Cambridge Audio CXN100 Streamer Vs Eversolo DMP-A6 (and FiiO R9)

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

If you like what I do please consider supporting honest reviews to ensure the sustainability of this channel and proper independent reviews, by signing up to my patreon. Only €$£5 per month. www.patreon.com/user?u=20783218 Or PayPal here ……. www.paypal.com/paypalme/SimonPrice13th Or KZbin super thanks - hit the dollar symbol.

[@plan9fromthenw]

I've definitely been curious about this shootout and it looks like you win in either direction. Thank you for pointing out the soundstage differences. For someone like me who prefers good depth and warmth, I think I will stay with my CXN100 and call it a day. I have not had any component give me the soundstage that the CXN has given me as well as the emotions with the music I listen to.

[@edbrumbaugh9202]

Great review, thank you. I'm currently running a DMP-A8 and love it. I actually chose the A8 over a HiFi Rose model that I was considering ... great streamer/DAC/PreAmp, and the user interface, as you discussed, is literally second to none. Thanks again.

[@mikelafleur]

This is the best review of the CXN 100 and/or DMP-A6….by far. This might be your best video yet. Kudos

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you Mike! 🔉😀🙏

[@smos63]

Thanks for the excellent review. It would be great if you could review Holo Audio Red streamer.

[@nileshbarai4999]

I really appricate your review and love that you compare to other products head-to-head. Keep up the Great Content!

[@paolo417]

I bought the CXN100 even if the Eversolo has “more” features. Sound wise, anybody honest will have a hard time differentiating the two. I love how my setup sounds in my room while playing my preferred music genre. Lastly, I have consciously decided to choose the aesthetic of having a full-width component with the same brand of streamer and amplifier. I am happy with my Cambridge Audio gear. I love how they sound and definitely love how they look together.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Essentially I did say that it’s splitting hairs on sq but my preference is the Eversolo . IMO buying hifi to match or just one brand doesn’t get the best in class. I did buy that way with Cyrus but never again….

[@paolo417]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I have other rooms where I set up gear from different brands. I have a Wiim Mini, a Dacmagic 200, an Onkyo integrated amp, and even a cheap tube DAC and the A07 amp from Aiyima. I use my phone, iPad and Macbook to stream in those other rooms. They’re fine. But in one place like in the living room, not only does the gear need to sound great, they have to look good too. I also plan to setup a proper analog system with a tube amp, turn table and old school loudspeakers in a dedicated listening room in the future so I will have the chance to mix and match components to get the best of what I can afford. Thanks, for the reply and kudos for the review.

[@Hawk999]

I have been viewing a lot of reviews of the Eversolo DMP-A6. But it was this review that made me decide to order one. Thanks. 👍🏻

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks for letting me know

[@Hawk999]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I have bought the Master Edition that doesn’t suffer from that ‘problem’. Very happy with my purchase.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@Hawk999 if they are bringing out transport only streamers I’d love to try them.

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

You really help a guy make a buying decision: addressing issues that users care about. Much appreciated.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Cheers

[@gregh4292]

Exemplary stuff Simon. As you stated in your conclusion, there are currently a sea of reviews comparing at least some of these streamers. Yours, in terms of transparency and willingness to call it as you see/hear it, is the best I’ve viewed so far. Thank you. Geoff

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much Geoff

[@andrewmichaud8490]

Thank you for your perfect review. I wish these other Audiophiles didn't have biases. I am also an invested Cambridge owner of the years . I've even owned the 640h music server(Cambridge audio's first music server ) and when it came out it was already miles behind the competition. I held on the the 840C but unloaded pretty much their other products aside from an old DVD-99. Your video/review was the last needed motivation I needed to bite the bullet and get the Ever solo. Keep up the honest and precise reviews. Cheers

[@jeffchastain2977]

I used the eq on my Eversolo to just trim a tiny bit of brightness off the output of the dacs because my Bowers and Wilkins 606 Series 2 Anniversary edition speakers are a bit bright. BTW. For people who own them or borrow them for testing, I will tell you what B&W told me about that brightness: The speakers were designed to be played with the speaker grills ON. If you play them with those grills off, you are not playing them the way they were designed, even though the uncovered drivers are beautiful. The sound is affected by the grills.

[@grandmasterjo1]

I was really disappointed with 606. Expected much better from BnW

[@jeffchastain2977]

@@grandmasterjo1 I was a bit uncomfortable with the brightness, but I was one of those people who thought the drivers were so beautiful I didn't put the grills on. Once the grills went on, the highs were much less like a scalpel, and more like a nicely sharpened pencil. In short, the speakers made sense and threw a great soundstage. A slight trim on the Eversolo eq and we were best friends. I also have a Martin Logan Abyss sub in the mix to round out the bottom.

[@mjmonjure]

Love the Eversolo A6. I use an external Denafrips Pontus II DAC because none of the streamer’s DACs sound very dynamic to me. I purchased the A8 initially due to the EQ over the A6, but it was still in the Amazon return window when they pushed the A6 update, so I sent it back, ordered the A6 and saved myself &1100. Except for the HDMI Arc on the A8, which I would never use, they are essentially the same.

[@BobbyBass-x6i]

Thanks for another comparison video. I’m interested in the Eversolo but it’s out of my price point for a streaming DAC. Just bought a used WiiM Pro Plus for $135 US for my 2nd system. It’s not as good as my Bluesound Node N130 but it works for my 2nd system for now. I’ll probably upgrade my Node and bump that to my 2nd system at some point. The musical journey continues…

[@garymalone547]

I agree re digital out via USB and HDMI ARC, such as the Node has.

[@Kenny-Somafunk]

Good thorough review simon, I have been using the CXN v2 with roon/tidal and my DynaudioLyd 48’s and Dynaudio 18s sub for 5 years without a single issue but i do like the smaller build of the Eversolo as it would take up less desk space and the larger display looks far better. I may buy the Eversolo to try it out in my system and compare the two, I imagine I’ll be able to sell the CXN v2 for £300ish if I prefer the A6 sound and features.

[@matthewfrazee3352]

Both the Eversolo and the Fiio allow streaming Apple Music in hi res, key points.

[@SandsOfArrakis]

I am very happy with my combination of CXN V2 and DacMagic 200M in the living room. I don't see a reason to upgrade to the CXN 100. CXN V2 (coax) -> DacMagic 200M (XLR) -> CXA81. The CXA81 powers a pair of JBL L52 Classic speakers and a small JVC subwoofer. Real nice sound to listen to in my apartments small living room. P.S. After seeing Jarre appear several times I've hit instant like.

[@chanyy78]

Man your honesty is just unmatched in the youtube space, especially amongst the hifi equipment reviewers. Good job!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Glad you think so!

[@DileepaRanawake]

Simon - Appreciate the honesty and a good review. For me I wish Eversolo did a DAC-less model that was either cheaper and smaller, or the same price but of better digital output quality. I have a full digital buchardt a500 system with a platin hub that sends losless audio to my speakers wirelessly. I'm grateful you compare the digital outputs. For me I find it very frustrating when reviewers compare network transports using the built in DAC's because it feels like a DAC comparison. Personally I'd rather separate concerns of Streaming and DAC, to invest in the component I want, and also decouple useless technology from the 'upgrade cycle'. Streamers move relatively quickly, and it doesn't make sense to waste money on internal DAC's which can be upgraded separately, if required at all. Would love to see more streamers compared as network transports only. I'd love to see the DMP a6 compared as a network transport to something crazy like a hifi rose RS130 or a lumin. Be very interested in your opinion.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks, I think you’d be nuts to think of spending thousands on that hifi rose, or lumin. I think your buchardt does analogue to digital conversion in the platin hub and so the speakers active crossovers can work in the digital domain. You’d no doubt be feeding the hub a digital signal from a very pricey transport costing thousands. I’ve tacked the fact that digital transports offer peanuts in improvement to the type of system you have in my recent auralic Aries g1.1 video - I tried some buchardt s400 mk2 speakers so I have a good ballpark reference too. The reason is you aren’t thinking of opportunity costs….What does spending £4,300 get you on a speaker upgrade and selling A500 costing 3500 euros new , so maybe half that used. The answer - a lot more sound than your Buchardt’s are capable of. You are getting into territory of something like atc scm40a speakers, saving your money and maybe saving more or doing the upgrade when or if flushed with cash. That’s what lots of reviews don’t really say - what is the foregone cost. I don’t usually do advice on KZbin. For more please sign up to patreon. Links in description. If you want to support honest reviews.

[@DileepaRanawake]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 that's really helpful thanks for the advice and certainly is useful to know from a where to plan the upgrade path 🙂 You're right the platin hub does have an ADC converter in it, but I only use the digital inputs into the hub (as I don't have any analogue sources). Thanks again Simon and appreciate the heads-up

[@donnowak4304]

Dude, I love your reviews. I'd love to get a pint and talk audio with you.

[@andrehendrik]

Great, no-nonsense discussion. Your reviews are the same way I like the sound of my hifi gear: neutral but lively! On a more serious note, I have the CXN v2, and I enjoy its sound, particularly for online radio. But streaming Qobuz via StreamMagic has been a bit patchy for me. If I was buying a streamer today, I'd get the A6. And I'll probably switch to Apple Music soon since Qobuz broke its promise of releasing a Connect feature. Cheers Simon, great work.

[@jeffreymehr2805]

@@andrehendrik I would stick with Qobuz. It sounds better and Apple music limits library to 100,000 tracks

[@andrehendrik]

@@jeffreymehr2805 good to know, cheers

[@loscaccianoce]

I congratulate you, absolutely transparent and objective comparison! I try to do the same thing on my channel! ;-)

[@elthamlad468]

Tbf the result of your comparison is exactly as I suspected it would be. I felt that CA had the option to do something special with the new CXN but chose to play it safe. It's more of a minor evolutionary change than an upgrade. Sadly the competition has evolved significantly and in order to compete CA are going to have to up their game on the next iteration.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Couldn’t agree more

[@NeilLavitt]

I don’t own either though has dabbled with the - A6 and looked at Cambridge Audio. There is just a feeling from the manufacturer that they have been outmanoeuvred by the latest crop Of Chinese HiFi separates. This latest Cambridge seems to be just as much as they could do at this moment with the p Budget and cost models they work to. The net result is a slight improvement but nothing spectacular. They’ll sell because it’s a Cambridge and for many they won’t care that the A6 is simply better for less and many will read the heavily biased What HiFi give it a best in class endorsement. This review thoroughly exposes this truth - well done. For me Cambridge will continue to tread water in its streaming boxes.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Neil. Another consideration in the uk at least was that eversolo adopted the selling direct model, then due to the popularity of the product it entered dealers at the same price supported by a product that clearly trounces competition. Alternatively Cambridge have to sell to richer sounds or Sevenoaks with a higher price because of the dealer margins. That makes the cxn100 uncompetitive and no more it is embodied in looking at the case and feel of these two products.

[@grandmasterjo1]

What a great comparison video I’m buying my first streamer and thought of the WIIM ultra Now you gave me something to think about ☺️

[@Temperature980]

Ripping cd’s on the Eversolo is the easiest. Flac or wav. Ripping it over the intranet to a network hard drive or internally. Making a backup. That by itself is worth something.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I agree. I didn’t mention this aspect in this comparison but I did in my review. Thanks for pointing out again here. 😀

[@liamporter1137]

So happy that Eversolo updated the firmware recently with the EQ. Yeah 🎉

[@rm-mastering]

Hi Simon, yes I totally agree with you on this one with regards to the Eversolo's built in DSP EQ and Parametric EQ, as you know I too have the Eversolo DMP-A6 and the RME ADI Pro SE. They have by far, the best implementation of the ESS SABRE PRO DAC's out there and are identical in sound fidelity and specs to the AKM 4499ex DAC variants, It's absolutely shocking that other reviewers of the Eversolo have excluded this very important DSP feature, you have total flexibility to tailor the sound to suit bright or subdued sounding systems. Because its done in the DSP, it has very little effect if any on the sound quality and is bit perfect, also because it is done in the domain of the Eversolo, its available to all music played through it whether it's streaming services, NAS/CD, its internal SSD, USB, SPDIF etc, etc, etc... If you like it to sound detailed and warm then create a preset for it and for all the PRATS out there (Pace rhythm and timing) then yes you can create a PRAT preset with 2 or 3db lift in 100Hz with a Q of 0.3 in parametric eq. 😂

[@cmessi]

But many (like me) do not have the knowledge how to make the speakers sound warmer, for example. Just roll of the treble?

[@rm-mastering]

@@cmessi Hi, if you do have or are thinking of acquiring the Eversolo then the DSP eq is phenomenal. So you can start by increasing 120Hz by 1 or 2db but you have to be carefull to reduce the input volume (the section before the eq) otherwise you can hit 0 DBFS or the ceiling and distort. As a rule the more you boost the more you reduce so as not to clip the sound. You can also reduce the high frequency with a shelf filter in parametric eq at around 3-4 kHz and reduce by 1 or 2 dB, you can play around to dial in the frequency you most suspect that's giving you a problem. This is the fun part.

[@cmessi]

@@rm-mastering I am also very sensitive for bass. Can I.do a high pass filter at 60dB? Or will that change the sound signature of my speaker negatively?

[@rm-mastering]

@@cmessi would you be cutting bass below a certain frequency say 50 or 60 Hz or are you looking to add more bass, 60db is far to extreme as to boost or cut, the Eversolo will allow you to boost or cut 15db,if your just adjusting to add flavour then 2 or in extreme circumstances 3db

[@rm-mastering]

Unless your looking for a sharp cut off on the low bass. As far as I'm aware the Eversolo parametric eq low bass high pass filter is no steeper than 24db per octave, this is just a visual observation and visually comparing it to the RME ADI pro. The ADI pro does have a sharper cut off at 48db per octave. Hope that helps but feel free to ask

[@erwindewit4073]

Hmm, i am a bit late to the video.. To be honest, we compared the A8 to the Naim NDX1, and all three of us wanted the Eversolo to win. It looks great, is great to use, sounds nice, great build quality, and normally i would want Chromecast, but here, i simply install Mixcloud, SoundCloud, Digitally Imported, etc. I love it! Unfortunately, it clearly lost to the NDX1. Well, that cost 5000 euros in 2010 to the 2000 euros if the A8... I personally found the A6 a bit bright and forward, so I usually slightly prefer the sound of the Cambridge. But resolution wise etc.... To be honest, I agree, I find the Cambridge a bit disappointing.. Thanks for the video! I'm always a bit careful when I think I hear something. It's nice to see I'm not alone there ...

[@blue_soundcave]

Hey Simon, thanks a lot for this honest review! A quite rare find on YT.. keep on the good work !! 👍🏼

[@vassmarc1]

Wow best review I’ve seen so far . You really know your stuff. Thankyou .

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you

[@boogle785]

Jolly good show old man !!! A bit of truth to the whole shenanigans of audio reviewing !!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank-you…..of course there is sometimes truth that everyone can get on board with

[@cpodurnell3701]

Did the Teddy Pardo upgrade with separate power supply, love my Eversolo through a Jay's Audio DAC. The price to value ratio is off the charts.

[@judepereira9797]

Hi Simon, I loved your review of the Eversolo DMP- A6, I'm thinking of buying it What is your opinion on the AXN10

[@smcpac]

Thank you Simon...

[@gregbartley2475]

I bought my a6 shortly after its release. I already fad a Gustard R26 but didn’t like it’s Roon interface and also the fact that it was limited to Tidal and Qobuz (because if Roon.) I tried the internal DAC but I prefer the R26. The a6 is a great, flexible streamer and a great value.

[@MrFrenchHarp]

So the Eversolo streamer function sounds better than the Gustards streamer? Just how good does it sound… because that’s exactly my plan.. buy the A6 and use it as my streamer into the Gustard R26’s DAC. Into a Willsenton R800i tube amp and Klipsch Forte IV’s.. wired to two SVS1000B subs in stereo.

[@gregbartley2475]

@@MrFrenchHarp I wouldn’t say it sounds better, I just find its functionality as a streamer is much better than using the Gustard as a Roon endpoint.

[@MrFrenchHarp]

⁠Thanks man. I’m looking at the A6 Master edition and its iPhone app mirroring and touchscreen makes it seem to look very easy to see and navigate. Would you say the Gustard R26 DAC is overwhelming better than what’s in the Dmp A6, Master A6, and perhaps the A8? The reason I ask is I’m not sure if I should just sell the R26 and go with the A8… or get the A6 Master Edition and run it into the R26. 🤔

[@gregbartley2475]

@@MrFrenchHarp I can only say I prefer it to the standard a6

[@MrFrenchHarp]

Thanks… I will definitely be picking one up. I also was told that using a high quality hdmi digital out from the A6 to the R26 was the absolute best connection option. Are you doing this.. or which interconnect cable?

[@joostbodewes4325]

Nicely done again, Simon! Your reviews are refreshing 🥇👌🏻

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Joost and all your support too. Means a lot.

[@markrhodes5474]

The Eversolo A6 is the best HIFI product I’ve bought it sounds fantastic paired with my Cyrus 8vs2 and PSX-R

[@Branditsch]

0:35

[@markwherry]

Have the CXN100. Have experienced some similar connection issues. 1. During initial setup CXN not recognised by network 2. Stream magic app often fails to recognise CXN 3. Issue with optical connected to TV , when changing source everything mutes (have been informed a firmware update will address this) Item 2 is the most annoying I’ve no issues with either Tidal or Roon

[@plan9fromthenw]

Not at all. I was up and running within minutes. No issues since either. It's been very solid and impressive and I for one prefer laid back as I can listen for hours. Forward can mean ear fatigue for my sensitive ears.

[@NeilLavitt]

@@plan9fromthenw as has been pointed out, parametric EQ in DSP. The sound of the Eversolo can be modified to taste.

[@steven2809]

Cambridge have had network connection issues for years....

[@rafacq]

Thanks for the review. As an Eversolo DMP-A6 owner for almost a year, I am very happy and pleased with the A6. Others reviewers have complained about the need for a touch screen or found the menu complicated. I certainly disagree. True, a touch screen is not useful when listening from 9 feet away, still, I’m not going to complain about it. My favorite feature of the A6 is casting, allowing me to access Apple Music bit perfect! Again, thanks for the video.

[@randycook6500]

Hello I really liked the review and your style. I received my Eversolo A6 yesterday. I connected into a Michi X5 driving Bowers & Wilkins 703 S2 speakers. My initial impression is the A6 DAC is a bit harsh for me and fatiguing. I prefer the DAC in my X5. With that said I knew this going in and that's why I didn't pay the extra money for the master edition. I realize I'm losing some value proposition but I only wanted this for the display and user interface. I wish you could find something like the A6 that was just a pure digital transport - no DAC, no preamp, just a transport. With all that said I'm only a day in but zero buyers remorse.

[@PIPERBOYWILLIAMS]

Thank you

[@aceofspades6667]

Very helpful review

[@rodneydangerfield7153]

Thank you, 13th Note, for the very informative, comparison video!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stuartlindsay4589]

Open,honest and to the point Simon, no need to read between the lines.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much Stu, hope all ok in Oz atm

[@denizekin80]

Simon, thanks for this review, and especially calling out the better and the inferior products (in your opinion).. It was about time someone called a spade a spade. Was getting tired of reviewers opining that every product is great and it just depends on this and that. I mean there has to be cases (like in your review) where one product is clearly ahead of the other one, even though it could just be your opinion. So much for those reviewers try so hard to nitpick the most obscure feature that has no bearing on the sound quality in efforts to appear fair in their reviews funded through no-cost products. I mean, I laughed out loud when of them said there was no financial incentive as no cash changed hands and he was only given the product to keep it. Come on mate!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much for lovely comments , thought I might moderate my comment before.

[@denizekin80]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Absolutely, no harm done. Your point is well taken. On a separate note, what's funny is I really wanted to like the CXN100 but it was mostly due to the it matching with my CXC CD Transport and overall system. You rightly pointed out in your response to an another viewer that it is not the right criteria. I did find an open box one for $700 vs the full price of $1100 but I guess I'll keep looking as I didnt fully embrace the Eversolo just yet.

[@kevineyles-q7b]

If Carlsberg did HiFi reviews......excellent, detailed , balanced review , well done . I am getting a bit sick of watching reviews , mostly product supplied at no cost for review, where every new review has to best the superlatives of the last, often I guess to pacify the manufacturer. Magazines too, they often carry ads for the products nearly always being given glowing reviews. This Chanel is a breath of fresh air, thankyou.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Much appreciated!

[@manzanaresantonio]

I have both and yes, The eversolo A-6 is great value for your money, but it’s slightly more clinical or Digital. The Cambridge is more refined in sound quality and sounds warmer. Your speakers and the rest of your system also plays a big part or your decision.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

The point was the eversolo has eq so these considerations don’t come into play.

[@robertwang7825]

I’m using the A6 ME into my Denafrips Iris DDC into Denafrips Pontus 2 upgraded FPGA. It sounds great. Haven’t touched the EQ or Linear PS yet. I’m happy as it is tbh. Maybe at a later date.

[@harrym7570]

Hi Simon, Excellent review and thanks for your trust worthy opinion, that’s one of the great values of your work. Cheers - Harry.

[@jeroenvanwesemael8556]

Hi simon, great review! Thanks a lot! I run a movie and 2 channel set up in one based on a denon 3800h with pre outs to a atoll in200 amp for the fronts. Do you think the eversolo streamer will give better sq vs the heas streamer in my avr? I would put the eversolo directly on the in200 in that case... thanks!

[@jeroenvanwesemael8556]

My fronts are the arendal 1723s towers btw. Fantastic speakers. Thanks for your great review of the 1723s bookshelf, helper me alot!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks but How do you think I can know that if I don’t have your AVR?

[@jeroenvanwesemael8556]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I would guess heos streamer is similar across platforms. Maybe you have some experience with it. Or with something similar. If not still interested in your geusstimate 😀

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@jeroenvanwesemael8556 I don’t guess and all help is via sponsors and patreons 😀

[@jimf5160]

I appreciate the real point by point comparison

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you

[@rickgreenough5117]

Very informative video - thanks. I am in the market for a streaming pre-amp to drive my active speakers, but I need a headphone output too. I would really like to see comparisons of these two devices with the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition. The Naim does what I want in one box, but if the sound of the Eversolo is better, then I don’t mind buying a headphone amp to go with it. How about comparing the Eversolo with the Naim?

[@tscan1265]

Happy with the A6 Master I bought about a month ago. Using my Oppo UDP-205 as a DAC.

[@cmessi]

Does it matter for sound quality if I use the remote of the streamer or the amp? I don't really like the volume control of my amp, ergonomically.

[@pnichols6500]

I just bought the DMP A8 and it's fantastic. Aside from the improvements over the A6, I'd pay the extra just for the nicer looking piece of kit instead of that squatty box. It looks fantastic with the rest of my gear on the stand.

[@claudiabailey5302]

Funnily enough I think the A8 just looks to wrong and screen doesn’t seem right on it. But I am glad you enjoy it

[@pnichols6500]

@@claudiabailey5302 Guess it's good they make both then👍.

[@ElkTheHammer]

I run a DMP A6 Master Edition as it has the better clock. Into a Chord Qutest. I am extremely happy with the sound quality it's very 3d soundstage very musical. I run it into a Burmester 082 amp and Wharfedale Evo 4.4 Speakers( pending upgrade).

[@carlitosgomez71]

I beleive chord dacs reclock the signal anyways so i dont think the better clocks in the eversolo will make much difference

[@ΗλιαςΜαυραγανης]

I also own a qutest, to my understanding there would be no audible difference to a standard A6, the qutest provides total jitter suppression, especially through optical(if you're sceptical enough)

[@jeffreymehr2805]

Excellent review! Thanks

[@stimpy1226]

I’d like to know what your connectivity problems you were using Roon with the Cambridge streamer. Right now the system that I’m using with a Roon Nucleus communicating with a PS Audio DSD DAC/Streamer and an iPad endpoint to be able to sit in my listening chair and have an incredible amount of user features that I do not believe any other software platform can match. For that reason, if I could turn the screen on the Cambridge off I would probably do it because it’s just a waste of time from the distance of my listening chair to the screen.

[@daviddarmanin2188]

Great honest opinion Simon, keep it up.

[@BoRerunn]

Geshelli J2 should of been on your shootout. I returned the Eversolo mainly the sound needed too much tweeking & it took away from listening time

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

You can’t include everything. You should try this - it’s really hard work

[@teknolojigundemi]

What is your streamer, j2 is only dac i suppose.

[@NeilLavitt]

Not only that, to get the best out of the J2 , you need a pre amp. It’s not a good comparison. Clunky and for enthusiasts as opposed to those Simon is contextualising here.

[@BoRerunn]

@@teknolojigundemi I was asking because it's very highly rated

[@BoRerunn]

@@teknolojigundemi Wiim I'm looking into R7

[@MitchHowes]

Thanks for the review. I am perplexed! I am in the process of returning my second DMP A6 to amazon as I cannot for the life of me get the unit to stay connected (dropouts). My Sonos port can play all day but the A6 just stops playing randomly and frequently. I have hard wired it and assigned static IP addresses to both the unit and my iPhone but I just won't keep playing (a favourite internet radio channel). The Sonos is connected to the DAC in my Mcintosh preamp but I would like to have a screened Streamer, unfortunately the A6 didn't cut it for me. I will assume the A8 isn't any better in this regard?

[@robertv.d.woning5352]

Is this a good streamer for rock and metal or too bright? With my music i need a little warmth and a somewhat forgiven sound for the mostly not perfect recordings. I now have a bluesound node 130 with MF M5 Si amp, tannoy xt8f speakers and tellurium q blue ii cables.

[@balooo2863]

Another honest and detailed review. Simon you still the man! Folks the Patreon offering is well worth the $5.00

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thankyou

Many sites and shops list a built-in Chromecast among the Eversolo DMP-A6’s functionalities. Are there different variants? Could you please confirm that yours indeed lacks it? Thanks a lot

[@stuartgreenfield6302]

As a bloke that's been into hifi for over 50 years I'm a novice as regards streaming music. I listen via CD & Vinyl. I have valve and transistor amps but thesedays I tend to use my Onkyo, mainly for convenience. My TV runs via my hifi. As one gets older your hearing deteriorates so spending huge amounts of money on hardware makes no sense to me. Your review is the best I've seen on streaming music. My local hifi dealers stock the Cambridge Audio stuff but not the Eversolo. Would you risk getting the latter via Amazon? I'm wondering if I'll be able to incorporate it into my system without any dealer type backup. I'm just concerned about the sound of the streamer. I tend towards the warmer end of the spectrum so worry about the Eversolo being too bright (which other reviews have mentioned), seems you don't believe that. My dealer said the Cambridge was "warmer", but he would, as he doesn't have the Eversolo! Your review has helped me. I'll risk buying the AM-6. I can always return it if it doesn't suit. More hassle of course, and if it's faulty down the line I'm screwed. But your comments on build quality plus the components used have eased my doubts. So many thanks for an excellent review.

[@HarmvonAtrak]

I'm looking for an 'old school solution' similar to what the Pioneer N-70AE or the Sony HAP-Z1ES used to offer, meaning a device to store and play cd-quality files that I own myself (mostly FLAC files). I am not looking to stream files, would prefer to avoid wireless solutions or a NAS, and if possible also would like to avoid connecting bulky hardware drives that stores the files (for some reason, no current day devices have internal storage anymore - as if nobody wants that - the prices on the 2nd hand market of the Sony and Pioneer devices seem to tell a different tale). Do these 2 machines made by Cambridge and Eversolo come close or can anyone recommend a good alternative to the Sony or Pioneer? I am not looking for a multi device solution that requires using all sorts of apps etc. Just want to play music the old school way. Walking up to the device, pick an album, song, or 'maybe' a playlist, and that's it.

[@beslemeto]

Can you play DSD files directly from a usb hard drive with Eversolo DMP-A6?

[@SteadyRolling]

In using the Cambridge primarily as an internet "tuner," meaning having it connected to the internet with an ethernet cable and to the stereo either via free-standing DAC or direct to the stereo system via the RCA outputs, how difficult is it to control the Cambridge to play particular radio stations? The Sonos is very easy. You just have to put in the internet address of the radio station in the Sonos controller, and then it starts playing. Unfortunately the sound isn't very good. I'm hoping to upgrade to something better that doesn't require a lot of gymnastics.

[@mr.b4444]

I purchased a Cambridge Azure 851N a couple years ago and it has been a solid performing DAC. I use it to play FLAC files from a USB SSD drive. I wonder if this CXN100 has a little more sparkle on the top end than the Azure 851N which I would prefer.

[@steven2809]

I had the 851N. Good DAC but crap as a streamer....would lock up completely if it couldn't get a network connection on start up....which was often!

[@mr.b4444]

@@steven2809 I believe it, I don't use it as a steamer though. I just play FLAC files from a USB drive which sounds really good. But the unit crashes from time to time.

[@mellorarma]

The Eversolo is unbeatable at the price point.

[@angeloromanazzo2585]

Is the Eversolo EQ functionality can be used, as a digital transport to another dac?

[@giovannibalestrieri9723]

Very good review!

[@Ceko]

Oh one question. If you plug in a usb stick into the cambridge, will it catalogue the files?

[@cmessi]

But I dont have the knowledge how to make the sound sound warmer by EQ-ing.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

You just manipulate EQ as I showed . It’s really easy.

[@christostselepis7297]

Better for sound quality in xlr connection?

[@ravington666]

Not sure if I missed this in your review but did you stream using wi-fi or wired lan connection and if so, was the wi-fi performance of both streamers adequate?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Wi-Fi and Ethernet and both is fine

[@gg0297]

With the added Parametric EQ option, the DMP-A6 is the best streamer/DAC in its price range. Not preamp. The A8 would give you that high quality feature, too.

[@steven2809]

So why would the A8 give you a 'better' preamp...?

[@gg0297]

@@steven2809 Because it has a proper preamp stage inside. All analog.

[@larryh9525]

I was looking into the CXN100 and the MXN10, and I'm mystified by the missing features. The MXN10 lacks an optical/coax input for a TV or CD player. The CXN100 lacks an HDMI ARC connection. As for the StreamMagic app, I'm amazed that for Qobuz it's missing autoplay. I have access to autoplay on Audirvana Studio and MConnect, which for $6 provides a world of value. Cambridge's StreamMagic looks deficient compared to the Wiim software, which recently added Qobuz autoplay and other features. In my system, I'm using Audirvana to connect via UPnP to the Wiim Pro, and then out to an SMSL-Su1 DAC.

[@scottbaylor6215]

While I would consider myself a Cambridge Audio fan, I think they missed the mark on the CXN100. I have a CSN-V2 and I love it and meets my needs but I really felt like this was a miss and the competition has crept up a bit. If I were in the market for a streamer only, the DMP-A6, and 8, would be on my short list.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I agree with you there, it wasn’t a big change and the Darko review saying on sound quality you could prefer the old v2 or the new cxn100, which would be credible couched in this sense, left me perplexed. It leaves an average improved screen, higher price but still buggy app - you do get the new stream magic module but I didn’t notice much processing change there. Then the usb on the back or Wi-Fi built in without the dongle - so what? Why didn’t they go for a £1100 streamer with dacs way better than eversolo, with eq, and sort out the buggy software. Then they would have a legitimate contender. Judging by many of the comments on the Facebook forums lots of original customers of the v2 aren’t biting with the 100. I’m sure they will sell lots in richer sounds shops in the uk with the what hifi review propping it up, but it’s a bit of an over inflamed product and I’m glad I could correct for some of these reviews. I’ve too liked Cambridge and the evo150 I really like, so too the v2 got a good review by me before the eversolo came out. I have also owned Cambridge headphones, dac magic dacs, and a Cambridge avr and they were all good.

[@andrew-o5i]

the eversolo would be great with a headphone socket on the front ..........

[@mostirreverent]

Do either of them have balance output for external DAC?

[@Neeleyb]

Wow. Regarding the arguements over the A6 being bright and using EQ is so silly.y analogy is when you go into Currys and look at TV's, you're drawn to the ones that look impressive. The stores are highly lit and the TV's are usually set to dynamic to look great. This setting at home will burn your eyes out, so there's controls to adjust the picture to look natural and fantastic. I'd rather have the A6 with EQ than be stuck with no adjustments. Sure, it isn't purist but who cares, streaming isn't purist either, most of us have no idea the amount of tech and junk it goes through before it even gets in our homes, a bit of eq'ing is rediculous to get obsessed over.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Good analogy to shop TVs on high dynamic range settings !

[@tomgonlive]

Thanks!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much for the donation 😀🔊👍

[@Auskin510]

I'll stick to the UK brand product.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Why

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much

[@stingray7275]

warum gibt es das Ding nicht wie den Sonata auch in Schwarz?

[@elmerbais]

Thats why i bought the dmp a8

[@bigadventure3797]

The ever solo does not have Spotify connect which is deal breaker for me

[@realmcerono]

It has Spotify connect and Tidal connect...

[@m_c_8656]

What about the DMP-A8, yo?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Not tried it 😀

[@kristijankostovski6370]

Please try! :) Please! :))) @@13thnotehifireviews7

[@r.s.7689]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Please try also !

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@r.s.7689I’d prefer advocating for cheaper separate streamers, not least premium all in one streamers and dacs with a pre amp, are compromised to the extent of the dac quality with higher diminishing returns of streamers where DACs are not always amazing compared to the separate offering. For instance I suspect you can get better audio quality out of the dmp-a6 with another dac for less money than the a8 and are getting similar streaming features. I know people want convenience of one less box but most of us are into separates and in this context it’s a hard pill to recommend a more compromised pricey streamer compared to just going with the A6 and another DAC. That’s why I’m not interested in the A8. Also most of the reviews have said the delta of performance is small between the A6 and A8 as I’d expect. I would very much be interested in eversolo’s transport only streamers that they are apparently bringing out, especially if they are well priced and under the price of the A6.

[@SideShowRobb-sv4vi]

@@13thnotehifireviews7

[@No_Limits_411]

If you use DAC after Eversolo, I suppose the Eversolo volume control wont work?

[@mannyd1392]

Yes the volume control will work going to an outboard dac.

[@No_Limits_411]

@@mannyd1392 great, so there wont be need for additional preamp

[@craigboyd6600]

volume works to dac

[@bencausey]

Thank you SO much.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you too.

[@ChatGPT1111]

Now compare it to the A8!

[@jusjash]

🤔but Eversolo DMP A6 vs (combo) say Tablet +E50...who wins 😮.

[@gottrekk5798]

No sure if Tablet can stream music to external DAC , unless you mean playing from internal storage by using USB audio player pro.

[@timschutte3961]

Eversolo DMP A6 vs Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 same price but give me Lyngdorf any day.

[@markhughes4164]

Can they both be used as a Squeezebox for Lms 🤔

[@steven2809]

Welcome to 2000.....😂

[@gaztop222]

Thanks Simon..Can I ask if you have tried the Master Edition yet..I'd love to have your views on both and if you think it's worth the extra 400 odd quid? Maybe you know of a DAC that the extra money could be better spent on rather than jumping straight into the ME version?? Great reviews btw..So nice to see a non-American reviewer who comes out and says what he thinks...I really do instantly distrust many of the KZbin Reviewers so its a treat to to instantly bond with one and his delivery.. Cheers Gazza

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks too. Because I’ve given a lot already I do advice on patreon.

[@bouningen7]

Which one has the best coaxial output sound quality among the three?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I haven’t compared all three but the eversolo coax out was better than the Cambridge as I said in the video.

[@milossandic4826]

Why didn't Cambridge remove these buttons and just leave the screen, these buttons are killer to me, I understand a touch screen would raise the price and probably most people wouldn't even use it, but that's why they should have removed the buttons as well

[@SamHutton-mw9il]

The Eversolo just sounds bright, and sadly, some people see that as a more "impressive" sound. Equalisation has never been (and never wiil be) the answer to brightness. Shouldn't "high fidelity" sources be aiming for neutrality ? Sorry I agree with what the British Audiophile said, If you find it neccessay to be fiddling with tone controls, it simply means you bought the wrong equipment somewhere along the line.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

No because the audio is music dependent - some is more forward and some isn’t so EQ makes absolute sense. It wasn’t per see a case of treble impressing more for me. The British audiophile didn’t say that and criticise EQ. Also I’ll pick you up on your comment - bright is a negative comment and the A6 is not bright - it can only be bright if the gear is too and you never mentioned that which anyone should always do if they use that word. That’s why I went to the trouble of testing with the totem speakers where the a6 is not bright. If you just say it’s bright with no mention of partnering gear, the comment has no helpfulness to those seeking to understand how it will likely fit into their systems . It also undermines my comments hence why I’m correcting you. As the A6 has eq and if the user wants to use it and their system is not overtly forward then the A6 will fit well - maybe not so if forward system and the user doesn’t want to EQ. 😀🎶🔊

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Ps can you shed light on your system and if you’ve done this comparison of A6 v CXN100 at home ?

[@skyengeh]

Here is the simple point, even though “bright” is a subjective term , it is quite easy to recognise. Like the British Audiophile I think the Eversolo is bright, as do other reviewers I have heard (I don’t think we need to do a poll) Of course it’s the music sounding bright, but the simple point is, different equipment playing the same music will sound different. As soon as you introduce any equalisation, you are distorting the original music signal. Lossless goes out the window. So you do it, to either suit your taste or compensate for the perceived limitations of your components. A straight through signal without any EQ, is purer, by definition. Isn’t the idea of High Fidelity to make the music as close a possible to how it sounded either live or in the studio ? Isn’t that what the term means ? I listened to several stramers, and decided on the Cambridge CXN100, with Marantz stereo 70s, Elac Unifi Ref.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@skyengeh technically that’s not true. British audiophile said only bright with some gear. EQ sorts that. In the analogue domain yes you can get lots of distortion but not in digital domain EQ as with high bit depth processors you don’t get distortion and no issue with rounding errors which can be dealt with. It essentially means well designed digital eq is lossless. You are not distorting the signal nor is it audible so no your thinking is wrong I’m afraid. Also as I said from my own tests the Eversolo EQ is not audible. I chatted to a digital designer after this video about this topic and may follow up with another video.

[@skyengeh]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 What ?? If you are equalising, you are distorting. that's how it works. If you recorded the "equalised" music, would it be the same as the original ? Does this mean a lot to you ? maybe you are embarassed that you were caught spouting opnion dressed up as fact ? Also, when the British Audiophile says it is bright with some equipment, that is because all equpment has a soung signature. The ones having a bright tendency like the Eversolo, will obvoiously bring out that same brightness with a lees than ideal result. You seem to have some really fundamental misunderstandings.