Streamer Advice: Bluesound Node 2 vs Aries Mini vs Oppo

Exactly what Everest audio said!
The dac in the node2 is its weakest link imhoRunning it into a quality dac gives superb resultsIf however you do not have a seperate dac and budget does not allow for one then the Oppo MAY be slightly better and of course you get a cd/sacd/dvd/bluray player to boot!
The airies mini is great little unit but as already stated well out of production and it seems owners are hanging onto them.
Good luck!

I cannot talk to the other players on your list, but for me, the Node 2 has proven to be an exceptional value.

The sound quality improves immensly when treated to great cables (i.e. power and IC’s), to the point that I have stopped looking to achieve any further improvements in sound quality - it sounds phenominal!

The last tweak was adding brass cone feet under the Node 2 - this provided the icing on the cake by creating an expansive image with pintpoint placement of musicians.

For some interface functions (i.e. playlists) I found the computer version of the player-app to be easier to work with, but for general playing and song selection the smartphone/tablet app is very well thought out and versatile

I also have the PowerNode 2 on my TV system. Another excellent product with superb imaging and enough power for my needs. Whether streaming via ethernet or listening to the TV via the toslink input, the sound is very three dimensional and enveloping.

I have no doubt there are better players on the market, but not for $600 - well except for maybe the new Node 2i :-)

BTW - I just compared the specs of the 2 vs. 2i and the only difference appears to be the wireless capability i.e.
- 802.11 b/g/n WiFi vs. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac, dual-band)

https://www.bluesound.com/products/node-2/
https://www.bluesound.com/products/node-2i/

So if you are not that picky about dual band, you can pick the Node 2 up for $528 (i.e. until supply runs out) or pickup a previously enjoyed unit for even less. Both are bargains in my book for theri price

Best of luck - Steve :-)

While the Node 2i specs out the same, they made changes to the layout of the circuitry and signal path which has improved the sonics considerably according to What Hi-Fi. 

All great advice, tips, and info!!!  Thanks everyone!

So sounds like it's not worth holding out for an Aries Mini.  I see one come up maybe once a month or so (searching via eBay or Hifishark), but it does seem like owners are not letting those go.

Appreciate the tips on the Bluesound Node 2 as well as it's differences to the Node 2i.  And also sounds like I'll be in good shape with an Oppo BDP-103 purchase.

Appreciate the tip on the CA CXN refurbished model.  Will look at those too.

Cheers!!

It's also worth noting that I plan on using the internal DAC of whichever streamer/component I end up with.