1. Home
  2. misc-audio
  3. 194109-92685

Upgrade ....streamer or amp?

Having decided to keep my Merlin TSM MMs, I was going to upgrade my streamer (Bluesound Node 2 ---original version) and my amp ( Billie....original version). However, recent stock market activity has my IRA in a shambles, so I am only going to upgrade only one of the two. 

Any thoughts on which to start with?  I was considering both the Bluesound Node Icon, and an upgraded Billie (used....after new one comes out)

What say you?

troutbum
gano
750 posts
 

Markets move...people move...the sun moves...all in cycles.

you can't seriously call this business as usual. 

oldrooney's avatar
oldrooney
268 posts
 

I would get the Icon. From what I hear, it resolves most of the issues folks have had with previous Blue Sound releases. Outboard DACs can host multiple digital devices, but you don’t mention any. I’m sure the Icon would be an improvement over original BS node. 

bassbuyer's avatar
bassbuyer
882 posts
 

Given your money I would buy the streamer.  I went from a Bluesound Node N130 to a used Innuos Zen MK3 and it made a noticeable difference in sound.  Now given my money I’d put it under my mattress and wait until it’s safe to come out.  Seriously a used streamer is the way to go if you can in my experience.  

zlone
1,322 posts
 

I would spend the money on a separate DAC and a good set of cables. If you don’t want the complication, then I would vote for the streamer upgrade over the amp.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,934 posts
 

@troutbum 

Thr BS Node is really a great little box and their app is really good and the Billie ain’t bad either.  Having said that, have you considered keeping both and getting a better DAC?  Check out getting a Denafrips Aries or the new 15th is supposed to be special.

All the best.

More to discover