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Streamer Advice: Bluesound Node 2 vs Aries Mini vs Oppo

Hello,

I know a lot of these advice threads already exist, and plenty of useful info from those. I’m looking for a network streamer with a budget of $500 ($600 is my absolute max). I’ll be playing my own redbook quality FLAC files, and streaming via Tidal. The Bluesound Node 2 and Auralic Aries Mini each check a lot of boxes for me, but I’m having a hard time finding an Aries Mini for sale.

My questions are...

Is there a significant benefit to the Aries Mini over the Bluesound Node 2? If folks think I’m better off with the Aries Mini I don’t mind waiting, and continuing the search for one.

And would an Oppo BDP-103 or BDP-105 be a better choice compared to either the Bluesound or Auralic?

I can’t afford the prices that Oppo UDP models are fetching, but I’m finding a lot of BDP-103s between $300-$500 and even some BDP-105s around $500-$600.

Having a Blu-Ray, CD, SACD player coupled with streaming is very enticing. Since Oppo’s digital components are no longer in production my hesitation is software support potentially going away.

Thanks, and cheers!
- MD


128x128stereosanctity
spatialking's avatar
spatialking
610 posts
 
I own BlueSound equipment.   You do need a hardwire connection to the web for the Vault2 or 2i.   The Node will work on wireless and communicate to the Vault2 via wireless, but how well both work is dependent on the internet modem you have.  I had to put the AT&T modem in bridge mode and buy a separate wireless router.  Also, before you buy, do play with the software a bit.  That BlueSound software is not the best out there, rather I consider it to be rather brain dead.  I got a Roon license and Roon is light years ahead of the BlueSound sw. 
rhljazz
1,253 posts
 
Wi Fi setup is integrated in the BluOS app.  Node2/i requires only a Wi Fi connection.  Super easy to get it up and running.  I have zero complaints with the BluOS app.  No experience with Roon nor any desire to pursue at this point in time.  My Wi Fi is Cox Cable Panoramic.  No connection problems whatsoever.  Internet speed test results are “very fast “.  I’m connected on the 5ghz band.

No need for an external dac for me.  The 2i matches my system and listening requirements perfectly.
stereosanctity's avatar
stereosanctity OP
72 posts
 
I recently purchased a Bluesounds Node 2i.  I have it connected via WiFi and am using Audioquest NRG-2 C7 power cable, and Audioquest Sidewinder Interconnects.

Very happy with the performance and user interface.  This is an incredible product for $500.  No complaints so far!!
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
I would think there would be little difference in SQ between Node 2 and Node2i since both have the same DAC.
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
FWIW, as a former Oppo 105 owner, although it's a real swiss army knife and well made, the sound quality of its dac is just okay. IMHE, stepping up to something like a Schiit Gungnir multibit(my choice) or Chord Hugo is a huge improvement in almost every sonic quality. Cheers,
Spencer
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