Hello Up until recently, my sources comprised of a Cambridge CXN V2 paired via COAX to a Cambridge CXC CD Transport. Today, I got my hands on the brand new CXN100 - wonderful device, clearly improved audio quality - but this is not the subject here. The issue started when I tried listening to a CD via the CXC connected (as previously with the CXN V2) via COAX to my new CXN100 - there are constant sound dropouts. They last a few miliseconds, but it's basically unlistenable, as if the signal is constantly interrupted. I first tried another RCA Coax cable - a brand new one. The same issue - apparently the cable wasn't the problem. Then, I tried an optical cable - same problem, dropouts. I then reconnected the CXC via coax to my older CXN V2 to see if the problem isn't some recent issue with my CXC CD Transport - the CD played flawlessly - NO dropouts - either via COAX or OPTICAL. I then reinstalled the CXN100 and connected it to my TV cia OPTICAL to see if the issue is with the digital inputs on the CXN100 - with the TV via OPTICAL, there were NO dropouts - unlike the CXC CD Transport. As a last test, I used my older CXN V2 as a Streaming Transport, and tested in connected via both COAX and OPTICAL to my new CXN100, to see if there are dropouts - to add to my headache, there were NO dropouts when using the CXN V2 as transport connected to the CXN100. Within these "Tests" - I tried everything related to cables - different types of cables, I tried plugging in the power cables of both the CXN100 and CXC to different outlets, also directly into the wall. The CXN100 even has a "ground" switch on the back - tried it ON and OFF - no difference. The CXN100 app has a function for the digital inputs called "TV Mode" - I don't know what it does but I tried it both ON and OFF for both COAX and OPTICAL - no difference. I literally (at least to my knowledge) tried EVERYTHING. This strange issue seems to happen ONLY and ONLY when pairing the CXN100 with the CXC CD Transport. As mentioned, when using the CXC CD Transport with another DAC, or when using the CXN100 as a DAC with any other audio "Transport" besides the CXC via digital inputs - there are no issues. Does anyone have ANY clue what could be going on? Why this specific CD Transport does not want to "handshake" and keep a steady connection with the Streamer/DAC from not only the same manufacturer, but the same CX series - especially since the model it replaced had NO issues with the CD transport? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!
You can always contact Cambridge. It might be something that needs a FW update. When I was having problems with my CXU, a tech worked with me to try to sort it all out. Good luck.
Have you checked for a firmware update on your new streamer/DAC? I've read other threads where a firmware update solved this kind of issue (other DACs of course). It wouldn't surprise me if this was your issue. A lot bug fixes happen right after a new product hits the market.
Thanks! Yeah, I actually did contact cambridge first thing - i just jumped here on the forums, maybe there's a quick fix for this or anyone has an idea what's going on
Actually as soon as I set it up there was already a FW update. So, this issue happens on the latest FW. I'm awaiting on CA's update - I contacted them already.
I just connected my Rotel CD11 via coax to my new CXN100 and am also having random dropouts. They occur once or twice per track. Fortunately I am happy with the internal DAC on the CD11 so that is how I use. Hopefully a software update will correct this.
Since two different people are experiencing dropouts using two different transports, it seems almost certain to be a problem with the streamer and not the transports. I bet a firmware update will solve the issue.
Yup, mine works fine as well. It's the new streamer...they need a firmware update to correct the issue.
What seems weird to me is that it’s happening with the CXC as a transport but not with the CXN v2 as a transport. I can’t think of a reason firmware would make this happen with only certain transports — it’s not like the DAC knows which device it’s getting the bits from on a S/PDIF connection, does it? Hopefully Cambridge can sort this out for the OP, especially since both components are their own products…
Big fail imo. All these big companies want/need to bring out streamers as fast as they can because the market demands it, yet they don't have a clue how to handle the software/firmware side of it. Streamers are by far the most vulnerable component in any system today, which is why I'll take a cheaper one that actually works over any well-known 'branded' and usually more expensive solution.
The CXC is a transport and the Rotel CD11 is a CD player/transport. The CXN v2 is a streamer/DAC. The discussion is that there is no issue with the v2 connected to either transport (acting as a DAC)...just when the CXN100 is connected to either transport (acting as a DAC).
Well, the CXN v2 works great! I think the issue is companies are always bringing new models to the market to provide new features, deal with discontinued parts from old models and most importantly - make additional sales for their company/brand. Even the v2 wasn't perfect when it came out, and the app was horrific! But after firmware updates and app updates it finally turned into an awesome unit. I have no doubt the CXN100 will get there too - probably quicker than the v2 did! LOL
Well, I got an answer from Cambridge, but it doesn't sound too great. They say: we "hope that it can be fixed via a firmware update to the CXN100". What in G-d's name does that mean? That there's a possibility it CAN'T be fixed via software? What were they thinking launching a product without even testing it with a CD player...c'mon, man.... So what's the alternative, worst case scenario? Money back for everyone? Global recall and hardware modifications? This sounds like, possible (hopefully not), a BIG f up. This is their answer: Hi Vadim, Thank you for contacting Cambridge Audio and for your purchase of the CXN100, we appreciate your trust in our brand and products. I am sorry to read about the issues you have experienced with the CXN100 when connected to the CXC via a digital connection. We are aware of a handshake issue via this method and our software and engineering team are currently investigating this as a priority with the hope that it can be fixed via a firmware update to the CXN100. I'll put this ticket on hold and I hope to update you further on this very shortly once I have some more information from our engineers. Please accept my apologies for any disappointment this may cause. Best regards, Tom Customer Support Manager Cambridge Audio
At least they acknowledged the problem. I am sure this is something they will take care of quickly as they don't want the bad publicity.
This is about as good as you can hope fir at this stage - other than a message which stated that it has already been fixed and that it would be in the next firmware release. The engineering team are sure to be looking into it and hopefully it is root caused soon and can be fixed in software. Firmware software for hardware like this can be very complex. I agree that this should have been picked up during QA and field testing. I for one am interested in the outcome because if I had one of these units I would be using the DAC facility with coax out from a CD player!
While I understand your frustration, I think they will get it solved sooner rather than later. I've read other threads with people having this exact same issue (different transports and different DACs), and the issues all seem to have been fixed via a firmware update.
Should work perfect from the start. Not going to buy a car that stalls at every corner with the promise that they'll fix this whenever they feel like it. LOL
absolutely. Except, they did not "market" the CXN100 as "stalling at every corner", but rather as being an upgrade to the CXN V2 - a streamer I had until yesterday and which worked flawlessly with any CD Transport.
It's absolutely inexcusable that they didn't test it with their own CD transport! So it won't work in the system it is supposed to match to optimally? Many customers are going to match this with a CXC. This seems to be an issue with the DAC digital input and not the streamer. Might need a hardware redesign, so if I had one it would be going back to Richer Sounds for a refund.
Exactly. It's cheaper to use your own customers as free beta-testers instead of having to pay someone to do it before the release .