2. digital
  3. 139093-74233

Streamer Advice: Bluesound Node 2 vs Aries Mini vs Oppo

Hello,

I know a lot of these advice threads already exist, and plenty of useful info from those. I’m looking for a network streamer with a budget of $500 ($600 is my absolute max). I’ll be playing my own redbook quality FLAC files, and streaming via Tidal. The Bluesound Node 2 and Auralic Aries Mini each check a lot of boxes for me, but I’m having a hard time finding an Aries Mini for sale.

My questions are...

Is there a significant benefit to the Aries Mini over the Bluesound Node 2? If folks think I’m better off with the Aries Mini I don’t mind waiting, and continuing the search for one.

And would an Oppo BDP-103 or BDP-105 be a better choice compared to either the Bluesound or Auralic?

I can’t afford the prices that Oppo UDP models are fetching, but I’m finding a lot of BDP-103s between $300-$500 and even some BDP-105s around $500-$600.

Having a Blu-Ray, CD, SACD player coupled with streaming is very enticing. Since Oppo’s digital components are no longer in production my hesitation is software support potentially going away.

Thanks, and cheers!
- MD


128x128stereosanctity
rhljazz
1,255 posts
 
I’m using the internal dac which is the impressive part.  The 2i is plugged into a Shunyata Hydra.  Cabling to the preamp is Morrow MA3.  I am just now past the 100 hour mark.  My systems are on my page.
russellrcncom
314 posts
 
Back to the Ethernet connection on the 2i:  Do I have to use this to make it work?  I don't have a LAN line in the room I plan on installing the 2i and introducing an adapter doesn't seem like a good idea.  Can't I just use this via wifi?  I'm streaming Tidal and Pandora thru an Audioengine B1 (eg via Bluetooth) which is looking long in the tooth. 
reubent
7,004 posts
 
@russellrcncom - I don't own the Bluesound, but I'm interested in their products and I've discussed this with a local dealer.....

For the Node 2i, you DO NOT need ethernet connection. You can stream wireless via WiFi. For the Vault 2i, you DO need an ethernet connection.

Actual owners, feel free to correct me if I am wrong.......


maritime51's avatar
maritime51
1,288 posts
 
My node 2 uses WiFi....
spatialking's avatar
spatialking
610 posts
 
I own BlueSound equipment.   You do need a hardwire connection to the web for the Vault2 or 2i.   The Node will work on wireless and communicate to the Vault2 via wireless, but how well both work is dependent on the internet modem you have.  I had to put the AT&T modem in bridge mode and buy a separate wireless router.  Also, before you buy, do play with the software a bit.  That BlueSound software is not the best out there, rather I consider it to be rather brain dead.  I got a Roon license and Roon is light years ahead of the BlueSound sw. 
More to discover