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Digital Front end for Dummies

Have been an analog guy and will likely continue to be but am getting fiber optic Internet (I live in the middle of nowhere so this is a big deal) and am interested in developing a digital front end. My goal is really just to have a streaming set up, either Tidal or Qobuz, with a solid DAC. My dilemma is that I don't want an all in one as I feel like I'd rather have the opportunity to change DAC's later if I want. I also don't want to lay out a pile of money all at once. Wondering if I should get something like a Bluesound Node 2 to start and then add a DAC later or go with a less expensive front end like an Audioengine B-Fi and spend more on a DAC like a used Ayre Codex, Schiit Gungnir, or Denafrips Area II. Rest of my system is:
Rogue Audio RP-7Rogue Audio M180 monoblocksVandersteen Quatro Woods
rmdmoore
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,808 posts
 
I think you've hit the nail on the head grab a Bluesound node 2, to start or possibly forever, and add a DAC like the ones you mentioned. I have the Gungnir multi bit in my system and its great specially for the money. 

reason i say start with the Bluesound node 2i is simplicity and a very good app design (this is how you control it). later when your more confident in the various ways to stream add something better with out a huge loss in money from the node or obviously use it elsewhere. 

a good source of information about various streaming solutions is John Darko (audio reviewer YouTube channel) well he does everything else as well but has quite a bit of streaming DAC content. 

BACK TO BASICS Part 2: Music servers & network streamers - YouTube

glen 
tomstruck's avatar
tomstruck
354 posts
 
My digital front end is Ayre Codex and Bluesound Vault 2i using Qobuz 
you can check out the rest in virtual systems 

Enjoy the Music 
Tom
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,648 posts
 
Everyone should start with a Blesound and then you'll know where to go next.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Why start there fuzztone? I don't stream, I do use the heck out of the Music Channel. 1-2 hours a day an hour of TT or CDs. I don't know if that is streaming or not. I'm savy in analog ok, but digital, music I need to figure out a few things.. 

Why Bluesound? Not trying to hijack the thread OP.. I'm one of the, 
(I guess dummies), when it comes to DEEP digital music source understanding.

Getting the best results with digital music and a particular analog device. I want to archive the material and then reproduce it.. RtR to be more exact. I like it.. SOURCE material.. is just way to scarce and not much of what I like.. I can learn.. :-)

My DACs are Mac, Krell and Cocktail, couple more.. These are HQ streaming devices, that require good DACs correct?

Analog!  I still crank up the Victrola.. no line in or out on that one.. LOL

Regards
mahler123
3,653 posts
 
A Bluesound Node 2i is a great place to start.  Don’t do the multiple unit/whole house thing, because they are more prone to failure when bought in multiple units.  Irish compatible with every streaming service imaginable and the supplied DAC is adequate.  If you take to streaming than it will be worth a few hundred bucks to upgrade the DAC.  The best feature about Bluesound is the BluOS app.
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