@ianrmack
I have also looked a threads where someone is compared the bluesound to the Lumin and could not reliably tell the difference. Hard to justify the expenditure. I perhaps see where you got the idea for the WLAN device. It's recommended with the purchase of the Lumin on the Upscale Audio webpage. Then again, from my understanding, the Lumin does not have a built in wifi signal receiver so you pretty much have to use a device like this if your Lumin is not right by your modem. All this stuff can make your head spin. Time to go listen to some vinyl!
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I am using a Netgear power line 1200 for my node 2i. No long wire no wifi no drop outs. By passing the dac with AQ Carbon coax into an RME ADI2 set on the nos filter. The sound is fantastic. So good I just ordered an Audio Mirror Troubadour to add the tubes with the nos sound. Hope I like it. Going to feed that to an AR LS28se. Get a 14 day demo period on the dac. |
@knighttodd
Be curious to hear how the Audio Mirror Troubadour compares to the RME. Is your RME the latest fs version or previous DAC? If you end up keeping the RME, you’ll be surprised how much better it sounds with a Teddy Pardo power supply. Really takes it to another level in all areas, especially a more open stage. The finer details gets even better with a much lower noise floor. Teddy Pardo delivered will set you back $400. |
Interesting that you bring up the Tubadour, it is one of the DACs I was considering to hook up to the Node 2i before I bought the Musical Paradise DAC. Being in Canada it would be an issue with customs and such to buy and return it if I didn't like it. The MP DAC fell in my lap and though it's not R2R is all tube, non oversampling, including tube rectification, built like a tank with user upgradable coupling caps. Very well reviewed on the boards and was a no brainer for me as the designer/company owner lives in my province.
That being said, a good buddy of mine who lives in the US is a retired classical musician with an outstanding audio system and a very critical ear. And he is a hardcore vinyl guy,
I turned him onto the Tubadour and he has had it for about 2 weeks and loves it. And I would expect it would even better if you rolled out the tubes Vlad puts in them.
Something like a Reflector 74/75 SWGP from the USSR would sing in it. My DAC runs 6dj8 or equivalents (same as the Tubadour) and these particular Russian Tubes walk all over the Amperex Bugle Boys I was using. I think you will love the Tubadour over the RME if you want more music and less of an analytical sound. |
Wouldn’t call the RME analytical at all unless ones system is bright to begin with. The RME is very revealing but it’s not bright or analytical. My guess is those that claim so haven’t really heard one or if they have not set up well, or were using Toslink and maybe standard Spotify or Tidal.
I’m running my RME currently direct to a Pass X250 into Aerial Acoustics 7Bs which is far from an overly soft setup. I also own a ModWright LS36.5 preamp which is a fine preamp and the RME direct loses a little of the warmth the MW adds but makes up for it with its crystal clean refined top end and lower noise floor with extended bass slam.
Owned tube amps over the years which I enjoyed but I’ll take transparency over things being rolled off. I do currently own a tube phono preamp as well. I’m sure the Tubadour is a fine product that I have not heard, but I would not write off the RME, especially with a better power supply. |
If I was using USB to the dac, then the pc/Mac/streamer could make a difference because some vendors try to make USB sound better. Since I don't use USB, then no. All a streamer server is is a proprietary computer, most of the time running linux, and a proprietary version of linux at that. Most streamers have more processing power than what's needed but probably makes it easier for some to charge the higher prices. Its pretty hard to justify a $13k streamer with hardware that's over the top to a 8 year old Mac mini that runs Roon with 6 end points that takes 15% of the mini's resources, again, not using USB |
adg101. I do have the fs model. I have looked into the Teddy Pardo. After having spent the money for the upgraded pc on the BS I didn't see any improvement. If you say there is an improvement using the TP power I would need to try myself. Don't know what the return policy is. In my own mind I don't think there is that much difference when using small PC. Also I read from RME that they supply the unit with the best PC and any other would not add any extra benefits. Again results are always different in your own system, mine included. Thanks for reminding me about the TP. |
I am using the BS 2i with a MQA DAC.
Sounds fantastic and don't plan to upgrade the streamer for now.
Spend time reading music reviews and exploring new (to me at least) albums and artists.
I find the quality of the recording makes a huge difference. Greater than any one piece of equipment.
Is not enjoying the music the reason we spent so much time and money on our great systems
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It certainly is, vanson1.
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Unfortunately, all the variables mentioned do have an impact. IMHE, an improved streamer will make a bigger difference than just adding ethernet vs. wifi. One important part of that change is that most users of betters streamers will be more likely to use a high quality linear power supply on the streamer. Don't underestimate the value of the LPS!
If wiring ethernet through your house isn't an option, powerline adapters that use the copper already routing electrical are a good interim option. Here's an example of the current model of one I used successfully. https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AV600-Powerline-Ethernet-Adapter/dp/B00AWRUICG?th=1
Mesh is simply a better WIFI methodology. It still sends wifi through the air and noise degradation is still an issue. I have Eero mesh wifi and it sounds nowhere near as good as wired ethernet (between router, Synology NAS and Sonicorbiter in one room and audio rig including ethernet to opticalRendu in the other room).
I would sum up this thread in order of priority as:
- upgrade the streamer including LPS. Lean towards something compatible with Roon, Squeezebox or OpenHome DLNA/UPnP apps to limit reliance on a small development team.
- use ethernet if possible, powerline adapter otherwise, any wifi as last option.
While the Teac mentioned may be a great choice, I'd think of it similar to integrated amps vs. separate amp/pre. IMHO, I'd prefer separates in anticipation of future DAC upgrades, based on the frequent progress in DACs. YMMV. Cheers,
Spencer
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@sbank That's a cool gadget for sure but how could that sound better than wifi? Only asking because I use a mesh setup too and hardwire from the base of one of the mesh units but I cant see how using something where the signal is going thru actual electrical current could be cleaner than a wireless wifi signal.
If so then I'm all in on one of those units but I just can't see how that could be a cleaner signal, wouldn't there be noise introduced that way even more so?
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@blkwrxwgn I can’t explain it, and would say with Amazon, it can’t hurt to try and see. The same same concern crossed my mind. Maybe airborne RFI, EMI, etc are more detrimental than the noise they the copper electrical? A few on audiophilestyle reported good results, so I tried it until running ethernet was an option for me. If someone explains why it wouldn’t make sense, that’s fine. Cheers,
Spencer
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Just about ready to order one of these powerline adapters on Amazon to try hooking up via ethernet. In the description it states that both the "send" and "receive" units need to be on the same circuit. Since my modem is upstairs which is a different circuit (on my circuit breaker), than my audio system, which is one floor below, will this no longer work?
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Bluesound is great with a wired either net connection, good external DAC and decent cables. I could not say one is better than the other compared to the U1.
Sounds maybe a bit different but not better.
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I used Bluesound products (Vault 2 and the latest Node) for several years combined. In my experience streaming via Bluesound sounds best when wired (vs. wireless), which in my case was with a wireless extender. Adding a DAC is also a BIG plus... and upgrading the power cord helped some as well.
However, I just made the jump to an Aurender N10 server/steamer... and the improvement in sound quality in upgrading my streamer/server was significant. Granted I went from a Bluesound that retails for $600 to an Aurender that goes for $8,000... so not an apples to apples comparison. But for those that claim all "bits are bits" and all servers sound about the same, I don't find that to be true.
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Alvin, I have a Bryston BDP Pi that I bought to replace my aging MacMini. The improvement was obvious, the MacMini sounded sluggish by comparison. I also connected the Pi to a linear power supply. I’m running the Pi to an Ayre QB9 Twenty DAC via usb cable. Send me a personal email if you wish and I can add further to the upgrade.
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There is a difference between DACs but that difference can only be perceived through high-end sources and speakers
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Thanks everyone, very useful. Looks like many worthwhile experiences in upgrading the streamer and no doubt there is a significant difference when going from a Node to a $8000 Aurender as pdewher did. Of course the million dollar question is how much does one need to spend to make a cost effective upgrade if $8000 is more than one wants to spend? Any suggestions? Would an Aurender N100 be enough to justify the expenditure or must one go up the food chain further?
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@alvinnir2 Even an upgrade from Macmini to a modest Sonore microRendu w/LPS made a significant improvement in my pretty resolving system(Soundlabs, Krell amp, BAT preamp). Cheers,
Spencer
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@sbank I found the same when I went from my Macbook to the Node 2i.
Well, I did get and installed today the powerlink devices you suggested so I could hook up the Node 2i via ethernet and I'm glad I did. I does sound better, mostly with respect to greater dynamics.
In fact I played the first cut from the Chick Corea/Steve Gadd release " Chinese Butterfly" which I highly recommend if you like contemporary jazz. "Chick's Chums" has some great drumming on it and when the drum intro kicks in I nearly jumped out of my seat. Good Times!
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@alvinnir2 Great to hear that those powerline adapters worked out for you.
Steve Gadd's drumming on Aja title track is one of my all time favs. Thanks for the recommendation. Cheers,
Spencer
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