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Which of these 3 simular streamers do I select - help!

  1. Arcam rPlay ??
  2. Bluesound 2  ??
  3. Aries mini  ??


Hi please help:

I need help choosing a streamer and would prefer it be of the giant killer variety category if possible (I’ll pay a little more to get something better than Arcam rPlay, Bluesound 2, Aries mini, but prefer not to) .

I’ve having trouble finding a review on these streamers that does not factor-in their on-board DAC. I will be using my Benchmark DAC-1, so how do I judge which is the better (pure) streamer? There is also the concern of what pairs best with my revealing DAC and the sometimes mid-bloat of my 300b amp.

Equipment (I listen to Jazz mainly):
  • Benchmark DAC-1 v.G
  • Softone 300b amp with passive PA (whose volume control I will be using)
  • Druid MK IV 101db speakers
I will be streaming mainly Tidal, some flac (NAS), all exclusively via WiFi .

My dilema;
  1. Arcam: appears to have the best fidelity and power supplies of the three, though also heard it unfolds Tidal poorly...
  2. Bluesound Node II: has all the "bells and whistles’ though is 2015 technology and usually comes in 2nd or 3rd and I’ve heard it tends sacrifices natural for smooth.
  3. Aries: Also highly rated, faster pace than Bluesound, though discontinued and hard to find

Thank you in advance
128x128saffy
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
BLUESOUND 2


Matt
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
The highest resolution Tidal files, MQA, may give you some playback and dropout issues using wireless, even with the best fastest wireless in house you can muster. One reason why Bluesound upmarket Vault only supports wired internet (amongst other reasons).
That being said Bluesounds app handles Tidal way better than Tidals own does imho, and of late I have also been using Deezer as I got 3 months trial for just $0.99 a month, again through my Bluesound vault.
If there is any way you could go wired internet I think you will find your streaming options will improve period.
saffy's avatar
saffy OP
81 posts
 
Thanks, how about an Ethernet connection through my AC wiring, or is that worse?

Though if acceptable, does that not expand my options in streamers?

Like the  SOtM sMS-200 music server for instance.
amg56's avatar
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amg56
887 posts
 
@saffy For what purpose? Are you playing via Bluetooth active speakers? Or via amp?
wtf's avatar
wtf
307 posts
 
FWIW, I stream via wifi and rarely have playback issues. Tidal has frustrated more than a few with reliability regardless of wired/wifi connection. They've been very stable as of late in my part of the world.
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