2. digital
  3. 168765-112096

New Bluesound Node vs Cambridge CXN v2 for High Res Streaming?

Sorry if this is a duplicate of some sort (lots of threads to sort through) but I was hoping to get some help from you guys.

I’m considering a high res streamer with particular interest in the new Bluesound Node and the Cambridge CXN v2. I’m most concerned with the ability to get the full resolution of my high res tracks into my stereo system for high res listening (obviously streaming from my Iphone/IPAD via Airplay isn’t going to cut it). I currently have Amazon Music HD and Qobuz.

What are some of the differences between the 2 streamers with regards to high res streaming? I’ve heard the sound quality is superior in the CXN v2 but I also do not believe it even supports Amazon Music HD. I also heard that Bluesound Node has support for the upgraded Bluetooth Aptx and better support for Roon and Qobuz compared to the CXN. Is that correct?

Other considerations to ensure I can get max quality streaming from the highest number of services between the 2 devices?
tistru
fastfreight
787 posts
 
lalitk: Isn't the Node the same as the Vault except for the internal storage and CD ripper?  I mean the same streamer, DAC and op system?

+1 on using an external DAC.  If the external DAC is decent, it may have
a similar or better streamer as well.

OP: I ripped all my CD library to my Macbook.
But, I find that 99% of my CD's are available on either Qobuz or Tidal anyway, and often at higher resolution.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,604 posts
 
No one supports Amazon. They do not share. They ARE NOT a streaming service.
Screw ’em.
You need a good external DAC. You can get better sound without paying for a meh internal DAC.
mahler123
3,328 posts
 
The OP was interested in the Node, not the Vault.  It doesn’t seem like he needs the storage and disc ripping of the Vault.
  Bluesound has upgraded the DAC.  I still suspect it is the limiting factor but I heard the new DAC I when I went to audition new speakers and the only source the dealer had was the Node running Roon.  It’s difficult when the rest of the system isn’t familiar but while I recognized the Bluesound signature, in a system that costs about 1/3 of mine, the whole thing was pretty impressive.  At any rate one can always start with the internal DAC and upgrade.  The Cambridge doesn’t have a DAC so the Node would be a less expensive proposition, and it costs half the price of the Cambridge.
Otoh, Cambridge now is touting something called mpeg-DASH which allows for better Internet Radio, apparently 
dinosore
108 posts
 
Personally, I think you are better off with the NODE.  It is half the price of the Cambridge and has a much better user interface with BluOS.  The NODE has native integration with just about every streaming service with the exception of Apple Music (and it does have access to Amazon, despite a previous post).  I can't comment on the internal DAC on the new NODE, but I have the Node 2i and I think its internal DAC is very good.  I do use an external Meridian DAC (which I had already owned) and the difference between the two DACs is very subtle.

Both units support Roon, Apple Airplay 2 and Google Assistant.  The NODE also supports Amazon Alexa.  The NODE has BT built in, but it appears you need to purchase a separate BT adapter for the Cambridge? But you seem to be focused on hi-res, so BT may not matter that much to you.


tistru OP
23 posts
 
Thank you for the replies everyone. Sounds like folks are leaning to the NODE which I think I am as well.

@dinosore - yes I am focused on high res as I can technically stream almost everything today via Bluetooth or Airplay. But the frustration is that the quality is limited, especially when streaming high res tracks from Amazon or Qobuz.

@mahler123 - you mentioned the Cambridge doesn't have a DAC which I'm confused by. I thought the Cambridge did have dual Wolfson DACs if I'm not mistaken?

So general question for all: there is a lot of talk about connecting an external DAC to these streaming devices. Would that be necessary to get high res audio if I'm connecting the Node (or CXN) directly to an AV processor? Are there limitations to the resolution of audio being output digitally from the NODE and using the DAC in the processor?
More to discover