Streaming Tidal - What hardware is out there beyond the Bluesound


Bluesound Node 1 has been great with streaming Tidal. I’ve upgraded my system and believe that I can likely do better with the sound quality. This is especially given that Tidal is adding more and more hi def music.

I’m thinking the Bluesound Node 2 as the natural upgrade. I would like to know if there are other options to get the best sound. I can’t spend more than $500 on the equipment.

Adam

Magnepan MG .7
Audible Illusions Modulus 2d
Bryston 4b-st amp
Rythmik f12 sub
Bluesound Node
Tidal streaming
amritash
The Bluesound makes it so easy to connect different rooms and also stream high quality music.
I had Airfoil previously, but the Bluesound is much better.
I've found out that the bluesound node 1 and 2 have the same quality sound.  I should have said that I was interested in getting the most out of their new MQA Masters.  So, if the bluesound node 1 can open the MQA which they can then perhaps I can upgrade the sound by adding a nicer DAC to it?  
I know many music lovers use a pc/mac to stream music but in my opinion they are a terrible choice and a lot of people spend all kinds of extra money trying to fix the "dirty" USB or jitter issues, buying USB isolators, reclockers, purifiers, silver USB cables...etc. Funny thing is that many end up paying the same amount of money as buying a quality music server like an Aurender or a Melco.  My advice is to save the trouble and invest in a good music server/streamer with linear power and a built in audio quality USB bus.  I stream Tidal through an Aurender N100H connected to an Ayre Codex via AQ Coffee USB cable and I get excellent sound, no USB isolator or purifer needed.  Not as good as the Aurender but the Bluesound devices seems to be pretty good as well.  Good luck! 
@amritash 
I use the Node 1 and output to my DAC. So using the Bluesound App, I will connect to Tidal and use Tidal's MQA unfolding (which isn't a complete unfolding). The Bluesound does no MQA unfolding itself.
The alternative is to get a DAC with MQA capability, but, for me, I don't find the upgrade in sound reproduction to be worth it. In fact, I find Spotify (Premium) to be more than enough for my needs. 
If I want to pursue higher fidelity, I would play my CD's. But, I have to say, I haven't played any for almost a year. I find the convenience and the completeness of the Spotify catalog outweighs any fidelity shortcomings.- And, in probably a couple of years, sound reproduction will have improved even more.
If you want to ditch the PC, then get a Bluesound Vault for streaming local music. In fact, I may be going that direction, too.
bob
@nycjlee,
I hope those Vandies are keeping you happy. And +1 for the Ayre Codex, when I stopped by Audioconnection, Johnny played music through the Bluesound Vault and the Codex. It was so impressive, I bought a used on here on Agon.
B