I just sold my Holo May DAC, Auralic Aries G2.1 streamer, Gryphon Diablo 300 Integrated. I ordered the Boulder 866 2 weeks ago and I should have it within a week or 2. I’ll let you know if it works out
Dazed and confused about streamer upgrade
I started a thread in the amp/preamp section asking about an integrated amp upgrade and got some good advice that made re-think my upgrade path. I have a Macintosh MA8900, driving Vandersteen Treo CT’s, with a six pack of Rel S510’s. I use a BluOS Node 2i as a streamer. No CD’s, no need for storage. I had thought about upgrading the Mac to a Boulder 866, but am now thinking I may get a bigger improvement for less dollars by upgrading the BluOS next. I don’t know much about DACs and streamers, but am thinking that I should look at streamers only, since the 866 has a good DAC, and why pay for a combo DAC/ Streamer when the DAC will be bypassed. Suggestions for a $3k to $5k streamer? Or stick with upgrading the Mac? Thanks for any help!
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@cosmic_charlie - I have the Node 2i in my system and use the onboard DAC, but I took a very different approach to improving sound quality. I use very good cables i.e. both power and interconnect cables. The resolution of the Node 2i is exceptional - i.e. when the cables allow it to be. Unfortunately the cables I use are an extremely good DIY cable geometry, built from scratch using high quality parts/wires, so they are a little expensive and not for a novice DIYer. But there are members willing to make them. Take a look at this thread on the cable forum to give oyu an idea as to how good these cables are... https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/duelund-conversion-to-diy-helix-geometry-cabling If you want to go with commercially available cables I recommend cables from - Nordost - Inakustik - KLE Innovations, It may seem strange to equip, what is seemingly a budget streamer with expensive cables, but most of todays electronics is extremely good, but to keep costs low they skimp on power supply - adding good power cables elevates the Node 2i to exceptional levels of performance - adding good IC’s allow the Node 2i to convey its exceptional sound quality FYI - I use the Node 2i connected via Ethernet - which improved sound greatly and I stream content from internet radio, Amazon Music and my NAS drive - they all sound amazing I originally had the Node 2, but the Node 2i proved to be a lot better. Another option would be to use one of the NAD streamers. The two companies are "related" and share a lot of the internal design approaches, but the NAD has a better power supply. If you have any questions - ask away :-) Regards - Steve |
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