CAMBRIDGE AUDIOSTREAM MAGIC 6 - Alternative

[whoam1]

Hi,

I went out yesterday to purchase the above.

However, I wasn't aware that it didn't support Spotify.

Any suggestions as to an alternative system with built-in Spotify.

Not Sonos please as the sound quality was somewhat lacking compared to the Magic 6.

Cheers.

 

[tino]

What amplifier / speaker combination are you using?

 

[CnoEvil]

Linn Sneaky, but you have to stream it as described here:
http://forums.linn.co.uk/bb/showthread.php?tid=3149

 

[whoam1]

What amplifier / speaker combination are you using?

Arcam AV9/P7 with Sonos Faber Grand Piano speakers.

 

[CnoEvil]

What amplifier / speaker combination are you using?

Arcam AV9/P7 with Sonos Faber Grand Piano speakers.

Very nice indeed.....and the Linn DS will fit in well with this.

 

[whoam1]

What amplifier / speaker combination are you using?

Arcam AV9/P7 with Sonos Faber Grand Piano speakers.

Very nice indeed.....and the Linn DS will fit in well with this.

Thanks, I will go and audition the Linn kit next week.

As an aside, could I connect to the Magic 6 via Bluetooth and stream Spotify that way?

What sort of sound quality would that provide?

 

[Shanka]

Out of curiosity why not Sonos through a dac Magic plus or other dac which would improve the quality.

I looked at the spotify ds set up and looked tricky but I admit I'm not very techy.

 

[whoam1]

Out of curiosity why not Sonos through a dac Magic plus or other dac which would improve the quality.

I looked at the spotify ds set up and looked tricky but I admit I'm not very techy.

I did consider the seperate DAC approach but I suppose I was looking for a simple, one box, plug-it-in-and-away-you-go, solution.

Having read the Linn DS/Spotify link posted, it does indeed look a little convoluted.

 

[CnoEvil]

Thanks, I will go and audition the Linn kit next week.

As an aside, could I connect to the Magic 6 via Bluetooth and stream Spotify that way?

What sort of sound quality would that provide?

Auditioning the Linn is a good idea.....try and use kit as close to yours as possible.

As for your other questions....not a clue, sorry.

(Welcome to the forum, btw)

 

[Shanka]

I use spotify through a dac in my second system with a dacMagic and am quite happy with it, I have tried Spotify on Sonos using my mobile which was equally easy to use and you get the other benefits of Sonos.

I know you can get it also on Squeeze Box Touch but have not seen it work but many here seem more than happy with it, it is cheaper and you could then spend more on a DAc maybe.

I do not know how these compare with the operation of the Linn, maye CNo can advise if required on his next visit.

 

[tino]

As an aside, could I connect to the Magic 6 via Bluetooth and stream Spotify that way?

What sort of sound quality would that provide?

You could do that, but you can also do the same with the cheaper DacMagic Plus and matching BT100 Bluetooth receiver which uses the apt-x audio codec (see http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=872)

I stream music via Bluetooth (apt-X) using a Chordette Gem. It's not as good as a wired DAC connection, but I'm very happy with the sound quality and it's very convenient to use. Used ones are about £200. Using one I can stream Spotify from a PC, iPod or tablet. You need to use an apt-x transmitter for about £30-£40 for decent sound quality, the plain old Bluetooth SBC codec isn't up to much sound quality wise.

BTW ... with the amplifer you have I assume you have a nice AV setup. However if you wanted an all in one excellent sounding stereo setup (with amplifier), and do justice to those SF speakers you have, then I would look seriousky at a Linn Majik DSM.

 

[John Duncan]

Add an Airport Express and stream Spotify from iPhone via AirPlay or PC using Airfoil software, or get a Squeezebox Touch and DACMagic Plus...

 

[whoam1]

Thnks for all the input and suggestions; most welcome.

I am going to audition the Linn kit later this week. The local dealer is pretty accomodating so I will take the kit home to try if I like the demo in the shop.

Am also going to have a look at the Bluetooth connectivity suggested.

My conncern about that is that I've read about issues with drop-outs etc.

Any views?

 

[CnoEvil]

Thnks for all the input and suggestions; most welcome.

I am going to audition the Linn kit later this week. The local dealer is pretty accomodating so I will take the kit home to try if I like the demo in the shop.

That is the best way....make sure you have a good listen to the Majik DS if in budget, as it is worth the extra (imo), as it's the cheapest DS to have the Dynamik power supply.

Look forward to what you think

Cno

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Tino,

I just purchased the Cambridge Magic 6 and I'm totally confused regarding a few issues. Your help would be greatly appreciative!

1) Once I've copied my CD's onto my computer using i tunes, how do I then "send" that music over to my Magic 6 component????

Thanks again, Dan

 

[Anonymous]

UNPUBLSIHED BY MODS - DUPLICATE POST

Hi Whoam,

I just purchased the Cambridge Magic 6 and I'm confused about a few tech issues. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

1) What devices could be "hooked-up" to the rear of the Magic 6 component? (and for what reasons?)

Also, does it make sense to connect a receiver up to the rear of the Magic 6?

Also, I've copied my CDs onto my computer by using i tunes. Now, how do I "transfer" all of that music over to my

Magic 6 device so that I could listen to it. Thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Whoam,

I just purchased the Cambridge Magic 6 and I'm confused about a few tech issues. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

1) What devices could be "hooked-up" to the rear of the Magic 6 component? (and for what reasons?)

Also, does it make sense to connect a receiver up to the rear of the Magic 6?

Also, I've copied my CDs onto my computer by using i tunes. Now, how do I "transfer" all of that music over to my

Magic 6 device so that I could listen to it. Thanks!

 

[whoam1]

Thnks for all the input and suggestions; most welcome.

I am going to audition the Linn kit later this week. The local dealer is pretty accomodating so I will take the kit home to try if I like the demo in the shop.

That is the best way....make sure you have a good listen to the Majik DS if in budget, as it is worth the extra (imo), as it's the cheapest DS to have the Dynamik power supply.

Look forward to what you think

Cno

Well, this is getting expensive

I auditioned both the Naim ND5 XS and the Linn Majik DS this afternoon.

The Naim system was absolutely head and shoulders better for sound quality.

I was expecting both systems to sound different but the level of improvement in sound quality took me by surprise.

I have arranged to have a demo of it in my system at home to confirm that it will integrate well with the existing components.

Mmm. Well I went out intending to purchase a cheap and cheerful Sonos/SBT, flirted with the Cambridge Magic 6 and have ended up here. I was scared to listen to anything more expensive in case it took my ear

I'll report back when I've heard it at home.

 

[whoam1]

UNPUBLISHED BY MODS - DUPLICATE POST

I forgot to add to the above that the speakers used for the demo were B&W PM1's that both looked and sounded absolutely fantastic.

I'd never heard these before and am very, very impressed. They even look pretty wife friendly.

 

[whoam1]

I forgot to add to the above that the speakers used for the demo were B&W PM1's that both looked and sounded absolutely fantastic.

I'd never heard these before and am very, very impressed. They even look pretty wife friendly.

 

[CnoEvil]

Well, this is getting expensive

I auditioned both the Naim ND5 XS and the Linn Majik DS this afternoon.

The Naim system was absolutely head and shoulders better for sound quality.

I was expecting both systems to sound different but the level of improvement in sound quality took me by surprise.

I have arranged to have a demo of it in my system at home to confirm that it will integrate well with the existing components.

Mmm. Well I went out intending to purchase a cheap and cheerful Sonos/SBT, flirted with the Cambridge Magic 6 and have ended up here. I was scared to listen to anything more expensive in case it took my ear

I'll report back when I've heard it at home.

I'm delighted you are making headway, and finding the sound that you like....this is exactly the reason for demoing, and shows that you can't take anyone else's word for what will be right for you.

Cno

Edit. Did you listen to them both in the same system (what amp), or did you use a Linn amp with the Majik DS?

 

[whoam1]

The amp used was the same (as were the speakers) in each system.

It was a Majik 2100.

I'm very keen to hear it in my own system now.

 

[CnoEvil]

The amp used was the same (as were the speakers) in each system.

It was a Majik 2100.

I'm very keen to hear it in my own system now.

Very interesting......at least this gave you a benchmark, as amp and speakers were the same.

Normally I would have expected that the Linn DS to have worked better with a Linn amp, than a Naim Streamer...so you obviously like the Naim presentation. Have you considered a Naim amp?

On a personal level, I don't like Linn amps, which is why I asked the question, but it would appear that you really like them....again showing the personal nature of selecting hifi.

IMO You have listened to the two obvious contenders, and are very wise to check the synergy with your system. I like Linn + Arcam, which means you will probably prefer Naim + Arcam.

By liking the system that you demoed, it shows that you are rather enjoying a complete contrast to your Arcam + Sonus Faber.....so make sure that this more detailed presentation is one you can live with long term.

Look forward to your findings

Cno

 

[John Duncan]

Your computer needs to be running a UPnP/DLNA server like Twonky, Asset or Eyeconnect (depending on whether you run windows or mac) so that the stream magic can 'see' the music.

 

[stevenjonas]

I have read a significant amount of material extolling the virtues of the Sonos system, without a hint of criticism about the quality of its sound.

Then I read the above thread.

How does the quality of the Sonos sound, compared with, for example, the Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6?

Wireless is very important to me!

:help: