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Which of these 3 simular streamers do I select - help!

  1. Arcam rPlay ??
  2. Bluesound 2  ??
  3. Aries mini  ??


Hi please help:

I need help choosing a streamer and would prefer it be of the giant killer variety category if possible (I’ll pay a little more to get something better than Arcam rPlay, Bluesound 2, Aries mini, but prefer not to) .

I’ve having trouble finding a review on these streamers that does not factor-in their on-board DAC. I will be using my Benchmark DAC-1, so how do I judge which is the better (pure) streamer? There is also the concern of what pairs best with my revealing DAC and the sometimes mid-bloat of my 300b amp.

Equipment (I listen to Jazz mainly):
  • Benchmark DAC-1 v.G
  • Softone 300b amp with passive PA (whose volume control I will be using)
  • Druid MK IV 101db speakers
I will be streaming mainly Tidal, some flac (NAS), all exclusively via WiFi .

My dilema;
  1. Arcam: appears to have the best fidelity and power supplies of the three, though also heard it unfolds Tidal poorly...
  2. Bluesound Node II: has all the "bells and whistles’ though is 2015 technology and usually comes in 2nd or 3rd and I’ve heard it tends sacrifices natural for smooth.
  3. Aries: Also highly rated, faster pace than Bluesound, though discontinued and hard to find

Thank you in advance
128x128saffy
amg56's avatar
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amg56
887 posts
 

@saffy Just to clarify, TIDAL does not get unfolded. MQA is unfolded by licenced manufacturers who have been approved to use MQA.

I cannot vouch for the abilities of Arcam or Aries, but you also may consider MYTEK as it offers MQA and has had good writeups/reviews.

I do own a Bluesound 2 and find that it does all required for my listening pleasure (streaming digital etc) and sounds very good, with the rest of my modest system to back it up.

aj72
6 posts
 
You should check out the Innuos Zenith.  Definitely a giant killer.
saffy's avatar
saffy OP
81 posts
 
Thank you all, please keep in mind that I require wireless and that my budget is $500-750 for new or used.
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