Cambridge Audio CXN V2 (Lunar Grey) is rated
out of
5 by
317.
Cambridge Audio CXN V2 (Lunar Grey)
Network Music Player/Streamer
£799
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Powerful processor
The V2 version of the CXN features a faster processor for a richer Internet radio experience and a greater level of playback control. Introducing mpeg-DASH and HLS compatibility, the CXN V2 makes the most of Internet radio. BBC radio stations now sound better than ever when available at 320 kbps.
A sound emphasis
As ever, the CXN V2 puts sound quality first. Using twin Wolfson WM8740 DACs (Digital to Analogue Convertors), each channel has its own DAC to process its own information. This gives a more precise and accurate sound quality with improved stereo imaging. When combined with the 2-Pole Dual Differential Bessel filter, the DACs help give the CXN V2 outstanding levels of clarity and transparency of sound.
AFT2 Up-Sampling for the ultimate detail and least jitter
The Cambridge CXN V2 improves sound quality still further with an Anagram Technologies AFT2 24 bit/384 kHz up-sampling circuit. ATF (Adaptive Time Filtering) up-sampling 'stretches' the music to give the highest resolution possible. Up-sampling sound gives a smoother, more relaxed sound quality with added detail. You'll hear every detail, including every deep breath, squeaky chair and flutter of sheet music; in short, it's like being there for real.
What is ATF Upsampling Technology? Click here to learn more.
Stream all your stored music - including Hi Res files
With UPnP (Universal Plug n' Play) compatibility it's easy to connect the Cambridge CXN V2 to your home network and stream from your NAS drive, hard drive, PC or laptop. The CXN V2 accepts a wide range of files, including many Hi Res formats. ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+ and OGG Vorbis are all supported, making this a highly flexible streamer.
Connect to Internet radio and Spotify Connect
In addition to supporting over 20,000, easy to access Internet radio stations, the CXN V2 is compatible with the most popular music streaming services. Spotify is the world’s most popular streaming service and the CXN V2 has Spotify Connect built-in (requires Spotify Premium account). If you subscribe to Spotify Premium, you can control the Cambridge with the powerful Spotify Connect app on your phone or tablet. The CXN V2 also supports Napster, BBC iPlayer Radio, Aupeo! Pandora and Rhapsody.
AirPlay 2 and optional Bluetooth
In addition to comprehensive streaming capabilities over LAN, Wi-Fi and USB, the CXN V2 is also compatible with Apple's AirPlay 2 streaming. Use it with your iPhone, iPad PC or Mac and wireless stream your iTunes library or other compatible music services. Connect the optional BT100 dongle and you'll be able to stream your music from any smartphone, tablet or other device with Bluetooth built-in.
Built-in digital pre-amp - just add active speakers
If you're seeking quality hi-fi from a minimal system then the built-in digital pre-amp will appeal. Simply add active speakers via the digital or analogue outputs and you'll be able to control the volume and balance via the CXN V2.
Pro connections
When it comes to connecting up, the CXN V2 is in the pro league. The highlight is the fitment of XLR balanced sockets. When used with a compatible amplifier, such as the matching Cambridge CXA81, these connections give the ultimate analogue link possible, with greatly improved resistance to interference.
Quad USB interface
Added to this there are no fewer than four USB interfaces. The front-mounted socket is ideal for connecting devices such as a USB media stick. At the back, two interfaces take care of a more permanently connected media device plus the optional Bluetooth dongle port. A Type-B asynchronous USB input gives direct connection to your PC or Mac. This makes the ideal connection for hooking up your computer as it effectively 'controls' the PC's output for the best sound quality possible – with greatly reduced jitter.
Digital in and out
Optical and coaxial digital sockets are provided for both inputs and outputs. This lets you connect other digital components and take advantage of the quality DAC built into the CXN V2. It also means you can plug the CXN V2 into your AV receiver or digital stereo amp. Analogue phono outputs are also standard.
New Stream Magic app*
For the best streaming experience with your CXN V2, simply download the free Stream Magic app on your Android or Apple iOS device. Developed exclusively by Cambridge Audio, this bespoke app offers a customisable hub for fast access to the streaming features you use the most.
Vibration resistant casing
With rigid, metal construction and low-resonance design, the casing helps shield the player from both mechanical and electrical interference, helping to improve clarity and reduce background noise. Isolating feet help adsorb vibration for a further reduction in distortion.
Sleek new finish
The CXN V2 is part of the refreshed CX-Series 2. The distinctive tear-drop profile gives the CXN V2 a contemporary look and makes it the ideal partner for the CX digital amplifiers, CD transport and also a great match for the Cambridge Audio AX range. The Lunar Grey front panel contrasts with the black top and sides and blends well with both black and silver separates.
For a comprehensively equipped network streamer that puts sound first, the Cambridge CXN V2 is still the one to beat.
*Please note that the Stream Magic app is not compatible with the Amazon Kindle Fire tablet.
Read about the Cambridge Audio CXN V2 on the Richer Sounds Blog
Smart Features
Apple AirPlay
Yes
Smartphone control
Yes
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Optional - BT100
Coaxial Digital Inputs
1
Coaxial Digital Output
Yes
Optical Digital Inputs
1
USB
4 including optional Bluetooth plug-in
Wi-Fi Built In
Yes
XLR Balanced Outputs
Yes
XLR Balanced Outputs
Yes
General
Manufacturer's Warranty
2 years
Audio
High Resolution Audio
Yes
Features
Internet Radio Services
Yes
Energy Consumption
Power Consumption - Normal Use (W)
30
Power Consumption - Standby
0.5
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD (mm)
430 x 85 x 305
Weight
Weight (KG)
3.5
Accessories
Remote Control
Yes
Rated 5 out of
5
by
KimT from
Nice to use and pairs brilliantly with CXA81 amp
This review's a bit premature, as I've not made full use of the app that goes with it, but this streamer is nicely built, a pleasure to use, and produces a balanced, authoritative and involving sound when paired with the CXA81 amp. I also tried it with the CXA61, which was cheaper and a lot of fun to listen to, but I thought the more refined 81 pairing might be easier to live with during longer listening sessions. Should have mentioned that in the amp review, really...
Date published: 2023-03-15
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Nosdivad from
fits in well with old Arcam gear
seems a nice piece of kit and managed to connect it to my 20 year old Arcam AVR100 Amp.
It was probably worth having a demo so I could have got up to date with tech!
So far plays well and nice to discover the saved buttons as looking for a radio station was faff at first.
connects nicely to my iPhone so can play all my music.
Wasn't the cheapest piece of kit but will be well used and if it lasts as long as the Arcam then great.
Date published: 2023-03-14
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Orbital71 from
great look and sound
bought as an upgrade from Blue Sounds node and it is a marked improvement.
Shame it cant play MQA but its good enough for my uses.
Date published: 2023-03-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jeff130 from
Excellent sound and great service
Best price from Richer Sounds, super service and sound is fabulous with the rest of my existing system. Samuel in Solihull was particularly helpful.
Date published: 2023-03-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Steve Bournemouth from
A great retailer
I had a really good experience in store. A great product at a good price with the back up of a physical shop with friendly staff. The CXN V2 sounds amazing
Date published: 2023-03-06
Rated 4 out of
5
by
thrakkie from
Versatile Streamer
Bought this a short while ago and have managed to hook up to internet radio, nas, Qobuz, airplay, pc etc fairly easily. Easily controllable through Streammagic app. Very pleased. 4 stars not 5 as nothing’s perfect.
Date published: 2023-03-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
GBDevizes from
Stunning streamer
Bought this from Richers in Bath a fortnight ago. Being completely new to streaming and not very tech savvy, I was a bit nervous about the setting up but the process was outlined perfectly and we were up and running inside half an hour. I had a 1500 album cd collection but it was time to let them go. I don't regret it for a second. The CXNs sound quality via Spotify through my Yamaha A-S500 amp and Paradigm Monitor 7 speakers is excellent and easily as clear, crisp and defined as the cds. I also have an external hard drive connected to the CXN that contains some favourite albums and the playback is equally impressive. I haven't really investigated the several thousand digital radio stations that the CXN is capable of receiving but if it's all as easy as the rest of the setting up, there will be no issues. Enjoying music now just as much but without all those cds taking up half the sitting room. Looks wise, the CXN is stunning, the menu is easy to navigate and a friend who came round to have a look (and owns the Audiolab 6000n) said that he wished he'd bought the CXN instead now. The display screen is clear and gives all the info required for any specific tune as well as the running time. He's a real techie so for him to say that must really mean something. Totally smitten and totally converted. Anyone fancy the remaing cds I still have?
Date published: 2023-02-17
Rated 4 out of
5
by
MTJ70 from
So Far So Good
Although I purchased the Cambridge CXN two weeks ago I have as yet, only had a limited amount if time to explore its capabilities and the quality of the music that you can stream via the unit.
Internet Radio – a wide variety of stations to choose from and so far the quality of transmission has been very good, sound staging has been clear and well defined, especially with Classic FM & Radio 3.
Spotify – quality so far has been very good, again sound staging has been precise and well defined, although some of the music was somewhat dominated by mid & higher frequencies, the bass was lacking.
Qobuz, Tidal & Deezer – only a very brief time spent listening to streaming from these platforms but the quality is definitely better than Spotify.
Chromecast – haven’t used yet and doubt I will.
Overall, a very well built piece of equipment, great functionality, your iPad or Phone is a much better interface to control the CXN than the remote control, but would recommend the product if you are serious about your streaming intentions.
Date published: 2023-02-11


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