Cambridge CXA81 bluetooth Vs Cambridge MXN10 streamer

[TK421]

So what's the difference between listening to Spotify via the bluetooth on my Cambridge Audio CXA81 amp and a Cambridge audio MXN10 streamer?

 

[nopiano]

Presumably, one less device if using the amp and listening on speakers. Are they both the same Bluetooth standards?

I’ve heard amazingly good Bluetooth on a high end system which astonished me, given it is usually frowned on in hifi circles. But personally it never occurs to me that I might use Bluetooth other than if the car chooses that rather than CarPlay to connect my phone when driving.

 

[Vincent Kars]

Had a quick glance at the product pages
Cambridge Audio CXA81 has a build-in Bluetooth receiver. You must use an external device e.g. mobile and it will send the audio to the amp using lossy compression. For best results your mobile must support APTX-HD ( 576kbps) othwerwise it will be SBC (320 kbs)

Cambridge audio MXN10 is a streamer. It connects to the WiFi/Ethernet so no lossy compression as far as the network protocol is concerned.

 

[TK421]

Had a quick glance at the product pages
Cambridge Audio CXA81 has a build-in Bluetooth receiver. You must use an external device e.g. mobile and it will send the audio to the amp using lossy compression. For best results your mobile must support APTX-HD ( 576kbps) othwerwise it will be SBC (320 kbs)

Cambridge audio MXN10 is a streamer. It connects to the WiFi/Ethernet so no lossy compression as far as the network protocol is concerned.

So the signal from the phone is lower quality than a streamer being connected directly to the Wifi?

 

[Vincent Kars]

Yes.
Bluetooth audio is limited to approximately 1000 kbs = 1Mbps
WiFi 802.11g (2003): Combined features of 802.11a and b, achieving speeds up to 54 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
For reference
CD =2x16x44.1=1411 kbs
Highres like a 2x24x192=9216 kbs

 

[manicm]

So what's the difference between listening to Spotify via the bluetooth on my Cambridge Audio CXA81 amp and a Cambridge audio MXN10 streamer?

You'll simply get better sound. Bluetooth is bandwidth restricted.

 

[TK421]

I'm hesitating between a Wiim Ultra, the Cambridge Audio MXN10 and a second hand Cambridge Audio CXN V2.
Any thoughts?

 

[record_spot]

I'm hesitating between a Wiim Ultra, the Cambridge Audio MXN10 and a second hand Cambridge Audio CXN V2.
Any thoughts?

As I understand it, the Wiim Ultra is an amp/streamer, the MXN10 is a mid-sized streamer-only and the CXN V2 is a higher specced streamer-only. Perhaps some reading up on their respective offerings and what you think you want?

 

[nopiano]

As I understand it, the Wiim Ultra is an amp/streamer, the MXN10 is a mid-sized streamer-only and the CXN V2 is a higher specced streamer-only. Perhaps some reading up on their respective offerings and what you think you want?

The Wiim Ultra is their top streamer cum preamp only, but the Wiim Amp and Amp Ultra have amps too. But it’s very complicated to decode some of their names!

 

[TK421]

The Wiim Ultra is their top streamer cum preamp only, but the Wiim Amp and Amp Ultra have amps too. But it’s very complicated to decode some of their names!

So the Wiim Ultra can serve as a steamer only connected to my CXA81 amp?

 

[nopiano]

So the Wiim Ultra can serve as a steamer only connected to my CXA81 amp?

Yes, that’s what it is. It additionally has a variable output for use into active speakers, for example. But as a source device you set a fixed output to roughly match the level with your other sources (e.g. CD player and Turntable) then regulate volume with your amp.

 

[PieterG]

If you pick the Wiim Ultra, i suggest you connect it to your amp via RCA, not digital. The Ultra is supposed to have the better DAC. If by any chance you're connecting to a digital input on the amp, a cheaper Wiim (Mini, Pro) will do the same job just fine.

 

[as286]

I do not know whether Ultra or CXA81 has a better DAC but I can tell you the following:
- A streamer will pick up the highest quality your subscription allows (in this case lossless - CD quality - on Spotify). You will then be able to decide what to do with that signal. One option is let the streamer's DAC do the job. Modern streamers do a very decent job. I do not know whether the DAC in Ultra is better than the one in CXA81 but, if you get either Ultra or MXN you can decide for yourself. If you are using the DAC in Ultra, connect it with RCA. If you are using the DAC in CXA, use S/PDIF digital cable.
- I have a CXA61 (chosen for it softer performance over CXA81), a Wiim Pro Plus and Chord Mojo 2. The DAC in Mojo 2 is markedly superior to the one in either CXA or Wiim. Wiim Pro DAC is as good as the one in CXA61. Mojo 2 will outperform even the DAC in CXA100.
- Bluetooth will always give inferior sound to WiFi connection via streamer.
- MXN10 is an amazing streamer (look at Darko's review on Youtube) but Wiim Ultra is on a par. Either of these would do an amazing job.
- Make sure you set the respective apps properly in terms of connections, max audio quality, etc.