There’s an Innuos Zen available here now for $1490 that should trounce the Node as a streamer.
Moving up from a Node 2i
I want to keep it between 1K and 1500.00, closer to a grand if at all possible. I don't care about onboard DACs, since I have a keen liking for mine. What is out there for a streamer, new or used, that will sound better than the Node when outputting to an external DAC? I like the functionality of the Node, don't want something with a sketchy user interface. But honestly, I think my old Allo Digione (Raspberry Pi) might have sounded a little more organic and fleshed out than the Node.
What say ye, Audiogon?
Oz
What say ye, Audiogon?
Oz
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Hi Ozzy, I have a magna mano ultra that I like. It's also a modified R-pi, but with a built in low noise linear power supply and a number of other modifications. It also has I2S out (ps audio standard), which is what sold me on buying one. Would also love to hear what lumin and aurrender sound like in comparison. Have heard both in quality systems, but have zero idea what they contributed to the sound. Apologies if any of this is repeat from another thread... |
Other than the software and user interface if you are using an external dac why would the streamer affect the sound that much isn't it just passing the stream on to the dac to convert? It will be interesting to read your impressions if you move up to a more expensive streamer I have been wondering about this as well. How exactly does this Innuos Zen trounce a Node2i? I have the Node2i and use an external dac and it sounds really nice in my system. |
@djones51 — Gear Patrol reviewed several streamers including the Node 2i and the Innuos Zen Mini (the model below the Zen that I mentioned above), and this is what they had to say about the Zen Mini. Take from it what you will. “There’s no better product under $3,000 that offers this level of performance, ease-of-use, upgradability, and level of functionality. The Zen Mini MK III functions as a high-end CD ripper with 1TB of storage in the base unit. All Innuos products are Roon-ready; the Zen Mini MK III can function as both a Roon-Core or Roon-Endpoint making it a hub for a single system or multi-room home audio set-up. Innuos has created one of the best control apps in the marketplace making the server/streamer very easy to use for iOS, Android, and Windows users. Roon integration gives users access to Tidal, and Qobuz, with additional support for Internet Radio and Spotify Connect. The Zen Mini MK III includes a 24-bit/192kHz DAC, 3 digital outputs (coaxial, optical, USB), support for DSD, and Sonus-based systems. We have heard better sounding digital sources for a lot more money, but it would take something extraordinary to pry the Zen Mini MKIII from our system; the levels of resolution, transparency, and pace make this Portuguese one-box wonder a true end-game product. Audiophiles looking to squeeze even more performance out of the Zen Mini MK III can add an optional external linear power supply (LPSU) for $700.” |
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