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streaming devices, which would you buy?

Thinking of jumping into streaming. Although I love vinyl, streaming allows for continued listening and exploring new artist. Please share your experiences. My current system complies of Belles 200w Virtuoso amp, Audible Illusion Pre-amp, Linn LP 12, and Vandersteen 2 Sig. I need a good non amplified streamer with a decent DAC which can produce CD or better quality sound through RCA connection under $1500. Doing my homework, I have reduced my choices to but not excluding:
Bluesound Node 2I
Cambridge Audio CXN V2
 Audiolab 6000N
I would love to have a Naim but it's out of my budget. The Node for the price is so enticing but I also wonder about its sound. I will be using Audio Quest interconnects RCAs.
I can save some money buy buying a component without a screen since the controls are best from your hand held device, but assume that having a 32-bit capability will produce better quality sound. suggestion on streaming service is appreciated also. Thanks Audiophiles.
128x128lobinero

Showing 4 responses by relayer101

relayer101's avatar
relayer101
606 posts
 
Calvinandhobbes...following up on your note on the quality of the Denafrips DAC. I may have a future interest in a new DAC and the Ares II caught my eye on their website but it seems their primary dealer is in Singapore. Are you aware of any dealers in the USA? Thanks.
relayer101's avatar
relayer101
606 posts
 
Thanks for the info on Denafrips. I’m not sure about ordering from Singapore so would have to give thst one some thought.

back to the main subject on streaming devises I use the Node 2i with Amazon HD and am very happy with the streaming capabilities  and the BluOs app also. I find the onboard  DAC to be very nice and would be ok if that was all I had but I do switch back and forth with a PS Audio DAC also. I do my serious listening to vinyl but as others have stated streaming opens a whole new world to discovering new music. It’s great if you don’t want to flip an album every 20 minutes or so and I find both the CD quality and HD quality songs to sound really good. Try it you’ll like it!

relayer101's avatar
relayer101
606 posts
 
Lobinero...if you want to keep it simple at first just start out with the Bluesound Node 2i and a decent set of RCA interconnects at a price that you would normally budget for cables and connect it to your nice Preamplifier and see if you are satisfied with the sound.
if you are into upgrading your power cables Shunyata makes some nice 2 pin cables that will fit the Node starting at $135 and up.
The Node 2i and cables all can be had from Music Direct  or a number of other reputable on line sites. 
I also have Vandersteen speakers and the Node 2i sounds great.

if you want more from it after you put some hours in on the Nose 2i you have been given a number of great suggestions for DAC’s. 
relayer101's avatar
relayer101
606 posts
 
lobinero... I have Audio set to fixed in the BluOS settings and control volume through my Preamp no different than when using the Turntable or CD player. It keeps it simple but you do have to have your Preamp remote nearby if you want to adjust volume while you are navigating your music through the BluOS app on your phone or pad. 
It's just a preference for me. You may find it more convenient to control audio in BluOS. It's just a simple switch in settings to turn the audio control on and off. 


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