Couldn't resist any longer

[housetech]

Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Network Player (& pre-amp) to pair with CXA81 integrated and XMC or directly to XPA

Dual Wolfson WM8740 24-bit DACs, up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution for PCM files; up to 2.8MHz resolution for DSD files 
2nd-generation Adaptive Time Filtering (ATF2) upsampling to 24-bit/384kHz

[Boomzilla]

Looks great! Enjoy.

I've let technology pass me by on the DAC end of things. I've tried a wide variety of highly-acclaimed DACs, and they've just not impressed. To be sure that it wasn't some other component in my system holding things back, I've listened to more expensive (and some FAR more expensive) DACs at an audio amigo's house - he has far more upscale gear than I do... Even there - no matter what the DAC, it just didn't make that much difference. This could be seen in two ways - either cheap DACs have gotten so good that spending more money there just doesn't provide too much in audible returns or else when you buy a "good" DAC, you're paying for features rather than sound such as high-resolution capabilities, MQA decoding, balanced circuitry, nice housings, etc.

I've owned both Mytec DACs and Schiit Gumby ladder ones. And I've ended up with a simple Emotiva Big Ego+. Why? I don't do high rez OR MQA; I don't need balanced circuitry, and I get stellar transparency for my 16-44 music library. THAT's what I want. Would the Cambridge do more things? For sure! But are they things I need? Actually (for me) not...

Please don't consider this as raining on your parade - I respect and admire Cambridge Audio products. I suspect that you'll not only be pleased with the sound quality, features, and specs, but will also have a component that will be durable and satisfying over the years. In fact, were I to upgrade from my current DAC, the Cambridge is certainly one of the top contenders that I'd be considering. Do update this thread, please, with your impressions once you get familiar with the DAC/preamp. I'd be most interested to hear your thoughts.

Thanks - Boomzilla

[housetech]

My wife was shopping, came home. heard music and asked, "What's playing? Al Di Meola?! I don't like Di Meola but that sounds great. And what's that thing in the rack?!"
It's for you Dearest, After I learn it, I'll teach you how to play any music from anywhere with just an app or one remote.
She's gonna love it. She still doesn't know the XMC well enough to play anything but Roku, but that's about to get fixed.
Also made her USB pen drives with her favorite music (FLAC) and now she can just stick them in the front and play.

My first impression- it's very clean and detailed, nothing sharp in the upper end which is what I didn't like with Anthem DAC. The CXA81 has very good speaker control which makes the two a good match. The amp is duel mono, balance circuitry and CXN is also balanced. So far impressive.
I'm going to like the 2-ch system much more, I can run every source CD, TT, tape deck, Blu-ray, plus stream through the CXN.
btw, the CXN controls the motorized volume control on the amp.

[Boomzilla]

The main question I'm interested in is this one: Does the Cambridge CXN-V2 routed directly to your XPA-5 sound better than having it routed through your XMC-1 / XPA-1?

[housetech]

Boom, I'll need some time to answer that question. (I have no problem with constructive criticism, welcome your input)
I wanted the CXN for it's versatility.
I have never owned a stand-alone DAC, not one who knows DACs, but make the analogy of phono cartridges to DACs.
Have not used the pass-through feature of the XMC. The reason I would output to XMC is to play in a different room & speakers. I'm very satisfied with the XMC Burr-Brown DACs. 
The Cambridge amp plays in reference mode- no tone controls and if I have one complaint, the sub out is too hot.
The CXN dac sounds a little better than the CXA81 dac.
Between the two, there's not anything I need for 2ch. The amp can light-up my M.A. speakers. 

We did play one mp3 320kbps, instantly noticed a drop in SQ, but for an mp3 it was better than I've heard before. Don't use Spotify or MQA.

Someone else here has the CXN and would like them to chime in with their thoughts.

[tropicallutefisk]

Congrats on your new purchase. I have owned the V1 CXN since 2015, and can say its a solid piece. Good sound quality and it is super easy to connect and to use. The on board DAC is very good and it easily bested my previous favorite source which was a Marantz Blu Ray player. This year I purchased a Schiit YGGY and the CXN is now utilized as a streamer only. While I do prefer the YGGY, those Wolfson DACS are excellent and it was tough decision and was probably personal preference with the exception of one area. On the personal preference side, the YGGY seems more forward. Its like I'm closer to the music than I felt with the Wolfsons. Now for the area that I truly feel is a big improvement, bass. The YGGY brought more, tighter bass. Then again, I paid $850 for the CXN as a model clearance and the YGGY was significantly more. At that price difference I expected something that would "grab" me and the bass was the selling feature. Getting back to the CXN, its a basically plug and play making it a great source for anyone who is not overly tech savvy who wants to stream music. Its also very easy to navigate from listening to music services to personal files. In my opinion, the CXN is probably the best bargain out there for DAC/streamer combos. Plus with the ease of set up and use, it really becomes a no brainer.

[housetech]

Original CXN v1- $999
CXN v2 price was $1099 retail for years, then
eBay- $750
Price increase $1299 retail
eBay- $975
As of this week- Discontinued.

And that's not all AXR100 was originally  $499, then $549, $599 and today $699 Churchfield

Contrary to all reports, there is no inflation and I didn't just pay $4.39 to fill the tank this week.

[housetech]

This was an interesting weekend.
After coming inside the house from doing chores, my wife was cooking and she had the Cambridge playing. "Ok, it's time for you to teach me how this thing works." Wow, she likes it. Since around 2000, I'm her "Hey Jeffrey" voice remote control, she didn't want to learn. She tried the app and said "I don't understand the phone app at all."
"Neither do I." The GUI is easy to use.
She's a wiz on a PC- does video editing for her client's websites. Last time she did anything technical was stealing my pc audio system (even took the DAC) and gave me her Logitech stuff while I was out of town. lol "You can buy another one, I needed it." And she's very good at playing me.