Have been watching your video for 3 years now, Again Great straight forward review, and more important, always feel dependable and reliable..thanks a lot ..
I’m pretty stoked about about this streamer. I currently have an Innuos product but I hate the software. Software is what makes or breaks a streamer, so I’m glad you talked about that a lot.
Hi Nemo, thanks for a most useful and concise review. I was streaming music from my PC through a smart TV (for the app and info) and into my amp and then speakers, I thought all this was fine, in fact it was enjoyable and convenient but after research and speaking to people in the audio world, a streamer, it seemed, would make the sound much better (more expense ? do I need this?). Well I bought the MXN10, the black model, it matches the Audiolab 6000A. I set it all up to play one of my favourite tracks from Tidal. When the first note sounded, I jumped, everything was more, the volume, the clarity, the soundstage, the overall richness, the pleasure. My amp and speakers (Acoustic Energy AE500) are quite neutral and revealing, the music sounds very nicely natural. I was born in the middle of the 20th century and am so happy to still be here and to experience this amazing and always improving new era of wonderful audio : ) Streaming ? Go baby. (and give the artists a bigger share).
I agree. I own both a CXNv2 and a CXC. With a CXA81 on order which should be arriving on Wednesday. I did have an issue in the beginning with the CNXv2. But the Cambridge customer support replied quickly to my questions. And we were able to solve the issue.
Plus CA makes their gear very easy to upgrade. My phono preamp 640p after adding linear ps, burson v5i opamps, and few other stuff made by my magician audio specialist, it sounds like crazy. It easy beats up up to 800$ worth phono preamps. CA makes great audio gear for years.
Great presentation on the MXN10, I purchased one three days ago, and I could not be happier. I can't believe how simple the hook-up and software usage is. It sits nicely on top of my Cambridge Audio AX R100. You review sold me on this Server. Thank You!
Hey David, I'm happy I was able to help you make a decision in the large sea of options! Yeah I really like the user interface on this one, it just makes sense and works every time!
Hi David, I’ve just purchased the AXR100 and AXC35 cd player, very happy with both. Now seriously considering a streamer, are you still happy with the MXN10 and, may I ask, why this instead of the AXN10? Many thanks. William
Thank you Nemo for explaining the difference between a true networkstreamer and an end-point reciever, I had no idea but this makes so much sense now! I have had my eyes on the MXN10 for a while now, it now is at the top of my shortlist. A cheaper alternative may be the 6000N play by Audiolab, that has a similar no-nonsense front but with 6 presets. Now with the introduction of both the 7000 and 9000 range, retailers are cleaning up their inventory as it were, so the 6000N now often retails for ridiculous discount prices. It has a high quality circuitry, its own solid transformer and an excellent sabre 9018-dac for the money. It is truly excellent with many review awards. Its only downside is the Play Fi app, but the 6 presets do ease the pain somewhat. However, it is only a true streamer if you activate the 'transfer-to-the-device-mode'. ATB, Gerlach Sven
Finally bought a streamer (Wiim Pro Plus) & though I like the resolution & soundstage the dac sounds a tad bright, so I ran an optical to my Rotel Integrated to temper it. I need a 2nd streamer so I'm considering the MXN10, hoping I like it's dac over the Pro Plus.
I’ve got a Wiim Pro with a dedicated Topping E50 DAC …streaming Amazon Music HD …and it’s freak’n awesome. Now ..if I was to upgrade ..this looks amazing!! Great video 👍☕️🍕🔥
Thank you for the review. You have become one of my top three reviewers I feel I can trust. I’m considering adding a streamer to my stereo rig. The Cambridge Audio MXN10 or AXN10 have been at the top of my list. You just sold me on a Cambridge streamer. Recently got the Cambridge CXA61 and believe this would match well. I love the sound of the Cambridge products I have heard. Would love to hear your thoughts if you get to review the Wharfedale Super Denton. Thanks again Nemo. 🎶👍🏼😎
Value is very subjective. Many guys feel the Toyota Tacoma is the best value truck, personally I think it's terrible and would rather have a base model 2.7 F-150.
Mac Mini (2012), Schiit Modi (USB connection for 24/192), Remote App from Apple on the iPhone, Remote App for the Receiver (Yes, Receiver). Works great for Apple Music
The one thing the newer node has over that HDMI arc which is sweet because I can connect my tv and gaming systems to my 2 channel set with volume control out digital outputs. I use to have the Cambridge CXNV2 and I thought is sounded a tad better, but that might be in my head, something I only noticed after going from the node 2I to the cambrige to the node HDMI, with me thinking that something is missing. If you have to think about it, is it true? So, definately not a night and day difference. I like Blue OS better than Stream Magic, not that SM was bad, I just liked the way I can select tracks to play in Blue OS better. SM would changed the cue on the one song i selected in my track favorites instead of cuing up my track favorites. I do miss the CXN wish that i had never sold it.
I hear ya, sometimes the hobby can be very psychological. We all listen with our eyes and wallet also sometimes. I have heard differences in things and also been unsure if its just in my head or not.
I wonder how the Cambridge compares to the Wiim Pro. I own the Wiim and when using coax out into a DAC and in my case the Bifrost 2, it sounds excellent. There are some limitations if using your own music files but sound wise and for the money you cannot do any better! In addition the software gets updated regularly and works very well.
I forgot to mention, make sure to use a decent power supply with the Wiim Pro. iFi makes some budget ones, I"m using the Keces P3 which may be overkill but sounds great to me. Also consider the quality of cables that you use, optical glass is the way to go for toslink. The Wiim does have some limitations but for the money you cannot go wrong!
@@legrandgroves8560 value is highly subjective, personally I think the Toyota Tacoma is a waste of money, but many herald it as the best value for a midsize truck.
@@NemoPropaganda it's all good, I'm here as I like your reviews, and respect your opinions and have bought based on them ( REL Sub, Awesome). Looking forward to the next video
hello, I've used around 10 streamers and never felt that it's a product that breaks in or changes over time. How they sounded fresh out of the box was always how they sounded 50 or 100 hours later. I do believe in proper opperating temperatures so I wouldn't judge a streamer in the first 20 minutes when it's been plugged in for the first time but once it's been powered on for 15 minutes or so you should be ready to rock & roll!
Hi Nemo, could you please tell me your opinion on this setup. I want to get the Schiit Modi DAC that you reviewed and pair it with the WiiM Pro for a total of $280. Instead of buying the MXN10 for $500. My question is just about the DAC quality not the streamer. Basically do you think the Schiit Modi DAC sounds 99% just as good and neutral as the Node&MXN10 ?? Thanks
to my ears brother the modi and the internal on the mxn10 or node are damn near the same. Inexpensive dacs tend to lean towards neutrality & clarity, the modi is no different.
By the way thanks for sharing the Axpona videos, it's something most of us will never experience. So in the review you said you used a either net cable from the router to the streamer. Do you have any strong opinions on connecting to steamers on a WIFI connection? I think Cheap audio man once said in the past that with a WIFI connection to a streamer that there's a second delay. I would assume with a solid connection one shouldn't be really be able to tell the difference. Thanks
it depends on the rest of your system, in my home I can't hear a difference but last time I tested wifi I was using speakers that weren't super resolving and I do have gigabit wifi and a home that's only a few years old. Entire community is wired up with fiber optic. My understanding is wifi can be ever so slightly lossy regardless of the speed but I'm not a networking expert by any means.
Both are overpriced for what they offer sonically, but particularly the V2. Something like the Wiim Mini and an SMSL SU-10 DAC will get you comparable performance for a total of £160, if you’re happy to use your phone.
Hi, great reviews! Do you think adding a streamer like mxn10 would really improve sound quality of a system with denon x2700 Av receiver and monitor audio bronze 2 bookshelf? Or would it be a waste of money? I've been listening to tidal mostly with bubble upnp app.
@@olepac there should be a difference yes. But difference between dac are interesting, some people feel it is a big difference while other people feel it is a very small difference. The dac inside most streamers under $1000 is usually about as good as something like a Schiit Modi so nothing amazing but good enough, personally I did not feel a dac made a big difference until I went up to the Ares2 but I see people who feel their $200 dac made a huge difference so I think it is very personal.
A request please, as you review the Eversolo and perhaps compare it back to this Cambridge and the Bluesound, once you plug it into an external dac, does one have a noticeable upgrade in sound quality over the other.
Will be interested to see your Eversolo streamer review... I would suspect that once you put in some time with it, you will be replacing your Node with the Eversolo😂. I've got the upgraded Master Edition of the Eversolo in transit to me now, very anxious to put it in my system and replace my Cambridge CXNV2.
I was born in London and spoke the queens english for many years but I've lived in america for more than 20 years now. Some languages do require perfect pronunciation for the word to mean the right thing but english is a very flexible language. It's like Hyundai, nobody says hee-yun-day even though that's the correct way. We all just say hun-day and its close enough :)
Hey, I’m not trying to call you out, I am just curious if you checked out the app with some form of a screen reader and do you know if it works worth a damn.? Thank you for a great review.
I didn't see any aids for visually impaired in any of the menu settings. I use an iPhone, is there a particular screed reader you want me to try out? Let me know and I'll see if it works.
Hi Nemo. One thing not mentioned was Wifi. Did you test that? I had to go on their web site to even figure out if it had wifi. First thing I look for because of my circumstances.
Maybe I don't know what I'm doing but I use my Nvidia Shield to stream both audio and video and it sounds great to me. I have the Shield connected to my Modi which in turn connects to my preamp. Am I missing something?
My issue with these streamers is how expensive they are but they come with a DAC that is so easily replaceable. It may not be bad but its nothing special either, for $500 I think its a shame. On top of that, if you want to have multi room audio they're asking you to pay over $1000 just to link two systems together. I feel like "most" people would be way better off with an external DAC and a Wiim as you can get the sound you personally like for way cheaper. People used to complain about the Wiim software but its really improved since November. When I got the bluesound I wanted to keep it but I couldn't justify it as the sound just wasn't as good than it was coming from an E50, Schitt Modi, or Gheselli. Spending $500, then another 100+ hours just to figure out that my separates sounded way better was really disapointing. I have a system in my office, living room, gym, and basement; there was just no way I could have them all on a $500+ streamer if I was immeadiatley putting another DAC on top. When it comes to streaming, the DAC is too important to just throw whatever Sabre in there.
it's so weird to me that some people don't like the node sound quality, I've tested cheaper dacs against the internal dac of the node and even with my system setup for maximum resolution I find the nodes internal dac to be perfectly serviceable and didn't find a modi to be an upgrade in any way. I even talked to other reviewers about it. Is the wiim a real streamer or is it more of an endpoint where your phone/tablet does the streaming?
I’m using a Wiim mini connected to a Schiit Modi 3 and it functions and sounds as good as the Cambridge or Bluesound. At $220 all in you can’t beat it. That said, if I needed bass management or HDMI the Bluesound would be worth it.
@NemoPropaganda Im sure some of it comes down to personal taste as well. It wasn't like the bluesound was bad, I just found it rather domey. The main issue for me is the price point and the fact that they refuse to put a better DAC chip in a product that completely depends on how good the DAC is. IMHO, for $500 it should be one of the better DAC's that sabre offers and it's just not. I'm not an engineer for DAC's but I can definitely tell a big difference between all the ones I own. To be honest, Integrated amps have the same issue. My Emotiva TA2 and my Cambridge CXA 81 are not cheap and they both come with whatever DAC's. After a couple months with the Bluesound I was still using externals to get what I wanted out of the sound so I felt like I paid $500 for just the software. Considering I would need 4 of them, that is what really got me.
@@NemoPropaganda thanks, that’s what I thought. I haven’t found a streamer under $500 that does anything better than the $150 WIIM Pro especially if a separate DAC is used.
Why do some streamers allow you to log in and use a music account like Pandora and other streamers don’t ? Can’t they all offer more choices? Or is Pandora just on its way out
I graduated to the Sony streaming craze as well. I bought a WiiM mini which worked great. But, my local HiFi shop said I could do better and encouraged me to use my TV instead. I didn't believe it would make any difference. But, I had optical connections going into my Geshelli AKM J2 DAC...one from the WiiM and one from my Sony TV. You know what, he was right. The Sony sounded much better. Thinking about this some more, I want to attribute the higher sound quality to the power supply in the TV, since it's far more robust than the one used for the WiiM. Maybe there are other factors, but the point is that the WiiM is NOT the best game in town...only the cheapest. With that said, I would love to see how a LPS with the WiiM would compare to the Sony...hmm.
One solid review after another, bro! Like DJ Khaled; “Another One”! Great point about the value of a clean & neutral streamer. To be honest, I’m guilty of searching for the best sounding streamer myself. Can’t wait for your Eversolo DMP-A6 review! Get your DJ Khaled tag ready! Cheers 🍻!
thank you bro! I'll say this, in my experience so far most streamers are more similar than different. I have heard there are some major upgrades once you step into the $3k territory but I don't think I'm interested in streamers that expensive.
@@NemoPropaganda I think the only streamer that I would want to get my hands on, which I can’t, apparently, ( because they are not sold outside of Europe), is the “Argon Solo.” But then again you bring up the fire software on the Cambridge, which is really important. 🤯🤯😎
Anyone using the built in DAC and audio processing on the Node: don't do it. Get a quality DAC and hook it up to the Node in "Fixed Volume" setting, in other words, bit perfect mode.
@@NemoPropaganda I personally use the Topping E30 II (AKM) for around $170. It takes it to a higher level for sure. If you are feeling adventurous, try replacing the internal power supply on the Node to a 3rd party linear supply. I haven't tried it yet.
I use WiiM with Tidal Connect going to RME DAC…and I want to buy a more expensive streamer for looks and brand…but I can’t justify it because WiiM is a real bit perfect gapless streamer and I love Tidal Connect. It’s a shame WiiM has a stupid name and is plastic…so I just hide it so nobody sees it 😀
@@NemoPropaganda not really interested in what it looks like, it's bit perfect and you can not get better than that. £89.... The Cambridge audio looks like a box !
features will only sell products for the people that want those features and the lower price will sell more products for the people looking for the lower price. There is no perfect way forward, I'm just happy we have options.
@@NemoPropaganda you are right. But all the options we have are without sub out or at least most of them are. I don’t even know any affordable ($350 or around) Dac which offer sub out so that we can pair with streamer like WiiM to gain the similar functionality. From that perspective if MXN10 could offer sub out for $30 more would have been great.
I love the StreamMagic app. I'm using it next to Roon with my CXNv2. It has everything I need. Is easy to use and pretty quick too. 😊
Have been watching your video for 3 years now, Again Great straight forward review, and more important, always feel dependable and reliable..thanks a lot ..
glad you dig it my man!
I’m pretty stoked about about this streamer. I currently have an Innuos product but I hate the software. Software is what makes or breaks a streamer, so I’m glad you talked about that a lot.
Hi Nemo, thanks for a most useful and concise review. I was streaming music from my PC through a smart TV (for the app and info) and into my amp and then speakers, I thought all this was fine, in fact it was enjoyable and convenient but after research and speaking to people in the audio world, a streamer, it seemed, would make the sound much better (more expense ? do I need this?). Well I bought the MXN10, the black model, it matches the Audiolab 6000A. I set it all up to play one of my favourite tracks from Tidal. When the first note sounded, I jumped, everything was more, the volume, the clarity, the soundstage, the overall richness, the pleasure. My amp and speakers (Acoustic Energy AE500) are quite neutral and revealing, the music sounds very nicely natural.
I was born in the middle of the 20th century and am so happy to still be here and to experience this amazing and always improving new era of wonderful audio : ) Streaming ? Go baby. (and give the artists a bigger share).
that's great to hear, I'm happy you're loving it!!
Like the old 7UP commerical, crisp and clean with no caffeine.
RZA GZA :p
I love Cambridge products, they are high value and high quality, something rare in the audio market. Plus their customer support is top notch.
I agree. I own both a CXNv2 and a CXC. With a CXA81 on order which should be arriving on Wednesday. I did have an issue in the beginning with the CNXv2. But the Cambridge customer support replied quickly to my questions. And we were able to solve the issue.
Plus CA makes their gear very easy to upgrade. My phono preamp 640p after adding linear ps, burson v5i opamps, and few other stuff made by my magician audio specialist, it sounds like crazy. It easy beats up up to 800$ worth phono preamps. CA makes great audio gear for years.
Excellent review, very thorough. Glad to hear the positive comments on the StreamMagic app too. Thank you.
Great presentation on the MXN10, I purchased one three days ago, and I could not be happier. I can't believe how simple the hook-up and software usage is. It sits nicely on top of my Cambridge Audio AX R100. You review sold me on this Server. Thank You!
Hey David, I'm happy I was able to help you make a decision in the large sea of options! Yeah I really like the user interface on this one, it just makes sense and works every time!
Hi David, I’ve just purchased the AXR100 and AXC35 cd player, very happy with both. Now seriously considering a streamer, are you still happy with the MXN10 and, may I ask, why this instead of the AXN10? Many thanks. William
@@williamhodgson1428it’s the same the axn10 is just bigger, which stacks perfectly with the amp you have.
Thank you Nemo for explaining the difference between a true networkstreamer and an end-point reciever, I had no idea but this makes so much sense now! I have had my eyes on the MXN10 for a while now, it now is at the top of my shortlist. A cheaper alternative may be the 6000N play by Audiolab, that has a similar no-nonsense front but with 6 presets. Now with the introduction of both the 7000 and 9000 range, retailers are cleaning up their inventory as it were, so the 6000N now often retails for ridiculous discount prices. It has a high quality circuitry, its own solid transformer and an excellent sabre 9018-dac for the money. It is truly excellent with many review awards. Its only downside is the Play Fi app, but the 6 presets do ease the pain somewhat. However, it is only a true streamer if you activate the 'transfer-to-the-device-mode'. ATB, Gerlach Sven
Wow, I just checked the price of the 6000N and you are not joking. That thing is on a serious clearance!
I'd suggest to start any streamer review with a comprehensive list of supported streaming services.
I believe it is the manufacturers job to make that information readily available on their website, especially since it may change or be updated.
That’s so important that it’s a real streamer not receiving a Bluetooth signal.
Cambridge makes great products.
Finally bought a streamer (Wiim Pro Plus) & though I like the resolution & soundstage the dac sounds a tad bright, so I ran an optical to my Rotel Integrated to temper it. I need a 2nd streamer so I'm considering the MXN10, hoping I like it's dac over the Pro Plus.
The MXN10 is not bright so it will hopefully be more to your liking.
Great review. The Node has Sub out and good Bass management, I think that's big, and HDMI.
Yea, i agree with you, i use my node without a preamp, and this likely cant unless you dont have a sub or youre feeding it with speaker level.
I use a Parasound 2100 preamp with bass management and sub outs so not an issue.
I’ve got a Wiim Pro with a dedicated Topping E50 DAC …streaming Amazon Music HD …and it’s freak’n awesome.
Now ..if I was to upgrade ..this looks amazing!!
Great video 👍☕️🍕🔥
Your Wiim & E50 DAC could/ might be better?!? (It would be interesting to an A/B Comparison!)
@@MikeK6046 and in some cases cheaper 🤔
Just upgraded my DAC ..Denafrips Ares 12-1 with the Wiim 👍👍
And yes , no Amazon music …no deal.
Spot on with the software being key, I have a Play-Fi streamer that hasn't been powered on in a year. Thanks for the review.
oh yeah! nobody has time for bad software these days :)
Great review. Thanks for sharing. Hope to see Eversolo A6 steamer review one of these days and able to compare with this Cambridge.
Thank you for the review. You have become one of my top three reviewers I feel I can trust. I’m considering adding a streamer to my stereo rig. The Cambridge Audio MXN10 or AXN10 have been at the top of my list. You just sold me on a Cambridge streamer. Recently got the Cambridge CXA61 and believe this would match well. I love the sound of the Cambridge products I have heard. Would love to hear your thoughts if you get to review the Wharfedale Super Denton. Thanks again Nemo. 🎶👍🏼😎
thank you for the kind words, i havn't loved wharfedale so far but I've only tried one of their speakers, maybe in the future.
Value wise and software, can’t beat the WiiM pro. It’s on sale too sometimes.
Value is very subjective. Many guys feel the Toyota Tacoma is the best value truck, personally I think it's terrible and would rather have a base model 2.7 F-150.
Mac Mini (2012), Schiit Modi (USB connection for 24/192), Remote App from Apple on the iPhone, Remote App for the Receiver (Yes, Receiver). Works great for Apple Music
Excellent review! Short and sweet.
Glad you liked it!
The one thing the newer node has over that HDMI arc which is sweet because I can connect my tv and gaming systems to my 2 channel set with volume control out digital outputs. I use to have the Cambridge CXNV2 and I thought is sounded a tad better, but that might be in my head, something I only noticed after going from the node 2I to the cambrige to the node HDMI, with me thinking that something is missing. If you have to think about it, is it true? So, definately not a night and day difference.
I like Blue OS better than Stream Magic, not that SM was bad, I just liked the way I can select tracks to play in Blue OS better. SM would changed the cue on the one song i selected in my track favorites instead of cuing up my track favorites.
I do miss the CXN wish that i had never sold it.
I hear ya, sometimes the hobby can be very psychological. We all listen with our eyes and wallet also sometimes. I have heard differences in things and also been unsure if its just in my head or not.
I wonder how the Cambridge compares to the Wiim Pro. I own the Wiim and when using coax out into a DAC and in my case the Bifrost 2, it sounds excellent. There are some limitations if using your own music files but sound wise and for the money you cannot do any better! In addition the software gets updated regularly and works very well.
I'm not sure, I've never heard the wiim.
Its a must try, best value
I forgot to mention, make sure to use a decent power supply with the Wiim Pro. iFi makes some budget ones, I"m using the Keces P3 which may be overkill but sounds great to me. Also consider the quality of cables that you use, optical glass is the way to go for toslink. The Wiim does have some limitations but for the money you cannot go wrong!
@@legrandgroves8560 value is highly subjective, personally I think the Toyota Tacoma is a waste of money, but many herald it as the best value for a midsize truck.
@@NemoPropaganda it's all good, I'm here as I like your reviews, and respect your opinions and have bought based on them ( REL Sub, Awesome). Looking forward to the next video
Great and full review but could have done with more in-depth demo of the Stream Magic app. After all it stands it falls by that.
I had a whole minute of showing it on the screen, not sure what else I could have done. The app is fairly straight forward.
I have a node and I get frustrated by the disconnects or drops and lag in switching songs
is it up to date on software? My node is lightening quick with zero drops. I've had it for over 3 years.
Cambridge do really good things..
Really happy with mine
I have also a CXN100 whose better but not samedi price
Good review, thank you. Did you feel the need to burn in this Mxn10 before a more complete analysis?
hello, I've used around 10 streamers and never felt that it's a product that breaks in or changes over time. How they sounded fresh out of the box was always how they sounded 50 or 100 hours later. I do believe in proper opperating temperatures so I wouldn't judge a streamer in the first 20 minutes when it's been plugged in for the first time but once it's been powered on for 15 minutes or so you should be ready to rock & roll!
Hi Nemo, could you please tell me your opinion on this setup. I want to get the Schiit Modi DAC that you reviewed and pair it with the WiiM Pro for a total of $280. Instead of buying the MXN10 for $500. My question is just about the DAC quality not the streamer. Basically do you think the Schiit Modi DAC sounds 99% just as good and neutral as the Node&MXN10 ?? Thanks
to my ears brother the modi and the internal on the mxn10 or node are damn near the same. Inexpensive dacs tend to lean towards neutrality & clarity, the modi is no different.
By the way thanks for sharing the Axpona videos, it's something most of us will never experience. So in the review you said you used a either net cable from the router to the streamer. Do you have any strong opinions on connecting to steamers on a WIFI connection? I think Cheap audio man once said in the past that with a WIFI connection to a streamer that there's a second delay. I would assume with a solid connection one shouldn't be really be able to tell the difference. Thanks
it depends on the rest of your system, in my home I can't hear a difference but last time I tested wifi I was using speakers that weren't super resolving and I do have gigabit wifi and a home that's only a few years old. Entire community is wired up with fiber optic. My understanding is wifi can be ever so slightly lossy regardless of the speed but I'm not a networking expert by any means.
I wonder how this would compare to CXN V2?
Both are overpriced for what they offer sonically, but particularly the V2. Something like the Wiim Mini and an SMSL SU-10 DAC will get you comparable performance for a total of £160, if you’re happy to use your phone.
Hi, great reviews! Do you think adding a streamer like mxn10 would really improve sound quality of a system with denon x2700 Av receiver and monitor audio bronze 2 bookshelf? Or would it be a waste of money? I've been listening to tidal mostly with bubble upnp app.
I'm not famliar with UPNP so I can't answer this question.
@@NemoPropaganda forget about upnp. In your experience is there a good improvement by adding mxn10 instead of using denon x2700 internal dac?
@@olepac there should be a difference yes. But difference between dac are interesting, some people feel it is a big difference while other people feel it is a very small difference. The dac inside most streamers under $1000 is usually about as good as something like a Schiit Modi so nothing amazing but good enough, personally I did not feel a dac made a big difference until I went up to the Ares2 but I see people who feel their $200 dac made a huge difference so I think it is very personal.
@@NemoPropaganda thanks for the response!
A request please, as you review the Eversolo and perhaps compare it back to this Cambridge and the Bluesound, once you plug it into an external dac, does one have a noticeable upgrade in sound quality over the other.
I will :)
The Eversolo just replaced my node 2i with sbooster using as a transport only. Was a upgrade for my system. Ymmv.
I do miss bluOS tho.
Will be interested to see your Eversolo streamer review... I would suspect that once you put in some time with it, you will be replacing your Node with the Eversolo😂. I've got the upgraded Master Edition of the Eversolo in transit to me now, very anxious to put it in my system and replace my Cambridge CXNV2.
if you're in the free discord give us an update!
Just a point to note for further reviews, it's pronounced Came- bridge, as in Oxford and Cambridge. Maybe it's an American thing ?
I was born in London and spoke the queens english for many years but I've lived in america for more than 20 years now. Some languages do require perfect pronunciation for the word to mean the right thing but english is a very flexible language. It's like Hyundai, nobody says hee-yun-day even though that's the correct way. We all just say hun-day and its close enough :)
I think it depends on where you live in America..I pronounce it Came-bridge as well.
I live less than an hour from Cambridge and it's pronounced Came-bridge.
Great review
The WIIM Pro is a real streamer. I turn off my phone after connecting to my music service. Not airplay.
The MNX10 does not support Amazon Music if that is your thing but it does have Airplay for a work around.
Hey, I’m not trying to call you out, I am just curious if you checked out the app with some form of a screen reader and do you know if it works worth a damn.? Thank you for a great review.
I didn't see any aids for visually impaired in any of the menu settings. I use an iPhone, is there a particular screed reader you want me to try out? Let me know and I'll see if it works.
Im thinking about getting this and be connecting to my DACMagic200. Doesn’t sound like it’s necessary to use external DAC. Thoughts?
DAC's are interesting and a little hard to guess the results so I'd say just try it and see what happens :)
Hi Do you have any thoughts regarding Roon versus StreamMagic?
I have never used roon but everyone seems to love it.
Did you try out the usb port? I have a large number of flac files that I like to play from a usb thumb drive
I did not.
Hi Nemo. One thing not mentioned was Wifi. Did you test that? I had to go on their web site to even figure out if it had wifi. First thing I look for because of my circumstances.
Good point my man, I totally forgot about that and only used ethernet for the whole review.
@@NemoPropaganda You have seen my crazy setup so you know why I ask. heh.
can it do Amazon HD music?
i don't use amazon so I didn't check.
Maybe I don't know what I'm doing but I use my Nvidia Shield to stream both audio and video and it sounds great to me. I have the Shield connected to my Modi which in turn connects to my preamp. Am I missing something?
nah, that's totally cool man!
sir, i have the topping d90 dac? should I use the cambridge dac or connect it to the D90 for (better?) sound?
I think the D90 should be better, test it out, use the D90 for a few weeks and then change to internal maybe to see the difference.
My issue with these streamers is how expensive they are but they come with a DAC that is so easily replaceable. It may not be bad but its nothing special either, for $500 I think its a shame. On top of that, if you want to have multi room audio they're asking you to pay over $1000 just to link two systems together. I feel like "most" people would be way better off with an external DAC and a Wiim as you can get the sound you personally like for way cheaper. People used to complain about the Wiim software but its really improved since November. When I got the bluesound I wanted to keep it but I couldn't justify it as the sound just wasn't as good than it was coming from an E50, Schitt Modi, or Gheselli. Spending $500, then another 100+ hours just to figure out that my separates sounded way better was really disapointing. I have a system in my office, living room, gym, and basement; there was just no way I could have them all on a $500+ streamer if I was immeadiatley putting another DAC on top. When it comes to streaming, the DAC is too important to just throw whatever Sabre in there.
Agreed. A Wiim Mini and SMSL SU-1 will get you similar performance to this for 30% of the price.
it's so weird to me that some people don't like the node sound quality, I've tested cheaper dacs against the internal dac of the node and even with my system setup for maximum resolution I find the nodes internal dac to be perfectly serviceable and didn't find a modi to be an upgrade in any way. I even talked to other reviewers about it. Is the wiim a real streamer or is it more of an endpoint where your phone/tablet does the streaming?
I’m using a Wiim mini connected to a Schiit Modi 3 and it functions and sounds as good as the Cambridge or Bluesound. At $220 all in you can’t beat it. That said, if I needed bass management or HDMI the Bluesound would be worth it.
@NemoPropaganda Im sure some of it comes down to personal taste as well. It wasn't like the bluesound was bad, I just found it rather domey. The main issue for me is the price point and the fact that they refuse to put a better DAC chip in a product that completely depends on how good the DAC is. IMHO, for $500 it should be one of the better DAC's that sabre offers and it's just not. I'm not an engineer for DAC's but I can definitely tell a big difference between all the ones I own. To be honest, Integrated amps have the same issue. My Emotiva TA2 and my Cambridge CXA 81 are not cheap and they both come with whatever DAC's. After a couple months with the Bluesound I was still using externals to get what I wanted out of the sound so I felt like I paid $500 for just the software. Considering I would need 4 of them, that is what really got me.
@@CommonAccent my version of the node has dual wolfson chips, maybe that's why I like it. I dunno.
Can you listen through headphones through the mxn10 through amplifier
I'm not sure, I'm not a headphone user myself.
How does this compare with the new cheaper WiiM Pro Plus or the more expensive Volumio Rivo?
I'm not sure, I don't have any experience with those but I have a theory that most streamers are going to be more similar than different.
@@NemoPropaganda thanks, that’s what I thought. I haven’t found a streamer under $500 that does anything better than the $150 WIIM Pro especially if a separate DAC is used.
Why do some streamers allow you to log in and use a music account like Pandora and other streamers don’t ? Can’t they all offer more choices? Or is Pandora just on its way out
no idea, could be licensing fees or other agreements.
Danke!
thank you.
Hey, I'm basically streaming from a Sony Bravia A95K Quantum Dot Oled (via optical). It sounds glorious. Do I still need a streamer? Why?
if it sounds great and you enjoy the interface I'd say you're all set! Hell I used bluetooth and apple music for a few years and found it adequate.
I graduated to the Sony streaming craze as well. I bought a WiiM mini which worked great. But, my local HiFi shop said I could do better and encouraged me to use my TV instead. I didn't believe it would make any difference. But, I had optical connections going into my Geshelli AKM J2 DAC...one from the WiiM and one from my Sony TV. You know what, he was right. The Sony sounded much better.
Thinking about this some more, I want to attribute the higher sound quality to the power supply in the TV, since it's far more robust than the one used for the WiiM.
Maybe there are other factors, but the point is that the WiiM is NOT the best game in town...only the cheapest.
With that said, I would love to see how a LPS with the WiiM would compare to the Sony...hmm.
WiiM is Chinese, Sony is Japanese, that's why.
Tack!
thank you!
One solid review after another, bro! Like DJ Khaled; “Another One”! Great point about the value of a clean & neutral streamer. To be honest, I’m guilty of searching for the best sounding streamer myself. Can’t wait for your Eversolo DMP-A6 review! Get your DJ Khaled tag ready! Cheers 🍻!
thank you bro! I'll say this, in my experience so far most streamers are more similar than different. I have heard there are some major upgrades once you step into the $3k territory but I don't think I'm interested in streamers that expensive.
@@NemoPropaganda I agree!
@@NemoPropaganda I think the only streamer that I would want to get my hands on, which I can’t, apparently, ( because they are not sold outside of Europe), is the “Argon Solo.” But then again you bring up the fire software on the Cambridge, which is really important. 🤯🤯😎
Anyone using the built in DAC and audio processing on the Node: don't do it. Get a quality DAC and hook it up to the Node in "Fixed Volume" setting, in other words, bit perfect mode.
What's the cheapest dac you feel is an upgrade over the nodes internal dac?
@@NemoPropaganda I personally use the Topping E30 II (AKM) for around $170. It takes it to a higher level for sure. If you are feeling adventurous, try replacing the internal power supply on the Node to a 3rd party linear supply. I haven't tried it yet.
How about the FiiO R7?
that's more of a desktop audio solution and I don't cover desktop audio since I don't have a desktop rig.
does not support Is2 output
I use WiiM with Tidal Connect going to RME DAC…and I want to buy a more expensive streamer for looks and brand…but I can’t justify it because WiiM is a real bit perfect gapless streamer and I love Tidal Connect. It’s a shame WiiM has a stupid name and is plastic…so I just hide it so nobody sees it 😀
if I were you I'd get some velcro tape andjust stick that thing behind your media console or cabinet so its totally out of sight :)
@@NemoPropaganda not really interested in what it looks like, it's bit perfect and you can not get better than that. £89.... The Cambridge audio looks like a box !
You can put it in a node box.
Wish it had Sub out and that could bring more sales for it. Bluesound is more versatile with sub out and 100 bucks might justify for other people.
features will only sell products for the people that want those features and the lower price will sell more products for the people looking for the lower price. There is no perfect way forward, I'm just happy we have options.
@@NemoPropaganda you are right. But all the options we have are without sub out or at least most of them are. I don’t even know any affordable ($350 or around) Dac which offer sub out so that we can pair with streamer like WiiM to gain the similar functionality. From that perspective if MXN10 could offer sub out for $30 more would have been great.
✌🏼👽☮️❤️