The
Cambridge Audio CXN V2 network audio streamer/DAC is a versatile platform on its own, but adding
Dan Wright's tube output stage modification makes it nearly magical. It is an all in one unit that can connect directly to your amplifier for a complete streaming system. I used it mainly with Roon and Spotify Connect which work flawlessly.
Here is what Modwright does:
1. Replacement of stock DAC power supply with our own design.
2. Replacement of the entire stock SS analog stage with our own all-tube based analog stage and its own power supply.
3. Fully balanced in to out, with both RCA and XLR outs.
4. The entire mod is enclosed in one box, no outboard supply or umbilical.
"First of all, we make sure that all audio circuits are powered by our own supplies. The stock unit uses a switched mode power supply (SMPS). These are noisy and don’t produce the best quality power and hence not the best sound. A linear supply, based on a power transformer is more costly for the manufacturer and can generate a lot of heat, depending on the power draw for the various processors and chips on the board. We leave the SMPS to power the computer chips, but not the DAC. We bypass the stock analog stage, so there is no impact on the signal path there from the SMPS either. Our mod PCB includes the high and low voltage power supplies for our tube circuit and the DAC stage. In addition to the PCB, we install our own power transformer, high voltage choke and a pair of Swedish Lundahl gapped output transformers for the tube stage. Thankfully there is room inside the unit to fit all of this iron and new circuitry.
Secondly, we replace all op-amps (inherently feedback based cap coupled at the outputs) with a fully balanced, transformer coupled, class A tube preamp circuit, based on our $10K Reference LS 300 preamp. The stock analog stage is SS, specifically op-amp based. It is well designed and based on a differential output with dual Wolfson DACs. The opamps are cheap, sound OK and are powered by a SMPS. Having said all of that, the stock unit sounds good! This is always what I look for in an ideal product to modify.
This Signal Path = DAC – analog filters – 6922 tube – Lundahl gapped output transformer – RCA/XLR connectors. No capacitors in the signal path! This all translates to a low noise floor, fantastic resolution, huge soundstage and the liquid and organic musicality that can only be produced by a Class A tube circuit. Add to that, the technology and flexibility of this unit at $1K retail and it is fantastic!"
*********I purchased the CXN new and had it sent directly to Modwright for the tube upgrade.
This unit has less than 50 hours and is essentially as new.
Includes remote, stock JJ tubes, power cord, and factory box.
The stock CXN V2 is $1099 new and the Modwright tube stage is $1500 plus shipping each way, so ~$2600.
*** SOLD *** Asking $2,000 plus insured shipping from 33957 and any Paypal fees. US sales only.
