The Cambridge MXN10 sound
Contents
Judging products in their price range is crucial. The Cambridge Audio MXN10 is a complete streamer at 499 euros. That’s in the region of the Sonos Port, Bluesound NODE… HEOS is down in price, but Cocktail Audio and NuPrime also have some models in this price range. So, this is definately a price segment with fierce competition!
Open
What is striking about the Cambridge MXN10 is that the playback is open and airy. It gives a sense of speed and little coloration. People that like warm, creamy sound will unquestionably label it as “thin”. We wouldn’t go that far, though there are sources that give a little more roundness in the mid/low. And also go a little deeper into the spectrum.
The stereo image is neat and big enough for a streamer in this class. We hear neat vocals in front of us between the speakers and effects come into the room nicely. This is a player that keeps up extremely well in this class.
A direct comparison with the Sonos Port is difficult, but we know that the NODE far surpasses this streamer sonically. However, the Cambridge MXN10 competes quite confidently with the NODE in terms of sound. We hear an equivalent amount of detail and the stereo image is also similar in size and precision.
The modified NODE shows a bit more control, calmness and body in the mid/bass. This is not surprising and besides, the modified version costs in total about 1100 Euro. So it just has to be better.
The stack with DacMagic
We also got the DacMagic 200M from Dimex. The matching d/a converter. Together this ‘stack’ will set you back about 1100 Euro. As much as the NODE with Sbooster so. How does that compare?
In terms of connectivity, of course, this duo goes much further than the NODE. But to be fair, the playback is also a bit more powerful and larger than the NODE. There is simply more “presence”. Effects come beautifully into the room Ãncreasing engagement. This is a delightful duo!
Now it is possible to give the DacMagic a nice upgrade by connecting a better external power supply. We grabbed a 12volt Sbooster…. that difference is…. impressive. The calmness, control and imaging undoubtedly goes up a notch.
Okay… some clarity now?!
Well, a brief summary, because we made a lot of comparisons. The Cambridge Audio MXN10 is a solid streamer with a fine app. The system works quickly and the app is uncluttered.
Sound-wise, we see a fairly equivalent level to a standard NODE. However, the MXN10 can be combined with a DacMagic 200M, making a substantial step. Then the sound is comparable – slightly more powerful – to an Sbooster modified NODE N130. Pair another Sbooster with the DacMagic and you make another substantial step in calmness, control and imaging.
Should be possible to modify the power supply, especially in the AXN version which has a lot of extra space. Just increasing the capacitance by putting in a larger capacitor could be a first step (there is even an extra space for a second capacitor outlined on the board, but i don’t know if that can simply be used) and there is enough room for a toroidal transformer.
Nice review, I do must add a note, though. I am using CA as a connection point, along with my music on hard disc and then I am sending digital signal to RME ADI-DAC-2 FS, so CA is easy and cheap way to integrate all digital with any kind of DAC and so on, into preamp…