Will a Chord Hugo 2 make a music streamer addition obsolete?

I just read in a Chord Qutest forum that one of the RCA outputs can be used to run headphones (confirmed by R. Watts) so maybe I’ll go with Qutest, save $2k, add in a LPS and figure out the streamer later.

I’m so changeable!

Chord makes great stuff but it won’t replace network players ie streamers as we call them now. I went the computer/bluos route for many years and when I finally evolved from using a computer it was like night and day, I agree with @carlsbad, “it sucked.” In addition to a variety of functional things, the noise level a computer puts out kills the party. Do yourself a favor and don’t go there. 

I would not say that a streamer is equally as important as a DAC but it is important. I tried to use a PC, MAC etc and it was noisy.  I went with a BlueSound Node 2i and had that for years and it was great, then I upgraded the DAC....then upgraded the streamer.  I prefer Auralic due to build quality and user interface.  I won't spend money on Roon so a strong user interface is great and Auralic has one. Also out of all the major streamers only Auralic provides all three: Qobuz, Tidal, & Amazon. About to make one more tweak to the DAC section and then I should be calling it... Used Bluesound nodes are a good place to start and they are rock solid....  They also support all three major services!   (Auralic G1, Denafrips Ares II)

@alerrico 

@dinov 

Your input is rock solid. I’m going to pull the trigger on a Bluesound Node this week. Guys from Chord will demo gear in my area in May, with special pricing, at which time I’ll buy the Qutest, and a LPS+ LINEAR POWER SUPPLY from LTA.

I attended a demo session recently and it blew me away, can barely listen to my own system anymore. Im very excited to make these key updates so I can enjoy music again!

OP,

I have the Node N130 with a linear power supply and a good USB cable and am surprisingly pleased. Even without the the power supply, it’s hands down better than using a Desktop/Laptop.

All the best!