Choosing a Music Streamer: Cambridge Audio MXN10 vs. WiiM Ultra

Explore the ultimate comparison between the Cambridge Audio MXN10 and WiiM Ultra music streamers. Which one is worth your investment?

Cambridge Audio MXN10 Overview

Sources: AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.0, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz, Internet radio
Outputs: Coaxial, Optical, RCA Line Out
Max File Resolution: 32-bit/768 kHz PCM, DSD512

At first glance, the Cambridge Audio MXN10 may appear simplistic, but don’t be fooled; this powerful music streamer is packed with features and offers award-winning performance at a reasonable price.

Pros:

• Outstanding all-around sound quality
• Extremely affordable price
• Extensive streaming capabilities and file compatibility

Cons:

• Limited physical controls
• No support for MQA via Tidal
• Lacks a built-in display

WiiM Ultra Overview

Sources: Bluetooth 5.3, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music, Internet radio
Outputs: RCA Line Level, Optical, Coaxial, Subwoofer output
Max File Resolution: 24-bit/192 kHz

WiiM might not be a household name, but if it continues to produce stellar products like this exceptional music streamer, it will likely gain recognition soon.

Pros:

• Clear, crisp sound
• Balanced tone across all genres
• Lively and flexible presentation
• Excellent connectivity and streaming options
• Attractive, user-friendly design

Cons:

• No broadcasting capabilities
• Cambridge MXN10 delivers greater detail and dynamic nuances for the same price

The Cambridge Audio MXN10 has topped our list of the best music streamers since we tested it two years ago and has rightfully become a double award-winner. However, with the emergence of the WiiM Ultra, we have a fantastic opportunity to compare two streamers.

Both devices serve as excellent and cost-effective ways to add modern streaming features to your Hi-Fi components. They can even be utilized to create a simple yet effective audio system by connecting directly to a pair of active speakers.

Since both the Cambridge Audio and WiiM streamers have received five-star reviews, you might wonder which one deserves your hard-earned cash. Therefore, we’ve put these two network audio players side by side to determine which one comes out on top.

Price Comparison: WiiM Ultra vs. Cambridge Audio MXN10

Sometimes, it might feel a bit unfair to compare two products at different price points. However, Cambridge Audio has reduced the price of the MXN10 since our original review in July 2023, and it now retails for the same affordable price as the WiiM Ultra: £349 (approximately $450).

In the U.S. and Australia, there is still a price difference: the WiiM Ultra costs $329 (around $410), while the Cambridge Audio MXN10 is around $399 (approximately $400).

The WiiM has the edge over Cambridge Audio by including all necessary cables - optical, RCA, HDMI - whereas the MXN10 only comes with a power cable. This could save you a few bucks if you don’t already have the needed cables for your system, but for most people, this is unlikely to be a deal-breaker.

Winner: Draw

Build and Design: WiiM Ultra vs. Cambridge Audio MXN10

In terms of size, these two compact streamers are quite similar. They occupy about the same amount of space as a softcover book and feature a sturdy build; either will easily fit in your audio rack, TV cabinet, or on your desk.

The WiiM Ultra is slightly taller, but the MXN10 is a bit wider and deeper, meaning that unless you have very limited space, the dimensions likely won’t play a significant role in your decision.

The most notable design difference is that the WiiM Ultra features a 3.5-inch color touchscreen. It’s convenient and responsive, akin to a smartphone’s touchscreen.

For basic playback control, input selection, or saved playlists, we prefer tapping the display over using the WiiM Home app. However, this is entirely dependent on the placement of the Ultra in your system and how easily accessible it is.

The ability to browse album covers and adjust volume from one device makes the WiiM Ultra even more appealing.

In terms of simplicity, the Cambridge Audio MXN10 includes only a few buttons for input selection. While you can control everything you need via the StreamMagic app, the MXN10 does appear a bit plain compared to the more modern Ultra.

Regarding color options, both models are available in Apple-style grey, while the WiiM Ultra is also offered in silver. Cambridge Audio has released a limited edition MXN10 in black, but only a few remain in stock, and the price for these wasn’t reduced like the grey model. Cambridge Audio has stated they have no plans to produce more of these models, so if the rest of your setup is black, you might have to consider whether to pay the extra £100 and act fast.

Winner: WiiM Ultra

Streaming Features: WiiM Ultra vs. Cambridge Audio MXN10

It’s clear that having a full suite of streaming features is crucial for a network audio player.

Both the MXN10 and Ultra support Wi-Fi and wired connections to your home network. They also support Bluetooth and Google Chromecast, although WiiM Ultra does not support AirPlay, which could be a setback for iOS users and Apple Music, making this a deciding factor for many when choosing between the two models.

When it comes to high-resolution compatibility, both devices can play high-res tracks, but there are slight differences in the maximum resolution files they can initially play. The WiiM Ultra is equipped with a 32-bit/384 kHz DAC ES9038 Q2M Sabre and can natively play PCM files up to 24-bit/192 kHz. This is more than sufficient for anyone with a vast digital music collection.

The Cambridge MXN10 uses an ESS Sabre ES9033Q DAC and supports up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM, and it can also play DSD (up to DSD512 resolution). Essentially, both streamers can handle almost any high-resolution digital file you throw at them.

And just to complicate your decision-making process, both devices support multi-room audio systems, are Roon-compatible, and can stream music files from network storage or connected laptops on the same network.

Major music streaming services like Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, and Deezer are supported by both, as is internet radio. You can easily choose which services are most prominent on your StreamMagic app homepage and pin certain stations or playlists in the app. As mentioned earlier, you can do the same on the WiiM Ultra but save favorites as presets that you can select directly on the device’s screen.

When it comes to control apps, both are among the best we've used with music streamers. The WiiM Home app is well-designed, accessible, and intuitive even for Hi-Fi newbies, while the Cambridge Audio StreamMagic app serves as a great example for any Hi-Fi brand. The WiiM Ultra also comes with a remote control with voice command support. Both apps are easy to set up.

There’s hardly a distinction, but the lack of AirPlay on the WiiM Ultra is a significant oversight. The extensive streaming features of the Cambridge Audio MXN10 and support for even higher-resolution tracks make it the preferred choice for streaming.

Winner: Cambridge Audio MXN10

Connectivity Options: WiiM Ultra vs. Cambridge Audio MXN10

The differences between the Cambridge Audio MXN10 and WiiM Ultra begin with their connectivity options.

The MXN10 is a straightforward music streamer offering coaxial and optical digital outputs, a pair of RCA line outputs, and a Type A USB input. These are the basic elements one would expect to see in a budget streamer.

On the other hand, the WiiM Ultra is not just a music streamer; it’s a multifunctional music hub for your system. First, it features an HDMI ARC input – an increasingly popular request among buyers wanting to streamline their Hi-Fi system connection to their TV. (To be fair, newer Cambridge Audio models now include HDMI connectivity, so we hope that the next version of the MXN10 will have this input.)

The Ultra also comes with a moving magnet phono stage for easy turntable connection, and there’s a 3.5 mm headphone jack on the front panel. You get the same number of optical, coaxial, and RCA outputs as the MXN10, but the Ultra also provides an additional optical input.

The number of features and connections packed into the Ultra’s compact design will undoubtedly have immense appeal. While its streaming capabilities may not be as comprehensive as the MXN10, the added inputs and headphone amp offer potential buyers something to consider.

Winner: WiiM Ultra

Sound Quality: WiiM Ultra vs. Cambridge Audio MXN10

While Cambridge Audio has a longer history in the Hi-Fi world than WiiM, the Ultra continues to impress with its series of releases since entering the market relatively recently.

In our five-star review of the Ultra, we praised its "mature and engaging performance," which provides a noticeable improvement in sound quality compared to the more affordable award-winning WiiM Pro Plus. It offers a clear, crisp, and effortless presentation regardless of the source, delivering good depth and clarity across all music genres.

In our review, we stated:

"We listened to the album Doechii Alligator Bites Never Heal on Tidal, and her energetic yet playful voice came through clearly and distinctly on the Ultra. Behind the driving rhythm lies agility and a worthy delivery, while her articulate, crystal-clear vocals sound confident and detailed in Denial Is A River. Play Billie Eilish's Blue, and you’ll find the Ultra strikes the perfect balance, where neither end of the frequency spectrum stands out or sounds muted."

The upper range offers enough space and richness, with bass lines in Paradise Circus by Massive Attack possessing solid power and depth.

But how does it compare with the award-winning MXN10?

This is where Cambridge Audio’s experience shines through: the MXN10 provides "an extra level of textural depth and subtlety in detail," as well as "greater dynamic range and rhythmic accuracy" than the Ultra. Its all-around performance impresses, allowing us to enjoy everything from Max Richter to Wu-Tang Clan.

In our original review, we noted:

"We love how the Cambridge retains its composure when music becomes more complex, and the way it convincingly conveys the sound and texture of instruments. There's a good sense of scale combined with a surprising level of authority."

The way it conveys energy, power, and dynamics in a track is incredibly enjoyable and captivating. Layers of delicate details and harmonies around a piano note sound fine and rich; it’s musically engaging.

However, it’s worth mentioning that we never felt short-changed in terms of the WiiM's performance. It’s nimble, balanced, and pleasant, though it lacks a bit of texture and rhythmic motion compared to its Cambridge counterpart.

As for the Ultra's sound, there are a few additional features. The WiiM's headphone amplifier provides good quality, maintaining the same sound characteristics but with slightly richer sound when we connected wired Beyerdynamic Amiron headphones.

Its phono stage is decent, but it’s not its strong suit. During testing, we connected a Rega Planar 3 turntable, and it lost clarity and dynamic range, favoring a mid-forward sound. Having a phono stage is a nice touch, but if you want to get the most out of your turntable, you’ll be better off with a separate phono preamp or an amplifier with a good phono stage.

Winner: Cambridge Audio MXN10

FAQs

• What are the main differences between the Cambridge Audio MXN10 and WiiM Ultra?
• Is the Cambridge Audio MXN10 worth the investment for high-res audio?
• Can the WiiM Ultra connect to multiple devices?
• Which music streamer offers better sound quality?
• Are there any additional cables included with the WiiM Ultra?

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