I’m getting a streamer. I’m trying to keep it reasonable for now, so of course I was looking at the Node, which has the new version 3 out. It has some updated stuff and obviously has tons of great reviews. However, I’ve recently read about the Audiolab 6000N as well and that has great reviews and is recommended highly by WhatHifi. Which leads me to the Cambridge CXN v2. The CXN is a step up in cost at 1k from the other 2 at $549 and $600.

Any thoughts on the Audiolab vs the Node v3? Any thoughts on making the jump up to the CXN vs the others? The CXN is about as much as I want to put into it. I know there are better options, but this is going to be my first one. I just don’t want to take a huge dive in at first.

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Posted by pheroy

Raleigh, NC

Member since Oct 2006

708 posts

Posted on 9/22/21 at 1:58 pm to HebertFest08

quote:
HebertFest08

I don't know a lot about various streamers themselves; I use a Mac Mini with a USB connection to a DAC, myself. So it's kind of the ultimate in flexibility, I can use whatever service or app works best.

Having said that - what kind of streaming are you looking to do?

- Services like Spotify, Tidal etc?
- Local content from NAS or external drive?
- From your phone or other device?

That might affect the target feature set and device that's best for your needs. Reading about the Node, it seems like it supports almost anything above. (Except for Apple Music, which is only supported by using AirPlay 2 from an i-device.)

Crutchfield has quite a few listed under $1k here:

LINK

Denon DNP-800NE looks like it might be another good choice in addition to the Node & Audiolab.

Edit: Looks like the Audiolab 6000N does NOT have AirPlay, so if that's a factor proceed accordingly.

This post was edited on 9/22/21 at 2:01 pm

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Posted by PhilipMarlowe

Member since Mar 2013

20555 posts

Posted on 9/22/21 at 2:51 pm to HebertFest08

If I were in your shoes I’d probably order one from amazon, spend about a month with it, return it, and then proceed to the next one. All 4, Cambridge/Bluesound/Audiolab/Denon, are available on Amazon with prime shipping and free returns. Then you can make an informed decision on which one hits the sweet spot for you in terms of money/performance.

I’m not sure if some people frown on that, but I do it. I’m currently doing that with phono stages, and I’m about to do that with wireless headphones. Worst case scenario you might have to pay some sort of restocking fee for returned items depending on the seller, but I don’t think I’ve had to yet, and even if I did I’d just look at it as a rental fee which would’ve been worth it to audition the gear.

This post was edited on 9/22/21 at 3:00 pm

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