2. misc-audio
  3. 195262-207751

To Stream w/Optical Or Not

Looking for advice. I have a Cambridge CXN100.  I recently picked up a McIntosh C2700 preamp. I am assuming the D2 DAC in the McIntosh is better than the CXN. If that is the case, should I  just run the stream from the optical into the Mac. That being said, sound wise, does the CXN really add anything to the sound better than what a WiiM can do just as well (optically)? And if so, should I just sell the CXN and get a WiiM and pocket the rest? If streamers are used optically, how big a difference is there between a WiiM and a CXN? In full disclosure, here is my biggest problem with the CXN… to control the volume from the StreamMagic app or from Tidal or Spotify, you MUST use the preamp in the CXN. Why the hell would I use that preamp over the C2700?? (I have experimented using it with other amps, and it cuts the volume 40%… its preamp is not as good as the preamp in other integrated amps/preamps i own. So, I am pretty salty with this limitation of the CXN.  It sounds great, but if I want to sit on my ass, the only way to control the volume in-app, I MUST use its built in preamp…. Dumb! Unless i am missing something. Thoughts?

greensigns95

Showing 2 responses by zlone

zlone
952 posts
 

Yes, the digital output from a streamer can vary widely. In this case, you are limited to SPDIF, either coax or optical. As an SPDIF server, the streamer supplies the clocking for the stream which can have a huge effect on the sound, good and bad. Assuming the DAC is better in the Mac, I would recommend using the coax out instead of the optical, and invest in a decent digital cable.

In regard to volume control, set the CXN to line level/100% and only use the volume on the Mac. This will give you the best results. This assumes you have a remote for the Mac of course. 

zlone
952 posts
 

@greensigns95 Good to hear. It is weird how much difference digital cables can make. 

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