Best Set-up for Cambridge CXA81 with Bluesound Node 2i

[ast2312]

Hi All,

Just wanted to get some views from the forum on this one.

My set-up is almost complete and have decided on the Cambridge CXA81 with a Bluesound Node 2i.

The question I have is the best SQ set-up. I guess I have two options;

Option 1 - RCA Analgue out from Bluesound into CXA81 (use the DAC in the Bluesound)

or Option 2 - Digital out from the blue sound into CXA81 (use DAC in the CXA81)

If option 2 is considered the best option can anyone advise on the best digital type cable to use please with the CXA81, Coaxial, USB or optical?

Any feedback much appreciated....

 

[shadders]

Hi,
Essentially use the DAC which sounds best for you.

The CXA81 (latest model) uses the ESS Sabre ES9016 DAC IC, and the Bluesound (assumed to be the Node 2i) uses a Burr Brown 32bit/192kHz DAC - probably PCM1794. Details are scant on the internet.

My preference is optical - so there are no ground loops etc., into the CXA81 if you use the amplifier internal DAC. If the file being listened to is greater than 192kHz, then i think USB into the Bluesound is the only option, and hence RCA into the CXA81.

Regards,
Shadders.

 

[ast2312]

Thanks Shadders,

Just realised my original post used the wrong name for the amp so just corrected.

I have also just realised that I would like the option to fully decode MQA. I know the Bluesound can do this but was uncertain if the CXA81 DAC is capable of MQA (don’t know much about MQA unfortunately).

I guess if the CXA81 is unable to decode MQA then I would need to go back to option 1 which is all conversion done by Bluesound and analogue fed to CXA81?

 

[shadders]

Hi.
I think some of the ESS DAC's have MQA decoding built in, but whether the CXA81 has implemented the relevant ESS DAC for MQA, is unknown - i did a quick search, and nothing returned specifically.

Here is a link to someone who had the same issue with regards to MQA and their Bluesound 2i :

MQA Confusion

Hi, I have a new Node 2i. Hardwired network connection and coax out to a Cambridge Audio CXA81 amp. My understanding was that the only way to take advantage of Tidal MQA was to use the Node 2i DAC/...

support1.bluesound.com

So it seems that for MQA then Bluesound has the capability as per the thread, but unsure for Cambridge Audio CXA81.

Regards,
Shadders.

 

[Leon Martin]

I have the CXA81 and it doesn’t have the capability to decode MQA.

 

[ast2312]

Thanks for the replies, as I would like the option for MQA I will go for the Bluesound being the converter.

Thanks everyone...

 

[rainsoothe]

I think you should try it both ways and let your ears decide. Who cares whether it's MQA or not if it just sounds better? (Yes, I'm not a fan of the dac in the Node, but a lot of people like it, so don't let me put you off).