streaming devices, which would you buy?

My experience is with the Node. The built in DAC is decent, but I use a MDHT Orchid with excellent results. The Bluos app is decent, but could use some improvements. I use Qobuz, and it seems most here prefer the sound quality over Tidal. 

I may be wrong about this, but I believe that the Audiolab 6000N with the DTS Play-Fi platform requires that music be streamed via another device such as a phone, tablet, or PC. Most streamers are able to get the music files on their own. (i.e., not via another device) and the other device is only used for control purposes. Apparently, this is a bit troublesome if you want to use that other device for any purpose other than delivering music to the 6000N streamer. Something to check out in any case. Try doing a search for reviews on either the 6000N or DTS Play-Fi.

With Covid, I also built up a digital streaming front end, having been mostly a vinyl listener for the past 32 years. I considered the Node 2i and the Cambridge CXN, but got a Pro-ject Stream Box S2 Ultra. The Node 2i interface is supposed to be excellent, but the Pro-ject was reported in some reviews to have better sound quality than the Node 2i. I might get a used Node 2i at some point to try this out for myself.

You also mentioned Naim. I did hear a Naim NDX 2 in the following system at a dealer: Naim NDX 2 network music player > Naim Supernait 3 integrated amplifier > LS3/5A speakers (local speaker maker). I left thinking that though it sounded good from an audiophile perspective with the traditional Naim virtues (PRaT in spades, transparency), there was something not so satisfying about the tonal quality of the sound. It seemed to lack ease and naturalness. To be fair, it could have been the Supernait 3 amplifier.

I mention the following since I see that you have a nice turntable setup & I have a decent idea of how it sounds based on your choice of the LP12, Audible Illusions pre-amp, Belles amp, and especially the Vandersteen 2Ce speakers. I would guess that you like a warmer, fuller sound. So these are some thoughts to getting the same type of sound as I think you like from your turntable.

You might be able to get better sound quality than the Naim streamers for far less cost. My impressions are that my current digital front end sounds better than what I remember of the Naim NDX 2 especially from the perspective of having a warmer, more analog like sound. It certainly sounds more engaging to me. My current setup is TP-Link RE230 Wi-Fi router (to create an ethernet access point) > Supra Cat 8 Ethernet cable > Pro-ject Stream Box S2 Ultra > Phasure Lush 1 USB cable > Denafrips Pontus II DAC. I was trying out a Qutest DAC and the Pontus II DAC. From a perspective of sounding natural, full and warm, the Pontus was so much better than the Qutest (which itself was no slouch in musicality) as well as surprisingly providing more detail than the Qutest as well. Perhaps this is more information that you are looking for, but sharing to help you on your digital journey. A Denafrips Ares II DAC might be a good stepping stone to a Pontus II. It was pretty warm and full in sound, but the Pontus is still a significant step up in analog-like attributes. You might consider a used Node 2i or Pro-ject Stream Box for about $300-500 to be able to get a better external DAC. The Pro-ject doesn’t seem to be in particularly high demand so you can definitely negotiate on a used one.

Also, FWIW, streaming is GREAT. The ability to hear about new music from someone and immediately be able to hear that music is an amazing new experience. I’ve been able to discover more new music in a week than I used to discover in a year.

Just know that digital is just as finicky as a turntable in setup and components to sound good.

1. The Denafrips Pontus DAC was the first DAC I had heard that sounded anywhere close to the fullness and ease that I get out of my modest Linn Axis turntable with Benz-Micro MC Gold cartridge.
2. Also, some USB cables sound better than other.
3. Power matters, a lot. Certain power cables sound better than others
4. I turned off WiFi and the HDMI output on my Pro-ject streamer to go to a hard-wired Ethernet connection and that made the largest improvement of all in terms of clarity (lower noise floor) and dynamics.
5. Even the Ethernet cable made a very noticeable difference. 2nd only to going to the hard wired Ethernet connection.
6. Qobuz sounds best of the major streaming services. Primephonic is next best. Spotify Premium is decent. Tidal sounds absolutely terrible and Amazon HiFi is not much better. If it is helpful, I can share my listening impressions of each of these services.

The reason why digital components (as well as power sources and interconnects) are important is not that the digital bits are any different, but all of these can reduce the amount of digital jitter and analog noise (RF interference, power line noise, noise picked up from components in the Internet signal path).

All of this was a bit of work, BUT happily listening to great sounding music while working all day...PRICELESS.

I hope this was helpful to you, though I know went far beyond your original question about streamers.

I think this is a good time to jump into streaming. I jumped in on my headphone system 15 years ago and in and out on my main system, until the last couple years when it has equaled my analog side. .

I have done laptops / DAC. But a real streamer is far superior and much quieter. I recommend looking seriously at Aurender... a used one may bring it down into your price range... or wait until you can. The real trick is to get a good enough streamer and DAC such that it is as satisfying as your vinyl. I have an LP12 as well, so it is a fairly high bar. But well worth the investment. For the cost of buying one LP or one CD you can have access to a nearly infinite amount of music (Qubuz is best streaming service)... much of it of higher resolution than Red Book CD. Aurender A100? They have many... used would be a good way to go. These are solid audiophile pieces of equipment.

My streaming ‘ digital end is as satisfying to listen to as my LP12...which is pretty high end. Well worth the investment.



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