I don’t know the Cambridge except for what I’ve read. The Node can be impressive and always seems to be compatible with every streaming service around
New Bluesound Node vs Cambridge CXN v2 for High Res Streaming?
Sorry if this is a duplicate of some sort (lots of threads to sort through) but I was hoping to get some help from you guys.
I’m considering a high res streamer with particular interest in the new Bluesound Node and the Cambridge CXN v2. I’m most concerned with the ability to get the full resolution of my high res tracks into my stereo system for high res listening (obviously streaming from my Iphone/IPAD via Airplay isn’t going to cut it). I currently have Amazon Music HD and Qobuz.
What are some of the differences between the 2 streamers with regards to high res streaming? I’ve heard the sound quality is superior in the CXN v2 but I also do not believe it even supports Amazon Music HD. I also heard that Bluesound Node has support for the upgraded Bluetooth Aptx and better support for Roon and Qobuz compared to the CXN. Is that correct?
Other considerations to ensure I can get max quality streaming from the highest number of services between the 2 devices?
I’m considering a high res streamer with particular interest in the new Bluesound Node and the Cambridge CXN v2. I’m most concerned with the ability to get the full resolution of my high res tracks into my stereo system for high res listening (obviously streaming from my Iphone/IPAD via Airplay isn’t going to cut it). I currently have Amazon Music HD and Qobuz.
What are some of the differences between the 2 streamers with regards to high res streaming? I’ve heard the sound quality is superior in the CXN v2 but I also do not believe it even supports Amazon Music HD. I also heard that Bluesound Node has support for the upgraded Bluetooth Aptx and better support for Roon and Qobuz compared to the CXN. Is that correct?
Other considerations to ensure I can get max quality streaming from the highest number of services between the 2 devices?
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One thing I appreciated with Bluesound Vault is its app support of many streaming platforms. Given all the choices of streaming services, it usually comes down to one or two you really like to keep around. I am a Qobuz user and for me, it surpasses all other streaming services when it comes to SQ and content. If you like to have versatility then go with Vault (skip its internal DAC) and add an external DAC of your choice. This option will also cost you twice as much ($2K) but you can really tailor / tweak the SQ with an external DAC. CXN (V2) is a good choice if you want one box with a decent onboard DAC. |
lalitk: Isn't the Node the same as the Vault except for the internal storage and CD ripper? I mean the same streamer, DAC and op system? +1 on using an external DAC. If the external DAC is decent, it may have a similar or better streamer as well. OP: I ripped all my CD library to my Macbook. But, I find that 99% of my CD's are available on either Qobuz or Tidal anyway, and often at higher resolution. |
The OP was interested in the Node, not the Vault. It doesn’t seem like he needs the storage and disc ripping of the Vault. Bluesound has upgraded the DAC. I still suspect it is the limiting factor but I heard the new DAC I when I went to audition new speakers and the only source the dealer had was the Node running Roon. It’s difficult when the rest of the system isn’t familiar but while I recognized the Bluesound signature, in a system that costs about 1/3 of mine, the whole thing was pretty impressive. At any rate one can always start with the internal DAC and upgrade. The Cambridge doesn’t have a DAC so the Node would be a less expensive proposition, and it costs half the price of the Cambridge. Otoh, Cambridge now is touting something called mpeg-DASH which allows for better Internet Radio, apparently |
Personally, I think you are better off with the NODE. It is half the price of the Cambridge and has a much better user interface with BluOS. The NODE has native integration with just about every streaming service with the exception of Apple Music (and it does have access to Amazon, despite a previous post). I can't comment on the internal DAC on the new NODE, but I have the Node 2i and I think its internal DAC is very good. I do use an external Meridian DAC (which I had already owned) and the difference between the two DACs is very subtle. Both units support Roon, Apple Airplay 2 and Google Assistant. The NODE also supports Amazon Alexa. The NODE has BT built in, but it appears you need to purchase a separate BT adapter for the Cambridge? But you seem to be focused on hi-res, so BT may not matter that much to you. |
Thank you for the replies everyone. Sounds like folks are leaning to the NODE which I think I am as well. @dinosore - yes I am focused on high res as I can technically stream almost everything today via Bluetooth or Airplay. But the frustration is that the quality is limited, especially when streaming high res tracks from Amazon or Qobuz. @mahler123 - you mentioned the Cambridge doesn't have a DAC which I'm confused by. I thought the Cambridge did have dual Wolfson DACs if I'm not mistaken? So general question for all: there is a lot of talk about connecting an external DAC to these streaming devices. Would that be necessary to get high res audio if I'm connecting the Node (or CXN) directly to an AV processor? Are there limitations to the resolution of audio being output digitally from the NODE and using the DAC in the processor? |
“question regarding the need for external DAC above?” It is recommended to use an external DAC with Node 2 if you want a better than average sound quality. Same goes for the internal DAC in your AV processor. Having said that, buy a digital coax and RCA cable from DH Labs and compare which DAC sounds good to your ears before you pony up cash for an external DAC. |
That's interested @rvpiano. I didn't know that. Yeah I want to get full resolution from what files and services I'm using so that's a con on the Cambridge. But I've heard consistently that the Cambridge sounds better which I would expect. However, since I'll mostly be using the streamers as simply pass through, things like the music service compatibility and app UX is probably more important for me in this scenario. |
Hi. Reviving this old topic as I am looking at both of these streaming devices and can’t quite make a decision. Any further thoughts on these two streamers would be much appreciated. |
Just a heads up on the Node's USB output when using the Node as a Roon Endpoint - there are still issues with the implementation of this from Bluesound's side of things. On their Support/Community site, they state the Firmware that opened the USB output is still in Beta. I've used the USB out to my DAC, and like many others have had to revert to a digital coax connection for Roon as crackles and pops make listening impossible. Hopefully this will be fixed with a future Firmware update, but at the moment it's an issue. But just to emphasise, digital coax output to a DAC works absolutely fine with the Node as Roon Endpoint |