Moved from Logitech Squeezebox to Cambridge CXN V2 w/NAS - sound not as good

Could be your accustomed to a bright sounding Streamer and now have a more neutral one and your questioning the difference. I'd try living with it for a while to see if your end up preferring it. if not move on from the Cambridge and try another. one thing is try a PC/Mac laptop and see if that's any different.  

You simply prefer the sound of one component over another. It is no more complicated than that.  That’s what it’s all about. Find out what makes you happy and drink it. Really. 

+1 @glennewdick You may just be very used to the old, more detailed sound.  My guess is the Cambridge, while maybe initially not sounding as detailed, is actually more refined (what you call “relaxed”) and the frequencies are actually more balanced/natural with less added brightness — kind of like going from a TV with the contrast and sharpness set too high and then having it properly calibrated.  At first it might seem dark and dull until your eyes/brain readjust and realize it’s actually better in every way.  Give it a month for your ears to adjust before making any firm conclusions.  
 

BTW, if the Cambridge is new it’ll need 100 hours or so to start to break in and sound close to its potential.

I have 2 of the Cambridge units so I am quite fond of them.  I am a little unclear.  Are you using the same DAC for the Squeezebox as for the CA?  And what digital connection between the two?

  I had the Squeezebox when it first was released and loved it.  I gave it to one of my kids when I bought a Bluesound Node about a decade ago, before I bought the CA units, so I never did a direct comparison, but sonically the Squeezebox was no slouch 

Nothing to lose trying the built in Cambridge DAC just to see/hear. Cost does not always determine what sounds best.

I used to run Squeeze system then Plex with older DAC then acquired Cambridge Evo 150. The built in DAC is pretty good. That’s what I use. But I did move to Roon shortly after and that is where I am and very happy. I recommend trying all available options with your Cambridge and give it time to determine what works best.

I also have a Chord Mojo and another $80 dongle that sounds very good and on paper is technically better than the Mojo. Both sound very good but very different. The Mojo is probably the worst DAC I use and enjoy at least based on measurements I’ve seen that compare. So you never know how a particular configuration will sound until you try.