Best streamer/DAC for up to $1500


I almost bought the Qutest. Even though it is still in my shortlist, I am thinking maybe I should go for the integrated solution of a streamar/DAC combo. My budget is no more than about $1500 MAX. MQA is not absolutely necessary. XLR outputs are preferable.

I am deciding towards a Cambridge CXN V2, unless someone here suggests an alternative.

Sound quality is obviously the most important criteria but right up there is also reliability too (at least 6+ years of trouble free reliable operation).

Any experiences ?

Thanks in advance.

 

128x128cakyol
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I run the Cambridge CXN v2 with a Benchmark DAC 3B and the SQ is excellent.

I’ve compared it with the Node 2 on my system and the Cambridge clearly sounded better.

@rvpiano 

Thanks for mentioning this.  Have you had any quality and/or reliability issues ?  How long have you had the unit ?

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No reliability issues whatever.  I’ve had it for about two years.

‘Really an excellent unit with some nice features.