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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



128x128ozzy62
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,938 posts
 
I have the Node2i and use an external dac and it sounds really nice in my system.

+1...same here.
jond's avatar
jond
5,680 posts
 
I wish Inous made a Zen Mini sans CD ripper for those of us who've already ripped their CDs.
soix
8,775 posts
 
@jond — if the Zen Mini turns out to be the best streamer for the price, does it really matter if it has a CD drive?
jond's avatar
jond
5,680 posts
 
Not really I guess I just hate the idea of buying one with a feature I would never use. I am happy with my current streamer, an Aries Mini, but since Auralic discontinued the Mini long term I will have to make a move. The Zen looks very interesting.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,938 posts
 
Why pay for something you'll never use.  I sure if you eliminate the TEAC CD slot drive and the 1TB hard drive, it would save $300-$400 dollars...no?  That would be ideal.  Shouldn't be that hard to do either.
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