flm09
valued member
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Post by flm09 on Jan 9, 2018 4:08:52 GMT
Hi
I'm wondering if the Cambridge 851N is worthwhile upgrade to the CXN? The 851N seems to have better dac chip and bigger transformer for the analog power supply. What do you guys think? I did a search and some of you think not much different than the Dacmagic 6!
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Jan 9, 2018 7:11:58 GMT
Unless you need the added functionality or the CXN is acting up or defective or you hate to use the CXN for whatever reason then personally I don't see any need to 'upgrade'. Don't think sound quality will be any different.
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flm09
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Post by flm09 on Jan 9, 2018 8:39:24 GMT
Unless you need the added functionality or the CXN is acting up or defective or you hate to use the CXN for whatever reason then personally I don't see any need to 'upgrade'. Don't think sound quality will be any different. No I don't need anything more than what CXN offers! I was just wondering if the larger 851N had more resolution given it uses different dacs and a larger analog power supply vs switchmode power supply in the CXN! Magazine Whathifi did say it's a bit better but who knows!
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Javier
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Post by Javier on Jan 9, 2018 8:55:40 GMT
It may be measurably better (i.e. objectively) in many ways but that doesn't necessarily translate into being perceptibly better. If extra features like DSD playing, etc. are not needed and you are happy with your current player I would agree with Solderudue there is no reason to replace it.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Jan 9, 2018 10:06:15 GMT
Unless you need the added functionality or the CXN is acting up or defective or you hate to use the CXN for whatever reason then personally I don't see any need to 'upgrade'. Don't think sound quality will be any different. No I don't need anything more than what CXN offers! I was just wondering if the larger 851N had more resolution given it uses different dacs and a larger analog power supply vs switchmode power supply in the CXN! Magazine Whathifi did say it's a bit better but who knows! Well an analog power supply does last longer. A SMPS usually craps out after 5 to 10 years (when it is a decent design) The DAC chip used won't make a sonic difference. In general the DS are more accurate and the R2R have a bigger S/N ratio when no signal is applied. S/N ratios of any recording are MUCH MUCH worse than the values shown in plots and datasheets. These values are pointless when playing any recordings. Magazines live of telling people new things are 'better'. The larger power supply is a bit bogus here. The total analog section won't draw more than 50mA or so. You can power this from a small battery.
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flm09
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Post by flm09 on Jan 9, 2018 15:42:36 GMT
When I went to sleep last night I thought of the same thing! Why do they need this big toriodal transformer. This isn't a power amp. I guess it may help if you using as preamp but I am using as streamer.Highly regarded dacs like the Mytek & Chord Hugo 2 don't have huge transformers! I guess the advantage is it will last longer and generate less ultrasonic noise. Thanks for all your info!
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flm09
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Post by flm09 on Jan 9, 2018 15:49:46 GMT
So I forgot to add that what it boils down to is the proprietary ATF sampling and implementation of the dacs which give the special sound quality of the Cambridge products! And that hasn't really changed much between the Dacmagic 6 to the current flagship 851N!
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