 come up.  From what I read the V2 had updated processing power but when I compare the two the DAC and Analogue filters are the same.  Is it worth the extra $300 clams to go with the V2 or get the CXN and look for a separate DAC (a Schiit or something).  I do see the Azure 851N is a significant jump with two DACs and is CA's premium streamer.  Also throw in the Oppo Sonica, is it a fair comparison to the CXN variants?  Anyone have any experience or insight with these network streamers.
mikijh
mikijh OP
5 posts
 
Also - which would have the best app? Bluesound, Cambridge or Oppo?
markainsworth's avatar
markainsworth
92 posts
 
I guess you could consider this a bump. I looking at a similar situation: I want to know whether the $900 CXN V2 is worth $300 more than the $600 CXN (with firmware update) and, whether the $1500 Azure 815N is worth $600 more than the V2 and $900 more than the CXN. It is enough to make your head (and credit card) spin.

I am also considering the Marantz ND8006 which at $1200 sits halfway between the CXN V2 and the Azure 815N 

My Current environment

Tidal ->
PC (Lenovo Edge 15) ->
ifi nanoDSD ->
Marsh MSD p200b preamp ->
Parasound MCA-2200 ->
Magnepan 1.7i’s

On a side note: does anyone have anything like a firm grasp on when Cambridge Audio’s promised Tidal support will materialize, and whether it will include Tidal’s MQA (24/96) offerings? I wouldn’t mind removing the PC from the chain at least optionally. I could care less about Bluetooth in this system..
markainsworth's avatar
markainsworth
92 posts
 
I did a little research since my last post, and I don't see any sonic differences between the CXN and the CXN V2 as mikijh noted.  Just the faster processor and a stated improvement in Internet Radio.  

The interface changes are available to CXN owners via a software upload.  Frankly, I do not see $300 worth of differences here.

I see some differences between the CXN and 815N  most significant in my estimation:

Different DAC Chip set:  Twin AD1955 for the Azure as compared to the Wolfson 8740's 

Addition of a DC Servo to the 2-pole Differential Bessels on the output side.

More connections, Most notably the addition of an AES/EBU digitial input.  Also a 2nd TOSLINK, 2nd Coax digital input.and a 3rd usb port for a memory stick 

The DSP volume control in the CXN has been replaced with a SHARC unit, which I presume is an upgrade.  

All in all, I am leaning toward the CXN.  I do not consider the upgrade to the V2 to be worth anywhere near the $300 price difference.  

To me the decision between the CXN and the Azure is less straightforward.  The two reviews I read indicate that a noticeable improvement in sound quality is achieved with the Azure.  Still, considering that the Azure costs 2.5 times as much, I'm inclined to try the CXN.

Other perspectives are, of course welcome.  Anybody heard both?


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