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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. 

mswale
mapman's avatar
mapman
23,613 posts
 

I have a Cambridge mxn10 and Evo 150. I doubt it’s the streamer unless defective or a bad connection in play. 
 

There is a balance setting on the Streammagic app.  Is that set to center? Are the other audio settings set properly?

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,982 posts
 

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 

 

lanx0003
1,958 posts
 

It just sounds like the Cambridge isn’t doing a good enough job filling in the soundstage.

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.

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audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,982 posts
 

 

lanx0003

1,480 posts

 

It just sounds like the Cambridge isn’t doing a good enough job filling in the soundstage.

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.
 

Nothing random in that. Different levels of source components have different degree of capability when it comes to soundstage and locking in center image. 
There are many instances in which a speaker placement change is required when a new component, be a source or an amp, is introduced into the system. These speaker placement changes include moving speakers closer together or further apart or adjusting a toe in.

When you are dealing with analog and digital in the same system you are faced with a challenge where one type of source could be significantly better than the other and that can result in what the OP is struggling with. 

To level the playing field the OP would have to swap his vinyl rig for a basic Besr Buy pioneer or audio technica turntable with a $50 cartridge and a phono sect that’s built into the turntable. The sources have to be compatible to do a fair comparison. And I promise you the ability to produce soundstage with that vinyl rig will be about the same as with that $499 Cambridge streamer. 
Can he improve and fix that problem? Yes to a certain point. Move speakers much closer together and sit closer. It will improve but it will not be great. 
 

So…getting an external DAC that’s more capable than what’s in that Cambridge will address the issue. 

Hope this makes sense. 

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