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



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Regarding streaming services, do these streamer apps have Internet browser functionality? Specifically, the Lumin App uses TuneIn to list radio streams, but Radio Paradise requires direct interaction with their website to set your stream quality to FLAC.  Would you have that navigation and interaction with these Streamer apps?
The BDP-2 works very well, particularly as a Roon endpoint. If the BDP-2 includes the upgraded audio board, then there isn't much sound quality difference between it and the BDP-3. The latter has a bigger power supply which might provide a slight improvement, particularly in the bass. If your running the BDP as a server, then the 3 will offer faster performance and more capacity. 
Just received the updated RME ADI-2 DAC from B&H, connected with Mogami 2964 coaxial to Node 2i's output and the sound improvement is quite substantial! Not to mention all the controls that I still have to learn.
The same AQ Colorado cables take line output to MF M6si.

Streaming HiRes Qobuz + own FLAC files from USB connected WD external disk.
I have the older RME ADI-2 DAC (AK4490 vs AK4493) connected to both the Node 2i and the LUMIN U1 Mini. Node 2i uses coax into the DAC; U1mini uses USB.

I love them both. I think the LUMIN app is better than the BluOS app and I like the OpenHome implementation of UPnP/DLNA that is uses. But I also use the Node 2i because it supports many more streaming services.

IMHO I do believe the LUMIN sounds better (but it’s not a huge difference), so I use the U1mini for all my TIDAL and Qobuz streaming. I don’t have a Roon core and therefore don’t use Roon (I don’t have a local library of ripped CDs or downloaded digital purchases so I don’t see the value in Roon).

FWIW, I don’t think the U1mini is an upgrade as much as a nice side-grade to get a great app and excellent support. Upgrades to DAC, amp, speakers/headphones would yield more significant improvements.