Cambridge CXN finally arrived!

iQ Speakers

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So it's here 2 months after ordering it. Colour display showing album artwork is lovely, it's almost like having a sleeve! Not quite! But good. Set up so much easier than than the SM6.

Conected the balanced XLR and I'm off, slight distortion I think it subtle but it's there, OK on RCA ******! That's what you get for buying the first off the line!
 

iQ Speakers

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Yep it has to go back to Richer Sounds, They will have another for me tomorrow, just the slightest distortion on leading edges on quite passages on XLR. Lovely colour display with album artwork.
 

NJB

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I am looking for a network player, and the CXN looks a good option. However, there is no mention of iPod support in the manual, although it has twin USB inputs. Are you able to confirm that it cannot play ALAC. Files off an iPod? If so, then it seems a strange omission compared to some of its competition.
 

NJB

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iQ Speakers said:
Just checked on CA website and it supports ALAC

Hi, I saw that, but unless I am mistaken, ALAC is the Apple Lossless file format. I was planning to source the files from my iPod Classic. This has a number of benefits, for me, especially as the iPod volume works on the digital stream and allows me to reduce the input signal to my sensitive Naim pre-amplifier. Many network players are iPod compatible and you can track search, pause, etc on the iPod through the network player. For me, this is a deal make or break. I guess that I need to investigate some more, it might be back to the Marantz NA6005 as my best option.
 

jamesrfisher

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From the Manual

Front usb port 'For use with USB audio storage. 1A maximum current consumption.
Note: This USB port is not intended for connection to Apple mobile devices.'

Rear USB port

'For connection to the supplied Wi-Fi antenna, USB HD/flashdisk or optional BT100 Bluetooth audio receiver.

Note: For Wi-Fi antenna, this must be plugged into the USB Wi-Fi antenna port. The USB ports are not intended for connection to Apple mobile devices, no functionality, charging or otherwise is supported. '

Manual link here

https://techsupport.cambridgeaudio.com/hc/en-us/articles/202831631-CXN-User-Manual

So looks like not.

As it has airplay they have probably speced it for recent apple gadgets not the classic.
 

JAM2day

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Hi,

I am looking at getting a streamer to replace a very old (20+ years) CD player. I have recently updated my amp and speakers to a Nait XS and Sonus Faber Concerto's so(both second hand) would like something to fit with these but don't have the budget. The Cambridge CXN is at the top end of my budget but am also considering:

- Bluesound Node;

- Pioneer N50A; and

- Marantz PN6005.

How does the CNX sound and if you have heard any of the above how does it compare?

J.
 

iQ Speakers

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It sounds very good as did the Stream Magic 6 v2 before it. Unfortunatly I have distortion on balanced XLR in non pre amp mode CA are hopefully looking into this a I type! I have not heard the others I didn't want to take the risk after great results with the SM6. Sorry I could be more helpful than that.
 

JAM2day

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Hi,

Thanks for teh feedback. I heard one in Richer Sounds today and while impressed wasn't totally blown away. The dealer thought the CXN was a significant step in terms of facilties but though the gap was much narrower in terms of sound quality. I haven't heard the SM 6 V2 so would interested to hear your views on the differences in sound quality (either now or after you have your issue resolved) as I may be tempted to go for a second hand SM 6 V2.

Cheers
 

iQ Speakers

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The SM6 v2 is as good as the CXN no doubt so if you dont mind not having the colour screen and Airplay grab a bargin, its the same motherboard as the CXN with a few mods, at the moment im thinking the SM6 sounded better!! Its really is a great streamer and on Spotify was far better than the Linn Majik DS i vainly bought!
 

Obagleyfreer

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So you think in terms of audio quality the SM6 did actually sound better than the CXN?
I ask because I have a SM6 v2 that has been repaired twice and has just broke again, the retailer offered a replacement unit but as they don't have the SM6 anymore they've offered the CXN.
I notice the CXN doesn't have the digital filters like the SM6 did...... But the 851N does! This has lead me to believe that the CXN is actually inferior in terms of audio quality to the SM6.
To be honest I couldn't care less about a colour screen. I actually like the dot matrix screen the SM6 has.

So I really would love to know if the CXN is a genuine SM6 replacement or more of a slight downward, sideways move.
 

iQ Speakers

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Pretty sure it has the same motherboard so SQ should be the same, with an tweeked audio out stage. Mine still has this problem CA working on it! Look at it this way take the CXN if you dont like it sell it for £599 buy a used SM6 £399 pocket the differance! The usability is better, easier to set up and has airplay which will add to its long term usability.
 

Obagleyfreer

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Yes same mother board and DAC, but they have removed the digital filters.
Have you owned both the SM6 and CXN? could you tell a difference in sound?
 

iQ Speakers

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Yes I have had both, Its difficult to say with the issues i have with the CXN, plus I have changed the rest of my kit! Even my Sonos sounds brilliant. But I would say the CXN is the same SQ as the SM6. With Airplay you can pretty much stream anything to it giving it future proofing.
 

Obagleyfreer

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Great, thank you.

I decided to go with the Azur 851N as it fits in with the rest of my kit better (being CA Azur)

I felt the CXN would look different and not match, they even changed the logo on the CX series.

I just hope the Azur 851N sounds as goodas the SM6v2 did!
 

stevett

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Hi, I am thinking of purchasing the CXN and wondered if it will pick up the artwork from itunes embedded files or whether you need something like PerfectTunes to have the artwork in a jpg folder for the CXN to utilise it?
 

Bartek

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In a review of CXN author is writing about "hard wiring" IPod/IPhone via USB. i tried that, however I am unable to play music from apple device via CXN.

Does anyone tried this option? Reviewer claims that audio quality is better with this setup.
 

stevett

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A related question on the CXN and similar network players which still confuses me even after reading many forum related issues on the subject - Up until now, in terms if digital storage, like many others, I use iTunes. With all its drawbacks, I still want to maintain a portable device such as my iPod to listen to my music on the move, however, I also want to move to a NAS drive at home and a player such as the new CXN.

Question - can I simply move my iTunes library to the NAS and have iTunes pointing to that and used for the ipod in the usual way, and at the same time use the library to feed the CXN? or do I need to set up an additional library on the NAS? ie have two libraries running. My aim obviously, is to have NAS access without the PC being on through wifi to the CXN and via an ipad or similar.

Thanks
 

Osborn

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Hi anyone with experience of the CXN. Does it do gapless playback of local files? I recently bought a rival streamer at a similar price point - and it doesn't. Result: gaps between consecutive files/tracks of about 3 seconds when reading from a USB plugged into its rear panel, and about 5 seconds when reading from a NAS.
 

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