SPOTIFY! Streaming Music the HiFi Way! – CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXN v2 Review
SPOTIFY! Streaming Music the HiFi Way! – CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXN v2 Review
Get the Cambridge Audio CXN (v2) here – https://amzn.to/3fHn0Qv
CORRECTION: The product page I was referencing for the purposes of this review contained an error with respect to the 851N. It was showing the 851E back panel in reference to the 851N and its specs. This error was caught after publication. I apologize for any confusion this may cause. -Andrew
Streaming Music from services such as Spotify and TIDAL is all the rage. Stream music in hifi using the Cambridge Audio CXN (v2). SPOTIFY! Streaming Music the HiFi Way! – CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXN v2 Review
► REVIEWING THE Cambridge Audio CXN (v2)
Cambridge Audio CXN (v2) Network Audio Streamer: https://amzn.to/3fHn0Qv
► MORE FROM CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
CXA81 All-In-One: https://amzn.to/3csMhfg
Azur 851N Network Audio Streamer: https://amzn.to/2ztKpEu
Azur 851W Power Amp: https://amzn.to/31vZOQg
Edge NQ: https://bit.ly/EdgePreAA
Edge Power Amp: https://bit.ly/EdgePWR
Edge A Integrated Amplifier: https://bit.ly/EdgeInt
Alva TT Turntable: https://bit.ly/AlvaCA
DacMagic: https://amzn.to/3kZfTWb
► TESTING THE CXN V2
LOUDSPEAKERS
Jamo C 97 II Floorstanding Home Speakers: https://amzn.to/35UgZLH
STEREO AMPLIFIER
XTZ EDGE A2-300
VINTAGE STEREO RECEIVER
Pioneer SX-450
MUSIC
Audioslave: https://amzn.to/3aq5v3C
REM Automatic for the People: https://amzn.to/39oNYJ5
Michael Jackson Dangerous: https://amzn.to/3atKDbP
Chvrches Warning Call: https://amzn.to/39kfIyq
Rage Against the Machine: https://amzn.to/39qgOst
► COMPARABLE PRODUCTS
NETWORK AUDIO STREAMER
Marantz NA6006: https://amzn.to/2WSqdns
ALL-IN-ONE STREAMER/DAC/PREAMP/AMP
NAIM Uniti Atom: https://amzn.to/2xXuhuv
★ MORE ANDREW ROBINSON REVIEWS
➔ Cambridge Audio Edge System Review: https://youtu.be/ifPkyORpf5o
➔ Cambridge Audio Alva Record Player Review: https://youtu.be/q7Rtuwey7Lo
➔ Edge A2-300 Review: https://youtu.be/jwGBoZb8UAQ
➔ Naim Uniti Atom Review: https://youtu.be/KdXkSeDn-Zs
Streaming music off the Internet is popular with music lovers and hifi enthusiasts. You can stream music from a hard disc in your home or from the cloud from services such as Spotify or TIDAL. Get the best sound quality by using a dedicated network media streamer like the Cambridge Audio CXN (v2) reviewed here.
► MY REFERENCE AUDIO AND HOME THEATER SYSTEM
POWER
Naim Uniti Atom All In One Music System: https://bit.ly/NaimAtom
Musical Fidelity Integrated Amp: https://bit.ly/M5si
LOUDSPEAKERS
Q Acoustic Concept 300: https://bit.ly/C300wsA
Klipsch Heresy IV: https://bit.ly/heresyiv
Jamo S809: https://amzn.to/356tnK5
SPEAKER STANDS
Kanto Bookshelf Speaker Stands (budget): https://bit.ly/Kanto26
SolidSteel Speaker Stands (best): https://bit.ly/SolidAA
TURNTABLES
Audio Technica LP140XP: https://amzn.to/33OfgXO
Cambridge Audio Direct Drive Turntable: https://bit.ly/AlvaCA
RECORD PLAYER CARTRIDGES
Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge (better): https://bit.ly/BlueAA
Ortofon 2M Black Cartridge (best): https://bit.ly/BLKAA
HEADPHONES
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless NCX Headphones: https://bit.ly/WH1000xm4
SOUNDBARS
SENNHEISER AMBEO: https://bit.ly/35yLQO1
TOP SMART TVs
LG 8K TV: https://bit.ly/LG8K99TV
Hisense H9G: https://bit.ly/H9GTV
TCL 6 Series: https://amzn.to/35Vn9NO
BLUETOOTH / DESKTOP SPEAKERS
Naim Mu-so V2: https://amzn.to/33ASZxI
Klipsch The Fives: https://bit.ly/fivesUS
Kanto YU: https://bit.ly/YUdesk
► MY STREAMING SERVICE
TIDAL (60-day FREE Trial): http://bit.ly/TIDALrobinson
► SHOP OUR LIVING ROOM
ARTICLE LEATHER CHAIR: http://bit.ly/NirvanaChr
ARTICLE SOFA: https://bit.ly/2HI6cMH
ART: https://bit.ly/howfaryt
TV / MEDIA CABINET: https://bit.ly/BDIMEDIA
EVERYTHING ELSE: https://bit.ly/ARdecor
► STAY CONNECTED
SUBSCRIBE & RING THE 🔔 https://bit.ly/RobinsonYT
JOIN THE CREW: https://bit.ly/ARobMbr
INSTAGRAM: https://bit.ly/AndRobIG
BUSINESS INQUIRIES: https://bit.ly/andrewbiz
FTC: This video is not sponsored. Some links above are affiliate, meaning we make a small percentage if you buy through the link but it won’t change the price for you! Thank you for helping to support the channel.
#spotify #cambridgeaudio #MusicStreaming
What does this do that a Yamaha WXAD-50 doesn’t already do, I’m a bit confused by the sudden attention streaming amps are getting
I’ve even got a 2015 pioneer SX N30 that natively streams tidal etc in full MQA
Maybe you should do a quick ‘update’ to this review. Review 2.0. Perhaps review the erroneous correlation to the 851N. Focus on how they (truly) differ.
Can you review the nad c658?
I’m sure it’s a great product and while I used to do a lot of streaming since I went to the urologist they took care of it
It would be so nice if you could do i reveiw of the azur 851n and compare them.
Hi, Andrew, I have been watching your channel consistently and I am considering purchasing a CXN (V2) and pairing it with an integrated two-channel receiver; I am considering the Marantz NR1200, Yamaha RS202 or Onkyo TX8020. Additionally, I want to add a transport, but don’t know if I should go with the NAD C538 or the Cambridge Audio AXC35. Looking for your expert guidance. Thanks in advance. There’s a significant differnce in price between the NR1200 and the RS202 and TX8020; is the higher price worth it? Which transport would be a better fit for the proposed set up? Thanks.
Streaming music from Spotify, Tidal, Amazon etc. is an area for niche people? You serious?
Wow! Fantastic review! Thanks a lot!
The signal still gets converted to Analog
Gee golly, I have a Cambridge CXN V2 AND an analog 40 year old preamp. Guess what? I plug in the Cambridge analog out to my preamp’s analog in. And THAT is how I put the sound from the Cambridge though to my power amp and then to my speakers. I do NOT use the Cambridge as a preamp! Hardly niche. I use my Cambridge as a Spotify streamer, and sometimes internet radio. I do not have ANY digital files. I do NOT download.
Three minutes before the nitty gritty. WOW !
Can you please review the Azur 851W and N? I am considering these two together. I would like to hear your opinion on the amplifier.
Doesn’t the CXN V2 come in black as well ?
You should have said Phone, Tablet and Computer interface! You left that out and I don’t know why!
Hi Andrew, I have the pairing of the CXN v2 and the CXA81. With regards to your comments about the transparency of the preamp. Would those only be relevant to a power amp not an integrated. I know once the preamp is turned on it isolates the rca on the CXA81. Would I gain any of the transparent sonic benefits in this configuration. Many thanks and best regards Ian
Spotify isn’t Hi-fi yet though.
Ha ha ha nice ending lol. Great video brother, subscribed.
it’s full mqa
The 851N does not have analog inputs . So with a power amp , it won’t work , your supposed vinyl . You will still need a separate pre-amp , or a phono amp , or an integrated amp which supports phono or other analog sources . That’s a bummer. If the 851N had also analog inputs , that would have been a game-changer . So I rather go with the Denon 2500ne as amp.
Just ordered mine
Can’t wait
A newbie question. If I pair this streamer with my CXA81 amp, which DAC is operational, and can I choose which one I want to use? And And if there is a choice, which is better? The Wolfson or the ESS Sabre.
Andrew, What IA would you use with CA Azur 851N? Stick with CA and the 851A or MF M5Si or M6Si? Paired w Heresy VI.
Andrew Cambridge listened to you. They have now the Evo line. Please make a review 😊 thank you and more power to your channel.
Hi Andrew. Thanks for the info. I don’t think this is a super niche product. May of us have Tidal and want to stream to our existing stereo systems. You’ve reviewed the Camvridge. You reviewed the Powernode 2i (which is powered), but I’m looking at the Node 2i which is a competition for the Cambridge as a pure streamer. You thought the Powernode 2i was a bit dry, so I wonder if that;s down to the DAC or the amplifier. I’m trying to weigh up the node 2i against the Cambridge, but haven’t found any head-to-head reviews. And yes, I’d like an HDMI arc too!
Overall best hifi review channel. Quick question. Thoughts of pairing this Cambridge network streamer to my musicfidelity m6si be better ?
Can i connect my Gryphon Diablo to the CXNv2?
All I care about is how to stream lossles Apple Music on my home audio system without using my iPhone. Sonos currently doesn’t support Apple Music lossles
Hello Andrew, how good a dac is the cxn v2? Can it compete with a Chord Mojo or even Qutest? Thank you, I appreciate your calm and clear way of reviewing
John darko said it’s not neutral. What gives….
it’s getting a little long on the tooth. a V3 should be out soon with a faster processor.
Now that Apple is streaming at HiRes, a supplementary video on how to stream and listen to HiRes on Cambridge Audio streamers would be really helpful. Thanks for the entertaining video.
Thinking of buying one of these, good to hear it sounds good. Don’t need to use it as a preamp, as I’ll play it through my CXA80, so I can still use my FM Tuner and Turntable. And having a decent phone app. is an advantage so I can operate it from my armchair.
Andrew, thanks for the comments on the Azur 851N. I was confused by the two products. Didn’t know what the difference was or if the 851N replaced this item, or vice versa
Hi Guys!
I have two outdoor patio speakers (each have black and red cord), I am trying to find the best device or receiver to make it easy to stream music and videos like Netflix or youtube. Any ideas?
Beginner question: Can I plug this into Klipsch RP600RM and that’s it? Do i need anything else?
I’m most probably going to buy the CXN V2 and the CXA81 to replace my T+A Music Receiver. Although the T+A is superior, the ancient connectivity and confusing menu is driving me crazy. Navigating through music is a nightmare, it doesn’t have Airplay or Bluetooth, they just included this in their newest lineup. The App was las updated in 2019. The Music Player itself is from 2012, so it lacks modern features that add some convenience.
I think with the CXN V2/CXA81 combo, I will still be happy and have a more modern system.
cambridge is mid fi Mr. Audiophile
I like streaming music and movies with A PC hooked to my Denafrips Aries II. I get some great sound with this setup, but I’ve been curious if I could possibly improve sound with a PC upgrade, and a size downgrade. I got a Mini-ITX case, a Fractal Core 500, with a Gigabyte B550I Mini-ITX mobo. I read about all the power supplies I could find, and from a test of various power supplies I seen from Tom’s Hardware, the Corsair SF750 had some great stats for low ripple and EMI. The SF600 was a little better, and I should have probably got that psu, but the SF750 will hopefully do a fine job, when I get it. Don’t know if this will make any difference in sound, but you never know.
Good grief….over 4 minutes into the video and you are still telling us what you don’t do! Get the lead out and tell us something positive!
Hi Andrew, I can not really find the answer I am looking for will this play Amazon Ultra HD easily or am I better off getting the Bluesound NODE 2i I have Spotify, Amazon Music, use to have Tidal. New to the whole network streaming to my HiFi as only ever used CD’s, MD’s, and records. I am willing to spend like up to $2000 Canadian so like $1500-1700 US. Right now I am using my old Yamaha receiver (RX-Z1) any help would be great here. Cheers!
Can you connect this to a McIntosh C53 Preamp?
Andrew, your the kind of dude i would like to hire for a week to sort out my hifi woes 😊
When you try to ask fo advice from a shop they always try to sell you their products in the store, not nevessarily the best fit if you know what i mean.
Im still trying to find what im looking for and yet be smart about the money iow not overapend
@Andrew Is the CAMBRIDGE AUDIO AZUR851N even better than this? Or not really? THANKS!! (love the channel)
★ *REVIEWING **https://amzn.to/3fHn0Qv** For more details, check the description box.*
★ *Correction Notice – THE AZUR 851N DOES NOT HAVE ANALOG INPUTS. The CA product page I was referencing was wrong & showed the 851E back panel in reference to the 851N and its specs. This error was just now caught, and I apologize for the confusion. -Andrew*
★ *QOTD: Do you need a network streaming player, or is your smartphone good enough? Which music streaming service do you recommend and why?*
★ *COMMENT RULES:*
– No outside URLs, YouTube links or email addresses
– Keep it civil. It’s okay to disagree, just don’t be a jerk about it.
Now that Apple is streaming at HiRes, a supplementary video on how to stream and listen to HiRes on the Cambridge Audio streamers would be very helpful. Thanks for the entertaining video.
For my first system, if I want to go the tube/Decware route instead of the Naim Uniti Atom, what’s the difference between the CXNV2 and the Arylic S50 Pro? I’m sure for the price there’s more transparency, but what about features? I’m just looking to add Tidal to a tube amp and speakers.
Why is making an integrated amplifier able to stream through WiFi so expensive?
Snake oil?
No way am I going to pay $1000 for a unit that does not support MQA. I’ll pass.
If you want to use the cambridge dac, then you must use line out to amp, right?
How is it then a all-digital audio system?
4:00
Goodness…. Now we need to hear about CA’s new Evo…. How it compares CXN *and* (more importantly) the Uniti Atom. Can’t wait to get an actual review – vs the marketing push Cambridge just did this week.