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Upgrade from Cambridge CXN

This is probably the 1000th query like this, but here is my situation:

I have a Cambridge CXN streamer / DAC.  I am not totally unhappy with it sonically, but am not enamored of the software.  I use it for TIDAL.  The unit does not support MQA and Cambridge indicates there will never be a firmware upgrade to do so.  I have not experienced MQA so I don't know if this is a big deal or not.

What say you all?  Can I get anything decent at my budget? 

I don't mind buying used.

Thanks in advance.  I always enjoy these discussions (including the trolls  lol )
markainsworth

Showing 3 responses by big_greg

big_greg
6,708 posts
 
I heard a Cambridge streamer at a friend's recently, not sure if it was the same one you have.  The Node 2i is probably a side step and while it can be bettered by adding an external DAC, you can probably get more bang for your buck by getting an all-in-one like the Lumin D2.  I recently replaced my Node 2i and Auralic Vega DAC (a $3500 DAC when new) with a TEAC NT-505 streamer/DAC and it was a significant upgrade.  I've had DACs with and without MQA and don't miss it in the ones that don't have it.  The NT-505 does do MQA and can also serve as a Roon endpoint.
big_greg
6,708 posts
 
Mark,

I'm using the NT-505 with my tube preamp, but am using it as a streamer only.  If you want to connect something to the DAC, you would connect the TEAC to your preamp as a source, set the TEAC's volume to full and use the volume control on your preamp.  Not sure if that's what you're asking.

You can download the manual and see if it has the functionality you're asking about.  
big_greg
6,708 posts
 
Bubbleupnp or the Lumin app. No plans to upgrade at this time. 
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