streaming devices, which would you buy?

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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My experience is with the Node. The built in DAC is decent, but I use a MDHT Orchid with excellent results.

This is exactly what I did and the sound is glorious. A separate DAC is necessary, and I like the R2R approach a lot. In your price range, another DAC like this that people favor is the Border Patrol and the Audio G-D. Also popular is the Black Ice DAC. These are things I've gathered by reading about them -- I have not heard them. So, FWIW.

Calvinandhobbes...following up on your note on the quality of the Denafrips DAC. I may have a future interest in a new DAC and the Ares II caught my eye on their website but it seems their primary dealer is in Singapore. Are you aware of any dealers in the USA? Thanks.

@tgilb No, the only dealer is Vinshine in Singapore.  They have contracted two people to do US service though:

UNITED STATES - WEST COAST
​Sean Nauman
HifiHandyman
Licensed, Bonded, Insured WA Contractor
​Anacortes, WA 98221


UNITED STATES - EAST COAST
Macon P.
Audio Service Tech
Certified Audio Tech
Adjunct Automotive Electronics College Instructor
SC 29150 USA

Thanks for the info on Denafrips. I’m not sure about ordering from Singapore so would have to give thst one some thought.

back to the main subject on streaming devises I use the Node 2i with Amazon HD and am very happy with the streaming capabilities  and the BluOs app also. I find the onboard  DAC to be very nice and would be ok if that was all I had but I do switch back and forth with a PS Audio DAC also. I do my serious listening to vinyl but as others have stated streaming opens a whole new world to discovering new music. It’s great if you don’t want to flip an album every 20 minutes or so and I find both the CD quality and HD quality songs to sound really good. Try it you’ll like it!