AudioCircle
Industry Circles => ModWright Instruments (MWI) => Topic started by: nature boy on 20 Nov 2020, 09:32 pm
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Cambridge Audio CXN V2 w/ Modwright Instruments Truth Modifications Review (Her Name is Lucille)
A Little Background
In May, 2020 I contacted Dan Wright of Modwright Instruments (MWI) regarding a proposed tube output modification he was considering for the Cambridge Audio CXN V2 (CXN). I now have the pleasure of owning the first of Dan’s first modified CXN music streamer/DAC. Here is a link to MWI’s page describing the modifications in detail (attach page link here).
The stock CXN has been fairly well reviewed on Darko.Audio, What*HiFi, and recently The Absolute Sound. The unit was purchased directly from Crutchfield and shipped directly to Modwright for the modifications, so I don’t have any baseline listening experience with the stock CXN.
What prompted me to get MWI to modify a Cambridge Audio CXN V2? First, I’ve had the opportunity to hear a few of Dan Wright’s amplifiers, preamplifiers, and modified digital source equipment at three Capital Audio Shows. His equipment has always sounded glorious, even in somewhat challenging listening conditions. He has always impressed me as someone who is passionate about music, sound reproduction, and his personal commitment to customer satisfaction. Second, Steve Deckert of Decware (disclosure: I own a lot of Steve’s equipment) lauded about the user friendly interface and excellent sound quality of the stock unit. I was impressed when Steve mentioned on the Decware forum that he replaced his own ZDAC2 (modified TEAC NT503 DAC) with the CXN. Third, after enjoying an audio PC and DAC combo for a few years, I wanted a single box music streamer/DAC solution to simplify my dedicated two channel audio system.
My Listening and Set Up Experience
To cut to the chase, the Modwright Instruments modified CXN V2 streamer/DAC produces the best sounding reproduced music I’ve ever heard, PERIOD! This includes analog (vinyl) and digital (streamed, CD, SACD, or uncompressed digital files). Upon my initial listening after a short period JJ 6992 tube warm up, this baby (which I call My Lucille) casts a tonally accurate, spacious soundscape with beautiful sounding voices and instruments. The music is rendered with exceptional emotion and detail, it just grabs you and won’t let go. The modified CXN allows you to simply indulge yourself in the music.
The CXN was a snap to install and set up. Initially I hooked up a Triode Wire Labs (TWL) digital coax cable from my CD transport, RCA outs from the CXN to my Decware CSP3+ preamplifier and a TWL High Power Digital power cord from the CXN to my PI Audio Group UberBUSS power conditioner. A couple minutes later I had my WiFi connection and downloaded the Cambridge Audio Stream Magic remote app on my Samsung tablet. Then I was playing some favorite selections of streamed music via TIDAL. It was all very straight forward with no hiccups. The controls on CXN front panel and supplied remote control are easy to use and very intuitive. Congratulations Cambridge Audio.
After a couple of days, I found the Stream Magic app a bit clunky and frustrating accessing my music on TIDAL. I opted to a Roon Audio trial. Bingo, just the user friendly ticket for a technology challenged audio nut to access all of his/her music. It was easy peasy to install, plus improved sound quality using the Roon processing to boot. While the CXN has a built in preamplifier mode which makes it easy to adjust volume from your listening position, I found that turning this function off resulted in improved sound quality, YRMV.
More On Sound Quality
After spending ten days with the MWI modified CXN I am growing more and more enamored with each listening experience. Streaming TIDAL selections on Roon (my primary listening mode) I became more drawn to the music than ever before. Everything just sounds so right. Female vocals, piano, stringed instruments, brass, etc. are conveyed to the listener which shocking realism and truth. I was astounded by the attack of several large scale orchestral pieces and drum solo’s on more than one occasion. This piece of audio equipment simply put brings musical joy to your ears!
According to the Cambridge Audio website “the CXN V2 features ATF2 (2nd generation Adaptive Time Filtering) audio upsampling. The ATF2 system intelligently upsamples all incoming audio signals to 24-bit/384kHz. ATF2 also dramatically reduces digital jitter, a form of audible interference which affects all digital music. Jitter is most apparent when music is stored on computer hard drives and is the audio equivalent to a blurred image in a movie. Data scrambling circuitry also maintains signal quality and purity during quieter periods by reducing background noise.”
The modified CXN brings a deep sense of the recorded space, particularly on live recordings. Formerly hidden details in the music like reverberation, breathing of singers, the thwack of a drum skin, buzz of a guitar amplifier on stage, etc. gives one an vivid mental picture of the recorded venue and conveys energy from audiences when present. I think this is due to a combination of factors including the CXN and well-designed tube output’s extremely low noise floor, the cache of subtle details resolved, and the vast three dimensional soundstage that emerges from ones speakers. As an example, listening to Eric Clapton’s Unplugged and the Nils Lofgren Band Live albums were a surreal, you are there experience.
Some Closing Thoughts
Like many, I have been involved in this hobby/obsession for most of my life. It all started with a visit to Audio Connection in Verona, NJ, meeting owner John Rutan, and listening to Quicksilver Audio tube amplifiers and a pair of Vandersteen 2CE speakers. What an ear opening experience that was!
Dan Wright had been obsessed, in a very good way, with designing and building audio equipment and equipment modifications for more than 20 years. I believe his passion, dedication, and extensive tube output modification/building experience has reached a true pinnacle the Cambridge Audio CXN V2. Folks, this is simply an audio masterpiece that rivals ANY DIGITAL MUSIC STREAMER OR DAC out there today.
Sure, right you say, but are there no shortcomings? I’ve tried very hard to find any flaws over the last ten days given my attention to detail and attentive listening. Here are a few minor quibbles. First, as previously mentioned the Stream Magic remote app is clunky and a bit slow. If you want the best user experience plop down the subscription price and install Roon, it’s that simple. Second, my modified unit came with a pair of matched JJ E88CC/6992 tubes sourced from Viva Tubes. The tubes sound very good, but I’ve ordered a pair of NOS Amperex 6DJ8 tubes from Vintage Tube Service to see if I can get an even better sound, it’s just my ever searching for the ultimate nature.
Hearty congratulations to Dan Wright. Through his Cambridge Audio CXN V2 modifications he has created an absolutely stunning sounding audio experience in my listening room.
Associated Equipment
Nottingham Interspace TT w/ heavy platter w/ Dynavector 20X2 low output cartridge > Modwright Instruments PH9.0 phono preamplifier > Decware ZRock2 w/ 25th anniversary mods OR Modwright Instruments modified Cambridge Audio CXN V2 music streamer/DAC > Decware CSP3+ preamplifier w/ 25th anniversary mods > Pi Audio Group UberBUSS power conditioner (source equipment only) > Decware Zen Mystery Amplifier w/ 25th anniversary mods > Omega Super Alnico High Output XRS speakers OR Caintuck Audio Lii15 open baffle speakers. Various RCA interconnects and power cables from Triode Wire Labs, ZenWave Audio, and Accoustic BBQ. All in a dedicated well treated listening room.
Listening Notes
All listening was done through single-ended RCA inputs/outputs. The modification includes upgraded RCA outputs and stock balanced XLR outputs, you can only use one at a time. I did not do any listening to the modified CXN V@ with the stock power cord. I used a highly regarded Triode Wire Labs power cord.
END
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Congratulations, sounds like a nice unit
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I would love to hear one of these. Looks very tempting.
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The modification includes upgraded RCA outputs and stock balanced XLR outputs, you can only use one at a time.
Congrats on the MW CXN!
Could we bother you with how the modified output differs from stock output in comparative terms? TIA.
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Jon,
I did not get a chance to listen to the stock unit prior to modifications. I just had it drop shipped directly to Dan, who spent a couple months listening to the stock unit before designing the tube output modifications. I simply relied on two friends with good ears who told me the stock unit sounded pretty good by itself.
NB
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I look forward to eventually hearing some feedback from users who have had the stock unit for awhile before the mods were done.
I'd also be curious to hear from anyone potentially jumping from a more costly separates system with an individual streamer and DAC. I wonder how it stacks up to Auralic and Lumin options given that the streamer section in this unit remains the same.
I suspect it would hold up fairly well, but understanding the differences would be great.
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Since Modwright requires new CXN units drop shipped from a dealer for mods it is unlikely that you'll see a comparison of the stock and modified unit. Dan Wright spent a couple months listening to the stock unit before completing the modifications, he's probably the only person I know who can offer a comparison at this point.
I suggest you check out the Modwright modification page for the CXN for his insights/comments if your interested.
Regarding comparisons with high end units, this may only be possible at a future audio show event, maybe in late 2021 given the Covid-19 situation. Dan has a waiting list for CXN modifications, so you'll likely see more comments as people receive them back from Modwright.
NB
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The info on Modwright's website seems to indicate the customer can do either - ship their unit to them, or buy it from a dealer who ships it to them. From the website:
Where do customers ship their unit for modification?
If you have purchased your Cambridge Audio CXN V2 and you are planning to send it in for modification OR you are ordering it new from a retailer and planning to have it sent direct to us, please ship it to the following address:
ModWright Instruments, Inc.
Attn: YOUR NAME
21919 NE 399th Street
Amboy, WA 98601
USA
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Since Modwright requires new CXN units drop shipped from a dealer for mods it is unlikely that you'll see a comparison of the stock and modified unit. Dan Wright spent a couple months listening to the stock unit before completing the modifications, he's probably the only person I know who can offer a comparison at this point.
I suggest you check out the Modwright modification page for the CXN for his insights/comments if your interested.
Regarding comparisons with high end units, this may only be possible at a future audio show event, maybe in late 2021 given the Covid-19 situation. Dan has a waiting list for CXN modifications, so you'll likely see more comments as people receive them back from Modwright.
NB
I checked out the page. It is honestly a better price point and a more impressive mod than I was expecting it to be, which has my interest. But being a long term CXN V2 owner, being required to buy new would be a deal breaker for me. It sounds like they will mod existing units though, so maybe that will be in the cards for me in the future.
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I’m either missing something, as I’m just skimming or you’re over thinking it. Dan will certainly accept a brand new unit or used unit of ones own, just like he always has.
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I’m either missing something, as I’m just skimming or you’re over thinking it. Dan will certainly accept a brand new unit or used unit of ones own, just like he always has.
I don't think you're missing anything. Just some mild confusion earlier, but it appears that a used/existing unit is an option based on the website.
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My bad, sorry for the confusion. You can either drop ship or send in your existing unit. Also Modwright warranties the mods for three years, pretty nice in this day and age.
NB
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Yes, that was another touch I found very appealing. I'm glad that was offered out right rather than being something people had to ask for.
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@nature boy - would you mind posting a pic of what the final product looks like? I haven't seen one with the finished top installed. I can somewhat mentally picture it based on other Modwright mods, but I'm still curious about how far the tubes stick out. I'm also curious if the unit runs hot with these mods.
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Here you go. About half the tube is exposed. It does not run very hot, at least in my open rack.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=217412)
NB
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TY! Looks pretty sleek still.
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So I decided to replace the stock fuse with a 1.0 amp Synergistic Research Orange fuse since I have these in my other tube equipment. I wasn't expecting much improvement in SQ but Holy Crap, increased dimensionality and sonics. And I haven't even received my NOS Amperex 6DJ8 tubes from Andy yet.
Something tells me I'm going to have a very long listening session today😊.
NB
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I had a whole game plan for potentially upgrading my digital end in 2021, but honestly between Tidal Connect coming soon to the CXN, and this upgrade I might be reassessing.
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thanks for the review and discussion. i have a cxnv2 and am interested in opinions from those who have heard both the standard and modded versions.
there must be some by now?
regards
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I have my CXN V2 that’s currently in queue for the upgrade, so I will be able to give my perspective vs the stock CXN that I lived with since last May. I also have an Auralic Aries Femto bridge feeding a PS Audio Directstream DAC, so while not apples to apples (and a bit more $$), I’ll be able to provide some ideas of compare / contrast to a separate streamer/DAC
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Was the CXN updated to do MQA?
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No, I believe the V2 would require a hardware upgrade to decode MQA.
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I have my CXN V2 that’s currently in queue for the upgrade, so I will be able to give my perspective vs the stock CXN that I lived with since last May. I also have an Auralic Aries Femto bridge feeding a PS Audio Directstream DAC, so while not apples to apples (and a bit more $$), I’ll be able to provide some ideas of compare / contrast to a separate streamer/DAC
Looking forward to your thoughts when you receive! You already have a nice digital front end,
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Hi I have been looking at the CXN for a while now. Looks like a great unit. Question, if only using the digital outputs is there any improvement to be had from having this upgrade? It seems from what I can tell that it's mainly an upgrade to the analog section.
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Good news MQA is coming to Cambridge products, Dan I might need to get one now
https://hifipig.com/cambridge-audio-adds-tidal-connect/
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I realize I’ve not provided an update, however, I wanted to let things break-in and do a good amount of comparison. I will make it short as I don’t have much to add. Beyond what Dan/others have shared, to me it’s the most dense 3D soundstage and pinpoint imaging I’ve heard from a streamer in my system to date. My Auralic bridge is awaiting sale and my DirectStream DAC is serving duty for other items. I also A/B’d the CXN into my Esoteric DAC vs Dan’s gapped output stage and preferred Dan’s all in one solution. If on the fence, I would be confident in this mod. And of course both Dan and Kristin make it easy to do business with great service.
It’s also worth noting, I thought the tubes Dan supplied were a good match. I rolled some of the NOS Mullard, Amperex and Siemens tubes I had on hand. The stock tubes Dan supplied have a nice “mid hall” tonal balance, and also have the largest soundstage of all I tried; I did find the Amperex from Andy @VTS provided slightly more soundstage depth. I think this is my subjective preference only, as there several good 6v options if you would like to roll tubes.
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Hi senna, great report!
Do you have the Modwright Cambridge running straight to an amp and using the volume control on the Modwright or do you use a separate preamp?
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I tested both direct to my Monoblocks using the CXN column control and through my preamp. It was actually a close call in sound, and if I didn’t have any other source needs (SACD and vinyl), I would just go from streamer to amp (I actually did this for about 10 days just to live with it); but with multiple sources, I’m leveraging a separate preamp.
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Thanks Senna, appreciate it!
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Senna,
I just took a look at your gallery and you have a great system. Love the components and also the Salk speakers and the NHT 3.3 speakers!
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Good news MQA is coming to Cambridge products, Dan I might need to get one now
https://hifipig.com/cambridge-audio-adds-tidal-connect/
Based on the reviews, The MW upgrade is likely a great investment. I haven't done that yet, but I will tell you that you should not move to this unit if you are dead set on MQA playback. I've been using Tidal Connect since it released. It works great from a functionality standpoint. It's actually been more stable then playing back Tidal on my laptop. BUT it will not suddenly play MQA through the CXN. The CXN hardware simply is not equipped for MQA, and neither Tidal Connect nor Dan's upgrades will do that. When switching to Tidal Connect through the app to the CXN, you are automatically "stepped down" to Hifi. But Hifi is CD quality, and sounds great. I personally feel the tonality of a DAC is far more important than MQA vs hifi, but others feel differently. I just wanted to share so you had the whole picture of capabilities.
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Yes displyname this has been a issue for me because I do like MQA through my system so I haven't pulled the trigger I was also looking at Lumin D2 which is though to have a warmer sound and also uses Wolfson dacs
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Yes displyname this has been a issue for me because I do like MQA through my system so I haven't pulled the trigger I was also looking at Lumin D2 which is though to have a warmer sound and also uses Wolfson dacs
My preferred dealer sells both Cambridge and Lumin. He doesn't dislike the D2, but that's also not one he regularly recommends. He's a big proponent of the U1 mini + you dac of choice. He also recently picked up Innous and Volumio, while continuing to speak highly of Auralic who he used to carry. But when you ask him bluntly, Lumin is his go to. All great solutions with various pros and cons with certain feature sets, but he has pretty consistently said he prefers the tone of Lumin using Lumin's software (not Roon) over everything else. And that does bring MQA into play if you pair it with an MQA capable DAC.
Where does the Modwright CXN stack up sound wise? I'm not really sure and I'm not sure I'll ever get to hear them side by side unless I'm the one fronting the check.
The good news is there are a LOT of excellent options on the market, and what's available for at or under $4K is pretty unreal. $4K is a lot of money, no doubt. But when comparing to a good vinyl rig, it feels very reasonable.
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I reached out to Dan around end of April 2020 inquiring, if he might be interested in modding the CXN V2. After a busy period during Covid Dan had the mod ready in Nov and I went for it. I had the unit running in my setup for about a year before I went for the "Truth Mod". The sound of the unit pre-mod was already very good I must say. When I compared it to my vinyl setup I would say the sound got to about +90% there. Although I acknowledge the remaining 10%, or less make BIG difference still. Some of the gaps in sound I would characterize in the very fine detail, dynamic range was slightly constricted and generally just missing that extra edge in airiness and liveliness.
After receiving the post-mod unit back I must say, I was very impressed. Sure, the stock tubes that it came with needed some time to break-in, but even from the start when I compared vinyl to the DAC it almost became indistinguishable. I still find the vinyl to sound better, but it is only really marginal. The greatest test came when I played the remastered version of the Beatles Sgt. Peppers Hearts Club band... my goodness - it blew me away. And now over time I find the unit to just sound very natural and organic. The sound is very lively and the dynamic range is pretty much where I want it. It's also dead silent very important for the setup I have. Very satisfied with the unit. Might only upgrade the tubes at some point, but right now am super happy with what I have.
It honestly now mostly comes down to the quality of the audio recording and streaming format. Once I have a great version lined up there really isn't anything I feel is missing.
Some info on my setup the above is based on:
Analogue source:
TT: Thorens TP320
Cartridge: Nagaoka MP500
Phono stage: D.Klimo LAR Gold Plus
Digital Source:
DAC: Cambridge Audio CXN V2
Amplifier: Bakoon Amp 13R
Speakers: Avantgarde Acoustic Duo Mezzo XD
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=224352)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=224353)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=224354)
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Would you say you noticed any major change in soundstage and imaging? I would assume that comes with more detail, but in my experience that isn't always the case.
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dangit - couldn't find one in black. :icon_lol:
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dangit - couldn't find one in black. :icon_lol:
I have been looking for one in black, I don't think they make them anymore?
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I have been looking for one in black, I don't think they make them anymore?
Correct, they moved to silver only with the Series 2 of the CX line.
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To answer the question on sound stage and imaging I would say yes to both. Those two aspects really developed more as the tubes broke in. I had a pair of TAD 6922 tubes lying around and they brought the imaging and sound stage up another notch. Were was a slight trade-off in the highest tones, but I ultimately was looking for that since I enjoy a bit of a warmer sound.
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Has Cambridge been rolling out any of the anticipated adds to this (e.g., MQA,Tidal)?
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Has Cambridge been rolling out any of the anticipated adds to this (e.g., MQA,Tidal)?
As I understand it, MQA would require a hardware change for MQA certification, so not very likely. Tidal Connect, if that's what you're looking for, has been there for some time.
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Makes sense, thanks!
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I'll post in the for sale section, but if anyone is interested, I have a minty like new CXN V2 that I'll sell for $795 plus shipping. It is just a few months old and has seen very little use. Includes everything that came with it new. So you can save yourself some $$ over the $1100 price of a new unit. If you're interested you can email me at meicheng101@gmail.com
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I'll post in the for sale section, but if anyone is interested, I have a minty like new CXN V2 that I'll sell for $795 plus shipping. It is just a few months old and has seen very little use. Includes everything that came with it new. So you can save yourself some $$ over the $1100 price of a new unit. If you're interested you can email me at meicheng101@gmail.com
Plus they can send it out to Modwright and add a fantastic tube output stage to top it off! GLWS
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Bumping this thread as I need a new source. For those of you who own this, how has is it now a few years in? Any reviews or feedback appreciated.
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I have the initial modified CXN V2 from Dan. It is working like a champ, no issues and the sound quality is fantastic. You can also roll the 6922 tubes to suit your taste.
NB
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Mine still works and sounds great. However, lately I've been enjoying my fancy new MC cartridge on my Turntable. :)
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To answer the questions: Sound stage, yes it improved tremendously. And my unit still works without ever any hiccups or issues.
I find the 6922 tubes you put in the power source has a very significant impact. Tubes I've tried so far:
- JJ (stock tubes Mod Wright provides): too bright and a bit flat overall
- TAD: a little less bright and some holographicness going on
- Mullard: very smooth, but almost to the point where it sounds muffled, Over time this improves, but the holographicness is almost killed
- Amperex: Almost best sounding, most holographic but still a tad too bright for me
- Matsushita: favorite, has a bit of holo and the highs are tamed
Mind you my speakers and audio chain have their own specific need. Going to shop this morning a bit around for other premium NOS tubes...
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Folks, I've got a CXN V2 on a 2nd system in my house and considering the upgrade from ModWright. I realize this is a very subjective inquiry but how much would you who heard the old VS the upgrade say the SQ is improved. I was originally using a Node (3), upgraded the power source which resulted in a slight SQ improvement. Later on, I borrowed a friends CXN V2, noticed another improvement in SQ, not massive but better. Today (relative) I'm reading about and diffing for info on having the ModWright upgrade done to the CXN V2 and would like input from folks who have experience with the pre and post mod sound of the CXN V2.
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I would also be interested in hearing others impressions of the Modwright CXN. I am taking it that of those that have the modded unit are mostly satisfied, hence not much feedback on the web.
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I am extremely satisfied with the Cambridge Audio CXN V2. It's truly the swiss army knife of streamer/DAC's IMHO. Very easy to set up and link to WiFi and has performed flawlessly. I use my Modwright modified unit in conjunction with Qobuz and Roon controlling software. The Roon makes for a seemless interface giving me easy access to stored music on my hard drive and Qobuz.
Sound quality is outstanding.
NB
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Thanks for your feedback. I went to the Florida Expo hoping that the unit would be on display. I did have a few questions that I was able to as Kristen at Modwright. Mostly concerned if there were any issues in the field with the units that they have modded and the possibility to keep the network active with the tubes shut down to allow remote awakening by initiating playback. I will be shipping a unit out to them next week for modding.
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I think you'll be really pleased. Keep in mind the there are two 6922 tubes that come with the modifcation. You can adjust the sound to a degree depending on the tubes. Dan supplies tested JJ 6922 which sounds very good. After 50-100 hours you might want to try other 6992 tubes or other equivalent variants
NB
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He's a big proponent of the U1 mini + you dac of choice. He also recently picked up Innous and Volumio, while continuing to speak highly of Auralic who he used to carry. But when you ask him bluntly, Lumin is his go to.
I use the Modwright CXN as a DAC with a Lumin U2 mini (modded to run off linear power supply).
This way I can bypass the stream magic app, and get the performance of the U2 mini as a server.
They sound great together.
I removed the WiFi dongle to ensure it wasn’t broadcasting and affecting the sound.
My next upgrade is to replace the CXN fuse with a Beeswax M1.
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So I decided to replace the stock fuse with a 1.0 amp Synergistic Research Orange fuse since I have these in my other tube equipment. I wasn't expecting much improvement in SQ but Holy Crap, increased dimensionality and sonics.
I have the Beeswax M1.
And yes, it was a holy crap moment.
Throw the stock fuse in the trash.
I found the modwright with the stock fuse to have a grayish tone.
The M1 gives it tonal color while opening up the sound and sweetening it.
And gets rid of the coarseness.
I definitely think Modwright should have upgraded the stock fuse with their mod.
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You can really change the sound characteristics of Dan's modified unit both with the choice of 6922 tubes and aftermarket Audiophile fuses. Dan gives excellent advice along these lines. I found a great balance between tonality and an expansive soundstage with the SR orange fuse and mathed Wathen Cryotone 6922WC tubes. YRMV.
NB
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You can really change the sound characteristics of Dan's modified unit both with the choice of 6922 tubes and aftermarket Audiophile tubes.
I’ve seen several second hand units for sale, and the owner may have tube rolled, but never upgraded the fuse.
My assumption when I first heard the unit was that I was hearing the ceiling of it.
But the M1 fuse brought the performance to another stratosphere.
It’s unlocked the magic of the analog tube output stage.
I questioned my sanity spending this much on a fuse, but it’s undoubtedly made the unit much more musically engaging and listenable.
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There’s a great review of the stock CXN by darko audio.
CXN up samples everything to 24bit/384kHz.
He said the unit is rich, warm, with a soft top end.
Possibly ideal for people coming from vinyl.
Of course the Modwright unit (with an upgraded fuse) takes everything to another stratosphere.
I’ve noticed I’m able to listen to streaming music for longer and more comfortably with this unit (than with my other DACs).
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I saw a review of the stock CXN and they said Cambridge could have charged 3-4x more by using a fancier case and better power supply.
There's a lot of snobbery in high end audio.
This experience opened my eyes to the fact that it's not all about brand names with cache.
There are so many ways to get into high end audio streaming, and this modwright unit is a gem.
Especially now that the mod has been discontinued.
Dan chose a great unit to modify.
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:D why are the mods not done any longer ? To much of a bita ? Great gear at a great price with a little touch-up is inviting ! :D
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Yes, many of the reviews couldn’t believe how good the stock CXN was at its price.
Add the modwright upgrades, and it’s a keeper.
I use mine with a Gigafoil with a good linear power supply and power conditioner, and it takes the modwright to another stratosphere.
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has dan posted his specific reason for discontinuing this lovely mod? what part(s) are the issue?
if so i missed it...
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The wonderful quality of the modwright is how easy it is to listen to.
I can leave it on and do other things around the house, and I can still enjoy listening to it.
I never did that with my more expensive solid state NOS DAC.
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has dan posted his specific reason for discontinuing this lovely mod? what part(s) are the issue?
if so i missed it...
I believe that Dan indicated that Cambridge Audio would not provide any parts for the CXN V2. When he initially launched the modification, he indicated that he would complete any necessary repairs since his modification voided the Cambridge Audio warranty. Obviously, he can't do repairs without parts.
I am contemplating buying another unit for a back-up for parts, maybe a refurbished one.
NB
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has dan posted his specific reason for discontinuing this lovely mod? what part(s) are the issue?
if so i missed it...
They show up used now and then.
People probably only try it with the stock fuse and internal streamer and then move on.
Only Dan knows how many units were modded, I can’t imagine it was that many.
It does need an upgraded fuse. I use an M1 Beeswax fuse.
Also grounding it with an Entreq box is necessary to get the most out of it.
As a dac, I easily prefer it over my other much more expensive and very musical NOS dac.
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i am lucky to have two of these dan-modded units, picked s second one up used after having dan mod the first one, using it in our second home... what a lovely organic sound, full streamer capability, preamp/volume control, and of course, with dan's terrific tube output stage, you can roll tubes and actually hear differences in sound! :icon_lol:
i was just curious to know what made dan have to stop doing these so suddenly... it can't be worthwhile for him to design the mod, make some, then have to stop making them... that sucks!
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Still very much enjoy the unit and sad to hear it seems the mod is not being done anymore? Just checked Dan's website and it's still up. Why would he still allow people to read about it only to turn them down...?
I'm intrigued by the M1 fuse. Can someone please specify the details?
https://highend-electronics.com/products/audio-magic-masterpiece-m-1-beeswax-fuse
- What size?
- Blow time?
- Amps?
I bought a used EtherRegen beginning of this year and my goodness I couldn't believe how much the combination still brought out so much more of the unit. It's almost like the music slowed down, but because the music is unfolding in so much more separated way with a very graceful decay.
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i am lucky to have two of these dan-modded units, picked s second one up used after having dan mod the first one, using it in our second home... what a lovely organic sound, full streamer capability, preamp/volume control, and of course, with dan's terrific tube output stage, you can roll tubes and actually hear differences in sound! :icon_lol:
i was just curious to know what made dan have to stop doing these so suddenly... it can't be worthwhile for him to design the mod, make some, then have to stop making them... that sucks!
Dan stopped doing modifications to the CXN V2 because Cambridge Audio would not supply him with parts. Since he offered to do any repairs (mods voided the CA warranty) he decided to discontinue this offering.
NB
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Ok, I found out the fuse specs, Small 5mmx20mm, 1A 250V, Slow Blow (T) fuse. Just ordered mine today - very excited about it :)
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Ok, I found out the fuse specs, Small 5mmx20mm, 1A 250V, Slow Blow (T) fuse. Just ordered mine today - very excited about it :)
Keep us posted on the improvement!