Hi Res music streamer

Bluesound Node 2i is a good place to start. Does it need to have a DAC or do you already have one?

I need one with a DAC.

As someone who has $100k of McIntosh gear, my advice is DO NOT get the MB50 streamer.

There are much better things out there. Mac really isn’t known for their digital prowess, and that isn’t breaking news as it’s been that way for 25 years.

Look at the entry line of Wolf Audio—it not only streams hi-res music, but also 4K video too!...built in Florida, USA.

Lumin is also very nice.

Roon also makes a streamer worth checking out, as does Auralic, Aurender, and

NAD has an integrated that’s a streamer and is very highly regarded. It’s part of their Master series. It’s pricey at $2750.

Sooo... been out of things a for a bit. This thread got me thinking, this is something i need to add and have thought about for a while. I have a quad vena, so I have a DAC.

Curious... is there anything in between the Blue Node and say one of the entry levels of the others? They all seem to be 2300-2700 with the exception of the wolf which is about $3300 I think. Music Direct has a line called Bel Canto that starts at about 1600. I’ve researched, but you never know. I don’t mind starting out with the node, but if it’s worth it to make the jump I’ll probably do that.

That all being said.... should I just browse audiogon for a deal like that D2 in that link?

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That all being said.... should I just browse audiogon for a deal like that D2 in that link?

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This is exactly what I did. If I’m remembering correctly I believe I paid around $1,650 usd for the D2 from an audio store in Montreal. It was a trade-in, in mint/like new condition. There are definitely deals to be had.

Without trying to sound like too big of an a-hole...considering the financial toll the pandemic is taking, I imagine there will likely be some great deals on audio gear. pretty much every piece of gear I own I’ve purchased used, and I haven’t had any issues yet...knock on wood.

As for the actual quality of the D2 I’ve been really pleased with it. The sound quality, and convenience factor, keep me from playing physical records a lot of the time now. The Lumin app took me a bit of time to get comfortable with, but It’s simple enough. I will say I prefer the user interface of the Bluesound node (my first streamer) over the Lumin UI.

Speaking of the Node, I really enjoy it too. I moved that to our bedroom, and still use it daily on a little system I have set up in there. initially I had it in my main setup running directly into the DAC on my integrated amp, bypassing the internal dac on the Node, and it sounded great. The only reason I upgraded is because I just had some money burning a hole in my pocket, and wanted to move a streamer into the bedroom. Otherwise, I’m sure I’d still be very happy with it as part of my main setup.

Yeh, I’ll probably start keeping a keen eye on Audiogon.

The node has a long list of great reviews, especially for the price. Im pretty sure I could find a good deal, so I’ll probably make the jump up. The reason why I mentioned the Bel Canto brand is b/c I have some gift certificates to music direct (speaking of burning a hole). I could get a node for little to nothing if I wanted. I also, could use those towards adding to the record collection or a few other things I need to get eventually.

I’m more worried about getting a brand/product that I know I’ll be happy with and be good with for the foreseeable future. That’s why I come here... b/w Marco and you other guys, one can get some really great recs with real world experience.

Guess I could look at the entry aurrender as well since MD has it on their site