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)
Thank you!
@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? |
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. |
I had a Cambridge CXN and the sound quality was very good but the app was crap. I have no experience with the Innous but note that most users like their app. So unless Cambridge have made huge improvements to their app I would go with the Innous or maybe consider Aurender if any of their models are in your price range. |
@soix it does help thank you @mazian thank you Based on the feedback I’m leaning towards adding an external DAC and staying with the BlueOS app. I’m looking at the CA DACMagic 200 ($500) with a 60 in home trial OR the DENAFRIPS ARES 12TH anniv. ($1,100). Which one would you get? (or neither, feel free to suggest something else) Thanks! |
Cambridge CXN is not great at all. Bought it few years ago, used it for a week , I had to return it. It doesn't sound great at all. The unit is light and feel like nothing inside. I returned it get my full refund and got the Lumin instead. Its like night and day. Cambridge tech support is worse ! I also tried the DacMagic 200M, it has some buzzing noise and delay when switching from hi-res to MQA. Their support took a week to reply me and said it is how the hardware designed and they will escalate the issue to the team. That's all. They didn't care. I will never use their products again. |
