Moving up from a Node 2i

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. 

I’m upping the budget and considering the Lumin U-1 mini. Any thoughts?

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.

I've been told by Bryston that the BDP-2 sounds basically the same as the BDP-3. The 3 has more processing power.
I really like my BDP-2. I just tried Roon with it and the sound quality is the same.


ozzy