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What Is Better In General, Sonos Or Say A Network Streamer By Cambridge Audio?

Hi all, I'm going to add a streamer to one of my systems so I can listen to some internet stations for variety. This will only constitute about 15% of my total listening time.  In other words vinyl and cd will continue to be my go to listening time. Whichever streamer will be mated with a Yamaha CR 420 vintage receiver and Boston Acoustics HD 5 bookshelf speakers. I can get a used Cambridge player, around $1200 new, for just a bit more than a new Sonos Connect, or a used Sonos for around $250.00.  Thanks for any and all opinions.  
zar
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
I would consider the Node 2i.   
 
The ChromeCast Audio is good, however no every app streams to it bit-perfect, so I can’t say the apps you would use would sound as good as the Node 2i or similar. However, for $40, it’s an amazing product, just a shame that the Implementation is not uniform, casting from your Chrome browsed on a computer for instance is not bit-perfect, yet casting from Room or an app like Android Hi-Fi Cast is.
lordcloud
155 posts
 
Though I do agree that a tube buffered DAC has inherent colorations. Where I disagree is the degree of those colorations over another DAC.
jl35
3,966 posts
 
I think the Sonos would be fine for your current system
reubent
6,952 posts
 
@zar - Are talking about listening to internet radio stations? Like Radio Paradise or iHeart Radio, etc.? Do you currently have a mobile device, computer/laptop that you are going to use for a source? If so, you may not really need a streamer per se. I use either my mobile phone, iPod or laptop to stream wirelessly via bluetooth to a Auris BluMe Bluetooth Audio Receiver and it works like a champ. They are on sale right now, direct from Auris, for $109 and free shipping. Check it out at theauris.com .

 


oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,696 posts
 
Check out Bluesound Node 2i or Vault 2i if you also need a device to rip and store all your music files in addition to streaming 
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