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

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. 

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.  

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.

@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.

@fpomposo 

Not sure where you’re getting your data.  S&P 500 was just over 5700 on November 5th.  On January 20th, it was just over 6000.  Today, S&P 500 opened at 5305.  That’s a drop of 12% in 4 months.