Upgrading my blusound streamer


Need some advice from the experts. First, my system consist of:
2 McIntosh 601 monoblocks
2 Martin Logan Renaissance 15a speakers
1 McIntosh C47 Pre Amplifier
Some relatively expensive cables everywhere
1 blusound node 2 streamer
Tidal music source

My system approaches retail close to $50K

My system sounds very good and powerful. But, I’m always looking for ways to make it sound better

My streamer is only about $500, which is cheap compared to my system and I consider it the weak link. Are there other  streamers you can recommend that would be better suited with my system, cost wise, and would ultimately make it sound even better

Thanks
Pres



preslisa64

Showing 4 responses by jazzman7

Need more information.
First some questions, what are you using for a DAC?
The Bluesound Node's internal DAC or the preamp's DAC?
How is the Node connected to your preamp?
- via analog connection
- via digital connection
- have you compared the 2
- which do you prefer



My guess is that the DAC in the preamp will be the superior DAC too, but I'd still go ahead and do the comparison anyway.   And different cables can make a difference.   All Toslinks are not the same.   All Coax cables are not the same.   And what is the best combo for one DAC and player may not be the best for another.  The question to answer is how much do you like the DAC you have.   You may want to go about auditioning other DACs both at your dealer and in your system.  

The next question is how do you utilize your streamer.
Just for Tidal (and maybe Qobuz or the like); or is their any intent to stream music from ripped CD's or downloads?

I


Another idea.  If you are really into streaming from Tidal (and/or maybe Qobuz in the future), you may wish to consider a Roon Nucleus (Roon subscription $119/year and now $699 lifetime).   
Your C47 Preamp has a USB digital input.  A Roon Nucleus could be hooked up directly to the C47 via USB. In this arrangement the Roon Nucleus would replace your Node as your streaming source.
This would give you an enhanced experience streaming from either Tidal or Qobuz.  And it could be a very nice roadmap item should you still wish to purchase an external DAC down the road.  
I've recently acquired a Roon Nucleus and love it, and have it feeding my Chord Qutest DAC via Curious USB Cable.  This replaced a Bluesound Node 2i in my main rig.  
PS to my previous post.
- With Roon Nucleus in your main rig, you could still use your Bluesound Node 2 elsewhere as a Roon endpoint.  For example,  just add a pair of powered speakers for use in an office or bedroom.
- Also, the Roon Nucleus has a bay where you can install an HDD or SSD into its case (I'd go the SSD route) should you ever decide to rip CDs or purchase downloads.