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Help with finding a new streamer.

Like the title says I’m looking into a new streamer. I currently use a Bluesound Node 2, original model. I resently purchased a Audio Mirror Tubadour III se, and now I’d like to see what a better streamer can do. My Tubadour has a usb reclocker added by Audio Mirror and I’d like to be able to give this a go as well. I’m willing to spend about 1,500$ tops and open to cheaper options though. I’m speculating that a cheaper option like the ifi or new Node with usb output could be a nice upgrade because the Tubadours reclocker option. I need Spotify, and would prefer Tidal as well but not a dealbreaker. I will probably buy used so I can resell without much loss if it’s not to my liking. I don’t think I’m looking for something warm, but definitely not something bright either. A tik to either side of neutral I think would be fine. Not sure if things like bloom and dimensionality are a thing streamers do but if so that’s the sound I’m after.

So to sum it up I need a streamer with usb output that’s close to neutral for under 1,500$ that plays Spotify. I would stretch the budget a bit if it truly seemed worth it, but unlikely. These are the models in no particular order I have come across so far that seem to check my boxes.

ifi Zen Stream

Bluesound Node (2021 model)

Sonore microRendu, not positive about Spotify though

Sonore UltraRendu, again unsure of Spotify

Lumin U1 mini, barely in budget, but think I could swing it

Aurender N100H, it doesn’t seem it does Spotify, but if it did I’d be very interested

Innuos Zen mini, I don’t love the aesthetics, but I might be open to it if the sound and value was worth it

 

brylandgoodman

Showing 3 responses by brylandgoodman

brylandgoodman OP
84 posts
 

Do you know if Aurender supports Spotify. I don’t use Roon and thinking I’m going to let my Tital subscription go as well. I do find the Aurender most appealing. I’m really not a fan of having to find a power supply that won’t match the unit as well as the extra cords and lack of support for upgraded cords. Ideally to me a streamer would have a built in linear power supply with an iec connection.  I’m guessing most that have these features are out of my price range though. 

brylandgoodman OP
84 posts
 

Do you have experience with node or just the ifi?  I’ve seen the one YouTube review saying the ifi was better and that’s about all I’ve seen far as reviews. 

brylandgoodman OP
84 posts
 


It’s good to hear from someone who has used both and feels the ifi is at least a forward move from the Node.  Your Node is a newer model and upgraded which makes me think the ifi could be a decent jump from my older, unmodified Node.  Especially when I factor in the improved usb input on my dac that I’m currently unable to use. The Lumin mini is very appealing to me, but still uncertain if that’s the best way to spend my funds.  I believe my power distribution could also be improved, and have to take into account spending some there as well.  I know it can be hard but where do you think the ifi would land on a scale with the Node being a 1 and the Lumin being a 10? 

I think the Zenith is at least double my budget, even used. While I’m sure it sounds great not really an option for me. If anybody wants to let one go for 1,500$ pm me. 
 

 

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