It complements my CXA and CXC (cd transport) nicely. Cambridge Audio CXN review: Cambridge has conjured up a killer network music streamer, boasting luxurious design, an intuitive operating system and sensational sound quality. Having the ability to stream and USB DAC output is lovely. The competitive market for network players includes a wide range of prices, from two to five figures. For example, I have a set of Sony XB1000 headphones, probably the best bass in a headphone in the world. It’s a premium quality that’s reflected in the buttons and the recently redesigned remote control – both of which are easy to use and responsive – while the volume dial retains that signature weighted resistance that gives a satisfying sensation when moving through menus. It is priced at $1099. Some hi-fi will lose sounds in the turmoil, but the V2 manages to separate each element out and present it as a cohesive whole. No need to keep it simple here, the CXN (V2) will be able to keep the complex coherent. I am not big on this feature, we all have phones that will operate with Bluetooth receivers that are likely a better route for this. Although you’ll only get first generation AirPlay for the moment, Cambridge Audio says it’s working on a solution for implementing AirPlay 2 ready for later this year. It isn’t all about power, as the AXA35 isn’t very potent on that front. On the rear side of the CXN V2 is a plethora of output and input options. The updated model brings with it a faster processor, a richer internet radio experience and a finer level of playback control. I keep black tape over it at all times. We play Childish Gambino’s This Is America, a song which overlays a grumbling, rolling bass with the clicks and taps of percussion and a multitude of different voices. So, for the general consumer or the entry audiophile with a good set of headphones? I do not have to disconnect and reconnect, I do not have to power on and off. If you want even better fidelity, you’d want to drop in a higher tier amplifier from Cambridge. I would not call the depth of field here prominent and deep-reaching. This is where the CXN V2 more than excels. Following a firmware update in September 2018, the CXN (V2) now supports Chromecast Built-In, enabling users to stream content wirelessly from compatible apps. Even the odd vocalisation – the hums and aahs – are detailed and full of melancholy musings. Ok, Cambridge, you have my attention. You will receive a verification email shortly. The CXN V2 and the AXA35 are clearly made with each other in mind. To read more about TWS products we reviewed on Headfonics click … BA1 1UA. The Cambridge CXN (V2) is an updated version of the original CXN Network Streamer, which was originally released back in 2015 and has received countless awards over the last few years. But, the CXN is still very nice when you consider the price and everything else it can do. It is priced at $1099. Not many fully endowed streaming source players exist that have a mellow tonality that plays well with headphone amplifiers that aren’t horridly neutral. The timing is tight and gets your foot tapping almost immediately. The front panel of the unit has all the required buttons you’d want that will take you to any desired placement in the UI system. I’ve left the CXN on for weeks and it doesn’t get overly warm. The Burson, the newly reviewed Ultrasone Panther of mine, or this CXN V2. In fact, I actually find it preferred to the Burson Conductor Performance DAC and amp. Now published on Headfonics! Read. I hate LED panels being lit during play. Well, sometimes when you have headphones like the ESP950, that are not regarded for immense soundstaging, you can sacrifice some fidelity and imaging for preferred tonality. Any amplifier, even the harsh HD3770 from Harman feels more tamed up top. I received this some time ago and am finally able to post the review. Slide here to add your score on the gear! I am able to ramp up to about -4dB extra low end before I can feel some shake, which is very apparent on the bass light Magnepan LRS speakers. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, We check over 130 million products every day for the best prices, Usman vs Burns free live stream: UFC 258 start time, main event, pay-per-view, Scotland vs Wales live stream: how to watch the 2021 Six Nations rugby for free in HD, England vs Italy live stream: how to watch the 2021 Six Nations rugby for free in HD, Join us for the What Hi-Fi? The Magnepan LRS is also somewhere in the same ballpark, it is not warm, it is not cold. Anyway. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Sometimes, you just get a product that meshes with your personal set up very well and this is one of those cases where I had to shelve my HK3770. I would absolutely prefer to just run my phone through Bluetooth into this, proceeding to use my phone as a remote for Spotify. From there, you can route the output connections to another amplifier. It is relatively lowly on the list of what amps and sources generally are used for great speakers. Cambridge Audio CXN (v2) network audio streamer review: This is a sweet-sounding, high-tech musical powerhouse Support for every audio-streaming protocol and service … This rig is for the good stuff only, my HD800, my very high-end headphone private time. We thank the team at Cambridge Audio … In this review, we break down the sound , design , packaging and accessories , specs and more of the CXN (V2) and CXA80. ... Getting the most from your CXN (V2) Pt2: Volume Control. Digital audio is available from many sources – and the CXN (V2) is able to deliver from those you love most. So it is quite unique to see it deployed in an all-in-one that can be used as a USB DAC for Hifi audio usage via headphones, as well as a full-on network streamer. Shilling a neutral amp with a non-neutral source is usually bad news, unless you are trying to tame treble or harshness. I simply wanted to test Cambridge gear with other Cambridge gear to see if the tonality and house sound matched. As nice as it is, it just doesn’t mesh with the CXN here and I find the cheaper AXA35 from Cambridge a much better fit for usage with bassy products. It is priced at $1099. ... Like its predecessor, this new app is able to control all of the streaming features of the CXN, 851N and Stream Magic 6 V2 players, including internet radio and UPNP streaming, and also allows music to be streamed directly from the device in question. This rig is not neutral or cold. Sign up below to get the latest from What Hi-Fi?, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! The Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) is an app compatible ROON ready high-end streamer with built-in Google Chromecast. The series, introduced at the end of 2019, consists of the CXA61 and CXA81 integrated amps (check out our CXA81 review), CXC CD transport, and the CXN (V2). Disclaimer: The Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. The Cambridge Audio CXN V2 is a $1099 network streamer and all in one product. Our wireless weekend review from Mike today covers Cambridge Audio's high-end Roon Ready and Chromecast compatible desktop DAC/streamer, the CXN V2. But, for now, I really enjoy this pairing despite the AXA35 amplifier being what I would consider just fresh out of budget tier and into the middle tier pricing category. What I do hear is a depth of field and realism differences between them, which are very apparent. All rights reserved. The app, available on iOS and Android, can also be used to control playback. We thank the team at Cambridge Audio … Disclaimer: The Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. Despite being so large, it isn’t a super heavy or supremely dense feeling. I hate when an LCD screen stays on and there is no function to remove the screen panel from activity while being used. ROON READY Yes (Requires a Roon subscription), DIGITAL FILTER 2nd Generation ATF2 up-sampling to 24-bit/384khz, ANALOGUE FILTER 2-Pole Dual Differential Bessel, USB AUDIO INPUT USB Type B conforms to USB Audio profile 1.0 or 2.0 (user selectable), DIGITAL AUDIO INPUTS S/PDIF Coaxial and TOSLINK Optical), ANALOGUE AUDIO OUTPUTS Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog, DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUTS S/PDIF Coaxial and TOSLINK Optical, Bluetooth aptX via BT100 Bluetooth receiver (not supplied). It has a gentle hue or very slight coloration, but overall, stays natural sounding. I feel they do. Top of the list of new features is the Chromecast capability that sets this version apart from the original. The updated model brings with it a faster processor, a richer internet radio experience and a finer level of playback control. The previous generation’s design style continues smoothly to the second generation, which is more advanced than the old design. The bottom end is weighty, but lithe enough to give you a good kick, while the piano is light and airy without being overly bright.