Thanks to all who’ve contributed on this - the Naim community have helped again - can’t afford Naim options at present so have decided to give the MXN10 a go for now to see if streaming really suits, as Martin has been pushing for me to go this route for several years!
Next step is to line up a trial with Tidal or Quobuz to decide that value option.
Thanks Antonio - unfortunately am a retired ancient who limits IT activity to an iPad and avoids all unnecessary tech, so simplicity of combined easy to use streamer including DAC is preferred option!
Presumably could always add better DAC to MXN10 in future when more funds available if necessary.
Regards
It looks like the MXN10 is a direct competitor to the BlueSound Node 3i which I have. My dealer uses the Node to demonstrate high end electronics and speakers, and uses one in his home system as well. It doesn’t have the worlds best DAC according to measurements, but he tells me that no one can actually hear the difference. Perhaps if you have the hearing of a 13 year old girl then perhaps, but perhaps not… It is starting to look like streamers and DACs are a solved problem these days. Let your ears decide.
The other thing to be aware of is that the app is of major importance. The Naim app works very well on my iPad and is very intuitive. It is also quite seamless with products like the Naim Core. I like using it the most. The BlueSound app is also very good, but not so good when using the Core. No idea how good the Cambridge app is, check out reviews or get a demo if you can.
I love the Node but I’d argue with the dac comment. It is adequate, no more. It is better than the old CambrIdge Azur dac but how it compares with a current low cost dac I wouldn’t know. I prefer the Node app over all others I have, Auralic, GoldNote, Squeezebox or Bubble. Evrything just falls to hand. Also if you want to stream from Amazon, the Node has this on board. Does the MXN10?
If that means significant improvements in DAC performance are a thing of the past or that all DACs sound the same, I, or rather my ears, tell me different. Linn’s new Organic DAC, to take one example, is a clear and obvious improvement on the already excellent Katalyst (and I’m not a 13 year old of either sex). It is also noticeably different from my also excellent Auralic Vega G2 and probably from the DAC in my Atom, though it’s hard to compare the DAC performance alone.
I have the now discontinued Azur 851n streamer. It uses Cambridge’s Streammagic app which is very easy to use. The MX10 also uses this app. Given the complaints one sees about app stability and clarity, I would suggest this may a consideration if, like me, you like your IT to be simple and reliable
I was in the market for a low budget streamer not long ago and choosed for a Nuprime OMNIA WR. Great sounding little box which can also function as bt transmitter to a wireless headphone.
Thanks all. Have now called in usual hifi outlets to consider alternatives, then into higher volume alternative who were very helpful setting up a demo which resulted in an order for MXN10 which was delivered today, so as soon as suitable cable arrives, will have fun comparing, vinyl, CD and various streaming formats and researching new music.
Will post personal conclusions then………
Report Back: Cambridge MXN10 with StreamMagic has proven simple and reliable decision. Have not tried hires yet (waiting for prolonged trial offer!) but has sounded fine in vintage system up to CD quality………
I had more or less the same question as well (see topic Help me choose a budget streamer ) and for a starter or second system NODE or MXN10 look like the great entry points now.
Ended up choosing a ND5 XS2 though, bought as a dealer demo, as I realised that would be in the same price territory as a budget streamer plus DAC and PSU upgrades.
I realised halfway in the topic that I would inevitably do these as the streamer was meant for my main system - so knowing myself I tried a more direct route
Also the whole thing oozes quality, including the Naim app and System Integration with the Nait XS3. But it also sounds good on my CB Nait 2, a bit like how I remember my NAT05 tuner.