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

+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. 

If the cxn v2 has usb out, that’s most likely going to be the best way to connect to the Qutest and it should also sound slightly more open.
This in addition to breaking in the cxn for 200hrs if new and getting used to better sound.

Which model QNAP and how much RAM does it have versus the PC? You changed your server from a pc with (assuming) and Intel or AMD cpu to an albeit streamlined linux box with an (assuming) Arm processor. As odd as it sounds, that can make a huge difference in sound quality, as least in my system.

I, too, use a Logitech streamer, albeit the Transporter, and can easily hear differences between servers, especially if using any DSP or upsampling in software on the server. Just my two cents...maybe switch servers while keeping the Cambridge and see what differences you hear??