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Newbie needs Streamer Advise

Hi , I am relatively new to digital streaming and Hi Fi too, for that matter . So I have assembled a modest system and wish to replace my old Windows 7 laptop as my source .                                         My system is currently the following . Laptop with a Cardas Clear USB. Musical Fidelity’s M1CDT transport, A Schiit Yiggy , Rogue RP1 preamp , Dennis Had Inspire SEP amp. Zu Omens , Klipsch RF sub , Monster HTS 1600 Power center . All my tubes are high quality NOS and some new production power tubes.  My Interconnects are unbalanced Morrow MA5, CD has a Morrow Digital Coax , speaker cables are Anti - Cables Level 3. Power cables are Silnote Poseidon and an Analysis digital power cord on the Yiggy .                                       The Klipsch sub and the Monster power center are next up to be replaced . I’m running low power (12 wpc ) and the sub is straight into the wall socket . Right now I have no issues with grounding, noise or amp being underpowered .                                So back to streaming . I’m using Tidal and I am happy with their service. I have fast internet . I am however limited to WI FI for my Connection . I’m considering products like an Aurilic Mini or a Bluenode2 . I want to replace the laptop with something that I could control from an IPhone or IPad . I’m also interested in any experience with Amarro or some of the other services. I would like to budget at $1k as it’s a new venture for me .                           So please chime in and don’t forget to DUMMY DOWN your vocabulary for this neophyte.            Respectfully, Mike B. 
buellrider97
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
I am going to assume that the sq from the node 2 is similar to the vault 2 which i have owned for over a year now and still feel no need to replace.
Even though in theory the analog outs of the vault/node support full 192, I still found that I preferred the sq out of the vault via coax into the dac of my Exogal Comet or lately the DAC of my Hegel H160. That is just my opinion in my system and ymmv.

I also own an Oppo 105 and although very slight I think the vault has the edge on Tidal playback.
That being said the Oppo is a fantastic all in one solution that does give you access to a lot of additional media like sacd. bluray audio etc.

You would likely be happy with either or for 2k you can get both!
2psyop's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
2psyop
1,632 posts
 
“You would likely be happy with either or for 2k you can get both!”

uberwaltz- A brilliant solution. If the OP does not like how both units fit into his hi-fi needs, he can sell the one he does not want. Both of these units the Oppo and Bluesound are popular now. Both get fantastic reviews from users.

In fact many retailers have a generous return policy. It is likely he could just return the brand he does not like. I say get both!!
buellrider97 OP
416 posts
 
@mattmiller , Today I pulled the Monster power out . I also installed two Orange Hubbell 20 amp outlets . Just put everything back together . I need to let it warm up for a full day before I do any critical listening . My Richard Grey 600S  arrived in black and was returned for silver  , so within the next week , I’ll add that to the mix. Still haven’t pulled the trigger on a streamer . I’m receiving 2 NOS GENELAC GOLD LION KT-88’s with the power supply too . Due to purchasing 6 Metallica tickets yesterday , I won’t be getting the streamer in March . I did hear some hum on my system without the Monster , but I have flouresent lights and dimmer lights . I turned them off and it was immediate quiet .  I’ll let you know what happens after my system settles back in and also down the road with the power supply . Will probably get the Node2 in about 3-4 weeks when I return from Maui . Thanks for the guidance , Mike B.
iseland's avatar
iseland
152 posts
 

@buellrider97 

sorry but i needed to highjack some old thread to reply your question.

yes I am still enjoying the pulse mini , and I did get an lps from keces and usb reclocker from ifi . next up is the pulsar ( had one on loan ) its kind of endgame for me .

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