New streamer


I recently opened a discussion on upgrading my DAC. I started at the beginning of that discussion, that I was a vinyl guy, but with my purchase of the Chord Qutest, I realized that digital music can be outstanding and want to now upgrade my Node.

That will provide 2 benefits: Maximizing my current systems digital, and allow me to move the Node & Schiit Modi Multibit 2 to the family room, a small HT setup with a Yamaha AVR driving a Goldenear soundbar. Streaming there is currently MusicCast using the AVR DAC.  The improvement there should be very nice. 

My 2 channel equipment is as follows: 

Rogue RP-1 w/ NOS Brimar’s, LSA Warp 1, KEF R11’s, Rhythmic F12SE, Pro-ject 1Xpression w/Hana ML, Rega Aria, Bluesound Node w/Qubuz, Marantz CD6007, Chord Qutest. Good to very good power, speaker, interconnect cables.  
My weakest link (I believe) is now my Node. 
I don’t want or need amplification or volume control, ripping storage, nor an internal DAC. Sound signature should be neutral. 
My budget is $2,500, but willing to spend less. My current favorites are:

Lumin U2 mini. Very well reviewed, beautiful, perfect form factor, good app & controllable via my Harmony One remote. It is currently my #1 choice.

Auralic Aris. If new, the G1.1, if used G2.0 or 2.1. Very well reviewed, good app, OK form factor, but not controllable via harmony.  
Naim ND5 XS2. Considered the best high end streamer by What Hi Fi  Would need to buy used to stay close to budget.

EverSolo DMP-A6. Included based upon reviews, but may not be a serious contender. 
HiFi Rose RS250A. The streamer EverSolo seemed to copy  

Aurender. Don’t think they have anything within my budget, but included for discussion.

 LPS upgrade for Node. Included because I know it will come up. Plan to reuse my node downstairs, so out. Would prefer LPS upgrade for one of the above.  

Please let me know your thoughts and/or recommendations. Thanks!

 

 

128x128signaforce

@zlone you probably are already aware but Schiit has a USB upgrade available for a very reasonable price. I had an older Yiggy a few years back and the SPDIF was better than the old USB at that time. You don’t say what model/edition Schiit you have but if an older version the upgrade could hold you over for a while. I have tried my N150 with a friends upgraded Yiggy and it was an improvement over the version I had.

@signaforce I am one of many interested in your honest impressions of the N150 in comparison to your Node. Some people notice a difference and others don’t probably due in part to all the other variable.  

@12many 

Will do. It arrives Friday...we shall see. It sounds awful good now with my Node & Qutest, as my Qutest was a major improvement from my Schiit MM2. So I am thinking a subtle improvement. I hope to be surprised, but will be happy with any improvement. 

@signaforce I feel the same as you.  I think my system sounds amazing with the Node and I don't understand, from a technical standpoint, how a different streamer will improve the sound.  That being said I will eventually try one so my and I can judge for ourselves.  Many people, who I have no reason to doubt, said there is an improvement.  I have an open mind at this point.  Part of the fun is the process and simply listening to different gear.  

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