I did a trial on a BlueSound Node and the app kept crashing and I didn't like the amp either. I bought the Cambridge and love the sound and the app is solid. You can't go wrong with this unit.
I have had a similar experience with the Blue Sound. Also, I think the Cambridge sounds a lot better. Better DAC and analog section by far. I am so glad you watched and commented. I really like to hear about everyone's experience. Thank you.
Thoroughly enjoy the detail and care you take making these videos Ed. The MXN10 is a product that simply didn’t exist a decade ago but here we are, the price is no slouch, it will cover many bases and provide solutions. Wish you the best!
Ryan, Thank you for the kind words. It is a very nice solution. BTW, I also love Mustangs. My first car was a 64 1/2, 289, 3 speed, red over red. I miss that buggy.
@@OldGuyHifi we’re in the same company on cars, I have a restored 1970 hardtop and a 2014 daily driver. Completing the ‘70 was a great relief and now a cruiser for ice cream and a show or two! Summer is near and life is good.
Always look forward to your content. I learn so much from your experience and expertise. And your reviews are very comprehensive. I wish I could subscribe twice. You will get to 1000 subscriptions soon, and I assume the numbers will just keep growing. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge
The 6 is a nice unit and sounds great with those dual Wolfson DAC chips. Cambridge has always done a great job with the analog signal which to me is more important than the specific DAC chip. I was curious which streamer you had since you mentioned it in your other comment. Thanks again for tuning in and sharing. I really enjoy the chance to find out about everybody's systems and experiences.
I’ve seen both your reviews of the MXN10. The unabridged last night. I feel I’m getting to know this streamer. Thank you sir. I’ve been considering adding a streamer to my rig. You have me sold on this particular model. I sense your enthusiasm. I am now using a Cambridge integrated amp that should pair well with MXN10. Never owned a streamer. Was going to get the Wiim Pro, but now looking close at this model. I’m always looking for value. I’m an even older hi-fi guy. Fixed income now in retirement and on a tight budget, but music brings me joy, and I consider it worthwhile to listen on decent gear that I can realistically afford. You had me at”… simple, but great sound quality”. Like you, I don’t need bells & whistles, just the music please. I like the smaller size too over the AXN10. Thanks again and good luck growing your channel.
Norman, I am glad you found some value in the review. I have the MXN10 paired to my Cambridge AXR100 and am constantly amazed and pleased with the sound. If it can work out, I am confident you will be well pleased with it in your system. I am not sure how it will turn out, or if it will have any value, but I am going to do a video with some sound clips. I should have it ready by next week.
Ed, Great review! I found myself going back to it over and over again...to see the information about the Stream Magic app.I picked up a MXN10 a few weeks ago. I've got to say...WOW. It made my streamig experience go from difficult at best to something enjoyable. When I first got the MXN10 I kept listening to the device...Now I just enjoy the music. Thanks. I see you asked if you should be doing things differently... longer/shorter....Just keep doing things as you are...We'll keep watching
Thanks! I ended up getting an AXN10 from CambridgeAudio on ebay. They had a deal on an open box. I didn't expected the box to be full size depth wise. Lots of empty space but it's ok. Anyway, I figure I'd give you a little Thanks which probably is better than the Amazon commission anyway. And yes, I'm streaming my SACD rip over Wifi. Bliss.
Awesome and relevant perspectives for us geeky 'musicophiles', if there is such a word. I use that instead of 'audiophile' due to my own compromised hearing. 😂 Thank you as always for your time and efforts to fully review, and instruct us on the workings of this equipment. Stay well, Sir. As an aside, what volume setting did you use on your Marantz PM7 when using this as a preamp? Thanks in advance.
Simon my friend, thank you. I agree, the term "Audiophile" has developed some unsavory connotations. I am with you. I am a 'musicophile" too. Be well sir.
@@OldGuyHifi I had to look up your reference so I cheated and won't answer, but a great tribute I'm sure to Joe Sears. I edited my first comment, after you replied, unfortunately, so I will ask again, if I may, at what volume setting did you place your Marantz PM74 at when using the streamer as a preamp? Thanks again in advance.
I typically run out at about 11:00 o'clock. The preamp section on the Marantz had great gain so I never felt like I needed to do more. I am not sure I get the Joe Sears reference.
@OldGuyHifi I believe Joe Sears was a Chicago Radio DJ that used that phrase to open his music show, but then I'm African, and what do I know about Chicago other than it is windy!😂
I am not familiar with that gentleman, but then I am a Chicagoan and what do I know other than I also noticed it is windy. Thank you sir for the smile.
I use the MXN10 as a transport linked to a Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M. I understand that this is recommended by Cambridge. I certainly enjoy the resulting sound.
Steve, I can imagine that sounds awesome. I have had a DAC Magic 200M here in the past and very much enjoyed its sound. Thanks so much for your view and comment.
@@OldGuyHifi would the Dacmagic 200M be an upgrade from a schiit stack? I have a Asgard 3 and modius dac using with my pc. I am looking to do the mxn10 and da magic stack.
@@vincedea Why not just add the MXN10 as the source to what you currently have? The two pieces of Schiit you have are quite good so I would start out by just putting the MXN10 and see where that takes you. You could than compare the DAC in the MXN10 to the DAC in the Modi. Please et me know what you wind up doing. Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing.
@@OldGuyHifi Grew up in South Bend and Niles. My dad lived in Chicago in the late 70's and the very early 80's so I spent plenty of time there as a kid. You know when Jack Brickhouse was the Cubs announcer and Harry Carry was nearly falling out of the announce booth every night at Comiskey singing take me out to ballgame.:D
Thank you for your review. I have a question for you. Can you play DSD file over Wifi? I have backed up my SACD to DSD on my NAS but my system is in a different room/floor so pulling network cable is not an option. I have tried the Wiim Pro + but it can't play DSD over Wifi, everything else was working fine, it displayed that it's playing the track but nothing happened when it was a dsd so had to return it since my main criteria is this. Even though I get the feeling I'd be better getting a simple portable HDD,copy my DSD files on it and plug it in the streamer directly. But for the price, it seems decent enough to be hopeful ;-) plus your remark that it plays DSD very well, really piqued my interest. Thank you. (me too I'm known to verbose too much sorry)
I may not have that answer tonight. I can find all my FLAC and MP3 files through the Windows Media shared profile. I just need to figure out the DSD side. DSD filles are really big and that may be the issue. I will keep ay and keep you posted.
@@OldGuyHifi Thank you so much. Take your time there's no rush. If you need I have some DSF files that are relatively small (8, 12 and 19MB) that I could send you to try.
In my experience, the Node is very thin sounding. I would characterize it as less dynamic. I believe that it uses a TI DAC chip but not a Burr Brown design. TI now owns Burr-Brown. The problem is I can't be sure of what DAC it uses because as far as I can tell Blue Sound hasn't disclosed the chip manufacturer in any of it's marketing materials. For me that strikes me as odd. But, that is only my opinion based on some brief auditions. I sent it back for a refund.
@@OldGuyHifi I really appreciate your objective, trustworthy approach. Your insights on the Cambridge streamer helped me avoid making a bad choice for my needs with another streaming unit provider. Keep up the great work!
Got a screaming deal on an open box AXN10! Like you I have a massive collection of high res stuff on a flash usb drive and don’t have time to deal with a NAS setup. Combined with the sound quality and ability to do DSD, this was the choice for me over Node and Wiim.
@@chrisbecwar5024 The Cambridge eBay "open box" deals can be amazing. I am very sure you will love the AXN10. I use my MXN10 in almost every review of amps & DACs that I do. It is phenomenal. Good luck. Keep me posted.
Dan, Thanks for tuning in and commenting. No Amazon Music is not an option. It potentially could be as Cambridge has the ability to do over the air firmware upgrades. Whether or not that happens, I have no idea. I will reach out to Cambridge and see. It is a shame it doesn't because the Amazon interface is so cluncky.
I did a trial on a BlueSound Node and the app kept crashing and I didn't like the amp either. I bought the Cambridge and love the sound and the app is solid. You can't go wrong with this unit.
I have had a similar experience with the Blue Sound. Also, I think the Cambridge sounds a lot better. Better DAC and analog section by far. I am so glad you watched and commented. I really like to hear about everyone's experience. Thank you.
Thoroughly enjoy the detail and care you take making these videos Ed. The MXN10 is a product that simply didn’t exist a decade ago but here we are, the price is no slouch, it will cover many bases and provide solutions. Wish you the best!
Ryan, Thank you for the kind words. It is a very nice solution. BTW, I also love Mustangs. My first car was a 64 1/2, 289, 3 speed, red over red. I miss that buggy.
@@OldGuyHifi we’re in the same company on cars, I have a restored 1970 hardtop and a 2014 daily driver. Completing the ‘70 was a great relief and now a cruiser for ice cream and a show or two! Summer is near and life is good.
Always look forward to your content. I learn so much from your experience and expertise. And your reviews are very comprehensive. I wish I could subscribe twice. You will get to 1000 subscriptions soon, and I assume the numbers will just keep growing. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge
Thanks so much Jeff for the kind words. I do appreciate them.
I have very good experience with A Cambridge Stream Magic 6. love it
The 6 is a nice unit and sounds great with those dual Wolfson DAC chips. Cambridge has always done a great job with the analog signal which to me is more important than the specific DAC chip. I was curious which streamer you had since you mentioned it in your other comment. Thanks again for tuning in and sharing. I really enjoy the chance to find out about everybody's systems and experiences.
I’ve seen both your reviews of the MXN10. The unabridged last night. I feel I’m getting to know this streamer. Thank you sir. I’ve been considering adding a streamer to my rig. You have me sold on this particular model. I sense your enthusiasm. I am now using a Cambridge integrated amp that should pair well with MXN10. Never owned a streamer. Was going to get the Wiim Pro, but now looking close at this model. I’m always looking for value. I’m an even older hi-fi guy. Fixed income now in retirement and on a tight budget, but music brings me joy, and I consider it worthwhile to listen on decent gear that I can realistically afford. You had me at”… simple, but great sound quality”. Like you, I don’t need bells & whistles, just the music please. I like the smaller size too over the AXN10. Thanks again and good luck growing your channel.
Norman, I am glad you found some value in the review. I have the MXN10 paired to my Cambridge AXR100 and am constantly amazed and pleased with the sound. If it can work out, I am confident you will be well pleased with it in your system. I am not sure how it will turn out, or if it will have any value, but I am going to do a video with some sound clips. I should have it ready by next week.
@@OldGuyHifi Thanks
Ed,
Great review! I found myself going back to it over and over again...to see the information about the Stream Magic app.I picked up a MXN10 a few weeks ago. I've got to say...WOW. It made my streamig experience go from difficult at best to something enjoyable. When I first got the MXN10 I kept listening to the device...Now I just enjoy the music.
Thanks.
I see you asked if you should be doing things differently... longer/shorter....Just keep doing things as you are...We'll keep watching
Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate your view and comment.
Thanks! I ended up getting an AXN10 from CambridgeAudio on ebay. They had a deal on an open box. I didn't expected the box to be full size depth wise. Lots of empty space but it's ok. Anyway, I figure I'd give you a little Thanks which probably is better than the Amazon commission anyway.
And yes, I'm streaming my SACD rip over Wifi. Bliss.
Bruno, That's great news. The AXN/MXN do sound amazing and the deals at eBay are great. That's how I bought my AXR100. Thanks so much.
Quicker is not always better ;)
That’s what she said!
Awesome and relevant perspectives for us geeky 'musicophiles', if there is such a word. I use that instead of 'audiophile' due to my own compromised hearing. 😂 Thank you as always for your time and efforts to fully review, and instruct us on the workings of this equipment. Stay well, Sir. As an aside, what volume setting did you use on your Marantz PM7 when using this as a preamp? Thanks in advance.
Simon my friend, thank you. I agree, the term "Audiophile" has developed some unsavory connotations. I am with you. I am a 'musicophile" too. Be well sir.
@@OldGuyHifi I had to look up your reference so I cheated and won't answer, but a great tribute I'm sure to Joe Sears. I edited my first comment, after you replied, unfortunately, so I will ask again, if I may, at what volume setting did you place your Marantz PM74 at when using the streamer as a preamp? Thanks again in advance.
I typically run out at about 11:00 o'clock. The preamp section on the Marantz had great gain so I never felt like I needed to do more. I am not sure I get the Joe Sears reference.
@OldGuyHifi I believe Joe Sears was a Chicago Radio DJ that used that phrase to open his music show, but then I'm African, and what do I know about Chicago other than it is windy!😂
I am not familiar with that gentleman, but then I am a Chicagoan and what do I know other than I also noticed it is windy. Thank you sir for the smile.
I use the MXN10 as a transport linked to a Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M. I understand that this is recommended by Cambridge. I certainly enjoy the resulting sound.
Steve, I can imagine that sounds awesome. I have had a DAC Magic 200M here in the past and very much enjoyed its sound. Thanks so much for your view and comment.
@@OldGuyHifi would the Dacmagic 200M be an upgrade from a schiit stack? I have a Asgard 3 and modius dac using with my pc. I am looking to do the mxn10 and da magic stack.
@@vincedea Why not just add the MXN10 as the source to what you currently have? The two pieces of Schiit you have are quite good so I would start out by just putting the MXN10 and see where that takes you. You could than compare the DAC in the MXN10 to the DAC in the Modi. Please et me know what you wind up doing. Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing.
WLS, yeah, Animal Stories, with your Old Uncle Larr. and Litty Tommy. Yes I still have the three albums.
You gotta be a local boy to know that stuff. BTW the quote was from B.B. King live at Cook County Jail.
@@OldGuyHifi Grew up in South Bend and Niles. My dad lived in Chicago in the late 70's and the very early 80's so I spent plenty of time there as a kid.
You know when Jack Brickhouse was the Cubs announcer and Harry Carry was nearly falling out of the announce booth every night at Comiskey singing take me out to ballgame.:D
Thank you for your review. I have a question for you.
Can you play DSD file over Wifi? I have backed up my SACD to DSD on my NAS but my system is in a different room/floor so pulling network cable is not an option. I have tried the Wiim Pro + but it can't play DSD over Wifi, everything else was working fine, it displayed that it's playing the track but nothing happened when it was a dsd so had to return it since my main criteria is this.
Even though I get the feeling I'd be better getting a simple portable HDD,copy my DSD files on it and plug it in the streamer directly. But for the price, it seems decent enough to be hopeful ;-) plus your remark that it plays DSD very well, really piqued my interest.
Thank you.
(me too I'm known to verbose too much sorry)
Will find out for you tonight. I know I can find my NAS without issue. Looks like I have some work to do. I post back here the results. Thank you.
I may not have that answer tonight. I can find all my FLAC and MP3 files through the Windows Media shared profile. I just need to figure out the DSD side. DSD filles are really big and that may be the issue. I will keep ay and keep you posted.
@@OldGuyHifi Thank you so much.
Take your time there's no rush.
If you need I have some DSF files that are relatively small (8, 12 and 19MB) that I could send you to try.
Thank you so much for the offer. I have some that size as well. Actually I have almost 500 SACD rips in my collection. I will persevere.
Aside from the OS app what sound difference do you find between Node N 130 and the MXN 10? Thanks, from another old guy.
In my experience, the Node is very thin sounding. I would characterize it as less dynamic. I believe that it uses a TI DAC chip but not a Burr Brown design. TI now owns Burr-Brown. The problem is I can't be sure of what DAC it uses because as far as I can tell Blue Sound hasn't disclosed the chip manufacturer in any of it's marketing materials. For me that strikes me as odd. But, that is only my opinion based on some brief auditions. I sent it back for a refund.
Thanks!
Chris, Thank you so much. I appreciate your support.
@@OldGuyHifi I really appreciate your objective, trustworthy approach. Your insights on the Cambridge streamer helped me avoid making a bad choice for my needs with another streaming unit provider. Keep up the great work!
@@chrisbecwar5024 Chris, What streamer did you get? A Cambridge? Thanks again for your support
Got a screaming deal on an open box AXN10! Like you I have a massive collection of high res stuff on a flash usb drive and don’t have time to deal with a NAS setup. Combined with the sound quality and ability to do DSD, this was the choice for me over Node and Wiim.
@@chrisbecwar5024 The Cambridge eBay "open box" deals can be amazing. I am very sure you will love the AXN10. I use my MXN10 in almost every review of amps & DACs that I do. It is phenomenal. Good luck. Keep me posted.
Can Apple Airplay be added as one of my sources?
Yes. Airplay 2 is part of the system. Works great.
Is Amazon Music included as option?
Dan, Thanks for tuning in and commenting. No Amazon Music is not an option. It potentially could be as Cambridge has the ability to do over the air firmware upgrades. Whether or not that happens, I have no idea. I will reach out to Cambridge and see. It is a shame it doesn't because the Amazon interface is so cluncky.
@@OldGuyHifi thanks for the reply
Thanks for the view!