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System- so many questions

I’m just trying to figure this streaming stuff figured out! I’ve searched these forums and they tend to just confuse me more it seems. 
I’m looking for a “blueprint” for priority for improved streaming SQ to be upgraded over time.
 At present I’m Only streaming directly from the services and NOT using any stored music on a hard drive etc. but I’m not adverse to that especially if it would benefit SQ. 
My system- 
Odyssey Audio Kismet amp
Supratek Chardonnay preamp 
Bluesound Node 2i streamer/DAC 
Ascend Sierra 2EX stand mount speakers (pair)
Audioquest Niagara 1200 conditioner / protector W/ Audioquest Monsoon power cable
Audioquest Edison 15 amp outlet (not yet installed)
Rel 5/SHO sub
mix of Cullen and Groneburg cablesArris Surfboard SB6183 modem 
Netgear Nighthawk router ( not sure of the model but it was pretty decent about five years ago)
CAT 5e cable from router To Node
Cat 6 (I believe) from modem to router

I’m using Qobuz, Deezer hi-res and Radio Paradise streaming from within the Bluesound OS controlled by IPhone 11. I’m also quite intrigued by Roon and am thinking about getting into that as well. 
I’m only concerned about 2.1 channel and i’m also not wanting to stream to other rooms etc.
I really do think that I have a pretty darn good setup especially for the money but I would like to wring all the SQ possible out of it. 
Regarding money, please know that it has taken me quite a long while to get this system together and much of has been/ still is being financed. In other words, my funds are very limited and especially in these chaotic times. 
Ok now down to brass tacks: 
No strict budget because I’m looking to add things in the order of (hopefully) maybe a few hundred dollars at a time. 

 I would say that The Node 2i is the relatively weak link for me equipment wise and I am looking for suggestions as to a better DAC and/or streamer. 

Some things are pretty obvious even to me such as upgrading my modem , router and Ethernet wires especially since they need to be upgraded anyway for gaming etc.

Qobuz is recommending UBiquiti products and they look pretty good and fairly reasonable to me. 
The question from me though is exactly what to purchase and how to set it up? Would the addition of a laptop etc. be beneficial in terms of SQ and ease of use? I have two now but both are about 8 years old and were pretty low end even then. One has an older Windows OS on it ( which I hate) and the other has an older Linux Distro. I’m not very computer savvy and I suppose that all things being equal I would probably prefer something as simple as possible and not have to keep a laptop running constantly. Would a switch(?) such as Uptone EtherRegen be helpful and if so where would it go? Would an Ethernet cable(s) with built in filter be helpful? 
Sorry for the novel here but the only way That I feel that I could ever understand the best approach is to just lay it all out and go from there. 
Thanks! 


bacchus1234
bacchus1234 OP
29 posts
 
One possible “hiccup” regarding upgrading my modem/router is that fiber optic is not available to me at the moment but I do expect it reasonably soon. Even then, I’m not sure which companies will be providing it. Maybe this is an issue, or maybe not and perhaps I’m just overthinking things. 
While searching through posts on streaming it seems that Chord, Benchmark, Mytek ,RME and others were well represented. I had kind of more or less talked myself into keeping to an R2R DAC but now I’m thinking that one of those might POSSIBLY  be too smooth with too little detail? In my system with a SS amp and tube preamp, my overall goal is to try to get as much detail possible without any glare or fatigue. Perhaps that’s just everyone’s goal too but I’m Definitely actively working toward that goal. 
crn3371
224 posts
 
The “sound” of a DAC is system dependent, and also dependent on your ears. If dealing with a brick and mortar store, try to find one that will let you do home audition. If dealing online, there’s plenty of reputable vendors with 30 day or 60 return policies.
bacchus1234 OP
29 posts
 
A few other thoughts:

Is there a way to implement ROON into my system at reasonable cost and complexity that doesn’t introduce more noise pollution? 

Modding the Node 2i is an interesting idea but it seems that from the (admittedly) little research that I’ve done , the upgrades actually cost MORE than the unit does itself. I really wish that the BluOS could at the very least have the same functionality as the standalone Qobuz app-hence the interest in ROON. 
I seem to be somewhat rambling here .. sorry. 






tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,540 posts
 
While searching through posts on streaming it seems that Chord, Benchmark, Mytek ,RME and others were well represented. I had kind of more or less talked myself into keeping to an R2R DAC

Some people swear by R2R DACS other people like sigma delta DACs. I think there are good DACs in either camp, so I wouldn’t rule out either. There are just so many options in high-end audio now and so many conflicting opinions on those options that it gets very confusing.

BluOs is a pretty good UI so I would stick with the Node 2i for now and get a DAC. Then you can decide what you want to upgrade next, maybe a better streamer. You can always upgrade any part of your system. The sky’s the limit. So just take your time and do it systematically and try to get a solid upgrade each time, not a sideways move.
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,540 posts
 
Is there a way to implement ROON into my system at reasonable cost and complexity that doesn’t introduce more noise pollution?

Yes there is, but I don’t know what it is. The answer may be in one of the recent Roon or streaming threads. If not, just start a new thread with that question and I’m sure you’ll get opinions on that.  I'll guess that the answer would suggest that you separate the streamer and DAC functions in your system.
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