Blue sound Node 2 vs Lumin D1

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to spend a few hours to audition the Bluesound Node 2 and the Lumin D1 (as well as the Lumin M1 integrated amp/streamer). Both are really outstanding products. For sheer sound quality, the Lumin D1 was definitely a step above the Node 2. It offered more detail and air and all of the things that you expect for roughly four times the price of the Node 2. I also really liked the upsampling capability that improved (to my ears) the sound on files streaming at 16/44.1. The interface on their app using an iPad was a pleasure but note that their app is only available for Apple - no Android. There are all sorts of very flexible and easy upsampling features. The Lumin D1 really sings on MQA files. The quality was about as good as I have ever heard for electronically reproduced sound. (BTW, this was a surprise as before listening to the Lumin D1, I would not have counted myself as a fan of upsampling.) If what you want is the best quality streaming and a great interface, the Lumin D1 merits a listen. And the new D2 promises to be even better. It is a compact and attractive unit, as well.

Now for the Node 2. Functioning as a streamer on non-MQA files, it was very solid, if not outstanding. To my ears, it was very close to the quality of the built-in DAC on my Hegel H80. Where it really was outstanding was on those MQA files where it delivered much of the improvement that I could hear on the Lumin D1. If you are a Tidal subscriber and not yet ready to invest in a Lumin streamer, the Node 2 will very likely represent an upgrade on your present DAC for MQA files and, at the price, it seems very hard to go wrong.

The Node 2 offers somewhat more flexibility than the Lumin does. It has optical and USB inputs and offers wifi and Bluetooth connectivity. The Lumin D1 offers none of these. Bluesound also offers an Android app, in addition to Apple.

I don't have much to say about the Lumin M1 except that I liked it less (as an amplifier) than the Hegel H80 and that its built-in streamer did not offer all of the features (e.g. upsampling) of the D1.

If possible you may want to consider the Bluesound big boy, the Vault 2.
One good reason stands out compared to the node2 and its internet connection.
The vault 2 is hard wired only and you will get better signal with practicality zero chance of dropouts.
I use this and steam tidal out to my Hegel h300 and the sq is beyond Redbook CD.
You easily control the vault or node direct from phone or tablet, apps for Android and Apple are very well supported and constantly updated. Indeed the vault is also updated on a regular basis, another advantage of permanent hard wired Ethernet.
Lots of other services supported too like Amazon prime, Quboz etc. Also the internet radio stations are very good too.
Another advantage on the vault is that IF you decide to rip your CD collection, well you already have the means.
Outputs on the Vault are coax and toslink digital and single ended RCA analog.
Just a thought, you can pick them up for about $1000 online

I think you are correct, hard wired will produce the best results. The Vault 2 is great, since it can rip your CDs but the Node 2 CAN be hardwired just like the Vault for half the price.
I have heard great things about the Lumin. But again, as in all things we buy, the more money can buy a better product. I consider Bluesound.... affordable hi-fi!

i can tell you that a Vault or Aries Mini feeding a Lampizator Amber II into Vandersteen 2’s will just knock your socks off !

people complain about ultra high end $$$$$ but IMO we are living in great times for affordable high end

add a nice integrated and Tidal and you are cooking with Nitroglycerin 

Exactly Tomic601

The budget equipment of today with the advances in technology and manufacturing wipes the floor with budget equipment of old.
Obviously the more you spend the better sq you can get but it seems the low end starting point keeps raising the bar significantly each year.

My second system cost under $1k and tbh when I listen I sometimes wonder why I have 40x that amount in my main rig!
But that is why this is a hobby....lol