Cambridge Audio 851N

tophatjohnny
tophatjohnny Posts: 4,162
edited April 2019 in For Sale (FS) Classifieds
Hello all. Moving up the Cambridge chain and this baby needs a new home. It's not that I don't love it because I do. Please read reviews and trust this unit is dead mint. Black in color and remote is still in the plastic. I use the Cambridge Connect app and it too is amazing. Looking for $1025.00 shipped or 950 local pick up. Dayton Ohio Area. Defiantly a nice step up.from the CXN or The CXN 2. Any quesyions please in a PM.as not to make this a conversation thread. The thing slams and true Quality all the way around. From a smoke free home. Comes in all original packaging.

Checks money order PayPal..first born I'm easy.
"if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
*****************************
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Comments

  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,560
    Nice price. Love my CXN V2!
  • displayname
    displayname Posts: 1,126
    Anyone considering a CXN V2 should probably just jump on this. Solid deal.
    Analog: MoFi MasterTracker > MoFi UltraDeck > Sutherland 20/20
    Digital: Cambridge CXC / Streaming > Cambridge CXN v2
    MastersounD Dueventi > Rosso Fiorentino Certaldo or Arcam rHead > Hifiman HE4XX
    Discogs
  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
    I've seen and heard this bad boy. Amazing flexibility and great DACs. No brainer Polk gang.
  • ThomasD
    ThomasD Posts: 260
    @tophatjohnny Is the EdgeNQ next up on the chain?
    Carver M4.0t, M1.0t, M200t, TX2, C1, C2, Marantz 2230, 2010, 4070, 1030, APPJ 2013, Rega Brio, Marantz Imperial 7's, Klipsch Heresy III, Quartets, KG4's, KG1's, 'The Sixes', R-12SW, Polk SDA 2a's, Monitor 7cTL's, SDA CRS's, 4a's, Zu Audio Dirty Weekends, Pro-ject Acryl TT, Cambridge 851N, 351C, Panamax 5300PM
  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,162
    I have replied via PM to Thomas D and the only up from my 851N yes is the Edge NQ. The 851 is no slouch and updamples like magic. I'm just wanting to do the next thing and I love Cambridge Audio. Hope this ends the chat fest and next reply simply states "PM sent"😃

    Hope all are well.

    THJ
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
  • audioluvr
    audioluvr Posts: 5,420
    Love mine! Solid deal here folks!
    Gustard X26 Pro DAC
    Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
    B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
    Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
    Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
    Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)


    There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,902
    Surprised this is still here. Solid unit kids, and from a great seller.
    HT SYSTEM-
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  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,162
    Hello, if anyone here is on the fence about the 851N, let this ease your mind a wee bit...if you decide to take it, you will have 30 days to decide if it is the cat's meow for you or not? I will even split shipping back if that happens. I doubt it will but nice to know I am that flexible. The unit is dead mint and will feel as you are getting a brand new player. Just going that extra mile as I would want done for me. Hope that helps
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
    I just noticed that you still have the screen protective film on this baby. Good man! :smile:
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
    Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
    Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
    Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD.
  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,162
    verb wrote: »
    I just noticed that you still have the screen protective film on this baby. Good man! :smile:

    Wow, you have a good eye my man. Sure do and it shows as if it just came out of the box. Hope someone here gets it!! It is truly an amazing player with tons of features.
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,517
    edited April 2019
    Hey @lightman1 do you have a streamer? If not this screams your name....

    It goes well with the NAS you got too... just saying :smile:

    And I know Judy’s got room for both to go w the Ushers :wink:
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • joecoulson
    joecoulson Posts: 4,943
    Johnny my dealer has a demo Edge pre he is selling FYI. Atlanta Sound Image.
  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,162
    This baby still has over a year warranty on it. Not sure if that matters or not as it is a problem free unit...or has been for me. I mean not a hint of an issue and for those thinking about a CXN ..This will be a great step up from that ..no question. Any questions or suggestions I would really appreciate those in a PM. Thank you and hope all are good.

    THJ
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
  • audioluvr
    audioluvr Posts: 5,420
    edited April 2019
    Surprised this is still for sale. Probably because April 15th tax payments and Axpona tapped everyone out. Be patient. It'll happen.
    Gustard X26 Pro DAC
    Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
    B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
    Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
    Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
    Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)


    There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus
  • rburgess714
    rburgess714 Posts: 614
    I have been seriously contemplating this but reading the user manual it recommends an Ethernet connection for high resolution files and I am limited to wireless.
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  • displayname
    displayname Posts: 1,126
    I have been seriously contemplating this but reading the user manual it recommends an Ethernet connection for high resolution files and I am limited to wireless.
    I can't vouch for this product, but Upscale audio links this product with all of their ethernet based streamers to make them wireless. They also talk about the benefits of having something like that even a foot away vs having built in antennas. I'll let those with experience speak to how they feel about that type of solution, but it's an option.

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UBU8IE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_Vyj.BbW8RPG2N
    Analog: MoFi MasterTracker > MoFi UltraDeck > Sutherland 20/20
    Digital: Cambridge CXC / Streaming > Cambridge CXN v2
    MastersounD Dueventi > Rosso Fiorentino Certaldo or Arcam rHead > Hifiman HE4XX
    Discogs
  • joecoulson
    joecoulson Posts: 4,943
    Skip, you definitely had the issue of slow (or clogged networks) with the show. That whole Tidal thing was crazy how it would reduce in quality all of a sudden. Shows how important the whole network connectivity and speeds are for those of us streamers.
  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
    joecoulson wrote: »
    Skip, you definitely had the issue of slow (or clogged networks) with the show. That whole Tidal thing was crazy how it would reduce in quality all of a sudden. Shows how important the whole network connectivity and speeds are for those of us streamers.

    @dskip what did you use to connect the Lumin? IIRC that unit does not even offer wireless.
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
    Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
    Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
    Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD.
  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,162
    I had it wireless in my bedroom with spectrum.supplied router down.on the main floor and whiped through my FLAC files like butter. I'm sure hard wired would be great too.. Just know it is so wireless friendly. Hope that helps.
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
  • audioluvr
    audioluvr Posts: 5,420
    Mine's wireless via a crappy 10 meg Centurylink router with no problems using Tidal on the CA app. If I use the bluetooth on my computer it has issues occasionally but again the app kicks butt.
    Gustard X26 Pro DAC
    Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
    B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
    Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
    Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
    Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)


    There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus
  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,162
    Good Morning. I have had some interest but no commitments, so a friendly bump and how about a $G note $ shipped??? It is truly an amazing unit and I think whoever gets it will be very happy!! Thanks and it is ready to ship now!!
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
    Good Morning. I have had some interest but no commitments, so a friendly bump and how about a $G note $ shipped??? It is truly an amazing unit and I think whoever gets it will be very happy!! Thanks and it is ready to ship now!!

    Wow! That's all I can say! :smile:
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
    Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
    Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
    Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD.
  • joecoulson
    joecoulson Posts: 4,943
    Oh man. Wheels turning.
  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,162
    After too much research in the next step up with Cambridge (which I now know is not for me) and not enough real interest here, allow me to say that at this time I am holding on to the 851N. I will repost when I know fur sure which way I am going but for now this baby is off the market. Thanks for the kind comments and the nice messages. It's all good.

    THJ
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
  • joecoulson
    joecoulson Posts: 4,943
    That’s a good move bro!
  • rabbitat
    rabbitat Posts: 7
    I see it's off the market. I'll be in the market for something in the next week. I was considering the cxn v1 or v2. Would this be a significant improvement? If so, in what ways? Thanks.
  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,162
    rabbitat wrote: »
    I see it's off the market. I'll be in the market for something in the next week. I was considering the cxn v1 or v2. Would this be a significant improvement? If so, in what ways? Thanks.

    Silly Rabbit. What a way to grab yourself another post.....observing something's off the market and then sharing your desires for 2 models that are steps down from the 851N?? Cracked me up...so no foul...just funny to me.
    This forum is special to me and a lot of its members and the forum has rules or standards that ask new member to stick around a while and contribute with posting, at least 100 posts so even if I was desprate to sell (please believe I am not that) I would not be doing a deal with you...sorry but that's how it is. You can find one of these (probably not as fine as mine) but still one that works good on eBay, craigslist, audiogon or whereever you frequent. When I do let mine go it will be to a member here that has been here a while and really loves the forum. I unboxed my player and relived that brand new experience last night (as I thought it would go quick/glad it didn't) and am still very happy with it. Do some research (that's what I need to do) and you will come to realize that yes...the 851N is a lot nicer than the CXN choices, but those too are decent entry level network players as the 851N is too an entry level player... mighty fine one may I add and it's doing the trick until I decide what my next plunge will be. I can say now, it will not be the Edge NQ. Thanks for asking and stick around the forum, get to know some of the members here. I did and I found some members here I love like family and so many here that have steered me all the way to where I am with 2 decent set ups and a massive digital music library, for which if not for this forum and its awesome members I know I would not be so into this crazy but rewarding hobby. Now run along and contribute to some of the threads and before ya know it you will have 100 posts and be a lot more welcomed to buy sell and trade here. These cats here don't play games. God bless and welcome Rabbit! Hop on
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,056
    edited April 2019
    I'm glad to hear you decided to keep yours, I went to the Cambridge room at Axpona on a mission to hear the 851N and the Edge NQ. They didnt have a 851N hooked up and kept pushing the Edge NQ.

    I listened to it for quite sometime an amazing kit, for sure but everytime I asked the guy on a one on one conversation about his thoughts on the 851N he seemed to ignore me, and was all about the Edge NQ. Another listener that was sitting next to me said he owned the 851N and told me that the Edge was nice but not nice enough for him to make the switch especially at the asking price of the Edge NQ, that guy got up and left after telling me that he was quite content with his 851N.
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    Polk Audio Boom Swimmer, Polk Audio Urchin B)
  • audioluvr
    audioluvr Posts: 5,420
    I know the DAC is worlds away (in a good way) to everything else I've heard.
    Gustard X26 Pro DAC
    Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
    B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
    Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
    Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
    Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)


    There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus
  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,162
    (Where's Ken? Man I miss him and his help here )
    Here's the breakdown in my decision not to sell my 851N at this time.
    After tons of badgering some of the Cambridge team I was told that if my main use of the 851N is listening to my personal files from my NAS (YES THAT'S ME) then I'm probably not going to hear much of a difference if any! Whoa Nelly!!! Chromecast and the other bells and whistles with the Edge NQ may be fine and dandy but not my answer to ear candy.
    Another point ..what's the Top Secret as to Cambridge Audio not sharing what DAC they use in the Edge NQ? My guess is its the same as what's in the 851N and when I asked a few of the Cambridge guys this very question I could not get a straight answer....hmmm. Anyway...my excitement in the tail chase is crushed and Blue Fox set my thoughts straight on that last night!!! Content I guess I will remain with my 851N for now. I am going to A B my 851N against the Naim N272 right here in my home in a week or so. Was told that the NAIM destroys the Edge NQ in sound so I.will give it a listen.
    Mods Please Remove this thread. 😂😂
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************