New streamer


I recently opened a discussion on upgrading my DAC. I started at the beginning of that discussion, that I was a vinyl guy, but with my purchase of the Chord Qutest, I realized that digital music can be outstanding and want to now upgrade my Node.

That will provide 2 benefits: Maximizing my current systems digital, and allow me to move the Node & Schiit Modi Multibit 2 to the family room, a small HT setup with a Yamaha AVR driving a Goldenear soundbar. Streaming there is currently MusicCast using the AVR DAC.  The improvement there should be very nice. 

My 2 channel equipment is as follows: 

Rogue RP-1 w/ NOS Brimar’s, LSA Warp 1, KEF R11’s, Rhythmic F12SE, Pro-ject 1Xpression w/Hana ML, Rega Aria, Bluesound Node w/Qubuz, Marantz CD6007, Chord Qutest. Good to very good power, speaker, interconnect cables.  
My weakest link (I believe) is now my Node. 
I don’t want or need amplification or volume control, ripping storage, nor an internal DAC. Sound signature should be neutral. 
My budget is $2,500, but willing to spend less. My current favorites are:

Lumin U2 mini. Very well reviewed, beautiful, perfect form factor, good app & controllable via my Harmony One remote. It is currently my #1 choice.

Auralic Aris. If new, the G1.1, if used G2.0 or 2.1. Very well reviewed, good app, OK form factor, but not controllable via harmony.  
Naim ND5 XS2. Considered the best high end streamer by What Hi Fi  Would need to buy used to stay close to budget.

EverSolo DMP-A6. Included based upon reviews, but may not be a serious contender. 
HiFi Rose RS250A. The streamer EverSolo seemed to copy  

Aurender. Don’t think they have anything within my budget, but included for discussion.

 LPS upgrade for Node. Included because I know it will come up. Plan to reuse my node downstairs, so out. Would prefer LPS upgrade for one of the above.  

Please let me know your thoughts and/or recommendations. Thanks!

 

 

128x128signaforce

Go Oktoresearch and save space and money with a better preamp, dac and streamer all in one Stereophile A + rated unit. Get it for free when you sell your pre and dac!

@signaforce

Congratulations on your purchase of N150. Please post your impressions once you’ve settled with N150. And you may already know this, N150’s performance can be further enhanced with a good quality PC, LAN and USB cables.

@lalitk 

Thank you, I think I will be very happy. Will do on the performance. Stealing my high quality PC from my AVR (with the recent add of my Rouge pre, it is now only used for HT). Bought a good quality USB cable (XLO UltraPLUS) & have quality CAT 8 LAN cable on order. Should be set! 

@signaforce

Looks like you’re all set!

From what I’ve read here, streamer probably the most under appreciated component in digital streaming. Many here believe that quality of streamer don’t or can’t possibly matter and high quality streamers are nothing more than a computer with fancy parts.

In my experience, the upper echelon brands like Aurender, listening becomes a highly sweet endeavor. I started out with N100 (10 years ago) and kept moving up within Aurender line. IMHO, Aurender streamers possess a highly engaging DNA and presents music in a balanced way.

Enjoy!