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Difference between Bluesound Node 2i and Cambridge CXN v2

Looking at both of these units and I know there is a $500 difference but can anyone tell me the differences between them and which might be better? It seems as the CXN uses dual DACS and has balanced outs. It might actually sound better but any help would be appreciated.
128x128audiosaurusrex
adg101
1,057 posts
 
Can’t speak for the CA CXN, but using my Vault 2, going through the DAC in my CA 851C is far better then the DAC in the Vault. The Bluesound DAC isn’t bad but I wouldn’t be surprise if the CXN better. I’m sure some are going to throw in the Node does MQA but even so a superior DAC w/o MQA is still going to be better. I love my Vault though. If you decide on the CXN, spend a little extra to upgrade the power cord.
aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
When I had the Node 2 I used two outputs. One into my Dac and then one analog out from the Node. If I needed to play MQA from Tidal, I could just switch the input on my Preamp. All the node's outputs are active all the time, which makes the Node quite nice for its price. 
hemoncdoc
71 posts
 
I own both the CA 851n and the CXN 1.  Both are good but prefer my PS Audio Directstream with Bridge II overall.  CA has no Roon or direct Qobuz connection.  I use Airplay for Qobuz. I have not heard the Bluesound.  Purchased both as opened box/clearance from CA with warranty. Very good units for the price, especially when connected via wired internet as opposed to WiFi.

https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/openboxclearance?f%5B0%5D=category%3A10
mike_in_nc
1,123 posts
 
I have seen numerous posts from people who have and love either unit. My guess is, very few have listened carefully to both, so it's going to be difficult to get this specific feedback.

For streaming, the CXN is controlled by Cambridge's app or a DLNA control-point app; the Bluesound, by a BluOS app. They are mutually exclusive ecosystems. That will affect user experience, not the sound. You might prefer one or the other, but which? Generally speaking, I think BluOS is considered easier to use and better for multiroom playback, while DLNA could be considered more flexible. (When I tried the CXN2 with a generic DLNA control point, it did not work well -- it was fine with its own app.)

If you have a long run of interconnect going to an amp with balanced inputs, balanced outs are worth having. If all your equipment is in one rack, maybe not so much (though still nice).

As to sound, you might have to get the units on trial and find out which one suits your ears better.
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