2. digital
  3. 181843-172314

Cambridge CXN V2 or Innuos Pulse Mini?

These two streamers popped up in a few recent threads and got me thinking about upgrading my Bluesound Node, so I would appreciate some advice.

Both are in the $1200 range which is about all I’m willing to spend on digital at this time, so I’m wondering which one I should get and will the difference in SQ be significant, or should I stay where I am for now? (My understanding is the DAC is key to good SQ, but I know zero about DAC brands/specs)

  • I stream only, mostly Tidal, then SirusXM, and I am auditioning QoBuz
  • I don’t care about MQA
  • I don’t need file storage or CD ripping
  • I’m reasonably happy with the BluOS app
  • Better library / favorites management would be nice
  • Input is ethernet cable
  • Output is analogue / RCA

Thank you!

macg19
mofojo
2,171 posts
 

Pretty sure the user experience will be less “good” than what you have now. There are people using multi thousand dollar streamers that still say Bluesound app is better. Sound quality would be subjective IMO if your using internal dac of the unit. 
 

IMO of course you would get a much bigger gain spending the $1200 on an external dac. 

soix
8,655 posts
 

Go with Innuos.  They filter down a lot of tech from their big $$$ streamers, and the newest version of their Sense app is getting great reviews and is free.  

mahler123
3,032 posts
 

I wrote a post that seems to have got lost in the ether.  I have the CA and used to own the Node.  The CA is much better SQ.  The apps are comparable.  Chromecast and AirPlay are nice features.  You can use the DAC with other digital sources.  You can even run the Node into the CA DAC for improved SQ.  You manage the playlists within the streaming service itself and just play them on the streamer.

Can’t comment on Innous,

macg19 OP
664 posts
 

@mahler123 thanks, I believe I did read your post.

@soix Thanks for the feedback - I read in a review of the Innous Pulsemini that some higher-res file formats required an external DAC - can you comment on that and do you know would that be the same with Cambridge

@mofojo Thanks, I did wonder the same - any suggestions on a DAC and what cabling would I need to connect the Node to the Dac? 

soix
8,655 posts
 

Thanks for the feedback - I read in a review of the Innous Pulsemini that some higher-res file formats required an external DAC - can you comment on that and do you know would that be the same with Cambridge

Yes, I believe I read the onboard DAC on the PulseMini is limited in resolution to either 24/96 or maybe 24/192. That wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me because I find even 24/96 to sound pretty damn good, and sorry but I’m unfamiliar with the Cambridge so really can’t help there.  That said, I’d only use the internal DAC until I could afford a good standalone DAC because it is such an important component in the signal chain, so I only view the onboard DAC of the PulseMini as a stopgap and nothing more. But that’s me. Hope this helps at least somewhat.

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