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Moving up from a Node 2i

I want to keep it between 1K and 1500.00, closer to a grand if at all possible. I don't care about onboard DACs, since I have a keen liking for mine. What is out there for a streamer, new or used, that will sound better than the Node when outputting to an external DAC? I like the functionality of the Node, don't want something with a sketchy user interface. But honestly, I think my old Allo Digione (Raspberry Pi) might have sounded a little more organic and fleshed out than the Node.

What say ye, Audiogon?

Oz



128x128ozzy62

Showing 4 responses by ianrmack

ianrmack
227 posts
 
Not so sure the post below this is to be taken factually.

lots of discussions about how the streamer makes an impact and lots of reference points on how SQ improvements can be had that are superior to a Node 2i....which I have into a Chord Qutest.

sure, the app matters, and several up-market streamers make good ones: Innous and Lumin.

one of these days, there will a streamer shoot out going to the same outboard DAC.

until then,statements like the one below should be viewed as opinions only.

same thing was said of turntable cartridges and CD transports...right?
ianrmack
227 posts
 
@ mattshere  that’s  nice. But also to be expected and not surprising especially with your choice of DAC. Isn’t it awesome tho??!!

what we really need to hear and quantify , per the OP’s question, is what happens to overall SQ if you replace the Node 2 with a dedicated (DAC-less) streamer: Lumin U1 mini, Innous zen, project, etc.

still use your Schiit, but change out the node 2 or 2i.

what happens, why, and how much?


ianrmack
227 posts
 
well, ive heard the Lumin app does rival BluOS.
BluOS still does not handle Apple Music which is a bummer.

I also like the Node's "back-up" use of Bluetooth.
I live in downtown Chicago where Xfinity/Comcast internet is FAST...but over the past 6 months it has been going down a TON and it's nice to switch over to BT and keep listening.

The Lumin is THE only other product on my radar for a (DAC-less) streamer.

Come on, Ozzy, whats taking you so long...?...;-)
ianrmack
227 posts
 
I have a decent rig and I use a BS node 2i to a chord Qutest and it sounds...uh...great...?
moved up from an Apple TV and it was MUCH better.

what I missed, and now get, is the importance of the “control app” and I like the BluOS app a lot.

what we all are wanting to know is if the streamer itself, with the same DAC, can make a big difference.

sure, you can throw money at any problem, but most of us are curious about a solution that is between $1,000 and $2,000 and if that will produce objectively bette SQ.
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