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Add streamer with quality sound to system for Tidal and portable drive

I want to add a streamer to my system, I am currently using a Dell laptop with a decent USB cable.

Will I be satisfied with a Node 2 streaming Tidal and plugging in a portable drive? I want to control from my phone. I don't need multi room access.

This is my equipment in terms of expectations: 

  • Rogue 99 pre amp

  • Rouge Ares phono pre amp

  • Rogue m180 monoblocks

  • SOTA Saphhire III

  • Dynavector DV-20X

  • Rega Saturn CD

  • Linear Power Supply for DAC

  • Brooklyn DAC

  • Vandersteen 2CE

  • Vandesteen 2W subs x2



mswobo
hfaddict's avatar
hfaddict
97 posts
 
I just revamped my system from a MacBook Pro to a streamer.  I also use an external DAC.  I debated between the Bluesound 2 or Auralic Aries Mini.  I went with the Mini based on the Lightning DS platform for the App. Very stable with great reviews.  Of course sound quality is up to par being an Auralic. 

But...I didn't realize it at the time but my Gen 1 iPad and another old iPhone we have kicking around don't support Lightning DS.  And there is no native app for Androids either. 
rhljazz
1,255 posts
 
I have a Bluesound Vault 2 and it works great for streaming.  I like it so much I plan to purchase a Node 2 in a few months for my winter residence.  An iPad is my usual control but my iPhone also works.  Mainly like the larger screen.  I have the Tidal subscription and it operates flawlessly.
As far as sound quality, I have no complaints.  One could always experiment with an external dac somewhere down the line if upgraditis bites.
Bluesound is already setup for Tidal so a subscription is simple to add.
elevick
2,638 posts
 
If you are only streaming Tidal, you can use your phone.  I have a Chord Hugo with bluetooth.  Easy to use and amazing sound.  
rhljazz
1,255 posts
 
Well now elevick, I didn’t know that.  I have a Chord Hugo at my winter house so I’ll try that out.  I suppose then, I could also stream Radio Paradise via iPhone or iPad to the Hugo?
mgrif104
365 posts
 
I think the general answer to your question is yes, adding a streamer for Tidal will likely be a satisfying upgrade over your current setup.  It was for me.  I was using an iMac, and then an optimized Mac mini as my digital front end in a couple of systems.  I purchased an Aurender N100H and it was a sizable upgrade in sound over the optimized Mac (running Audivarna).  In another system, I bought a Bluesound Node 2 as a streamer to again replace an optimized Mac mini front end. I’m running the Node 2 into an outboard DAC - again, pretty sizable improvement in sound quality.  

I’m guessing with your system, you’ll notice a pretty significant improvement too.
Best,
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