Streamer Advice: Bluesound Node 2 vs Aries Mini vs Oppo

I have both Oppo 105 and Node2.

Sound quality streaming Tidal is far superior on my Oppo compared to the Node 2 on its own.  Both apps are quite similar.  And both are run through my integrated amp.  DAC in Oppo has much more detail, and has larger soundstage, with a beautiful musical presentation.

If you have the digital out going to a DAC, the Node 2 is superior to the Oppo. Now, the interesting thing is that the brand new Node 2i just came out and it is supposed to be considerably better than the old Node 2 and the price has remained the same. I haven't tried the Node 2i yet, but we brought in the new Powernode 2i and we're really impressed straight out of the box.

Exactly what Everest audio said!
The dac in the node2 is its weakest link imhoRunning it into a quality dac gives superb resultsIf however you do not have a seperate dac and budget does not allow for one then the Oppo MAY be slightly better and of course you get a cd/sacd/dvd/bluray player to boot!
The airies mini is great little unit but as already stated well out of production and it seems owners are hanging onto them.
Good luck!

I cannot talk to the other players on your list, but for me, the Node 2 has proven to be an exceptional value.

The sound quality improves immensly when treated to great cables (i.e. power and IC’s), to the point that I have stopped looking to achieve any further improvements in sound quality - it sounds phenominal!

The last tweak was adding brass cone feet under the Node 2 - this provided the icing on the cake by creating an expansive image with pintpoint placement of musicians.

For some interface functions (i.e. playlists) I found the computer version of the player-app to be easier to work with, but for general playing and song selection the smartphone/tablet app is very well thought out and versatile

I also have the PowerNode 2 on my TV system. Another excellent product with superb imaging and enough power for my needs. Whether streaming via ethernet or listening to the TV via the toslink input, the sound is very three dimensional and enveloping.

I have no doubt there are better players on the market, but not for $600 - well except for maybe the new Node 2i :-)

BTW - I just compared the specs of the 2 vs. 2i and the only difference appears to be the wireless capability i.e.
- 802.11 b/g/n WiFi vs. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac, dual-band)

https://www.bluesound.com/products/node-2/
https://www.bluesound.com/products/node-2i/

So if you are not that picky about dual band, you can pick the Node 2 up for $528 (i.e. until supply runs out) or pickup a previously enjoyed unit for even less. Both are bargains in my book for theri price

Best of luck - Steve :-)

While the Node 2i specs out the same, they made changes to the layout of the circuitry and signal path which has improved the sonics considerably according to What Hi-Fi.