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
marco1's avatar
marco1
496 posts
 

Careful on this one LHY Bluesound PSU Kit.  Just recieved mine and the jumper that fits between the Node mother board and new ps board is not long enough to make a connection.  Already emailed them and waiting on a reply.

marco1's avatar
marco1
496 posts
 

Heard back already.  All is good.  Nice improvement. Noticing blacker background and firmer bass.  I used the PD power supply modification on another Node a while ago.  Aesthetics of the LHY and the way the Node back panel is closed off  is a definite improvement over the PD.

macg19 OP
659 posts
 

Installed the LHY PSU upgrade with linear power supply yesterday. This is a really nice, significant upgrade for $280.

Instructions were very good. Took maybe 15 minutes. Opening and closing the lid was the hardest (scariest) part.

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,412 posts
 

I have the Cambridge CXN v2 paired with Benchmark DAC3B.

Sound is excellent.

gz00
1 posts
 

I'm a bit late to this discussion but have been on a similar journey. I have the node 130 with the LHY LPSU into Denafrips Venus II DAC via coax. I also use roon lifetime subscriber. Disadvantage of node: usb out no good with roon. Advantage: hdmi arc means I can hook up my TV, BS app great for radio via tunein, Radio Paradise, Deezer, Qubos, Tidal, Spotify, Amazon etc.

Flexibility and feature richness of BS Node keeps me changing to anything else for now. Oh and all works great with Android where many competitors don't.

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