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Digital upgrade: new disc player or better streamer?

For consideration:  

Contemplating an upgrade in my digital system.  Currently using a Bluesound Node 2i streamer as well as an Oppo 105 for CD's and SACD's.  I have a collection of about 800 CD's as well as about 50 SACD's.  My system use is approximately 25% digital, the rest of the time listening to one of two turntables.  In my experience, really good analog betters very good digital including the high priced units, hence my modest digital investment to this point.

However, I find that I do enjoy streaming, not only for convenience but also to discover new music.

So I've been contemplating either a new streamer, specifically a Lumin T2 or similar, to replace the Node 2i.  Alternatively, a Marantz K1 Ruby to replace the Oppo, allowing me to use the Node 2i into the Ruby DAC.  Both options cost around $4K.

Thoughts or other recommendations?

Thanks!
bobbydd
inscrutable
313 posts
 
@bobbydd 
     In almost exact position … Oppo 105 but had already ripped CDs to a Vault2i. I almost got a GD R8Mk2 R2R DAC, but went the other way, have bought an SA-KI Ruby. Won’t jettison my media, and generally stream to discover and get physical media for serious listening, so decided to invest in hopefully my last spinner and also get an upgraded DAC for the Vault in the process. Will be interesting to see if any differences at all using as DAC vs spinning the actual cd. Can’t give you details yet, revamping entire system, but also recovering from surgeries so can’t move stuff around and connect yet.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,721 posts
 
Another +vote for new disc player.

Happy Listening!
anwar
119 posts
 
So I've been contemplating either a new streamer, specifically a Lumin T2 or similar, to replace the Node 2i. Alternatively, a Marantz K1 Ruby to replace the Oppo, allowing me to use the Node 2i into the Ruby DAC. Both options cost around $4K.
Node 2i into Ruby DAC?  You must be kidding.

I have the SA-10, the brother of Ruby.  I tried using it as a DAC with streamers.  Even Innuos Zenith Mk2 with Curious USB cable into SA-10 USB DAC input cannot beat the SQ when playing CDs/SACDs directly with SA-10, or playing music files from USB drive attached to SA-10.

If you are keen on Ruby, go for it, but save your money for a much higher quality streamer for use with Ruby as USB DAC.
bobbydd OP
97 posts
 
Appreciate the input so far.

A question I have is: ultimately, which has better ultimate sound quality, a Ruby playing CDs and SACDs or a Lumin T2 or Bricasti M3 streaming Qobuz?

If streaming even at the $5K level is inferior, may just limit the medium to background music and stick with my Node 2i.
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
Save the money. A nice new rotel rcd1572
the music hall cd player is descent.  BE aware of quirks
  or a nice used cd player. 
 All this stream dac stuff is a PITA !
Rotel cd14 an iversary u it is greT for the price. 
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