Got a new Mac book pro. Still discovering what it can do. I managed to load all my music from my asus laptop to an old iPod. Then loaded it all on a thumb drive. Next step will be pictures from the asus. Can’t get my system due to renovations to my house. Delays with materials is a pain. Everything is delayed!!! Currently living in living room( sounds weird). You make an excellent point however. I’ll try as soon as I’m able.

  Funny note, I just discovered Apple has music on my wife’s Apple TV!!! Who knew? Thanks.

@twodogs112

mr Maynard was a bit demanding. Mangione was far more laid back

Fun fact: My old high school used to host Maynard and his band for a weekend of shows every 4 or 5 years. My best friend’s dad was the HS band director and was the one who coordinated the concerts. After the show, the band used to stick around and shoot hoops in the gymnasium. Maynard didn’t stick around, but the rest of the band and crew would. They always said Dennis DiBlasio was a real hoot.

Ah -- so since you already have a DAC with USB input, have you considered using your laptop/PC and the Tidal and/or Qobuz desktop app as the streamer into your PopPulse just for a quick test? That wouldn’t cost you anything other than the Tidal/Qobuz subscription fees after your free trials run out. Maybe not quite the same level of fidelity as a standalone streamer, but might be enough to give you a taste of streaming without needing to invest much of anything right away.

Thanks for the reply, mr Maynard was a bit demanding. Mangione was far more laid back. Thanks for the input on the node. A Dac  is not a concern for me, have a pop/pulse currently and just ordered a bifrost after much research. As time and funds permit I’ll upgrade to better electronics. I have many other project that take my funds and time. I’m currently restoring a 69 mg for the second time and a few other cats as well . Thanks.

@twodogs112 

I also worked the board for many well known artists visiting concert venues in my area. Just a few to mention a few, chuck mangione, Maynard furgison, and many others.

That is really cool.  I was and still am a huge Maynard Ferguson fan.  I was the weird kid in grade school/high school who preferred rocking out to Maynard's "MF Horn" albums instead of the popular rock and top 40 artists.  His "High Voltage" period is a little cringy, though...

Back to streamers, I'll also recommend the Bluesound Node as a starter.  I know you mentioned looking for used.  Just an FYI, there is a difference in processors (1 GHz in 2i vs 1.8 GHz with 64-bit support in Node) and a better DAC (192KHz max on 2i vs 384KHz on Node).  I can't personally speak to the sonic improvements due to those differences.  I own the newer Node model and have only casually listened to the older 2i at my dealer.  I'm pleased with the sound.  The reviews I've read comparing Node to Node 2i give the nod to the Node because of the better DAC.  I will hopefully be getting my new preamp soon with what I believe should be a higher end on-board DAC and am curious to see if using that DAC with the Node makes any discernible difference.

@twodogs112

Wow, didn’t intend to create a firestorm here

You will find out this happens a fair amount here.  There are even threads talking about why threads deteriorate into testy exchanges.

Like I said before look for a Sonos gen1.  You can find these for super cheap.  They dont sound as good as the BS node but it will allow you to experience streaming with a really good interface.   This will give you time to survey the landscape and do trials with streaming services, understand network,  with a minimum cash outlay.    Then if you find its for you then dump real cash on a nice streamer & DAC.

Welcome to the audio jungle.

Wow, didn’t intend to create a firestorm here. I’m not interested in changing my whole system. I have looked at the blue sound node and even though somewhat expensive for a “try it out” . I’m looking for one used for a reasonable price. Again I’m not looking to replace my system, just looking to add to it. Thanks to all. 
 I’m happy to provide some entertainment to some of you!!! Joke!!!

Another KISS thought. It’s the all in one box rather than a separates approach. These are shockingly good too!

Naim Uniti Nova

$6,899.00

Uniti Nova proof that an all-in-one player can deliver audiophile quality. Whichever source you choose, your music will be utterly transformed. Its 80-watt per channel integrated amplifier and high-resolution music streaming capabilities will fill your home with stunning high-fidelity sound. Uniti Nova is perfect as a high-end main system or even for use in the kitchen or study, where space is at a premium. Just add speakers. The Naim App for iOS and Android combines all of your music sources in one place, making Uniti Nova even more appealing.

if you do not yet have a separate DAC, you will most likely be satisfied for a long time streamer / DAC Auralic Altair G1 / G2, even second-hand - eg https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649862548-auralic-altair-g1- dacstreamer /

I came here for the advice but stayed for the entertainment. 

@cleeda , @arafiq

Thank you very much for your kind words. Absolutely I was not trying to put anyone or anything down. I am still a bit confused on @twodogs112 comments.

I am assuming it came from my comments about changing components. No value judgement involved. It is the combination of components that determine to outcome… it can be in the same price range or yes, higher can also help.

Anyway, you guys are right. I am always trying to be helpful. Thanks for noticing.

 Have a Bluesound Node as a streamer and a Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M as a DAC.  They are complimentary.  I tend to use the CA unit for high res files via a USB A connection from my Mac mini and the Node for streaming. The volume is higher and sound is brighter from the Node than if I connect the Node to the CA unit.   Eventually I will get a unit that does both, but for now I am quite pleased.  Both work well with Roon or Audirvāna. Best of luck to you. 

Welcome to the hobby!

I like analog - I still have the first album I ever bought.  And I avoided streaming for several years.  And streaming is awesome for many reasons and access and ease of use is certainly high up there on the list of reasons.

I concur with folks recommendations on the Bluesound - beside having solid functionality as a streamer/DAC it has a very user friendly interface access to internet radio, streaming subscriptions and the like.

The challenge I experienced after I appreciated the streaming benefits was the quality of reproduction between analog and digital.  So if you like digital you may be tempted like me to upgrade :)  (And boy upgrades can be fantastic and fantastically expensive :0)

The upgrades have been appreciated and I've noticed a shift in sources as my listening from predominately analog to predominately digital.

Enjoy the journey :)

@cleeds I would agree.

I have to say that @ghdprentice ’s advice was misunderstood. I have never seen him look down on anyone’s equipment. If you can get past the perceived insult (which I’m sure was not his intention), his main point is valid. I have seen many seasoned audiophiles with decent to very good analog rigs dip their toes in the streaming world, but they mostly start with entry-level gear such as Bluesound Node. Please note that there’s nothing wrong with the Node (I happen to own one in my office system), but it’s simply not fair to reach a conclusion (vinyl vs. streaming) based on comparing a decent vinyl setup to an entry-level streaming setup. You might as well be comparing apples to oranges at this point.

I also own an Innuos Zenith MK3 (+ ENO filter) in my main system, and I can tell you it’s orders of magnitude better than the Node. I have friends who own excellent vinyl-based systems, and they have commented that my main system comes very close to their vinyl systems. Just my 2 cents

Ok, moving on. Thanks for all the kind advice. To those who look down on , you are entitled to your own opinion.  I  think I’ll just move on from this forum. I don’t take lightly to those who think they are better than me!!!!

twodogs112

Cleeds, I understand your reluctance of owning  a “pricey watch”. However you missed the point ...

Thanks, that’s a great suggestion on the ht dilemma. The wife likes movies, so have to keep her happy. I have plenty of speakers to satisfy the need for ht. No need to upgrade them at this time. My end goal is to have separate ht and a separate hi fi system for my music. I have tried receivers for ht and none are up to the task for me. Used a top of the line Sony es for years until hdmi forced me to replace. The yammie is just a stop gap for now. I really can’t see putting $4000 into a dennon, marantz, arcam, or likewise at this time. 
  I’ll just take my time and wait for the good stuff to come up. I would love to get mark levenson or threshold separates it some point. I used a lot of Macintosh in my college days and it’s not for me. No offense to the Mac lovers. One step at a time, and see if it works for me. Thanks to you all.

As others have said, the Bluesound Node makes a lot of sense because it sounds good and has a good user interface. Using a streamer/DAC into the analog inputs on your Yamaha AVR and running it in 2 channel mode should work just fine.  I run that type of setup in my secondary system and music sounds significantly better than any other sources that use the DAC in my Yamaha AVR.

IMO, the Orchard Pecan Pi offers much better SQ than the Bluesound, plus it can be a Roon endpoint.  Less $ last time I looked.

For a starter streamer, I give another vote for the new Bluesound Node. The software is very easy to use. I’ve had one for about 5 months now and am pretty happy with it.

All The Best.

JD

Since HT has been mentioned a couple of times, with regard to Sound Quality, here's a solution. Build your quality 2-channel setup, using either an integrated amp, or seperate amp/pre-amp. If the integrated amp, or separate pre-amp has the HT bypass/processor loop output, you can simply add all of the HT functionality by connecting an HT receiver's front L&R pre-outs to the HT bypass inputs of the integrated amp/pre-amp. Now you have a dedicated 2-channel system without any compromising HT hardware in the mix. When you want to play HT, turn on both the 2-channel system and HT receiver, select the appropriate inputs, and off with go with multi-channel HT.

This type of combo system works like a champ. There is no compromise with the 2-channel sound quality. There may be a slight compromise to HT sound quality performance, based on the HT hardware you use, but you likely won't notice it, or hear a difference. I don't currently have this type of combo system set up, but I have had it on multiple occasions in the past. If I recall correctly, @erik_squires is currently using this type of combo 2-channel/HT setup.

What @larry5729 said. I’d start with the free plan then go to Hi-Fi @ $9.99 mth. Jury is still deliberating on whether the HiFi PLUS Tidal (with MQA) is worth the extra $10.

I’ve A/B tested the $600 BlueSound w/Tidal against ~$10K worth of analogue gear and it is remarkably good. So much so that I have zero desire to ever upgrade the Streamer (barring a large win-fall).

BlueSound Node 2i.  I would also subscribe to Tidal.

All these suggestions will work.  Up to you to decide what to buy as it's your choice and money. 

I think you will love streaming. Mostly because you will have millions of songs at your fingertips. 

Best part is that you can find a song that you like and then have the service create a playlist for you. 

After all it's about enjoying the music,  not agonizing about your system. 

I was in a similar situation when I  retired and yes it was overwhelming.   Hadn't kept up for 20 years. bought a Node 2i.  The interface is the easiest to use.  I didn't like Roon.  And you pay for it.

I put a better power supply in it.  $132.  That really helped sound.

WiFi sounds better than Bluetooth.   I  ran a CAT 6 cable from router to node2i.  I use Amazon music 8.99 a month.  Tried Qbuz but couldn't hear any difference. 

Since you are a musician you will love discovering new and old music.  70MM songs to choose from.

Once you get this up and going then you may find it good enough.  I  think it would be difficult to have home theater and 2 channel all in one, especially if you start buying  amp and preamp., but I  haven't tried it.

The Bluesound is always a solid starting point. But here is an alternative that is even cheaper way to dip your toe in the streaming waters (pun intended). Over on www.usaudiomart.com there is a SONOS Gen 1 Connect that has been modified by Wyred4Sound for digital out. Sonos still offers the Gen1 controller app. These are solid units and sound purdy good. I have had one for many years and the thing has been rock solid. You could go Coax from the Connect to the Digital in on the Yamaha pre. The price on the Connect is $200 but its been over there for several months and I bet they would entertain a little less. I still use my Sonos W4S ZP90 as a ROON endpoint on a secondary system and it works great. Then you can explore you upgrade path while have a rock bottom startup cost.

Darko Review from years ago. 

Lots of info on the signal in like this

Reading into a lot of comments here many advise dipping your toe in with a Bluesound but maybe going into a forever streamer/DAC could be a move to consider?

Please hard wire cat 5/6 (not 8) into streamer (I have gone all in with UpTone Audio EtherREGEN to clean up Ethernet line (Wow) and an external clock to keep those ones and zeros tight) I started from a computer into the stereo but that’s not as good. Hint. Hint. 

Bluesound (have one on a system in a poor acoustics room) is good but something like a New/Used Lumin T2 or Mytek Brooklyn Bridge (streamers with excellent internal DAC’s) with an external power supply and you’re close to records. I’m happy with Qobuz and it’s deep bench. 

And then there’s Roon! 
 

I’m in No Cal if…….. 
 

Cleeds, I understand your reluctance of owning  a “pricey watch”. However you missed the point. Over many years I learned to respect a person’s interests. After all who needs jewelry? You can’t eat it, sell it, drive it, hear it, etc. I get it. Individuals love their hi fi, others their cars, some have houses, some have boats, on and on. 
  The point was/is I appreciate fine craftsmanship and function. If you wear a Apple Watch that’s great, I do to. I would like to have exceptional equipment like most of you. I’ll get there, but only if it sounds good to me. 
  Above all I learned in life, never judge anyone. I have had clients that drove rusted out pick up trucks purchase $100k pieces of fine jewelry. After I got to know them, I found out that they raised race horses, for tracks like the Kentucky derby. So, I don’t judge anyone, except for their actions. 

  Remember, everyone starts somewhere. To some Adcom is their holy grail. To others mark levenson or prima Luna. To each his own.
  Thanks to all those who have been helpful. I’ll take your suggestions to heart. 
 

And I’ve also read and heard plenty of opinions that streaming anything more than CD quality doesn’t result in much improvement to SQ.

I’d like to know where you heard/read that because I couldn’t disagree more. Switching back and forth between high-res and CD quality recordings on Qobuz (I had Tidal and much prefer Qobuz that avoids the overly intrusive and limiting MQA BS and all its unfolding crap) reveals the high-res versions to be much more refined with better tonality and much less edgy or brittle sounding. Put another way, high-res just sounds less “digital” in all the good ways. Just my experience FWIW.

Bluesound Node hard wired. Very stable and user friendly app. Get an external DAC if you want to upgrade the sound later 😉 

Twodogs, you have another vote here for the latest Node as a great place to start. The sound quality is good out of the box without an external DAC, and the price is a relative bargain for what you get. 

Another thing to consider is which streaming service you want to use. Tidal has a great interface and plenty of hi-res choices, but its MQA format is viewed by some as inferior to other hi-res options. Qobuz and Amazon Music HD offer hi-res in larger file formats that might lead to more lag or buffering. And I've also read and heard plenty of opinions that streaming anything more than CD quality doesn't result in much improvement to SQ. Just another detail to obsess over for a while...

Atwodogs112

I can afford whatever I wish to buy, if I so choose. A simple question for you, how many Rolex watches do you own? I have 3. In addition to a collection of fine timepieces you probably could only dream of.

I wouldn’t put a Rolex on my wrist if you gave it to me for free. And I have better things to do than dream about pricey watches.

@twodogs112 
 

I'm not sure why you took @ghdprentice to task for his latest post.  I do believe that you took it as a swipe at you and your equipment.  I have read perhaps 1000 of his posts and I have never seen him look down on anyone or their rig.  He was simply being sincere in the post, as well as stating the obvious, which is your analog rig is of a much higher quality than your streaming/CD.

Hey, maybe I'm way off base, but I don't think so.  Also, I don't know him and I have never responded to a post on someone else's behalf.  I guess there's always a first time.

As to your original question, you won't go wrong with any of the suggestions made above.  Please understand that this will be your first streamer and you will then find yourself looking for one of higher quality.  Particularly if you are going to judge it against vinyl.  Best of luck.

Regards,

barts

I have both the Node2 and Cambridge CXN 60 in different systems.  Either is a great into to streaming that are good enough to be endpoints as well.  The CA has AirPlay and Chromecast and sounds better, as well as great Internet Radio and podcasting ability.  It cost twice the price of the Node.

I like my original Auralic Aries, purchased used, with its ultra quiet power supply. I’ve only had it for a couple of months now to, like you, check out what this streaming is all about. Auralic recommends a wireless connection, so I bought a second router. Works well. I also purchased a Network Attached Storage (NAS) hard drive to store my files once I manage to start ripping my CDs to disk. The Auralic app (must have iPhone or iPad) manages both the streaming (I’m enjoying the included internet radio stations right now), the services (must purchase premium subscriptions for Amazon and Quboz, not sure about Tidal, have to use Spotify directly), and your library. The Aries is a Roon endpoint, and I expect I will probably wind up using their services, Roon is well regarded by people whom I respect. Long story short, Auralic goes to great pains to deliver great sound quality. I’m sure your dealer can help you, I wish I had someone to guide me through the options available toward a system that works best for me.

Hello. Feel free to start Node, you won't hurt anything. p.s. a common mistake many people make is to compare their analog set, which they have built all their lives, with the most basic streamer and then make judgments that analog is better ... everything wants its own. Enjoy the world of music.

audioTroy,

the forums are not the place for you to be pushing and selling your crap, if you want to do that go into the regular audiogon sales area and push your stuff and the moderator should know better than to let people like you on here do that there's a place for it on here and it's not in the forums.

Yeah, yet another vote for the Node. Get the newest one, there is a good step up with the inboard DAC. Try it both ways to see what you prefer. Great little piece for the $$$.

No need to get worked up....there are several members who get their jollies from being condescending and judgemental while missing the whole point of the question.

I gotta throw in my vote for the Bluesound Node.

If you want to go used, the Node 2i has excellent sound, but the older Node 2 was a bit rough.

The Bluesound user interface is outstanding...one of the best. The DAC is serviceable and has good sound quality. The newest Node, I'm told is a little better than the older 2i, but I'm quite happy with my 2i.

I used the internal DAC for about 6 months and enjoyed it. After upgrading to a nicer integrated amp that has a DAC, I started using the external DAC for a slight improvement.  

The Node supports Tidal Connect as well as a couple dozen other services and radio station collections.

I'd recommend the $10 a month Tidal subscription for starters and beyond. It provides true CD quality sound. I'm not a fan of the $20 a month plan with "MQA Masters", but you can read plenty on that subject here in the forum. They just don't sound right to me...like someone played with an equalizer before posting them.

I'm an audiophile from the early 70's with several hundred LP's and only 100 CD's. Before I started streaming my listening was 85% vinyl 10% CD and 5% Bluetooth.  Now, it's 75% streaming 5% CD and 20% vinyl. When I want the best music quality, it's vinyl. But the insane quantity of available music, great sound quality and ease of managing the several thousand tracks on albums and playlists make streaming an unbeatable choice, much of the time. 

Enjoy your journey and discoveries.

As an older audio nut I sympathise, some old equipment is still fine, some is not.  I had a pair of Royd Doublet speakers for 20 years, I must have bought 8 pairs as replacements but none lasted until my recent 2 year old Audio Physic Sitara 25's. It didn't matter what else I ungraded the Royds always sounded right. Everything else was too dull or too bright or well a lot of other things. I have tried about 10 streamers and most sounded good to very good.  The main issues were not really sound quality but other things, reliability, my MicroRendu, 3 years of hell,  was hopeless and an Allo USB Bridge sent my computer into apoplexy, however both use Audirvana as an interface which I loved. I bought a Stack Link, sounded beautiful, when it worked but the app was atrocious, don't even think of using it with a mac. Next was a Lumin U1 mini, sound good but no better than a Bluesound Node I borrowed at the same time., at over twice the price and no DAC. As I had a great DAC, Denafrips Ares 2, I tried it with the Node, didn't like changes of sample rate just popped and jumped when it changed from track to track. Now I have a Lindemann Limetree Bridge, a review gave it about -5 on a scale of 1 to 10. However the whole, I mean whole problem stated was its distortion at 0.003%????? Can anyone hear that, tube amps are about 0.1%. This cost AUD$1000, app is nice, it never drops out, no problem with the Denafrips, It sounds at least as good as any other platform I have tried or listened to, including $10,000 worth of Moon. Go listen, after all that is what we buy hifi for, in the end however unless your system cost squillions, it may well be other things that influence your choice.

@twodogs112 no need to be sorry. Your gear is your gear and streaming is fine for some and vinyl for others. If you love your setup that is all that matters.

Yes there is some audio snobbery here for sure.

Sorry for the spelling, got kind of worked up.

To ghdprenice, your comments are way out of line. Just because my equipment is older and not a 100,000 system. You lol down on me. I should tell you that I was a sound engineer during my college days. I also worked the board for many well known artists visiting concert venues in my area. Just a few to mention a few, chuck mangione, Maynard furgison, and many others. I also worked the board for the Jacksonville symphony orchestra for several concerts. I am also a trained singer, although that was not my final profession. I am a retired master jeweler with over 40+ years of service to my clients. I have a better ear than most professionals I know. 
  My equipment is what I like, not what someone tells me what I should have based on their own opinion. I had Adcom separates before most people knew what they were. I purchased electrostatic speakers before most knew what they were( acoustat, still have them. Purchased Martin Logan before anyone knew who they were. My Kef 105/2 are perfect in sound and looks, even though they are 40+ years old. Despite the not up to date electronics , I’ll put my system up agains any ones. 
  After a long absence from this hobby, I was seeking advise from those who are more up to date. Not be looked down upon. I can afford whatever I wish to buy, if I so choose. A simple question for you, how many Rolex watches do you own? I have 3. In addition to a collection of fine timepieces you probably could only dream of. 
   Sorry for the rant, I just don’t Belitung being judged by someone who does not know me. Don’t like lp’s , come listen to king James on direct to disc on my system, you might be surprised. 
  Thanks to all who gave objective advice, it’s greatly appreciated. Twodogs112.

I see many mentions of the BlueSound Node 2i and also mentions that you are using it with an external DAC. I understand that the newest (current) BlueSound Node has improved sound quality from it's internal DAC vs. the previous Node 2i. Can anyone that has compared the previous Node 2i with the new/current Node comment regarding any sound quality improvements they heard with the latest Node? Just curious. I have a DAC in my Rega Saturn-R CD player/DAC/transport that I could use with a new Node, if needed. But I would also be curious to know if the newest Node, using it's internal DAC, would be adequate free-standing for my needs in a second system.

I, too, went down that path.  Bluesound Node2i is a fine streamer; great user interface app.  I bypassed its dac in favor of the dac in a Cambridge CXA81.  This was a major improvement in SQ.  So, I would recommend the Bluesound as long as you expect to upgrade the dac later.  An excellent alternative is the Cambridge CNXV2, as noted above.  I have a Node2i I'm not using.  PM me 8f you are interested.