Sorry for the long run time. I wanted to try and cover a bit more than the basics. I very would very much appreciate it if you subscribed. Thank you and let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Hi, good vid! I subbed to the channel 😊 wanted to ask why the Tidal streamed song has shown 44.1Khz/16bit and not higher sample rate? Tidal supposed to be hi-res audio not CD quality. Is the song itself this quality, or the MXN10 doesn’t really support hi-res streaming?
@@TheActualTal Not all Tidal media is Hi-Res. Like MQA, only about 15%+/- of it's catalogue available in greater than 16bit/44kHz. The MXN10 supports up to 32bit/768kHz and up to DSD 512. It is just by chance that the track shown was only CD quality. Thank you for subbing. I appreciate it.
@@OldGuyHifi oh don’t apologise . These are the good videos long and informative . Big mug of coffee and cookies and vale , and this is fun to watch , subbed ! 😎
Love my MXN10, serves all my needs and maximizes sound quality from all my sources. Using Roon primarily but presets make it easy to start listening from wherever I need quickly. Reliable, fast, runs cool.
That's great. I agree. I use mine in almost every review I do. I am thinking about getting a second one that can remain in my system. Connecting and disconnecting is a pain. Thank you for your view and comment.
I bought this streamer based on the recommendation of Kevin at Skylabs Audio, who said that he trusted your evaluation. As to this video, thank you so much for making all this make sense for a fellow “old guy”. Also, I just learned that the digital and analog outputs can be used at the same time, so digital to the Advance Paris, and analog to the 1977 Marantz.
Kevin is a great guy. I really hope you enjoy you the MXN10. I think it is the best streamer for under $1k. Keep me posted on your experience with it. Thanks so much.
A comprehensive and detailed review of this equipment. Thank you so much. I think your take on getting introduced to new music by a streamer is also spot on, but I do find a lot of the recommendations very spurious, and imo not relevant to my choices. I do think this is a very relevant product in today's music equipment chain. Thank you for your time, efforts, and novel approach to this review. (in-depth operational dissemination appeals to the geek in me). Take care, Sir.
I bought a MXN10 last Black Friday so I've had it 5 months now. I agree it sounds great and is a simple way to add streaming to an older system. I use it with Roon so don't use the StreamMagic app, but next month I'm going on a short vocation with friends, and I'm taking the MXN10 with some powered speakers and music on a thumbdrive, and I'll invite my friends to share their music too via spotify. Looking forward to it!
Simon, That's great. I personally use Audirvana rather than Roon so I can't connect with that to the MXN10. I am very tempted to get one myself though. It is that good. Thanks for sharing your story it is great.
Hi Ed. Excellent review of the Cambridge Audio MXN-10 Network Player. Great views of the app to help understand how it works. If I didn’t own an Eversolo DMP-A6 already, I would have bought this before a WiiM. I really like my Eversolo. Looking forward to future videos.
I’ve had this unit for about 5 months and it is outstanding. I use my iPad Pro as an interface so it’s like having a large screen remote. The sound quality is excellent through my vintage Marantz and new Heresy IVs
I really enjoy mine. I use it in almost every review as a source to drive a DAC or an amp. I bet it sounds good on the vintage rig of yours. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your experience. BTW, I am a big George Clinton fan.
Talk to Ziedman. He just got one and says he is hearing things on old favorites he didn't know were there. He got his as an open box on eBay for like $329.00. He has got it hooked up to his Ladder-Schumann DAC.
Decent review - thanks for your work on this, I enjoyed the watch and appreciate what you did here. I use a Musical Fidelity MX stream (Roon end point) feeding my Chord M-scaler into Hugo TT2, so I'm certainly not looking at gear in this price range, but I do like to understand what good gear is about at all price points and it certainly seems the MX10 is a decent choice at this price, which doesn't surprise me as I've used a Cambridge Dac in the past (quite a while ago now!)
Great vid, I’ll be partnering the MXN-10 with my vintage Quad 34/306 and LS3/5a speakers. Can’t wait to see how Tidal sounds - should be up and running in a couple of weeks!
@@OldGuyHifiIt all sounds amazing, given the core units, ie Quad pre/power amp and Goodmans LS3/5a speakers are all 40 years old! The MXN-10 has certainly rejuvenated the whole 1980's system - in fact I am blown away how good it all sounds. Really handy using the pre-amp function through the app on my ipad to control the volume from my armchair - luxury! Would post a photo, but not sure how to!
Andrew. You can send to me at oldguyhifi@gmail.com and with your permission I might post it on the community page. I am so glad you are getting a lot of enjoyment from the MXN10. Love those LS3/5as. I had a pair of the KEF built units form their first run back in the 70's. I got them from as a gift Ray Cook the founder of KEF because we were on of the largest KEF resellers in the US. This was back in the late 80's. I gave them away after a bit as a promo for the stores. Get sound. Thanks for updating me and for watching commenting all that stuff.
Wow Ed, that looks like an incredible unit. My set up is much simpler, just like me. LOL I have a Wiim Mini plugged into a Schiit DAC then into a 1974 Marantz 2220b that I cosmetically restored and looks like a museum piece. I have a Sabaj A10h headphone amp in the tape monitor loop for remote volume control. I am very happy. BTW I was born in 1957 so I think I'm older than you. LOL
Excellent and thorough review, great pointers, and valuable tips🤩. Thanks for sharing the Tidal playlist too; it's a convenient tool for comparing products like a pro. Thanks for all your hard work!
Thanks for the review. Have been a Cambridge fan for many years with the CXN v1 streamer. Thinking of changing to the MXN. Think its worth it? (Roksan K3 and Focal Be 1028's)
Chris, It might be worth considering if you wanted: A) an upgraded higher performing DAC. B) Tidal, Qobuz or Deezer Apps built in. C) You need Chromecast or Bluetooth. D) Roon integration. E) A USB Type A input for music (FLAC & DSD) files on a hard drive. F) Device control form Android or iOS devices. G) You want to take advantage of a much improved and updated streaming engine with far better noise and jitter rejection and resolution. I hope this helps in your decision. Let me know what you decide to do. Thank you.
Excellent detailed review! Like and subscribed! I have two questions .. 1. Does it work well as a Roon end point? I would like to use the Roon app to control my music. 2. My family has an Apple Music subscription.. does it integrate with Apple Music?
The MXN10 is Roon ready and it works with Apple Music & Air Play 2. They are currently on sale for $399, a $100 off the regular price. You can find it here: amzn.to/4fuxzou Let me know what you decide. Thanks for your subscription and view.
Thanks! I also found out I can play lossless Apple Music via the Apple TV4K. Granted it doesn’t support Hi-Res Lossless (sample rates greater than 48 kHz). I think that’s fine and that’s a great price for the MXN10!
I bet that sounds awesome. I have heard the DAC Magic 200 at shows and would love to review one. Thanks for watching and sharing that cool system of yours.
I am not sure. At this point I would have to buy one to test it. Cambridge was kind enough to send me this unit but I don't have a relationship with WiiM. Maybe, you never know. Thanks Mike.
Thanks for the review. I’ll save it as a reference if I get this streamer/dac. I’ve been considering it. Just got the Cambridge CXA61 and love the sound. I subbed before. Hope you get to review the new Wharfedale Super Denton. 👍🏼
You are welcome. The nice thing about the MXN10 is that it has the same Stream Magic module as the CXN100. So if you wanted to take it to the next level just add a really good DAC. You could also use the DAC in the CXA61 for a different sound. That said, I think the DAC in the MXB10 is a bit newer and has a better analog section. I don't have a relationship with Wharfedale so probably not. I do own a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 8.2s though. Thank you.
Maurice, I am familiar with the WiiM Pro Plus. It is a very good unit. In my opinion you would need to add a better DAC than the one that is built in. The MXN10 has an internal DAC that I believe out performs the WiiM and the Blue Sound Node. It was very close to my Schiit Bifrost. Please don't think I am saying the WiiM isn't good. It is a great platform but is was built with a price point in mind. Like a Fiat vs, an Alfa. The good news is you can add an external DAC to take it to the next level if you want. Thanks for the view and your comment.
Okay if better than the Blue Sound, that's saying something. Thanks. It was a good review. I've once again been enjoying your playlist. Thanks for including.
I am glad you like the playlists. Try them all and let me know what you think. The Cambridge has more detail in the mids without harshness compared to the Blue Sound. Also the MXN10 images better. Wider with more depth. The software isn't as fancy but I am not listening to the app! Thank you.
Great video. you are extremely knowledgeable on this subject which I find hard to wrap my head around. I currently have a Sonos system that I run through vintage Macintosh and Yamaha systems.I am an Apple guy so the streaming I do is through Apple Music with their lossless format. I get the feeling that this unit would be an upgrade from the Sonos streaming audio experience but that is mostly because I seldom see Sonos talked about as an audiophile streamer. I hear there are issues with hi res files with Sonos. The question I have about other streaming systems is whether they have multiple access points so I can play on both of my systems as I do with the Sonos system. Thanks again Ed. I will check out some more of your videos. I first saw you on the panel you did with the Skylab's Guy btw. Joel
Joel, I don't think a single unit would do room to room. You have inspired me to find out. I am a PC guy but I know the unit is visible via UPNP. I can see it on my network. Give me a day to try and sort this out. Thanks so much for such a great question.
Joel, As I suspected, it is not a Sonos room to room kind of device. It is really an end point on your network. Example: I have my standard PC that runs Audirvana (actually any music service) and that PC is hardwired to my Bifrost DAC. I have the MXN10 connected to a different system that I am reviewing and because I have it on my network, I can choose it as a source for any of my music services just like Tidal/Spotify connect or Chromecast. So think of it as many devices can connect to it but it would need other Stream Magic devices in the house to do multiroom. That could be cost prohibitive. I hope this helps and your question got me digging deeper into the features and I discovered some really cool stuff. Thank you so much. Let me know your thoughts.
@@OldGuyHifi Great information! Thank you for taking the time. So right now I have a Sonos network of 3, two Ports connected to my audio systems and 1 Play 5 which I have on the patio. I bought into the Sonos product line when it first cam on the market years ago. I listen to the living room system probably 90 percent of time and that is streaming, CD/SACD and vinyl. I guess I am what you call hi res digital curious at this point and interested in understanding how that technology is evolving. I will spend some time watching the rest of your videos, I find them to be quite informative. Thanks again.
I am going to bother you again. I had asked you about a toslink connector/switch thing. I realize that I do not need one. My thinking was about getting a music streamer for my AXR100 while all digital connections are in use. Using the RCA connections from a streamer are fine to use and I just did not get that fact or realize that. I was thinking the only good connection was a digital connection, not necessarily true as I would be bypassing the streamers DAC, correct? I am considering this mxn10 and the wiim pro plus. I'm sure this mxn10 is a better choice. I will most likely wait until black Friday sales start, then buy. I am leaning towards the Cambridge MXN10. I would like to thank you for all of your advice. I bought the AXR100 because of you. I bought it from Crutchfield, a scratch and dent one. I never found any scratches or dents on the unit, just was repackaged with all original accessories. I could tell it was used because the speaker terminals had the ends of them taken off so you could insert the banana plugs. The AXR100 sounds great. The volume is what I consider to be backwards... as max volume is ZERO. I am used to that now, it was a shock at first. I use D1 for a Sangean HD FM Tuner. D2 for the TV. D3 is a blu-ray player used as a CD transport... CD's never sounded so good now. Again, thank you Ed. I'm not too far from you, I live in Evansville IN.
Michael, Cambridge sells "Re-furb"/"B-stock" units on eBay for $449 if you are interested. The DAC in the MXN10 is very good so no worries there. Let me know what you decide to do. I am glad I have been able to help. Thanks.
Good to hear you too have the AXr100 I’m thinking AXN 10 to compliment it, for some obscure reason it doesn’t support Amazon Music, any way around this? Greta video thank you.
William, I love my AXR100. The AXN10 would look (and sound) really nice sitting in the rack with your AXR100. I did see your other post. No Amazon music. I am not sure why I think it may be that outside the US Amazon music is not popular. I am just guessing. Right now I am demoing the EVO150 that they sent me. I should have that review done maybe by next weekend. No promises. I am really trying to put it through its paces so I can give it a through evaluation. Thanks so much for watching.
I liked the walk-through of the ‘magic’ software, as that is a controversial topic on some comparison reviews. I’ll consider subscribing after a few more views. This is the first time I’ve been on your channel. I did ‘like’ the video, I hope that helps. As an aside, I’m not sure where the MXN-10 sits in the Cambridge line. I came to this video after several video reviews of the Cambridge CXN-10 which comes in at $899 USD with a touch screen. Did I hear you correctly, that this unit is priced around $500 USD? How does the MXN-10 compare to the CXN-10? I would be interested to know.
Mr. Chamberlin, The MXN10 is the entry point for Cambridge's streaming platform, "Stream Magic." They started doing streaming about 12 years ago and it is an "in house" project. They created all of the software internally and it is based on Linux and not Android so no beholding to Google. It is completely proprietary and they still support all versions & devices going back a dozen years. The MXN10 is using Stream Magic 3 while the CXN100 is version 4. I have Stream Magic 4 in my EVO150 and in all honesty I can't tell a difference between the two versions. If you watch more of my videos you may notice that I use the MXN10 extensively as a digital transport (think CD player) to test and review almost everything. I have had a large number of viewers express their satisfaction with the operation and sound quality of the MXN10 compared to units like the Bluesound and WiiM offerings. The Stream Magic app runs perfectly on iOS and Android. It is stable and glitch free. For what it is worth my wife, who is not very technical, picked up on the app within a few minutes and found easy and fun to use. The MXN10 can also be used as a preamp because it has a volume control in the app and the built in DAC is quite good. I hope this answers some of your questions. Please let me know what you decide. Thank you so much.
Mark, I would suggest the DAC Magic 200M as it has a great headphone amp. You might also consider the Schiit Lyr headphone amp. It is a very good sounding unit. It is a bit more $ but nice. www.schiit.com/products/lyr Thank you so much for watching.
I was really hoping for a sound comparison of this with Wiim Ultra and Eversolo DMP-A6, using the digital out. I have a DAC I like and am planning to upgrade it at some point. Would just like a top notch streaming transport without spending thousands on one of those exotic ones. Edit: Really appreciate your reviews, however. I agree with your "source first" approach which is pretty rare to see (I just thought I was crazy :) ).
I did a streamer comparison. I did the Eversolo DMP-A6, WiiM Pro, the Orchard Audio Pecan Pi Plus and the MXN10. Watch it and let me know your thoughts. Thx.
Cristiano, That would be a great combination. That said I think the built in DAC on the MXN10 is excellent as well. Depends on your budget. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I do appreciate it.
Jim, I am sorry I can't answer that intelligently as I am not a Roon user. I do know I can access the MXN10 from my PC running Audirvana but, again no experience with Roon. Thanks for asking. I may try and figure that out for you. It may be a quick video if I can.
May I know what storage capacity is your Seagate Portable and is it an SSD or a HDD? It it’s the latter, is there sufficient power to access it or do you need an external power source? I’m thinking of using a 2 TB SSD. Thank you.
George, It is a plain vanilla 2TB standard old HD. Nothing special at all. The MXN10 takes a second or so, depending on how many files there are, to index everything. It is by no means slow. Just a heart beat or two. An SSD would be even quicker still. Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope I was able to help.
@@OldGuyHifiIt’s me again. This part of the ability to read an external SSD and then list all the albums and songs really interests me; even though you do say that it’s pretty rudimentary. Are you aware of any other product that can also do this function? I’m more keen on this function than streaming (since I use Apple Music and that’s Airplay). Thank you in advance.
Yes. There is a free piece of music software called Music Bee that can read the hard drive control playback and show album art. I use it on a non-streaming system I have. Try and let me know what you think. Thx.
@@OldGuyHifi Thanks. I was wondering how many total can be saved in the app. I find it strange that there are 1000's of stations available to streamers, yet the apps are all so limited on the number of presets. It would cost the designers zero to add 40 presets to the app.
No, it isn't. It is linix based. It has proprietary software, a purpose built processor and a excellent clocking system. An Android phone resamples everything to 48kHz automatically and sound reproduction is is hardly a consideration in a phone. If you are happy with phone than don't but one these.
I have a friend that has an old PS2 or 3 that can output the digital .dsf files. He does it for me. I wish I could give you more info on it. Sorry. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Sorry for the long run time. I wanted to try and cover a bit more than the basics. I very would very much appreciate it if you subscribed. Thank you and let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Hi, good vid! I subbed to the channel 😊 wanted to ask why the Tidal streamed song has shown 44.1Khz/16bit and not higher sample rate? Tidal supposed to be hi-res audio not CD quality. Is the song itself this quality, or the MXN10 doesn’t really support hi-res streaming?
@@TheActualTal Not all Tidal media is Hi-Res. Like MQA, only about 15%+/- of it's catalogue available in greater than 16bit/44kHz. The MXN10 supports up to 32bit/768kHz and up to DSD 512. It is just by chance that the track shown was only CD quality. Thank you for subbing. I appreciate it.
@@OldGuyHifi oh don’t apologise . These are the good videos long and informative . Big mug of coffee and cookies and vale , and this is fun to watch , subbed ! 😎
@@orborbea9844 Thank you. Cookies & Coffee sounds good. Thx.
Love my MXN10, serves all my needs and maximizes sound quality from all my sources. Using Roon primarily but presets make it easy to start listening from wherever I need quickly. Reliable, fast, runs cool.
That's great. I agree. I use mine in almost every review I do. I am thinking about getting a second one that can remain in my system. Connecting and disconnecting is a pain. Thank you for your view and comment.
Great run down Ed... Love the software overview and actual screen footage... Well done Sir... :)
Thank you. I am also uploading a quicker take on the unit because I know Kelly has a short attention span!! JK
I bought this streamer based on the recommendation of Kevin at Skylabs Audio, who said that he trusted your evaluation. As to this video, thank you so much for making all this make sense for a fellow “old guy”.
Also, I just learned that the digital and analog outputs can be used at the same time, so digital to the Advance Paris, and analog to the 1977 Marantz.
Kevin is a great guy. I really hope you enjoy you the MXN10. I think it is the best streamer for under $1k. Keep me posted on your experience with it. Thanks so much.
A comprehensive and detailed review of this equipment. Thank you so much. I think your take on getting introduced to new music by a streamer is also spot on, but I do find a lot of the recommendations very spurious, and imo not relevant to my choices. I do think this is a very relevant product in today's music equipment chain. Thank you for your time, efforts, and novel approach to this review. (in-depth operational dissemination appeals to the geek in me). Take care, Sir.
Thanks so much for the kind words sir. I do appreciate it very much.
I bought a MXN10 last Black Friday so I've had it 5 months now. I agree it sounds great and is a simple way to add streaming to an older system. I use it with Roon so don't use the StreamMagic app, but next month I'm going on a short vocation with friends, and I'm taking the MXN10 with some powered speakers and music on a thumbdrive, and I'll invite my friends to share their music too via spotify. Looking forward to it!
Simon, That's great. I personally use Audirvana rather than Roon so I can't connect with that to the MXN10. I am very tempted to get one myself though. It is that good. Thanks for sharing your story it is great.
Hi Ed. Excellent review of the Cambridge Audio MXN-10 Network Player. Great views of the app to help understand how it works. If I didn’t own an Eversolo DMP-A6 already, I would have bought this before a WiiM. I really like my Eversolo.
Looking forward to future videos.
Rafael, You have a great set up for sure.
I’ve had this unit for about 5 months and it is outstanding. I use my iPad Pro as an interface so it’s like having a large screen remote. The sound quality is excellent through my vintage Marantz and new Heresy IVs
I really enjoy mine. I use it in almost every review as a source to drive a DAC or an amp. I bet it sounds good on the vintage rig of yours. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your experience. BTW, I am a big George Clinton fan.
Thanks Ed! When the time come for me to move on from my wiim the MXN will be at the top of my list. Great Review! 👍👍👍
It is very good. The App is easy and the stream is very clean. The built in DAC is ok about the same as a standard ESS J2.
Talk to Ziedman. He just got one and says he is hearing things on old favorites he didn't know were there. He got his as an open box on eBay for like $329.00. He has got it hooked up to his Ladder-Schumann DAC.
@@OldGuyHifi Yes, sharing the app with us was very helpful! 👍
Great review! I love this streamer. I also use the Axr 100 receiver.
I love my AXR100. What a great combo.
Decent review - thanks for your work on this, I enjoyed the watch and appreciate what you did here.
I use a Musical Fidelity MX stream (Roon end point) feeding my Chord M-scaler into Hugo TT2, so I'm certainly not looking at gear in this price range, but I do like to understand what good gear is about at all price points and it certainly seems the MX10 is a decent choice at this price, which doesn't surprise me as I've used a Cambridge Dac in the past (quite a while ago now!)
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your system.
Great vid, I’ll be partnering the MXN-10 with my vintage Quad 34/306 and LS3/5a speakers. Can’t wait to see how Tidal sounds - should be up and running in a couple of weeks!
That sounds awesome. Let me know how it turns out. Thanks so much for watching.
@@OldGuyHifiIt all sounds amazing, given the core units, ie Quad pre/power amp and Goodmans LS3/5a speakers are all 40 years old! The MXN-10 has certainly rejuvenated the whole 1980's system - in fact I am blown away how good it all sounds. Really handy using the pre-amp function through the app on my ipad to control the volume from my armchair - luxury! Would post a photo, but not sure how to!
Andrew. You can send to me at oldguyhifi@gmail.com and with your permission I might post it on the community page. I am so glad you are getting a lot of enjoyment from the MXN10. Love those LS3/5as. I had a pair of the KEF built units form their first run back in the 70's. I got them from as a gift Ray Cook the founder of KEF because we were on of the largest KEF resellers in the US. This was back in the late 80's. I gave them away after a bit as a promo for the stores. Get sound. Thanks for updating me and for watching commenting all that stuff.
Wow Ed, that looks like an incredible unit. My set up is much simpler, just like me. LOL I have a Wiim Mini plugged into a Schiit DAC then into a 1974 Marantz 2220b that I cosmetically restored and looks like a museum piece. I have a Sabaj A10h headphone amp in the tape monitor loop for remote volume control. I am very happy. BTW I was born in 1957 so I think I'm older than you. LOL
Mike, You have got be my a year! Sounds like a nice set up. As you know I love me some Marantz. Thanks for sharing that nice set up.
Which Schiit dac do u have Mike? I also have a Marantz.
@@thesupergamermario3701 Hi, I have the Modi 3+
So much content and easy to understand. 2 thumbs up!
Glad you think so! I appreciate you watching and commenting. Thanks so much.
Very well done Ed. Keep them coming.
Thanks, will do!
Excellent and thorough review, great pointers, and valuable tips🤩. Thanks for sharing the Tidal playlist too; it's a convenient tool for comparing products like a pro. Thanks for all your hard work!
Thank you Simon. I am glad you enjoyed the playlist and the video.
@@OldGuyHifi I have a playlist too, but not really for comparison tests. "AM Gold" it's just songs from the radio when I was in my teens🤣
Sometimes that is the best music. Memories' and emotions all in one playlist. I love it.
Thanks for the review. Have been a Cambridge fan for many years with the CXN v1 streamer. Thinking of changing to the MXN. Think its worth it? (Roksan K3 and Focal Be 1028's)
Chris, It might be worth considering if you wanted:
A) an upgraded higher performing DAC.
B) Tidal, Qobuz or Deezer Apps built in.
C) You need Chromecast or Bluetooth.
D) Roon integration.
E) A USB Type A input for music (FLAC & DSD) files on a hard drive.
F) Device control form Android or iOS devices.
G) You want to take advantage of a much improved and updated streaming engine with far better noise and jitter rejection and resolution.
I hope this helps in your decision. Let me know what you decide to do. Thank you.
Excellent detailed review! Like and subscribed! I have two questions .. 1. Does it work well as a Roon end point? I would like to use the Roon app to control my music. 2. My family has an Apple Music subscription.. does it integrate with Apple Music?
The MXN10 is Roon ready and it works with Apple Music & Air Play 2. They are currently on sale for $399, a $100 off the regular price. You can find it here: amzn.to/4fuxzou Let me know what you decide. Thanks for your subscription and view.
Thanks! I also found out I can play lossless Apple Music via the Apple TV4K. Granted it doesn’t support Hi-Res Lossless (sample rates greater than 48 kHz). I think that’s fine and that’s a great price for the MXN10!
Hey, great video - I've got one of these and I plug this directly to the Cambridge Dacmagic 200 via coaxial and its amazing
I bet that sounds awesome. I have heard the DAC Magic 200 at shows and would love to review one. Thanks for watching and sharing that cool system of yours.
@@OldGuyHifi anytime, the DAC is amazing, hopefully you'll get to review it soon. You won't be disappointed.
@@frankles71 I may be able to this fall. Watch this space. Thx.
Thanks for the great review 🤗
Thank you for the view.
Great review Ed. Will you be doing the upcoming Wiim Ultra streamer?
I am not sure. At this point I would have to buy one to test it. Cambridge was kind enough to send me this unit but I don't have a relationship with WiiM. Maybe, you never know. Thanks Mike.
Thanks for the review. I’ll save it as a reference if I get this streamer/dac. I’ve been considering it. Just got the Cambridge CXA61 and love the sound. I subbed before. Hope you get to review the new Wharfedale Super Denton. 👍🏼
You are welcome. The nice thing about the MXN10 is that it has the same Stream Magic module as the CXN100. So if you wanted to take it to the next level just add a really good DAC. You could also use the DAC in the CXA61 for a different sound. That said, I think the DAC in the MXB10 is a bit newer and has a better analog section. I don't have a relationship with Wharfedale so probably not. I do own a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 8.2s though. Thank you.
I enjoyed your video as always. Have you compared this to the WiiM Pro Plus? That is what I'm currently using as my DAC and streamer.
Maurice, I am familiar with the WiiM Pro Plus. It is a very good unit. In my opinion you would need to add a better DAC than the one that is built in. The MXN10 has an internal DAC that I believe out performs the WiiM and the Blue Sound Node. It was very close to my Schiit Bifrost. Please don't think I am saying the WiiM isn't good. It is a great platform but is was built with a price point in mind. Like a Fiat vs, an Alfa. The good news is you can add an external DAC to take it to the next level if you want. Thanks for the view and your comment.
Okay if better than the Blue Sound, that's saying something. Thanks. It was a good review. I've once again been enjoying your playlist. Thanks for including.
I am glad you like the playlists. Try them all and let me know what you think. The Cambridge has more detail in the mids without harshness compared to the Blue Sound. Also the MXN10 images better. Wider with more depth. The software isn't as fancy but I am not listening to the app! Thank you.
I especially enjoyed London Grammer. I had never heard them. I spent some time listening to them and adding a lot of their songs to my playlist.
I am glad you found it to your liking. Thanks.
Great video. you are extremely knowledgeable on this subject which I find hard to wrap my head around. I currently have a Sonos system that I run through vintage Macintosh and Yamaha systems.I am an Apple guy so the streaming I do is through Apple Music with their lossless format. I get the feeling that this unit would be an upgrade from the Sonos streaming audio experience but that is mostly because I seldom see Sonos talked about as an audiophile streamer. I hear there are issues with hi res files with Sonos. The question I have about other streaming systems is whether they have multiple access points so I can play on both of my systems as I do with the Sonos system. Thanks again Ed. I will check out some more of your videos. I first saw you on the panel you did with the Skylab's Guy btw. Joel
Joel, I don't think a single unit would do room to room. You have inspired me to find out. I am a PC guy but I know the unit is visible via UPNP. I can see it on my network. Give me a day to try and sort this out. Thanks so much for such a great question.
@@OldGuyHifi I appreciate your willingness to look into it. Thank you Ed!
Joel, As I suspected, it is not a Sonos room to room kind of device. It is really an end point on your network. Example: I have my standard PC that runs Audirvana (actually any music service) and that PC is hardwired to my Bifrost DAC. I have the MXN10 connected to a different system that I am reviewing and because I have it on my network, I can choose it as a source for any of my music services just like Tidal/Spotify connect or Chromecast. So think of it as many devices can connect to it but it would need other Stream Magic devices in the house to do multiroom. That could be cost prohibitive. I hope this helps and your question got me digging deeper into the features and I discovered some really cool stuff. Thank you so much. Let me know your thoughts.
@@OldGuyHifi Great information! Thank you for taking the time. So right now I have a Sonos network of 3, two Ports connected to my audio systems and 1 Play 5 which I have on the patio. I bought into the Sonos product line when it first cam on the market years ago. I listen to the living room system probably 90 percent of time and that is streaming, CD/SACD and vinyl. I guess I am what you call hi res digital curious at this point and interested in understanding how that technology is evolving. I will spend some time watching the rest of your videos, I find them to be quite informative. Thanks again.
Thanks so much Joel.
I am going to bother you again. I had asked you about a toslink connector/switch thing. I realize that I do not need one. My thinking was about getting a music streamer for my AXR100 while all digital connections are in use. Using the RCA connections from a streamer are fine to use and I just did not get that fact or realize that. I was thinking the only good connection was a digital connection, not necessarily true as I would be bypassing the streamers DAC, correct? I am considering this mxn10 and the wiim pro plus. I'm sure this mxn10 is a better choice. I will most likely wait until black Friday sales start, then buy. I am leaning towards the Cambridge MXN10. I would like to thank you for all of your advice. I bought the AXR100 because of you. I bought it from Crutchfield, a scratch and dent one. I never found any scratches or dents on the unit, just was repackaged with all original accessories. I could tell it was used because the speaker terminals had the ends of them taken off so you could insert the banana plugs. The AXR100 sounds great. The volume is what I consider to be backwards... as max volume is ZERO. I am used to that now, it was a shock at first. I use D1 for a Sangean HD FM Tuner. D2 for the TV. D3 is a blu-ray player used as a CD transport... CD's never sounded so good now. Again, thank you Ed. I'm not too far from you, I live in Evansville IN.
Michael, Cambridge sells "Re-furb"/"B-stock" units on eBay for $449 if you are interested. The DAC in the MXN10 is very good so no worries there. Let me know what you decide to do. I am glad I have been able to help. Thanks.
Good to hear you too have the AXr100 I’m thinking AXN 10 to compliment it, for some obscure reason it doesn’t support Amazon Music, any way around this? Greta video thank you.
William, I love my AXR100. The AXN10 would look (and sound) really nice sitting in the rack with your AXR100. I did see your other post. No Amazon music. I am not sure why I think it may be that outside the US Amazon music is not popular. I am just guessing. Right now I am demoing the EVO150 that they sent me. I should have that review done maybe by next weekend. No promises. I am really trying to put it through its paces so I can give it a through evaluation. Thanks so much for watching.
I liked the walk-through of the ‘magic’ software, as that is a controversial topic on some comparison reviews. I’ll consider subscribing after a few more views. This is the first time I’ve been on your channel. I did ‘like’ the video, I hope that helps.
As an aside, I’m not sure where the MXN-10 sits in the Cambridge line. I came to this video after several video reviews of the Cambridge CXN-10 which comes in at $899 USD with a touch screen. Did I hear you correctly, that this unit is priced around $500 USD? How does the MXN-10 compare to the CXN-10? I would be interested to know.
Mr. Chamberlin, The MXN10 is the entry point for Cambridge's streaming platform, "Stream Magic." They started doing streaming about 12 years ago and it is an "in house" project. They created all of the software internally and it is based on Linux and not Android so no beholding to Google. It is completely proprietary and they still support all versions & devices going back a dozen years. The MXN10 is using Stream Magic 3 while the CXN100 is version 4. I have Stream Magic 4 in my EVO150 and in all honesty I can't tell a difference between the two versions. If you watch more of my videos you may notice that I use the MXN10 extensively as a digital transport (think CD player) to test and review almost everything. I have had a large number of viewers express their satisfaction with the operation and sound quality of the MXN10 compared to units like the Bluesound and WiiM offerings. The Stream Magic app runs perfectly on iOS and Android. It is stable and glitch free. For what it is worth my wife, who is not very technical, picked up on the app within a few minutes and found easy and fun to use. The MXN10 can also be used as a preamp because it has a volume control in the app and the built in DAC is quite good. I hope this answers some of your questions. Please let me know what you decide. Thank you so much.
@@OldGuyHifi Thank you for the favor of your reply. Subscribed.
@@jeremiahchamberlin4499 Thank you for your subscription.
Excellent review 👍💯👍
Thank you Kobi! 👍
Enjoyed your video. 🇨🇦
Thank you Shane! 😃
If I wanted this to use with wired headphones what Cambridge product would you suggest goes with this.
Mark, I would suggest the DAC Magic 200M as it has a great headphone amp. You might also consider the Schiit Lyr headphone amp. It is a very good sounding unit. It is a bit more $ but nice. www.schiit.com/products/lyr Thank you so much for watching.
I was really hoping for a sound comparison of this with Wiim Ultra and Eversolo DMP-A6, using the digital out. I have a DAC I like and am planning to upgrade it at some point. Would just like a top notch streaming transport without spending thousands on one of those exotic ones.
Edit: Really appreciate your reviews, however. I agree with your "source first" approach which is pretty rare to see (I just thought I was crazy :) ).
I did a streamer comparison. I did the Eversolo DMP-A6, WiiM Pro, the Orchard Audio Pecan Pi Plus and the MXN10. Watch it and let me know your thoughts. Thx.
@@OldGuyHifi My bad! Appreciate you!
Thanks!
Gino, You didn't have to do that. Thank you my friend.
@@OldGuyHifi I enjoy your work. Coffee is on me, enjoy!
We want more reviews!
Shill!
Good afternoon! How about to put this MXN10 work hooked with the Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 200M?
Cristiano, That would be a great combination. That said I think the built in DAC on the MXN10 is excellent as well. Depends on your budget. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I do appreciate it.
is the software relevant if one just uses Roon?
Jim, I am sorry I can't answer that intelligently as I am not a Roon user. I do know I can access the MXN10 from my PC running Audirvana but, again no experience with Roon. Thanks for asking. I may try and figure that out for you. It may be a quick video if I can.
May I know what storage capacity is your Seagate Portable and is it an SSD or a HDD? It it’s the latter, is there sufficient power to access it or do you need an external power source? I’m thinking of using a 2 TB SSD. Thank you.
George, It is a plain vanilla 2TB standard old HD. Nothing special at all. The MXN10 takes a second or so, depending on how many files there are, to index everything. It is by no means slow. Just a heart beat or two. An SSD would be even quicker still. Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope I was able to help.
@@OldGuyHifiYes you were. Thank you from another old guy on the other side of the world here in Singapore.
Anytime. It's my pleasure.
@@OldGuyHifiIt’s me again. This part of the ability to read an external SSD and then list all the albums and songs really interests me; even though you do say that it’s pretty rudimentary. Are you aware of any other product that can also do this function? I’m more keen on this function than streaming (since I use Apple Music and that’s Airplay). Thank you in advance.
Yes. There is a free piece of music software called Music Bee that can read the hard drive control playback and show album art. I use it on a non-streaming system I have. Try and let me know what you think. Thx.
You can add meta data to dsf files. I use a program called tagscanner.
Great tip. Thanks.
Anybody know how many Presets you can save with this streamer?
I have 7 in mine but it may do more. Only the first 4 are accessible from the front panel.
@@OldGuyHifi Thanks. I was wondering how many total can be saved in the app. I find it strange that there are 1000's of stations available to streamers, yet the apps are all so limited on the number of presets. It would cost the designers zero to add 40 presets to the app.
What can this thing do that my phone cannot? It is an android phone in a big box.
No, it isn't. It is linix based. It has proprietary software, a purpose built processor and a excellent clocking system. An Android phone resamples everything to 48kHz automatically and sound reproduction is is hardly a consideration in a phone. If you are happy with phone than don't but one these.
How do you rip SACDs to get your DSD files?
I have a friend that has an old PS2 or 3 that can output the digital .dsf files. He does it for me. I wish I could give you more info on it. Sorry. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I picked up an original PS3 for $60 at Goodwill and loaded a custom firmware (hacked) and related applications to be able to do the same
That may be what my friend is doing as well. Thanks for sharing that and for your view.
What a boring box
Thank you for sharing your opinion, thanks for watching. I am confident that I have never bought a piece of hifi to look at.
Ummmm it’s a streaming box and DAC, it’s a music feed machine. The app StreamMagic is easy to use.