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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Cambridge CXN100 (Pre-amp Mode) >> ZROCK3
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Message started by ozark1 on 08/14/24 at 00:51:23

Title: Cambridge CXN100 (Pre-amp Mode) >> ZROCK3
Post by ozark1 on 08/14/24 at 00:51:23

A while back I was discussing with Steve my current system and wanting to add a ZROCK3 into it. His suggestion was to replace my Schiit Bifrost 2 DAC and my Khozmo passive pre-amp (attenuator) with a Cambridge CXN V2 streamer/DAC and run that into the ZROCK3 in pre-amp mode. They have a newer version out now, the CXN100 which is what I would be purchasing. My Khozmo pre-amp and the ZROCK3 are electrically incompatible (impedance).

At the time of the conversation I wasn't ready to give up my current system (my laptop into the Schiit Bifrost 2), but have now changed my mind, I like the idea of the Cambridge. Steve's suggestion really simplified things!

Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. Just to recap, I'll list below my current system and then the future...

Current:

Laptop >> Schiit Bifrost 2 DAC >> Khozmo Passive Pre-Amp >> Schiit Gjallarhorn 10WPC Amp >> KLH 3 Speakers

Future much simplified:

Cambridge CXN100 (used as pre-amp) >> ZROCK3 >> Amp >>Speakers

Thoughts?

Title: Re: Cambridge CXN100 (Pre-amp Mode) >> ZROCK3
Post by mrchipster on 08/14/24 at 17:56:53

Your proposed future system makes a lot of sense to me. If you're looking to streamline and minimize your streaming chain, that looks like a great way to go.

If you're satisfied with how your current system/amp drives your speakers, then the added ZROCK3 should give you more density, low end, and even midrange goodness.

I have the CXNv2 (modified by MWI) but the CXN100 should perform very similarly (minus the mods of course). They are very good streamers and have a great DAC implementation. I think you would really like the simplification.

I've connected the CXNv2 directly to the UFO25 and it sounds very good that way. I've also connected the v2 to the ZROCK2 before going to the amp and that gives it a little more solid foundation. I currently have it going to the ZBIT -> ZROCK2 -> CSP3 -> UFO25 and it sounds great, but I also like the simplicity of your proposed new chain.

Since the CXN100 doesn't have any RCA in's, you wouldn't be able to add a TT or CD player for instance, (digital in for a CD transport would work fine). Since you're using it for streaming, I think this would be a very nice setup.

You can always add a preamp in the future if you find that gain riding, tailoring of the sound, or more inputs are needed.

Good luck with what you decide and enjoy the ride!

Title: Re: Cambridge CXN100 (Pre-amp Mode) >> ZROCK3
Post by ozark1 on 08/14/24 at 19:10:16

Thanks for the reply. Most of my listening is my personal CD collection that I have ripped to FLAC. It's about 175 GBs and does fit nicely on a Sandisk Extreme Pro 256 GB flash/thumb drive. I may upgrade that to a portable SSD. I also have Qobuz so I'll be good there too. I'll run my TV/4K disc player into the Cambridge with optical, hopefully no lip sync issues.

I look forward to getting the ZROCK3, I'm on the list!

Edit: Cambridge ordered!

Title: Re: Cambridge CXN100 (Pre-amp Mode) >> ZROCK3
Post by ChrisC on 08/16/24 at 21:32:17

Ozark,

I started with a Cambridge CXN V2 as my pre amp / streamer / DAC connected to Rachael and was very happy with the result. Since then I've added a discrete pre (Aric Audio; very happy with what it brings), had the CXN V2 moded by ModWright (also a great improvement, alas he's no longer doing them) and added a ZRock2 (with my single drivers the low end had been a bit thin, the ZR2 does a nice job without adding a sub). All of that said, the reviews on CXN100 are fantastic and I love Cambridge's quality/value/SQ mix. As you can see in my signature, I run their CXC transport as well. Regardless of where you end up starting with CXN100 sound like a great idea. I would think that plus the ZR3 probably gets you to a good place. Good luck and report out how it all comes together.

Best,

ChrisC [smiley=tunes51.gif]

Title: Re: Cambridge CXN100 (Pre-amp Mode) >> ZROCK3
Post by ozark1 on 08/17/24 at 04:19:22

ChrisC, the brown truck dropped off the CXN100 a few hours ago. It was fairly quick and painless to set the thing up with my iPhone.

Just a couple warnings to anyone, if your running this thing in pre-amp mode, you need to change the setting in StreamMagic first before you play anything through it. I read the owner's manual several times beforehand and knew to change it. If you don't, you could get a loud surprise! I would even leave your amp off until your sure you have it figured out.

Right now it's set up for Qobuz, optical to TV and flash drive plugged in the rear. Not much to report, just a smooth experience. It's working exactly as intended, through wireless too. I was going to buy a network cable but why? The internet radio & presets work perfectly too.

I won't comment on sound quality, I've been listening with my Schiit Bifrost 2 for several years. I need to let the CNX burn in along with my ears.

I wait patiently for my ZROCK3, think I'll listen to some Allman Brothers for now!

Title: Re: Cambridge CXN100 (Pre-amp Mode) >> ZROCK3
Post by Isabella on 06/18/25 at 11:41:19

Upgrading to the Cambridge CXN100 as a preamp and DAC is a great choice.

crossy road

Title: Re: Cambridge CXN100 (Pre-amp Mode) >> ZROCK3
Post by MM on 08/04/25 at 17:43:33

Over the years many of the face panel buttons on my CXNv2 have stopped working. I love this little box but Cambridge’s service is kind of a pain. By the time I pay shipping each way for a repair, the the $80 fee just to diagnose (not including actually paying to fix it) I just couldn’t justify it.

Still, every time I try a different streamer/DAC it was just missing the magic of the CXNv2. Finally, Cambridge offered me a trade-in credit on my broken unit, they paid shipping of my old device, free shipping of a new unit, and a healthy credit towards a new CXN100. I bit.

Initially I was unimpressed by the 100. Given the obligatory 100 hour burn-in period, plus being away from home for several days while my wife was home listening, all I can say now is wow.

Such a dead-simple system. CXN100 into SEWE300b via DSR3 interconnects, zstyx cables to Lii F15 and W15s wired in series. SDFB, graphene sluggo, short AC-55 PC’s with Furutech gold ends, plugged directly in to 10 ga cryo treated Romex in a dedicated circuit.

Room treated flat to 500ms with modest absorption and front wall broadband diffusion.

This is the best my system has ever sounded in almost 40 years of this fanaticism. There is just such great synergy here while maintaining a lively feel that draws me in and remains a comfortable listening space my wife and I can enjoy, and such a simple component chain that she can enjoy using it with only two power switches and complete control using a phone app. Grateful and humbled by this music. Thank you Steve, Decware, and the community here. Zen at its best.

Title: Re: Cambridge CXN100 (Pre-amp Mode) >> ZROCK3
Post by Tony on 08/04/25 at 19:31:27

I, too, enjoyed my CXNv2 for several years. I had not heard much about the CXN100, so I'm glad to hear that there is no letdown. And your overall system looks great. Congrats.

Title: Re: Cambridge CXN100 (Pre-amp Mode) >> ZROCK3
Post by MM on 08/05/25 at 01:10:25

Thanks Tony. My understanding is that it has an improved DAC and the volume stage is analog instead of digital. I don’t really use the volume anyway; I just run it wide open. My wife likes the volume control though.

“Improved” DACs can be subjective but the soundstage is definitely brighter and wider, more similar to the ladder DACs I’ve tried, but so far improving to be maintaining the solid low end that I love.

What gets me about this unit is that weighs next to nothing. I’ll bet the power supply could be modded to take it to another level. Enjoying it as is for the time being.