Moved from Logitech Squeezebox to Cambridge CXN V2 w/NAS - sound not as good

Nothing to lose trying the built in Cambridge DAC just to see/hear. Cost does not always determine what sounds best.

I used to run Squeeze system then Plex with older DAC then acquired Cambridge Evo 150. The built in DAC is pretty good. That’s what I use. But I did move to Roon shortly after and that is where I am and very happy. I recommend trying all available options with your Cambridge and give it time to determine what works best.

I also have a Chord Mojo and another $80 dongle that sounds very good and on paper is technically better than the Mojo. Both sound very good but very different. The Mojo is probably the worst DAC I use and enjoy at least based on measurements I’ve seen that compare. So you never know how a particular configuration will sound until you try. 

If the cxn v2 has usb out, that’s most likely going to be the best way to connect to the Qutest and it should also sound slightly more open.
This in addition to breaking in the cxn for 200hrs if new and getting used to better sound.

Which model QNAP and how much RAM does it have versus the PC? You changed your server from a pc with (assuming) and Intel or AMD cpu to an albeit streamlined linux box with an (assuming) Arm processor. As odd as it sounds, that can make a huge difference in sound quality, as least in my system.

I, too, use a Logitech streamer, albeit the Transporter, and can easily hear differences between servers, especially if using any DSP or upsampling in software on the server. Just my two cents...maybe switch servers while keeping the Cambridge and see what differences you hear??

Since I still use three Squeezeboxes on various systems why is it not an option to stick with what works? 

I run LMS on a NAS no PC involved and Squeezebox streaming to the systems where needed.     This works well and I have been looking at streamers for years just havent made a move.

The current solution works well and I control all with an IPAD or Iphone using the IPeng app .

The CXN could simply have less noise in the chain.  With digital sometimes noise can cause things to sound brighter.  The CXN might be a quieter streamer creating a lower noise floor which is allowing the files being transmitted to your DAC to be reproduced with a more natural, truer to the file / recording rendering.