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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
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,452 posts
 
“question regarding the need for external DAC above?”
It is recommended to use an external DAC with Node 2 if you want a better than average sound quality. Same goes for the internal DAC in your AV processor. Having said that, buy a digital coax and RCA cable from DH Labs and compare which DAC sounds good to your ears before you pony up cash for an external DAC. 
tistru OP
23 posts
 
Thanks @lalitk . I have a high end AV Processor and an Oppo 205 with very high end DAC (pretty sure both will be better than the built in DAC on the NODE). I will try all three to see which works best for sound quality and convenience
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,656 posts
 
I auditioned both the Node and the Cambridge.
Ended up buying the Cambridge because of the improved SQ.
I don’t know how good the Oppo DAC is, but with my Benchmark DAC it was no contest.
The hi res files on the Node didn’t sound much (if at all) better than the normal res files on the Cambridge.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,656 posts
 
One caveat with the Cambridge you should know.
On Qobuz it will not stream in 192 khs , only as high as 96 khs.
HOWEVER, the sound is still better on the Cambridge notwithstanding.
tistru OP
23 posts
 
That's interested @rvpiano. I didn't know that. Yeah I want to get full resolution from what files and services I'm using so that's a con on the Cambridge. But I've heard consistently that the Cambridge sounds better which I would expect. However, since I'll mostly be using the streamers as simply pass through, things like the music service compatibility and app UX is probably more important for me in this scenario. 
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