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.
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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Nothing random in that. Different levels of source components have different degree of capability when it comes to soundstage and locking in center image. 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. So…getting an external DAC that’s more capable than what’s in that Cambridge will address the issue. Hope this makes sense. |
Oh and one other thing…no $499 one box streamer DAC solution is outstanding. It may be rated as Class A in stereophile but you need to understand that it’s Class A rating is within that price category. It isn’t Class A rated amongst the likes of Mola Mola Tambaqui or Grimm MU2 to create competition with these high end components - it’s a low-fi entry level unit. If you thought otherwise, you’re living in an alternate reality. One that’s your own. And this, my friend, with the $499 Cambridge, is your reality check. |
You guys are harsh. It's a bit offensive to call my setup low-fi. Just because a unit is lower priced does not make it crap. I agree, that I might be asking too much from it, time to upgrade it is now. Pulled in my garage speakers KLH Model 5, have been messing around with them. Putting them closer, angled more towards me did not really help much. Now my other 2 sources do not sound as good. That is not a solution, as streaming is my least used source. Going to start looking for a new streamer/DAC in the sub $2k range. |
