This is a very non technical response but you are using vintage gear, try looking at non oversampling, R2R type DAC’s and or a Tube DAC. Those in theory will have a similar sound to your vintage gear, potentially get you closer to how the other sources sound. Do you have a CD player? If you do, you could play some CD’s, first stand alone, using the players internal DaC, then run the player through the Cambridge DAC. If both sound like your current streaming set up, points to digital sources not playing nice with the rest of your gear. If the CD player sounds good but when you run it through the Cambridge DAC it doesn’t sound good, then you have proven it’s your DAC. Synergy with your gear is key. Power Filters / conditioners also impact how your gear sounds, try plugging the Cambridge in the wall outlet directly, see if that changes anything.
My streamer doesn't have a good fantom centerDSP
All vintage analog system, Cambridge Audio streamer using built in DAC. Radio (yes, I listen to it regularly) and Vinyl both have huge sound stage, great image, it sounds like voices are coming directly out from my audio rack. However, when playing my streamer, it's more like just L/R speakers. That center image isn't always there.
My streamer software/firmware are up to date, cables are connected correctly, use Tidal Connect with MAX bitrate. It does sound great, very clean, clear, great dynamics, good sound stage, but the center is just not right.
My thoughts are that my speakers are setup correctly, due to the other sources working just fine. Not using any signal adjustments in the streamer (DPS, EQ).
Thinking might need to invest in a better streamer? Mine is a budget one after all.
- ...
- 49 posts total
I agree with @mm1tt77 , There are great used R2R Dac's that have an analog sound. Your Cambridge may be the problem, and if it is the DAC module that is the issue then a separate DAC could be the fix, assuming the Cambridge allows for a digital out to a separate DAC. Look for a used MHDT Orchid or other model DAC in that line or perhaps better still an Audio Mirror Tubadour IIISE DAC. Both have tube output stages and from personal experience, produce beautiful full sound. If you feel you must have an all in one streamer DAC, then perhaps the newest BlueSound would fit the bill, getting great reviews. Good luck! |
With everything else eliminated as a culprit, good external dac would improve sound quality and most likely rectify the issue. For example something like the geshelli J2 with upgraded op amps and a good digital coax cable will definitely improve your listening experience with streaming. It just sounds like the Cambridge isn’t doing a good enough job filling in the soundstage. Source components affect soundstage snd it looks like your Cambridge isn’t capable of meeting your expectations
|
Maybe the entire group of trustworthy reviewers including Stereophile and Tarun does not know what soundstage is and mistakenly judged Cambridge MXN10 as a class A, oustanding digital transporter, Mr. @audphile1. Saying it ‘just sounds like’ something comes across like random street chatter. |
- 49 posts total