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Is the MXN10 an Audiophile Choice? Let's see!
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Күн бұрынMy review of the Cambridge Audio MXN-10 Network Player.
MXN-10 Tidal Playlist: tidal.com/brow...
*DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below contain affiliate Amazon links. If you purchase with those links, I do receive a small commission but, it doesn't affect your price. Thank you for supporting the channel.
Current audio equipment list:
Cambridge AXR-100 Receiver amzn.to/49Nq4Ft
Cambridge MXN10 amzn.to/44sBhdL
Schiit Bi-Frost Multi-Bit DAC
Schiit Lokius EQ amzn.to/3Qhuu0x
Schiit Mani Phono Pre-Amp amzn.to/3JyyCVW
Loxjie D-30 DAC just for DSD decoding. amzn.to/3UvKMFB
Elac Debut 2.0 F-62 Speakers amzn.to/3Jy6eUc
Fluance RT-84 turntable. amzn.to/4aMuZrt
Upgraded with the Audio Technica AT540ML. amzn.to/4diAyzy
All line level cables are from Worlds Best Cable. I primarily use Mogami 2964 Wire and Amphenol ACPL connectors. amzn.to/3JWCDE9
My main streaming source is a small format PC amzn.to/3UbRKht running Audirvana: audirvana.com/...
I also have a remote-controlled line level switcher so I can run all my source components through the Lokius. amzn.to/3w8IZwL
Email: oldguyhifi@gmail.com
Tidal Playlists: The Fahrenheit Project (ambient electronic music): tidal.com/brow...
Electronica for Audiophiles: tidal.com/brow...
My Classical playlist: tidal.com/brow...
Baroque Weekend: tidal.com/brow...
DJ Ed, a collection of music that is all over the place. tidal.com/brow...
Spotify: Classical Weekend: open.spotify.c...
80’s Patio Mix: open.spotify.c...
Qobuz playlist: "Audiophile Electronica:" open.qobuz.com...
"Vivaldi:" open.qobuz.com...
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
Sorry for the long run time. I wanted to try and cover a bit more than the basics. I very would very much appreciate it if you subscribed. Thank you and let me know your thoughts in the comments.
@ginom407 Ай бұрын
Thanks Ed! When the time come for me to move on from my wiim the MXN will be at the top of my list. Great Review! 👍👍👍
@OldGuyHifi Ай бұрын
It is very good. The App is easy and the stream is very clean. The built in DAC is ok about the same as a standard ESS J2.
@OldGuyHifi Ай бұрын
Talk to Ziedman. He just got one and says he is hearing things on old favorites he didn't know were there. He got his as an open box on eBay for like $329.00. He has got it hooked up to his Ladder-Schumann DAC.
@ginom407 Ай бұрын
@@OldGuyHifi Yes, sharing the app with us was very helpful! 👍
@abxaudiophiles 3 ай бұрын
Great run down Ed... Love the software overview and actual screen footage... Well done Sir... :)
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
Thank you. I am also uploading a quicker take on the unit because I know Kelly has a short attention span!! JK
@Simon_Hawkshaw 3 ай бұрын
A comprehensive and detailed review of this equipment. Thank you so much. I think your take on getting introduced to new music by a streamer is also spot on, but I do find a lot of the recommendations very spurious, and imo not relevant to my choices. I do think this is a very relevant product in today's music equipment chain. Thank you for your time, efforts, and novel approach to this review. (in-depth operational dissemination appeals to the geek in me). Take care, Sir.
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
Thanks so much for the kind words sir. I do appreciate it very much.
@rafacq 3 ай бұрын
Hi Ed. Excellent review of the Cambridge Audio MXN-10 Network Player. Great views of the app to help understand how it works. If I didn’t own an Eversolo DMP-A6 already, I would have bought this before a WiiM. I really like my Eversolo. Looking forward to future videos.
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
Rafael, You have a great set up for sure.
@chrisfuchs9795 2 ай бұрын
Thanks for the review. Have been a Cambridge fan for many years with the CXN v1 streamer. Thinking of changing to the MXN. Think its worth it? (Roksan K3 and Focal Be 1028's)
@OldGuyHifi 2 ай бұрын
Chris, It might be worth considering if you wanted: A) an upgraded higher performing DAC. B) Tidal, Qobuz or Deezer Apps built in. C) You need Chromecast or Bluetooth. D) Roon integration. E) A USB Type A input for music (FLAC & DSD) files on a hard drive. F) Device control form Android or iOS devices. G) You want to take advantage of a much improved and updated streaming engine with far better noise and jitter rejection and resolution. I hope this helps in your decision. Let me know what you decide to do. Thank you.
@macmoondoggie 2 ай бұрын
Great review! I love this streamer. I also use the Axr 100 receiver.
@OldGuyHifi 2 ай бұрын
I love my AXR100. What a great combo.
@simonupstone4924 3 ай бұрын
I bought a MXN10 last Black Friday so I've had it 5 months now. I agree it sounds great and is a simple way to add streaming to an older system. I use it with Roon so don't use the StreamMagic app, but next month I'm going on a short vocation with friends, and I'm taking the MXN10 with some powered speakers and music on a thumbdrive, and I'll invite my friends to share their music too via spotify. Looking forward to it!
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
Simon, That's great. I personally use Audirvana rather than Roon so I can't connect with that to the MXN10. I am very tempted to get one myself though. It is that good. Thanks for sharing your story it is great.
@steveh545 3 ай бұрын
So much content and easy to understand. 2 thumbs up!
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
Glad you think so! I appreciate you watching and commenting. Thanks so much.
@adsph 3 ай бұрын
Very well done Ed. Keep them coming.
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
Thanks, will do!
@mikecampbell5856 3 ай бұрын
Wow Ed, that looks like an incredible unit. My set up is much simpler, just like me. LOL I have a Wiim Mini plugged into a Schiit DAC then into a 1974 Marantz 2220b that I cosmetically restored and looks like a museum piece. I have a Sabaj A10h headphone amp in the tape monitor loop for remote volume control. I am very happy. BTW I was born in 1957 so I think I'm older than you. LOL
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
Mike, You have got be my a year! Sounds like a nice set up. As you know I love me some Marantz. Thanks for sharing that nice set up.
@CJ40474 3 ай бұрын
Great review Ed. Will you be doing the upcoming Wiim Ultra streamer?
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
I am not sure. At this point I would have to buy one to test it. Cambridge was kind enough to send me this unit but I don't have a relationship with WiiM. Maybe, you never know. Thanks Mike.
@frankles71 21 күн бұрын
Hey, great video - I've got one of these and I plug this directly to the Cambridge Dacmagic 200 via coaxial and its amazing
@OldGuyHifi 21 күн бұрын
I bet that sounds awesome. I have heard the DAC Magic 200 at shows and would love to review one. Thanks for watching and sharing that cool system of yours.
@frankles71 10 күн бұрын
@@OldGuyHifi anytime, the DAC is amazing, hopefully you'll get to review it soon. You won't be disappointed.
@OldGuyHifi 10 күн бұрын
@@frankles71 I may be able to this fall. Watch this space. Thx.
@Famandy100 Ай бұрын
Great vid, I’ll be partnering the MXN-10 with my vintage Quad 34/306 and LS3/5a speakers. Can’t wait to see how Tidal sounds - should be up and running in a couple of weeks!
@OldGuyHifi Ай бұрын
That sounds awesome. Let me know how it turns out. Thanks so much for watching.
@Famandy100 Ай бұрын
@@OldGuyHifiIt all sounds amazing, given the core units, ie Quad pre/power amp and Goodmans LS3/5a speakers are all 40 years old! The MXN-10 has certainly rejuvenated the whole 1980's system - in fact I am blown away how good it all sounds. Really handy using the pre-amp function through the app on my ipad to control the volume from my armchair - luxury! Would post a photo, but not sure how to!
@OldGuyHifi Ай бұрын
Andrew. You can send to me at oldguyhifi@gmail.com and with your permission I might post it on the community page. I am so glad you are getting a lot of enjoyment from the MXN10. Love those LS3/5as. I had a pair of the KEF built units form their first run back in the 70's. I got them from as a gift Ray Cook the founder of KEF because we were on of the largest KEF resellers in the US. This was back in the late 80's. I gave them away after a bit as a promo for the stores. Get sound. Thanks for updating me and for watching commenting all that stuff.
@sc51153826 3 ай бұрын
Excellent and thorough review, great pointers, and valuable tips🤩. Thanks for sharing the Tidal playlist too; it's a convenient tool for comparing products like a pro. Thanks for all your hard work!
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
Thank you Simon. I am glad you enjoyed the playlist and the video.
@sc51153826 3 ай бұрын
@@OldGuyHifi I have a playlist too, but not really for comparison tests. "AM Gold" it's just songs from the radio when I was in my teens🤣
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
Sometimes that is the best music. Memories' and emotions all in one playlist. I love it.
@Norman-bone13 3 ай бұрын
Thanks for the review. I’ll save it as a reference if I get this streamer/dac. I’ve been considering it. Just got the Cambridge CXA61 and love the sound. I subbed before. Hope you get to review the new Wharfedale Super Denton. 👍🏼
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
You are welcome. The nice thing about the MXN10 is that it has the same Stream Magic module as the CXN100. So if you wanted to take it to the next level just add a really good DAC. You could also use the DAC in the CXA61 for a different sound. That said, I think the DAC in the MXB10 is a bit newer and has a better analog section. I don't have a relationship with Wharfedale so probably not. I do own a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 8.2s though. Thank you.
@joelhegge39 2 ай бұрын
Great video. you are extremely knowledgeable on this subject which I find hard to wrap my head around. I currently have a Sonos system that I run through vintage Macintosh and Yamaha systems.I am an Apple guy so the streaming I do is through Apple Music with their lossless format. I get the feeling that this unit would be an upgrade from the Sonos streaming audio experience but that is mostly because I seldom see Sonos talked about as an audiophile streamer. I hear there are issues with hi res files with Sonos. The question I have about other streaming systems is whether they have multiple access points so I can play on both of my systems as I do with the Sonos system. Thanks again Ed. I will check out some more of your videos. I first saw you on the panel you did with the Skylab's Guy btw. Joel
@OldGuyHifi 2 ай бұрын
Joel, I don't think a single unit would do room to room. You have inspired me to find out. I am a PC guy but I know the unit is visible via UPNP. I can see it on my network. Give me a day to try and sort this out. Thanks so much for such a great question.
@joelhegge39 2 ай бұрын
@@OldGuyHifi I appreciate your willingness to look into it. Thank you Ed!
@OldGuyHifi 2 ай бұрын
Joel, As I suspected, it is not a Sonos room to room kind of device. It is really an end point on your network. Example: I have my standard PC that runs Audirvana (actually any music service) and that PC is hardwired to my Bifrost DAC. I have the MXN10 connected to a different system that I am reviewing and because I have it on my network, I can choose it as a source for any of my music services just like Tidal/Spotify connect or Chromecast. So think of it as many devices can connect to it but it would need other Stream Magic devices in the house to do multiroom. That could be cost prohibitive. I hope this helps and your question got me digging deeper into the features and I discovered some really cool stuff. Thank you so much. Let me know your thoughts.
@joelhegge39 2 ай бұрын
@@OldGuyHifi Great information! Thank you for taking the time. So right now I have a Sonos network of 3, two Ports connected to my audio systems and 1 Play 5 which I have on the patio. I bought into the Sonos product line when it first cam on the market years ago. I listen to the living room system probably 90 percent of time and that is streaming, CD/SACD and vinyl. I guess I am what you call hi res digital curious at this point and interested in understanding how that technology is evolving. I will spend some time watching the rest of your videos, I find them to be quite informative. Thanks again.
@OldGuyHifi 2 ай бұрын
Thanks so much Joel.
@MLantier 3 ай бұрын
I enjoyed your video as always. Have you compared this to the WiiM Pro Plus? That is what I'm currently using as my DAC and streamer.
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
Maurice, I am familiar with the WiiM Pro Plus. It is a very good unit. In my opinion you would need to add a better DAC than the one that is built in. The MXN10 has an internal DAC that I believe out performs the WiiM and the Blue Sound Node. It was very close to my Schiit Bifrost. Please don't think I am saying the WiiM isn't good. It is a great platform but is was built with a price point in mind. Like a Fiat vs, an Alfa. The good news is you can add an external DAC to take it to the next level if you want. Thanks for the view and your comment.
@MLantier 3 ай бұрын
Okay if better than the Blue Sound, that's saying something. Thanks. It was a good review. I've once again been enjoying your playlist. Thanks for including.
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
I am glad you like the playlists. Try them all and let me know what you think. The Cambridge has more detail in the mids without harshness compared to the Blue Sound. Also the MXN10 images better. Wider with more depth. The software isn't as fancy but I am not listening to the app! Thank you.
@MLantier 3 ай бұрын
I especially enjoyed London Grammer. I had never heard them. I spent some time listening to them and adding a lot of their songs to my playlist.
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
I am glad you found it to your liking. Thanks.
@shanedaiken2831 3 ай бұрын
Enjoyed your video. 🇨🇦
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
Thank you Shane! 😃
@ginom407 Ай бұрын
Thanks!
@OldGuyHifi Ай бұрын
Gino, You didn't have to do that. Thank you my friend.
@ginom407 Ай бұрын
@@OldGuyHifi I enjoy your work. Coffee is on me, enjoy!
@williamhodgson1428 3 ай бұрын
Good to hear you too have the AXr100 I’m thinking AXN 10 to compliment it, for some obscure reason it doesn’t support Amazon Music, any way around this? Greta video thank you.
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
William, I love my AXR100. The AXN10 would look (and sound) really nice sitting in the rack with your AXR100. I did see your other post. No Amazon music. I am not sure why I think it may be that outside the US Amazon music is not popular. I am just guessing. Right now I am demoing the EVO150 that they sent me. I should have that review done maybe by next weekend. No promises. I am really trying to put it through its paces so I can give it a through evaluation. Thanks so much for watching.
@kobush18 3 ай бұрын
Excellent review 👍💯👍
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
Thank you Kobi! 👍
@bengleason508 3 ай бұрын
We want more reviews!
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
Shill!
@bigdh31 8 күн бұрын
You can add meta data to dsf files. I use a program called tagscanner.
@OldGuyHifi 8 күн бұрын
Great tip. Thanks.
@jimf5160 2 ай бұрын
is the software relevant if one just uses Roon?
@OldGuyHifi 2 ай бұрын
Jim, I am sorry I can't answer that intelligently as I am not a Roon user. I do know I can access the MXN10 from my PC running Audirvana but, again no experience with Roon. Thanks for asking. I may try and figure that out for you. It may be a quick video if I can.
@arndt1641 Ай бұрын
Good afternoon! How about to put this MXN10 work hooked with the Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 200M?
@OldGuyHifi Ай бұрын
Cristiano, That would be a great combination. That said I think the built in DAC on the MXN10 is excellent as well. Depends on your budget. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I do appreciate it.
@markleach3881 18 күн бұрын
If I wanted this to use with wired headphones what Cambridge product would you suggest goes with this.
@OldGuyHifi 18 күн бұрын
Mark, I would suggest the DAC Magic 200M as it has a great headphone amp. You might also consider the Schiit Lyr headphone amp. It is a very good sounding unit. It is a bit more $ but nice. www.schiit.com/products/lyr Thank you so much for watching.
@georgelai8748 2 ай бұрын
May I know what storage capacity is your Seagate Portable and is it an SSD or a HDD? It it’s the latter, is there sufficient power to access it or do you need an external power source? I’m thinking of using a 2 TB SSD. Thank you.
@OldGuyHifi 2 ай бұрын
George, It is a plain vanilla 2TB standard old HD. Nothing special at all. The MXN10 takes a second or so, depending on how many files there are, to index everything. It is by no means slow. Just a heart beat or two. An SSD would be even quicker still. Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope I was able to help.
@georgelai8748 2 ай бұрын
@@OldGuyHifiYes you were. Thank you from another old guy on the other side of the world here in Singapore.
@OldGuyHifi 2 ай бұрын
Anytime. It's my pleasure.
@georgelai8748 2 ай бұрын
@@OldGuyHifiIt’s me again. This part of the ability to read an external SSD and then list all the albums and songs really interests me; even though you do say that it’s pretty rudimentary. Are you aware of any other product that can also do this function? I’m more keen on this function than streaming (since I use Apple Music and that’s Airplay). Thank you in advance.
@OldGuyHifi 2 ай бұрын
Yes. There is a free piece of music software called Music Bee that can read the hard drive control playback and show album art. I use it on a non-streaming system I have. Try and let me know what you think. Thx.
@jakedavis2838 3 ай бұрын
How do you rip SACDs to get your DSD files?
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
I have a friend that has an old PS2 or 3 that can output the digital .dsf files. He does it for me. I wish I could give you more info on it. Sorry. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@harrybaque5502 3 ай бұрын
I picked up an original PS3 for $60 at Goodwill and loaded a custom firmware (hacked) and related applications to be able to do the same
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
That may be what my friend is doing as well. Thanks for sharing that and for your view.
@darrenwendell1723 3 ай бұрын
What a boring box
@OldGuyHifi 3 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing your opinion, thanks for watching. I am confident that I have never bought a piece of hifi to look at.
@JingoLoBa57 2 ай бұрын
Ummmm it’s a streaming box and DAC, it’s a music feed machine. The app StreamMagic is easy to use.
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