Questions from a noob on digital streaming

There is an ad for a Bluesound Node 2 for $375 but the description says the title is a mistake, it is a Node (1).  I'm not familiar with the Node but I would get a Node 2.

The DSjr is a DAC with a built in streamer, the Bridge II. There are other streamer/DAC combos that you may want to consider.

I think you need to slow down a little and keep your preamp and amp so that you have a solid reference to judge the sound of whatever streamer/DAC you purchase. Also, some people like to go direct from streamer/DAC to amp, some, like me, prefer a preamp in between. I’d try both ways before you sell anything.

Some streamer/DACs require a wired connection to your wifi router (that’s called an ethernet connection) and that will require you to have your router near your stereo or run a long section of cat 6 (or 7 or 8) wire to your stereo. Some streamers will work with a wireless connection (wifi).

What I would suggest that you do is buy a Bluesound Node 2 for $500 or less. It is a streamer/DAC combo, it is Tidal ready, you can run it with either a wifi or ethernet connection and it has analog outputs that you can connect to your preamp or amp.

It has its own own app for your phone or tablet which you download (for free) from the Apple store or Google Play for the Android version. You use the app to connect to Tidal (or other services), to select music and to control the volume if you go direct to amp. It is as close to plug and play as you’ll get. There is some setup involved but the instructions are clear and you can email support for help or whoever you buy it from can probably help with any problems you have.

The Node 2 may sound plenty good enough for you, but if you want to spend thousands for a better streamer later, you won’t lose much reselling it.

I think you can get access to the Tidal webpage that lists all the devices that are Tidal compatible without having an account so you can research some of them, if you want. Tidal offers at least a 30 day free trial so take advantage of that when you sign up for an account.

That’s my advice. We can talk about roon or other programs once you get comfortable with streaming with the Node 2.

thelid, The Node 2 is a streamer and DAC with a volume control which allows you to run it direct to your amp but it is not an amp. I believe there is a unit that includes an amp called the Powernode 2.

You will download an app called BluOs to your phone or tablet to control the Node 2. It’s available in Apple and Android versions and it is free. You don’t need any other software to operate the Node 2.   

Roon is for gathering information from the net about the music you are playing and offering suggestions for other music you might like. It is meant to give you access to information as you listen. It also can control your streamer but the BluOs should do that just fine.

Tidal is a streaming service which I like a lot. It gives you access to a lot of music. You don’t need it to play the music on your network. It is something you would add if you want to explore music outside your collection.