2. digital
  3. 179558-162656

NODE as just a streamer / Airplay device

What are your thoughts on using the NODE as just a streamer and for airplay, and for storing maybe 30 CD of music in FLAC digital format? I will use a separate DAC, leaning toward the Benchmark DAC3 and I ordered the AHB2 amp.

My goal is a reliable, easy to use interface, easy to set up device that outputs accurate digital signal to the DAC. Probably going with Qobuz. Since this is the software side of thing, I want it to have an easy to use, feature rich interface, and is reliable and supported. Few things are more frustrating to finally getting some time for music listening and then having things not work or connect. I would like to hardwire connect the NODE to Ethernet cable and use an IPad to wirelessly control the NODE via a user interface. I want the Ipad to just be the controller and not be in the streaming loop.

Thanks of your input/advice.

12many
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,158 posts
 

I’m using a Node 130 as we speak and you can plug a memory stick in the USB with your CD’s and use a digital RCA or Optical to your amp.  The software makes it easy to switch to Tidal/Qobuz/CD.   I did just that until just recently.  Now I’m using the USB to my amp and my CD’s are coming from the NAS.

All the best.

JD

vanson1
126 posts
 

Agree that the Bluesound Node has some of the most robust and user friendly stable user interface around.

For the digital side, the difference between streamer is minimal but the difference a DAC makes is great. Put your money there. I upgraded soon after getting a Node and loved the improvement.

 

blisshifi's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
blisshifi
1,116 posts
 

@curiousjim That is a new feature with Bluesound being able to attach external  drives, and it’s great to hear about. Thanks for sharing. 

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treepmeyer
100 posts
 

I can recommend the Node2i as an excellent streamer.  I did not think much of the dac and bypassed it, but I understand the newer version has an upgraded dac.

I replaced it with a miniDsp SHD Studio because I wanted DiracLive dsp.  That it does, but the Volumio gui is decidedly inferior to the Bluesound gui.  So much so that I am looking once more for a streamer with dsp.  NAD?

The moral is that the gui is critical, and Bluesound has one of the best in the business.

vthokie83
638 posts
 

The newest Node (130) works very well with a really good DAC. In may case, I'm outputting to a Denafrips DDC to Denafrips DAC.....so the USB port would not be available for a USB storage device.

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