What's up Lenny! You were incorrect when comparing CXN100 and EXN100. These are practically two identical devices with minor improvements in EXN. Both have the same DACs (ESS9028q2m). EXN's screen is slightly taller and has a resolution of 1280x720 (CXN100 has 1280x574), but this does not mean that it is better, it is just slightly larger in size! Compare their insides, they are practically the same, only EXN added an HDMI board, changed the Bluetooth module (added APTX HD codec) and added a 12V trigger. The power board remained the same, only it was covered with a casing. As a result, we overpay 750 euros for: 1. a slightly larger screen; 2. HDMI; 3. APTX HD, 4. 12V trigger. My subjective opinion is that with such changes, the EXN will not sound better than the CXN.
Love the contrasting opinion. I’d still say when side by siding them both if my budget was larger I’d go EXN100 every time. The screen looks visually better not just in size. I can say yes hdmi earc always ads to the cost because of additional board and licensing. Plus the better DAC. But I see and love your argument to the contrary! Thanks so much for sharing!
guys the dacs in these are identical per Cambridge but they tuned the one in the EXN with other components which is what is supposed to result in a better sound by comparison to the CXN
What would be the advantage/difference of using this on the pre amp in on a vintage pioneer vs using on the AUX? Using the pre amp in would bypass the pioneer's volume control correct? Would this give you better sound? Thx!
Lenny, I'm a bit confused about something. Didn't you have a store called Just Audio? Or did you change the name? Have both stores now? Or perhaps left Just Audio and opened up All Elite Audio? Just curious, thanks.
@LennyFlorentine that's awesome! I watched this on my laptop and didn't mind the audio really 😅 But I am really forward to the EXA review. I have already ordered mine, but that was on whim. So far it seems like a good choice though 😎
I have a suggestion for a topic at some point, something I'm trying to figure out. What sort of setup would be best for streaming from a NAS device via WIFI. I would like to be able to scroll with a remote on a screen to various folders I have set up and feed it through a proper stereo. I'm thinking likely more modern to accomodate this, along with my usual vinyl and CD's.
Hi Guys. I have a Cyrus i9-XR amplifier, and as you know it does have an integrated DAC. Now, I was looking for a streamer. The question is, based on your experience, which one the 2 DACs would you let do the conversation job? The amplifier one or the Cambridge EXN100 one? In other words, would you connect these 2 gears using a digital coax cable or an analogue cable?
You would use the streamer over the amp dac for sure, and connect with analog cables. On that note you may also want to look at the new Cyrus 40 streamer that’s coming out. We have it over on the site if you haven’t seen it yet, it’s sick!
@@LennyFlorentine Thanks Lenny. Yes I do know about the new series from Cyrus...however I am still thinking about it, as it seems (rumors) that this 40 series from Cyrus is more "automatic" production compared to the less recent XR...which (rumors) should me more handcrafted compared to the 40....suggestions about that?
It’s in the same ballpark as my Eversolo DMP A8, but I’d take my A8 over the Cambridge. The A8 has slightly better build quality, dual power supplies, one of which is linear and dual AKM chip set, which to me have a more natural sound than most of the ESS chipsets, nonetheless the Cambridge is very nice and Cambridge have awesome reps, one came into my shop and they know what they’re representing and they know their competition which is something I can’t say for all manufactures unfortunately.
I like Cambridge and this looks like a really nice streamer, but why use an ESS ES9028Q2M and not go with the ESS Pro chip, aside from the obvious of building to a price-point ? I would really like to see more streamer transports. I would say that saving the $$$ devoted to this decent, but not outstanding DAC would be a great idea, but cost-wise, the price would not really change radically but it would lower the price and simplify the design and possibly improve the digital output. Does the market really demand a DAC in every pot ? I will always build my digital sources around an external DAC and I know I am not alone
hello I'm from Indonesia. Please record used sound system equipment abroad such as mixers, crossovers, equalizers, compressors, gates, vocal effects, surely many people will watch your videos. and I also want to have those tools, please 🙏🙏
There is a single reason Im not buying this streamer. My "old" Cambirdge 851N is so damn good it doesn't require any replacement! I don't think I'll ever replace it unless it dies. Heads up, if you want any streamer to sound its best, use Roon. Roon is the magic sauce to make any digital source sound its ultimate best, even old ripped CDs. I ripped all my CD's as FLAC files, over 500 (a looong task) Roon can transform all that raw data into the glorious sound they should have provided from day one but which no CD player could hack.
Do your homework dude, this use the same ESS9028q2m chip as the CXN100 so where is this comment about it uses a better DAC come from? I would also point out it’s still missing USB digital output. Just like CXN100 does.
James! I know it’s horrible. Unfortunately we are limited to our gear since starting the new company. We tried a different method in the video and it failed, so back to the podcast mics on the next one! We’ll get back there! Appreciate you!
@@LennyFlorentine Today they cost more than 100$ on second hand market. more than twice the original cost. Its got a combined jack/Spdif output… ad your own DAC and control your music from the phone instead of having a small display far from your listenling position. those expensive mediaplayers are more or less a waste of money… its the dac that count why spend your money on a device with yet another dac.
Lets be honest, its not £1000 better than the CXN100, so are we basically paying £1000 more for an eArc connection for the TV, with still limited inputs and no DSP or such? Way overpriced in my opinion considering so many sub £1000 dacs walk all over it. Unless you like a large empty tin with supermarket pretend VU displays.
Clown comment, I have an awesome amp from Willsenton and my MoFi SourcePoint 10 are made in China and likely your phone or computer you're watching this video on. Don't just believe audiophile bs, speak from experience. Shout out Spencer for showing me the SourcePoints
What's up Lenny! You were incorrect when comparing CXN100 and EXN100. These are practically two identical devices with minor improvements in EXN. Both have the same DACs (ESS9028q2m). EXN's screen is slightly taller and has a resolution of 1280x720 (CXN100 has 1280x574), but this does not mean that it is better, it is just slightly larger in size! Compare their insides, they are practically the same, only EXN added an HDMI board, changed the Bluetooth module (added APTX HD codec) and added a 12V trigger. The power board remained the same, only it was covered with a casing. As a result, we overpay 750 euros for: 1. a slightly larger screen; 2. HDMI; 3. APTX HD, 4. 12V trigger. My subjective opinion is that with such changes, the EXN will not sound better than the CXN.
Love the contrasting opinion. I’d still say when side by siding them both if my budget was larger I’d go EXN100 every time. The screen looks visually better not just in size. I can say yes hdmi earc always ads to the cost because of additional board and licensing. Plus the better DAC. But I see and love your argument to the contrary! Thanks so much for sharing!
@@LennyFlorentinehe just told you it’s the same DAC chip so why you keep saying it’s a better DAC?
Indeed cannot see how it’s going to sound any different. I never use the screen other than updates.
guys the dacs in these are identical per Cambridge but they tuned the one in the EXN with other components which is what is supposed to result in a better sound by comparison to the CXN
What would be the advantage/difference of using this on the pre amp in on a vintage pioneer vs using on the AUX? Using the pre amp in would bypass the pioneer's volume control correct? Would this give you better sound? Thx!
Is it better than the Eversolo DMP 8
What's up Lenny, awesome to meet you at Capitol Audio Fest, great video
Thanks John! Was great meeting you! That weekend went by to fast!
Lenny, I'm a bit confused about something. Didn't you have a store called Just Audio? Or did you change the name? Have both stores now? Or perhaps left Just Audio and opened up All Elite Audio? Just curious, thanks.
Me, Spencer, and Tom have parted ways with the old company and opened All Elite Audio! 🙂👍
Hey, Lenny, can this be used as a line source? Through your stereo as well?
To oops, never mind at about seventeen minutes you answered the question
Seventeen minutes in 🤣🤣🤣 on that note I appreciate you watching that far!
Where’s the whiskey tap?
Great Review!!! Cambridge is crushing it on streamers!
Hey man! Thanks! I love the streamer, amazing stuff.
Harman Kardon did the upside down labeling on the 970, 980, 990 range etc.
I am looking forward to getting my hands on one of these to go with my Yamaha AS1200 amp and Monitor Audio Gold 100 gen5 speakers
I just discovered your channel, and I'm glad I did! I really appreciated this review.
Any chance for a review on the EXA100?
Oh yeah probably filming that this week and hopefully with better audio! 🤣 Thanks so much!
@LennyFlorentine that's awesome! I watched this on my laptop and didn't mind the audio really 😅 But I am really forward to the EXA review. I have already ordered mine, but that was on whim. So far it seems like a good choice though 😎
I have a suggestion for a topic at some point, something I'm trying to figure out. What sort of setup would be best for streaming from a NAS device via WIFI. I would like to be able to scroll with a remote on a screen to various folders I have set up and feed it through a proper stereo. I'm thinking likely more modern to accomodate this, along with my usual vinyl and CD's.
This is a great topic for Tom now that’s he’s back with me. Shoot the question over to our text line
Hi Guys. I have a Cyrus i9-XR amplifier, and as you know it does have an integrated DAC. Now, I was looking for a streamer. The question is, based on your experience, which one the 2 DACs would you let do the conversation job? The amplifier one or the Cambridge EXN100 one? In other words, would you connect these 2 gears using a digital coax cable or an analogue cable?
You would use the streamer over the amp dac for sure, and connect with analog cables. On that note you may also want to look at the new Cyrus 40 streamer that’s coming out. We have it over on the site if you haven’t seen it yet, it’s sick!
@@LennyFlorentine Thanks Lenny. Yes I do know about the new series from Cyrus...however I am still thinking about it, as it seems
(rumors) that this 40 series from Cyrus is more "automatic" production compared to the less recent XR...which (rumors) should me more handcrafted compared to the 40....suggestions about that?
Drop shadow the VU metre needle
That’s what I was looking for!
I don’t care about meters all I care about is the sound!
Me too. They do look good though lol.
It’s in the same ballpark as my Eversolo DMP A8, but I’d take my A8 over the Cambridge. The A8 has slightly better build quality, dual power supplies, one of which is linear and dual AKM chip set, which to me have a more natural sound than most of the ESS chipsets, nonetheless the Cambridge is very nice and Cambridge have awesome reps, one came into my shop and they know what they’re representing and they know their competition which is something I can’t say for all manufactures unfortunately.
They are awesome reps!
I like Cambridge and this looks like a really nice streamer, but why use an ESS ES9028Q2M and not go with the ESS Pro chip, aside from the obvious of building to a price-point ?
I would really like to see more streamer transports.
I would say that saving the $$$ devoted to this decent, but not outstanding DAC would be a great idea, but cost-wise, the price would not really change radically but it would lower the price and simplify the design and possibly improve the digital output.
Does the market really demand a DAC in every pot ?
I will always build my digital sources around an external DAC and I know I am not alone
Your external DAC probably cost more the the streamer.
Not quite but that is a good point. Even an external $500 DAC would be an improvement.
@@middleearthltd Would say by much.. And slso the DAC in the 851n?
Good video
hmm ok so now I'm torn between this and the evo 150, and also torn between the EXA100 and Advance paris A10 classic. lol decisions... decisions
I know the company with all the answers 🤣 give the guys a call they can help you decide.
hello I'm from Indonesia. Please record used sound system equipment abroad such as mixers, crossovers, equalizers, compressors, gates, vocal effects, surely many people will watch your videos. and I also want to have those tools, please 🙏🙏
There is a single reason Im not buying this streamer. My "old" Cambirdge 851N is so damn good it doesn't require any replacement! I don't think I'll ever replace it unless it dies. Heads up, if you want any streamer to sound its best, use Roon. Roon is the magic sauce to make any digital source sound its ultimate best, even old ripped CDs. I ripped all my CD's as FLAC files, over 500 (a looong task) Roon can transform all that raw data into the glorious sound they should have provided from day one but which no CD player could hack.
Do your homework dude, this use the same ESS9028q2m chip as the CXN100 so where is this comment about it uses a better DAC come from? I would also point out it’s still missing USB digital output. Just like CXN100 does.
Lenny...I'm a big fan AND fix your audio...please. This vide made you guys sound boomy and distant. Love always!!! JM
James! I know it’s horrible. Unfortunately we are limited to our gear since starting the new company. We tried a different method in the video and it failed, so back to the podcast mics on the next one! We’ll get back there! Appreciate you!
best was the google chromecst audio with own external dac.. ofcourse google killed it
I remember that being sooooo popular
@@LennyFlorentine Today they cost more than 100$ on second hand market. more than twice the original cost. Its got a combined jack/Spdif output… ad your own DAC and control your music from the phone instead of having a small display far from your listenling position. those expensive mediaplayers are more or less a waste of money… its the dac that count why spend your money on a device with yet another dac.
Jeez, the case is over half empty.
That space is important though
Lets be honest, its not £1000 better than the CXN100, so are we basically paying £1000 more for an eArc connection for the TV, with still limited inputs and no DSP or such?
Way overpriced in my opinion considering so many sub £1000 dacs walk all over it. Unless you like a large empty tin with supermarket pretend VU displays.
Made in China 😂😂
Clown comment, I have an awesome amp from Willsenton and my MoFi SourcePoint 10 are made in China and likely your phone or computer you're watching this video on. Don't just believe audiophile bs, speak from experience. Shout out Spencer for showing me the SourcePoints