I have not compared my Node 2 to any other digital player, but I can tell you that CD transfers and especially hi res FLAC downloads from hdtracks.com are excellent. My hi res purchases are so good that I have had to beef up my vinyl play pack system to stay competitive. I think you need a very expensive setup in comparison in order to beat the Node 2. For instance, I have the FLAC download of the legendary Strauss Also Sprach Zarathustra, and I have the reissue on LP. Now that I have a truly excellent LP playback setup - VPI Classic 4, SME 312s, Benz Ruby 3, Hagerman Trumpet, Stevens and Billington TX 103 step up, Walker motor controller, yes its beats the Node 2, but not by much! Realism, dynamics, soundstage depth are a bit better, transparency a little better, but the Node 2 is also quite satisfying if ultimately losing to my analog chain. I'm telling you for $500 and hi res downloads, you are doing very well.
Blue sound Node 2 vs Lumin D1
I am looking for a streamer with a built in DAC. I have backed off my original plan to purchase the Aurender A10 and am looking for a less expensive option. The Bluesound and Lumin players do essentially the same thing BTW, my immediate interest is streaming Tidal, so MQA is a possible plus for both players. The obvious difference between $500 for the Node 2 and $2000 for the Lumin distinguishes the two players. Does that price difference translate to a significant difference in performance/sound quality? Both are within my budget but I would rather not spend the additional $1500 unless the improvement is fairly dramatic. I would really like to hear from anyone who has had both players in their system and have had an opportunity to compare them.