Streaming upgrade from Cambridge Audio cxn v2


I have a great sounding system with ayre integrated and sonus faber serrafino speakers. The streamer/dac is by far the cheapest part of the system with the Cambridge Audio cxn v2. I’m wondering if upgrading the streamer/dac would give a step function improvement or if the cxn is already good enough and the improvements will be subtle at best. My dealer is recommending the ayre qx8 but I’ve not yet listened to it. Any thoughts for a streamer/dac that would give me a step function improvement for around $6000 new or used.?

deone

I’m not a dealer, just an experienced user for many many years.


I would keep the streamer and play with different DACs if desired. Or if you must just upgrade to the new version of that streamer just released. I have been quite pleased with the DAC in my Evo 150 for a couple of years now FWIW. Cambridge makes very nice gear.

 

I strongly recommend streaming with Roon software regardless of hardware. The DSP finctionality in Roon applied wisely can be a game changer on that no room is perfect and tweaking sound by guessing on expensive gear changes is not a very efficient nor cost effective way to get things tuned in optimally. Room treatments like bass traps alone can help but DSP is needed to complete the job . Also a Roon license will cost less than most any “audiophile streamer” device, most of which are  “Roon Ready”

Thank you all so much for the suggestions.

I'll definitely explore separates but the space considerations may make that difficult (but not impossible).  Thanks also for the roon suggestion; I will do at least the trial and see if that helps.

blisshifi: I am not using the digital volume control of the CXN V2; just using it as a streamer/dac since I have an excellent volume control in my Ayre integrated.  Since you are a Cambridge Audio dealer, do you have any insights into sound quality improvements in CXN100 (if one is not using the volume control)?

 

 

 

Additional info about your current system beyond what you have posted in your virtual systems would be helpful. You can see my systems under my ID.

 

In general, you have great opportunity for a step up with both the DAC function and the streamer function. I am also a big advocate of separates. The flexibility to upgrade is an important one. As Bliss recommended an Aurender would be a great choice. I would recommend an N200 and a good DAC. Ayre makes great DACs. I have the combination on my headphone system. Maybe a used Ayre DAC and a new N200. 
 

Today there is nearly unlimited potential in improved sound with better streamers.