2. best-of
  3. 166322-16123

streaming devices, which would you buy?

Thinking of jumping into streaming. Although I love vinyl, streaming allows for continued listening and exploring new artist. Please share your experiences. My current system complies of Belles 200w Virtuoso amp, Audible Illusion Pre-amp, Linn LP 12, and Vandersteen 2 Sig. I need a good non amplified streamer with a decent DAC which can produce CD or better quality sound through RCA connection under $1500. Doing my homework, I have reduced my choices to but not excluding:
Bluesound Node 2I
Cambridge Audio CXN V2
 Audiolab 6000N
I would love to have a Naim but it's out of my budget. The Node for the price is so enticing but I also wonder about its sound. I will be using Audio Quest interconnects RCAs.
I can save some money buy buying a component without a screen since the controls are best from your hand held device, but assume that having a 32-bit capability will produce better quality sound. suggestion on streaming service is appreciated also. Thanks Audiophiles.
128x128lobinero
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
I am not in favor of buying a streamer.

Just connect directly to the internet and to the streaming website, and use a computer with D/A converter to listen, and select music directly from the internet web site.

A lot of these steamers screw up the sound quality and have poor interfaces, IMO !
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
+1 jjss49's suggestions.

-1 on the idea that you just plug a computer in to stream. If you consider how much else is happening inside a computer to pollute the stream, you'll know why.

Multiple people will educate you quickly on this. Here are just two good sources. 

https://darko.audio/2020/05/digital-music-streaming-101/

https://youtu.be/_la3-kISA8A

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,448 posts
 
“Just connect directly to the internet and to the streaming website, and use a computer with D/A converter to listen, and select music directly from the internet web site.”

Well, you certainly not hearing the superb sound quality offered by streaming services like Qobuz. 
lobinero's avatar
lobinero OP
76 posts
 
hilde45 - great sources, good read!
tgilb - I like your suggestion. Start with the node2i listen for a while and then get a DAC. Get some decent RCA cable.

A question for node2I users...how do you control volume once its connected to your preamp? through your preamp volume or the bluesound app?
relayer101's avatar
relayer101
614 posts
 
lobinero... I have Audio set to fixed in the BluOS settings and control volume through my Preamp no different than when using the Turntable or CD player. It keeps it simple but you do have to have your Preamp remote nearby if you want to adjust volume while you are navigating your music through the BluOS app on your phone or pad. 
It's just a preference for me. You may find it more convenient to control audio in BluOS. It's just a simple switch in settings to turn the audio control on and off. 


More to discover