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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?
tistru

Showing 4 responses by tistru

tistru OP
23 posts
 
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?
tistru OP
23 posts
 
bump...question regarding the need for external DAC above?
tistru OP
23 posts
 
Thanks @lalitk . I have a high end AV Processor and an Oppo 205 with very high end DAC (pretty sure both will be better than the built in DAC on the NODE). I will try all three to see which works best for sound quality and convenience
tistru OP
23 posts
 
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. 
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