I have been reading some threads about the addition of an nDAC being a possible wothwhile upgrade to these, at some point. From their Facebook page post of 9/20/19: I sold off the CXN 2 because it sat unused. You can also consider Matrix mini ipro/3. With its Bluetooth aptX, the Bluesound Node 2i easily supports 24-bit streaming directly from your phone or tablet. If you are looking for SQ, go with CXN If you are looking for ease of use, go with Node. I've had a node 2i for about a year now. displayname, Oct 2, 2019 #12 psulioninks Forum Resident Sorry, I meant ND5-XS2 and NDX2 not NDS2 and NDX2 Weve carefully chosen the components of this kit to ensure a crystal-clear listening experience. AUDIO X Post subject: Re: Bluesound Node 2 vs Cambridge CXN. Getting hands-on with our products helps us pick what's best for our customers. First, Yamaha wxc 50 in preamp mode does SRC to 48 KHz with everything . So Im not sure what to go for between these streamers, or if I should simply stick with a cable for now. Focus on speakers/room where a much more substantive change is possible. I think there was an android USB DAC app that did something like that (?) Cambridge CXN v2 (New). But the term "chromcast" refers the technology which nowadays available in variety of equipments like TV, Streamer, Sound bar etc. I had intended to make an introductory post, in the lounge, but got carried away with myriad questions! I changed out the PC on my Vault 2 and it made a noticeable improvement. The Node, no question. In equal power mode, you'll hear these differences in loudness as they naturally occur between speakers. My entry into streaming was an cxnv2. The only oversight I can see is not including HDMI arc. 1-888-292-2575. Also in my humble opinion spending BIG bucks on a streamer is a waste when you can get a PI streamer with Roon, AirPlay2, and DNLA support for next to nothing. Affiliate programs and JL audio E-sub e110 . bunno77; 1 Link to comment . I need to replace my modded Sonos connect with a new streamer. Sorry to throw a monkey wrench into the discussion, but after many A-B comparisons, in general the Chromecast sounds better than the Sondstream despite the occasional higher sampling rate. The OP was interested in the Node, not the Vault. So I want a clean signal from a source to be internalised with that DAC. One thing I appreciated with Bluesound Vault is its app support of many streaming platforms. JavaScript is disabled. Hm, lets see what others have to say, but i think any random long usb a to b (there were plenty because of the printers) + an adapter to whatever usb you need should be more than fine. Love Crutchfield! And it sounds great. Now changing the amp to Acoustic Portrait Swara v2 integrated amp. No complaint about the Cambridge app. If you want to save some money and still want Tidal MQA you could go with a Bluesound Node 2i instead of the CXN. Not sure how much better it is than a Node but it supports all major streaming platforms plus ROON. Is this possible? Read the manual, the CXN v2 passes digital through up to 24/192 on the toslink or coax. I suspect a ND5 XS2 is in my future, for simplicity. I auditioned both the Node and the Cambridge. Learn how to get great sound from your computer, tie it into your home audio system, and improve your user experience. I can't speak for apple devices but android ones most certainly do do that processing unless you use special software like USB audio player Pro app. You bet! Otherwise you need to move up to something like a Lumin U1 Mini. Why can't I access my USB stick via the USB Audio menu on the CXN (V2)? All the node's outputs are active all the time, which makes the Node quite nice for its price. Comparing their single-ended analogue outputs (because the Node 2i doesn't do balanced), the CXN (V2) exposes us to a little more inner detail but a substantially more expansive soundstage. Details -$300.00 Price break. CXN's DAC is definitely better than Node. Copyright 1996-2023, Crutchfield New Media, LLC. I dont think that is correct. It took some time to get it all indexed but once it did it worked just fine and I could access my music files via usb or network drives with equal facility and sound quality. You are using an out of date browser. I used (and still use) network attached storage. Otherwise you need to move up to something like a Lumin U1 Mini. Through Id never pay such ridiculous prices for cables, but because I cant find support on whether a 3m cable is gonna lose me quality, it makes me now dependent spending more money in hopes to accomplish a good signal, Too many DACs> Too many amps> Too many headphones. Powered by Xenforo, Hosted by Nimbus Hosting, Original design Critical Media Ltd. It doesnt seem like he needs the storage and disc ripping of the Vault. Bangalore. 853. Personally, I think you are better off with the NODE. CA has no Roon or direct Qobuz connection. Other than that, I would like to use Airplay (1). I was thinking of a chord qute 2 or maybe a moon 300d v2 . Any difference? When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, That's weird. I get the feeling the prices on these needed to go up to keep them in circulation and including them in a "new" series is a pretty common move. Cambridge Audio CXN Version2. A 3.5mm headphone jack can be found in the middle of the front panel, below the Bluesound logo, too. I appreciate its going to be affected by the DAC, I currently have a Chord Mojo (and will possibly upgrade to Hugo) and I prefer the USB, but thats not a deal-breaker. Have been reading for a long time and happy to finally contribute to this forum. To be fair it looks a little better than the micro rendu. Also the means and ways of interacting with the CXN and its 'switchability' in always . The only lower cost transport that I know of that does a full MQA or DSD pass through is the Aries Mini. I have seen numerous posts from people who have and love either unit. You must log in or register to reply here. All you really need is a craving for good sound and a system-building plan. Thoughts if so? Cant speak for the CA CXN, but using my Vault 2, going through the DAC in my CA 851C is far better then the DAC in the Vault. Taking into consideration Chris comment above about the Naim streamers limitations, out of the two remaining options I would recommend the Bluesound Node.The latest version is a great streamer for toe dipping and the app is a dream. It delivers a collection of top music technologies for home use. Have you tried plugging a hard drive into the Node 2i? Nothing comes close. Yeah I want to get full resolution from what files and services I'm using so that's a con on the Cambridge. Linked to my laptop, other than getting the artwork wrong occasionally, its pretty seamless. Oldsmobile Sport Utility Stereos and Speakers. The NODE has native integration with just about every streaming service with the exception of Apple Music (and it does have access to Amazon, despite a previous post). In some places, it repeats the review of the previous product: CXN V2 still has a wonderful DAC but unfortunately . I Have the Node and like the connectivity, and supported features to other services like Roon, Qobuz, TuneIn and many more. It was getting too late at night for me! Others? About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . The CXN 2 sounds better. https://www.head-fi.org/threads/warm-sounding-vs-dark-sounding.15160/, Buying Advice - Raspberry Pi or Bluesound Node 2021, Digital + Analog Converters (DAC/ADC/DDC), Acoustic Portrait Swara v2 Integrated Amplifier review. Possibility of dropouts on Tidal in particular due to the small buffer. All rights reserved. Sony A95L QD-OLED, X95L MINI LED And Full BRAVIA Range For 2023 (In-Depth Interview). Crutchfield: Legendary Service. the Amazon Associates Program via amazon.com. Shop smart & save time when you connect with an advisor, Your advisor will be able to share relevant pages and add items to your cart, Please turn active noise cancelling off for best results, Streaming music player with built-in Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, Network audio streamer with Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and optional Bluetooth, Streaming music player for amplified components and speakers. The Node is very new and seems to have great functionality. USB-C audio and the iPad Pro: Everything you need to know, Cambridge DacMagic vs Cambridge CXN v2 /v3, cambridge streamer cxn v2 USB tracklist error, issue with ECI-2, CXN v2 and external 2.5" HDD, Amplifiers, Phono preamp, and Analog Audio Review, Streamer/Dac Suggestions For AE1 Active's. You are using an out of date browser. Crazy. company number 03997482, registered in England and Wales. Jul 27, 2020. 390. I stream from the Qobuz app. Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 3:29 pm Posts: 9 Please help Purchase the Audiolab 6000A Integrated Amplifier at a special offer price. So I'm biased there and also multi-room can get expensive. I thought I'd just see how well it worked for larger drives so I connected my Toshiba 2TB drive with about 1TB of music files via the USB input. But performance in the real world is affected by the acoustics of your car or home, your choice of amplification, and your source material. So I want a clean signal from a source to be internalised with that DAC. Thank you djones. All the boxes are checked in streaming capability (be nice if BT were included vs an option). Bryston BDP pi on here. Personally, I'd get an Amazon Basics or Ugreen that meets your requirements for terminations and length and give it a go. See which models top our list of best picks for 2023. It includes a pair of studio-quality headphones, and a guide to getting the most out of your session, and a few other necessary items. If CXN has Google Chromcast Audio ( GCA) built in, I wonder ( out of curiosity) how it's SQ would compare with a set up using GCA plus highEnd external DAC t o a Preamp ? The Bluesound node and the Bluos app have my highest recommendation,been using them for six months streaming Qobuz an Amazon music to Electrocompaniet amplifier and Dali Menuet SE speakers,sounds amazing,I have considered the Cambridge,but reading reviews of it's control app put me off,sticking with the Bluesound.. the Amazon Associates Program via amazon.com. Too many DACs> Too many amps> Too many headphones. The other possible route is to put a PSU on the NDX2 such as an XPS. The first is the Audiolab 6000N Play, which I consider to be the best sounding streamer in that price range. Some great advice above, I started a thread covering my own thought processes around streaming options with Naim kit. So, if I get an MQA capable DAC, can I bypass the Cambridge DAC and get full MQA? Yeah no to be clear, the DAC I want to use is in the A-S801 amplifier. Every review I saw raves about the sound quality on the CXN-(V2). This has been a fantastic experience. Cambridge Audio CXN V2 is a great combination of nice design with consistent geometry and ultra nice buttons, and many great features built-in by the manufacturer. On their Support/Community site, they state the Firmware that opened the USB output is still in Beta. So I decided on getting a cable, and I wanted a mid-range quality cable, so decided on the usb b>c and spends days looking for this cable to find out that they dont do that size? We still believe that the gold standard for auditioning speakers is hearing them in your own environment thats why we offer a 60-day money-back guarantee. I posted this in the Coupons, Discounts & Sales section Its a good sale now that Cambridge has announced the CX Series 2 line coming next week. I currently have both the bluesound node2i and the Cambridge CXNv2 and IMO, the DAC in the CXNv2 is better. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I was a complete novice and you helped me figure out what would work best for me. Do we get hands-on with the gear we sell? Hello. Learn about the terms used to describe sound, so you can find the right audio gear. Any further thoughts on these two streamers would be much appreciated. Naim ND5-XS (S/H) Bluesound Node (New) Knowing which model headphones youre using lets us remove any sonic coloring from your experience. Which is by no means guaranteed with Android (and possibly Apple- but check the threads on here about that) devices. Any thoughts on which would be the best idea from the following choices? The CXN V2 has three digital inputs, two digital outputs, analog (single-ended and balanced) outputs and one Ethernet input. If you no longer wish to receive the call, please click the button to cancel your request. Do you know what I mean? It doesn't just read the files and display them in the Bluos app? Another vote for the Blusound here, like you I was curious and dipping my toes, auditioned a Node 2i and it stayed. The CXN V2 is part of Cambridge Audio's midrange CX series, which also includes two integrated amplifiers and a CD transport. It can also transmit studio-quality music to Bluetooth headphones or external speakers. Help on getting the maximum from cxn v2 and tidal. Every time I use Crutchfield I am happy. I have the moon neo 250i amplifier Top . If using toslink it could be the cable as some do not work well above 24/96 . Crutchfield is a servicemark of Crutchfield Corporation. The internal device DAC isnt used when you connect via USB. audirvana does make a difference. AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited, Connect the CXC to one of the digital inputs on the CXN V2 using either S/P DIF for a shorter connection, or TOSLINK optical for a longer connection. Calls may be recorded for training and quality control purposes. Looks like the only changes to the CXN v2 is a new paint job Agree, same for the CXC as well. If you're doing Roon just get a Sonore Ultra Rendu and go USB to the DAC, Yeah, Ive looked at those and I just dont think I can get along. I also heard that Bluesound Node has support for the upgraded Bluetooth Aptx and better support for Roon and Qobuz compared to the CXN. For free personalized advice, call 1-888-291-8923. ND5-XS vs Bluesound Node vs Cambridge CXN v2 Streaming Audio Realitycomputer August 31, 2022, 3:30pm #1 Hi all, just considering dipping my toe into the sreaming world (Not sure if I can get the correct interconnect for my toe though!) I could purchase the s/h ND5-XS for roughly right inbetween the new prices of the Bluesound and the cambridve. Have you checked the review index? If I recall correctly the Node 2 did not test well. JavaScript is disabled. If you decide on the CXN, spend a little extra to upgrade the power cord. On March 6, 2020 By hifitr5_wp There are a couple of budget (around $500) Audiophile Music Streamers I recommend. You dont have to spend a lot of money to get a decent stereo system. The trade-off is form factor and a higher price. I was just surprised to see the ND5-XS at a comparable price (although s/h) to the other 2 aforementioned products, which made me wonder Europe's busiest forums, with independent news and expert reviews, for TVs, Home Cinema, Hi-Fi, Movies, Gaming, Tech and more. I think that perhaps my options are likely to be focussed on the Node or maybe the iFi Zen streamer (?). Hi, there is no NDS2!? So it's not the Connect app anymore but one called Stream Magic? Great customer service, product expertise & lifetime technical support has me as a happy customer. In equal volume mode, we've made the loudness of each speaker about the same. In addition to its new Roon Ready support, the CXN features Chromecast built-in, making it easy for users to access content from Sirius XM, Soundcloud, and hundreds of other music sources. CXN (in my opinion) has a little darker sound (not to be confused with warm). Inside the a-s801 is ES9010K2M. Is this correct? marcozero Registered Joined Nov 16, 2021 14 Posts Bluetooth is a simple, wireless way to send music from your phone, tablet, or laptop to your home stereo. The CXN V2 is older but likely to have better sound quality. Thats sort of the point of external USB DACs. This is where the cable game can get me. Cambridge Audio CXN V2 and CXA81 NAD C399 The advantage with CA is the decoupling between the streamer component and the amplifier, allowing future upgrades of each component and keeping the other one. So bluesound is streamer and CXA is both DAC and power amp 3) Bluesound to external DAC via digital coax, external DAC to CXA via RCA. The former is more detailed, neutral and works with a variety of upstream equipment. #streaming #tidal #qobuzSUBSCRIBE TO PATREON to support Honest & Credible and well produced HiFi reviews and for ;-Ad Free Videos-Added Video Review content . Yeah no to be clear, the DAC I want to use is in the A-S801 amplifier. I didn't know that. and you got the option to use an external dac. If the Sonos integration is important, get the Port (I haven't heard it, might be better than what WHF review says, especially if you add a good external DAC). I read somewhere there would be a partial unfolding (higher res than red book) on MQA titles from Tidal. But, if I were later still to obtain an NDS2 or NDX2, would the nDAC still serve as an upgrade to them? You are using an out of date browser. They announced a new app as well, which I believe is supposed to work with the current CXN series as well, so I'm excited to see that. but the IPad USB C is direct audio then? Ive been looking at Audioquest cables, and Im think about 2 or 3 meter, and I guess a 2 meter is going to be better for sound than 3, but ideally 3 would be great. All component separate. But i feel I want to know for sure whether it skips the internal DAC or not. I compare the Cambridge Audio CXN version 2 to the Bluesound Node 2i in this video review. If I am using an outboard DAC then is there much difference in SQ between these two streamers? Sounds like folks are leaning to the NODE which I think I am as well. Both are good but prefer my PS Audio Directstream with Bridge II overall. So pure source upto the amplifiers DAC. Im sure some are going to throw in the Node does MQA but even so a superior DAC w/o MQA is still going to be better. If it is if any use. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. I always choose to support you guys over a big box. Built my own and took ten minutes. . My place for electronics, great customer service, product expertise & lifetime technical support. I guess really my question is which sounds better (if we discount the internal dacs) or are they going to be pretty much the same. Oh, apart from the RCA to DIN, where I have a Chord Crimson and a Chord Chrysalis (iirc?). Based on how I hear the Node 2i indexes, I think the CXN v2 may be the better bet for thisit's how I plan to use it mostly. Purchased both as opened box/clearance from CA with warranty. Dear friendsWhich one to choose? I just put on a Wireworld mini Electra PC on a Bluesound Node 2i and it made a nice difference in a less harsh quality, to be expected with better power cables. Been down this road; if you're using the Yamaha DAC and want plug/play convenience, easy to use interface with self updating software, very good customer support, excellent resale, and access to EVERY source known to man just get the Node or used Node 2i and be done with it. I don't need to spend thousands but it's a toss up between the Bluesound Node 2i and the CXN. Anyone have hands on with both? I use Qobuz via a Raspberry Pi running MoOde Audio software. Reviving this old topic as I am looking at both of these streaming devices and cant quite make a decision. I am a Qobuz user and for me, it surpasses all other streaming services when it comes to SQ and content. I have only used it for streaming from Apple Music with the intention of hearing new music which I might then buy in physical form. Being able to connect a HDD is much more ideal. iTunes ( my Windows computer) rips my CDs directly to my NAS Ethernet drives. Mac Mini? Im still using a NP5 and Hugo mk1 - it sounds fabulous. All my music servers play it from the NAS drive over Ethernet. Plus, our headphone writer reviews the high-res streaming music service. This device lets you stream stunning sound quality and let you play music files from various apps such as Spotify and Deezer. Definitely get a cable to connect you iPad to the as801. Hi, I have tested both Audiolab 6000N and Bluesound Node 2i with a wide variety of speakers. This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb. With this limited intention I am not bothered that it doesnt match my other sources, although its very listenable. Naim ND5-XS (S/H) But what about the sound quality? Multi-room network audio players Multi-room connectivity emerged with the advent of digital music and wireless streaming. 19,270. Its available for a nominal rental fee, and includes a $25 Crutchfield merchandise credit. CD3.5/Flatcap #12. Sure, you can carry a small handheld speaker with you, but Deia takes her portable tunes more seriously. What not a PI streamer with a Hat like Hifiberry or Allo. They ARE NOT a streaming service. But I've heard consistently that the Cambridge sounds better which I would expect. Wiim Pro? 99 Sale price $299. New Bluesound Node vs Cambridge Audio Day Magic 200. Personaly I'm not interested in other functionality like dac and pre amp. Are you aware that the original ND5XS uses rather dated streaming tech compared to its Mk2 replacement and has limitations if you are intending to stream from internet sources rather than a music collection stored on your local network? #4. When I had the Node 2 I used two outputs. Do you have any thoughts on cable types and length. No one supports Amazon. Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. If anyone still on this thread, what is the difference in streaming quality vs the two. Pleased with this digital part of my sound system while looking around and saving funds for a more performant replacement. A better switch dramatically improved performance by eliminating lag, dropouts, arbitration issues when the network is particularly busy, etc. Looking at both of these units and I know there is a $500 difference but can anyone tell me the differences between them and which might be better? This does though, get some good reviews and not too expensive to dip your toe in, as has been suggested. Depending how serious you want to be with streaming and the law of diminishing returns you might find the Node to be perfectly adequate for quite a while, had it about 4 or 5 years now (I think), might find the Node to be perfectly adequate, Just to clarify I mean the Node 2i, a decent used model could be a good bargain or the newer improved version. This does bit mean that the digital signal is not up/down sampled or otherwise processed in the device before it's passed to the external dac. Even its built-in headphone amp is respectable. To be fair Blue Sound vaguely mentions this and favors the use of a NAS but personally unable to justify the extra hustle. You also mentioned the IFI Zen. The Node can be impressive and always seems to be compatible with every streaming service around. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Definitely not looking for a Sonos or any bluetooth type audio, or multi-room stuff. Hopefully this will be fixed with a future Firmware update, but at the moment it's an issue. I found the Bluesound Node 2 to sound a lot better than the CCA through a cheap Schiit Dac. Musiccast was crap. That way I could have all the internal storage, and quality sound signal maybe a Fiio x7 or so. Bluesound Node (New) Cambridge DacMagic vs Cambridge CXN v2 /v3, cambridge streamer cxn v2 USB tracklist error, issue with ECI-2, CXN v2 and external 2.5" HDD, Amplifiers, Phono preamp, and Analog Audio Review, Streamer/Dac Suggestions For AE1 Active's. It doesn't take deep pockets or "golden ears" to obtain and appreciate good sound. Being wireless is great, but that cable option is simple. i have mentioned before, i had an all JBL LSR 3XX system with subwoofer and I could not get the pacing nor timing right until I added Audirvana that was the missing link. One into my Dac and then one analog out from the Node. I dont know the science around it, but my thinking is youd need to have a cable much longer that 2-3 meters to experience any noticeable degradation in sound quality. It seems as the CXN uses dual DACS and has balanced outs. But just to emphasise, digital coax output to a DAC works absolutely fine with the Node as Roon Endpoint. I also have, from some years ago, a Pro-Ject RPM and a Pro-Ject phono pre, with USB on board that I got with the idea of rippping some vinyl to CD, but never did much, in the end! My overall interaction with Crutchfield was easy and pleasant. Focus on speakers/room where a much more substantive change is possible. The Node 2i earned a place in second and third systems and lately in my test system that I use for equipment reviews and general fiddling, experimenting with and staging of new components, etc.. Where did you see that and where does he say it will be compatible with the current CXN series? this can result in this site earning a commission. If so the I guess it just comes down to features/size etc. I have just returned to this forum, after around 15 years, having finally aquired some upgrades to my original entry level system of NAC92R/NAP90.3 which I bought with the intention of entering the upgrade path, though never got around to it! Hi, looking for some advice please. Apparently the stream magic app is a different one from Connect, and can only drive a specific range of network players, but not the cxn. Crutchfield has and always will be the number one source for all electronic needs, there is no one better. Phones /tablets should never go through their internal DACs when connected to an external dac and any player software should tell you where it is sending it to. Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) tech specs High resolution 24-bit/192kHz, DSD64 Streaming features UPnP, AirPlay, internet radio, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Inputs USB type A x2, USB type B, optical, coaxial Outputs Optical, coaxial, balanced XLR, RCA Network Ethernet, wi-fi Remote Yes Finishes 2 Dimensions (hwd) 9 x 43 x 31cm Weight 4kg Cambridge Audio's popular Connect iOS and Android app, compatible with the CXN (V2) and the company's other network audio streamers, has been given a major feature overhaul and rebrand. I'm probably recalling it badly but I think the USB spec is 3m (or maybe 5). Given all the choices of streaming services, it usually comes down to one or two you really like to keep around. Make sure its MIDI compatible and youll be good to go. Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by wingram, Jul 5, 2019. SpeakerCompare simulates the sound of home and car speakers through your headphones. It may not display this or other websites correctly. But it's a little involved and if you don't like to tinker stick with the CXN or get a Node 2i. Yes, I agree! That's interested @rvpiano. Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. Or, would the DAC quality in these streamers have surpasseed that offered by the nDAC, by this point, making the nDAC now redundant? There are pros and cons on both sides. To be honest, with a good high quality stream there are times when it can give my fairly advanced on the upgrade path LP12 a run for its money. The No. Not sure how all this would sort out, appreciate advise. So I'm thinking of buying my first streamer. I had the Yamaha wxa50 before. Along with the streaming capabilities, which is the best for playing files from a hard drive. Nice system. The NDAC was certainly an upgrade on the internal DAC on the original NDX. I do use an external Meridian DAC (which I had already owned) and the difference between the two DACs is very subtle. I own both the CA 851n and the CXN 1. $1,299.00 Star Wars 4-6 are the best movies. Inside the a-s801 is ES9010K2M. Panasonic 55FZ950. The articles & videos are also super-helpful! Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) & CXA80 Double Review | The Master Switch The Master Switch Search Home Theater Best Full Systems 5.1 Home Theater Systems 7.1 Home Theater Systems AV Receivers It outperforms the Dac in my Cambridge 851C cd player. Cambridge Audio CXN(v2) Streamer . Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled, ND5-XS vs Bluesound Node vs Cambridge CXN v2. Very good for the money. I like to focus this list on the streamer sound quality (with the internal dac bypassed if existant). It might actually sound better but any help would be appreciated. There is a thread talking about how it re-indexes and that it takes a whileI got the impression it will workbut was not really designed to do this. The more I read about the Node 2i, the better it seems for my purposes. Itll work with you iPad or out of your Windows laptop. I prefer Audiolab over Bluesound Node 2i. But, if I were later still to obtain an NDS2 or NDX2, would the nDAC still serve as an upgrade to them? Does anyone have any insight. More modern, more compact, headphone out, sub out with cutoff filters for bass management, and allegedly blue sound is the best streaming software around. I stand correctedthe Cambridge does indeed have the Wolfson DAC, question regarding the need for external DAC above?. Thank you for the replies everyone. Which did you prefer and why? I did not try a directly connected HD. While the cost is about double if the sound quality is as good as . Product link at Music Direct. This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb. However its several years old and Im wondering if a new version will be out soon with improved functionality, MQA support most likely. It may have to do with if the hard drive is removed and then attached againI will find it eventually. Cambridge Audio CXN V2.