Lumin or Aurender


I have about 4k for a new streamer. I was looking into Lumin and Aurender. I need a streamer with an Integrated DAC. 
Also looking at NAD M10. Which of these is best in terms of performance, reliability, value ? I watched a YouTube review by Michael Borzenkov, a well regarded Russian audio reviewer, who claimed he couldn't tell a difference between vinyl and A100.  Currently running Blusound node 2 into Mac c2600 dac. Thoughts?
ei001h
I own the NAD M10 and love it! 

I tried a PrimaLuna EVO 400 vs it and heard very minor differences. 

I have used the Zu Dirty Weekends, Revel F208's, and Focal Sopra 2's with it. 

The NAD is good enough that: each speaker's qualities are revealed.

I have used both Qobuz and Tidal with it; paying for the top services on both. I can hear a difference between the two. 

The M10 has enough power that it is too loud at times.

It doesn't get hot; it can get pretty warm.

I haven't had any connection or lag issues and my internet isn't the best. 

I have been reading and reading and listening to reviews and am to the point where most gear is will be fun to listen to and the gains will take significant money to get a consistent noticeable difference. 

Yesterday I was listening to Tidal Master Quality Albums and I am honestly not sure how my listening experience can get much better. 

I would say try the NAD M10, get used to the fact that you can move it room to room - outside drive-in with it, etc. and run it with any device.  It is really quite an incredible device. 

I've also seen it for 800 off; I was shocked as I paid full price but if you can get a discount; I wouldn't hold or look back. 

 


Easy. Innous Zen mk3 with Roon+ Matrix dac. Will cost you a grand more but well worth it. Future proof. Best part of Roon is the inbuilt digital eq. possibilities. No need for a pre with the Matrix. The Zen will also rip and store your cd's. Have a look at it.
What's wrong with your Bluesound Node 2i?

I will bet if you do a blind test and compare all three, you might not be able to detect much of a difference.  I would be curious if the dealer told you, you were listening to either the Lumin or Aurender but were in fact listening to the Bluesound Node 2i, what you might say?  I could be wrong because I was not able to hear either the Lumen or Aurender when I purchased my Bluesound Node 2i.  One thing I like about the Bluesound is to be able to listen to the complete unfold of MQA.  Can't understand why I can hear the difference when playing MQA?  Wish I knew more about this.  I certainly do not understand the attraction for vinyl when you can stream hi-res on a streamer and not have to get out of your chair.
Larry5729,
I have a Bluesound Node 2i in one system. I also have an Aurender N100H and an Auralic Aries G2 in other systems.  For fun, I compared them directly in the same system using the same cables.  While tonally they sound similar, there is a very large difference in spatial perspective and information offered with the better units.  The Aurender is significantly better than the Bluesound.  And, the Aries G2 is again better than the Aurender N100H.  As well they should be for the price differential.  For those who believe bits are bits (suggesting little difference in servers/streamers) and that there are DACs that are generally immune to jitter (as mine is supposed to be), I would say you’re really missing out.  I am now of the opinion that the server/streamer is at least as important and probably more important to sound quality than is the DAC.