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Dazed and confused about streamer upgrade

I started a thread in the amp/preamp section asking about an integrated amp upgrade and got some good advice that made re-think my upgrade path.  I have a Macintosh MA8900, driving Vandersteen Treo CT’s, with a six pack of Rel S510’s.  I use a BluOS Node 2i as a streamer.  No CD’s, no need for storage.  I had thought about upgrading the Mac to a Boulder 866, but am now thinking I may get a bigger improvement for less dollars by upgrading the BluOS next.  I don’t know much about DACs and streamers, but am thinking that I should look at streamers only, since the 866 has a good DAC, and why pay for a combo DAC/ Streamer when the DAC will be bypassed.   Suggestions for a $3k to $5k streamer?  Or stick with upgrading the Mac? Thanks for any help!
cosmic_charlie
cosmic_charlie OP
38 posts
 
@phaastm3
Nice—that is definitely all in on the Boulder!  Will look forward to your report!
mwgreene
19 posts
 
I have Vandersteen Treos and I’m running an Auralic G1 streamer with a Benchmark DAC3. I should also say I’m using a Cisco ethernet switch with a Network Acoustics copper cable and copper EON passive filter. My streaming sound quality is extraordinary! (Using Quobuz)
williewonka
3,110 posts
 
@cosmic_charlie - I have the Node 2i in my system and use the onboard DAC, but I took a very different approach to improving sound quality.

I use very good cables i.e. both power and interconnect cables.

The resolution of the Node 2i is exceptional - i.e. when the cables allow it to be.

Unfortunately the cables I use are an extremely good DIY cable geometry, built from scratch using high quality parts/wires, so they are a little expensive and not for a novice DIYer.

But there are members willing to make them.

Take a look at this thread on the cable forum to give oyu an idea as to how good these cables are...
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/duelund-conversion-to-diy-helix-geometry-cabling

If you want to go with commercially available cables I recommend cables from
- Nordost
- Inakustik
- KLE Innovations,

It may seem strange to equip, what is seemingly a budget streamer with expensive cables, but most of todays electronics is extremely good, but to keep costs low they skimp on power supply
- adding good power cables elevates the Node 2i to exceptional levels of performance
- adding good IC’s allow the Node 2i to convey its exceptional sound quality

FYI - I use the Node 2i connected via Ethernet - which improved sound greatly and I stream content from internet radio, Amazon Music and my NAS drive - they all sound amazing

I originally had the Node 2, but the Node 2i proved to be a lot better.

Another option would be to use one of the NAD streamers. The two companies are "related" and share a lot of the internal design approaches, but the NAD has a better power supply.

If you have any questions - ask away :-)

Regards - Steve
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