I'm not one to spend great sums on digital either. It changes way to fast. Would like to try an Ayre Codex with optical to my Node 2. Although I would lose the MQA. If that is important or not....
Tim
Tim
Best player for Spotify
gdnrbob- you have a killer combo there. The BS Node and the Ayer Codex must sound fantastic. For the OP, yeah that would work great for Spotify but Tidal or any other streaming service that allows for hi-res music will sound stunning out of gdnrbob's pairing of components. Currently, I just happen to like some select MQA masters albums on Tidal. |
I don’t claim this is the best but I use a Raspberry Pi to stream Spotify. Mine has a Allo Boss DAC HAT. Check out this review: http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2017/08/allos-digione-pulls-five-star-sound-quality-from-the-raspb... I use Volumio software with spotify connect and is very easy to install and use with my android phone as remote. |
The Node 2 would be an excellent low cost starting point for you. It has a very good high speed processor and a decent built-in DAC. If you're willing to spend more, the Cambridge Audio 851N would be a good upgrade. I currently have one in my main system and am enjoying it. It's internal DAC is a definite upgrade from the Node 2 and it can double as a very good digital pre-amp which may be an upgrade over your current preamp, as long as you don't need any analog inputs for CD, tuner or turntable. |