2. digital
  3. 164147-525

New to streaming, looking for a budget streamer

I live in the country and up till a couple day ago my internet service was not suitable for hi-rez streaming, I use spotify to stream for new music, not for serious listening.

We now have a Frontier9472 Network modum/router installed. It affords WiFI and has 4 ethernet and 1 USB output. I am looking for a streamer that can receive signal via any of these outputs and serve Qobuz. The Bluesound Node 2i seems a likely candidate as I will use streaming for music exploration and background listening. I will play the Node into my Audio Mirror DAC. 

I have 2 questions)

1) are there other streamers available that would serve my purposes that are around the Node price point? 
2)  Would a ethernet or USB connect best the Wifi for SQ?  I know there are other threads on this, some quite lengthy describing ways to improve over ethernet. I just want to use either WiFI or a cable.

As I explore the merits of streaming I will likely upgrade my approach. 
mesch

Showing 1 response by arafiq

arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,592 posts
 
@mesch For your stated purpose, i.e. background listening, Node 2i with direct ethernet is your best bet. I use it with my AMT3 (non-SE) DAC, and it works very well. I love the radio function (Radio Paradise) that comes with the Node.

BTW, at one point you were looking to purchase a Raven Audio Blackhawk. Did you end up getting it? Just curious.
More to discover