Help with finding a new streamer.


Like the title says I’m looking into a new streamer. I currently use a Bluesound Node 2, original model. I resently purchased a Audio Mirror Tubadour III se, and now I’d like to see what a better streamer can do. My Tubadour has a usb reclocker added by Audio Mirror and I’d like to be able to give this a go as well. I’m willing to spend about 1,500$ tops and open to cheaper options though. I’m speculating that a cheaper option like the ifi or new Node with usb output could be a nice upgrade because the Tubadours reclocker option. I need Spotify, and would prefer Tidal as well but not a dealbreaker. I will probably buy used so I can resell without much loss if it’s not to my liking. I don’t think I’m looking for something warm, but definitely not something bright either. A tik to either side of neutral I think would be fine. Not sure if things like bloom and dimensionality are a thing streamers do but if so that’s the sound I’m after.

So to sum it up I need a streamer with usb output that’s close to neutral for under 1,500$ that plays Spotify. I would stretch the budget a bit if it truly seemed worth it, but unlikely. These are the models in no particular order I have come across so far that seem to check my boxes.

ifi Zen Stream

Bluesound Node (2021 model)

Sonore microRendu, not positive about Spotify though

Sonore UltraRendu, again unsure of Spotify

Lumin U1 mini, barely in budget, but think I could swing it

Aurender N100H, it doesn’t seem it does Spotify, but if it did I’d be very interested

Innuos Zen mini, I don’t love the aesthetics, but I might be open to it if the sound and value was worth it

 

brylandgoodman

To get the digital ball rolling I bought a Pro-Ject Stream box, Ultra 2 I think it's called. I bought it for a few reasons. It gets out of the way. Ethernet cat 6 hardwired to modem and it can do hi-res, Spotify, Tidal and q=obuz. After trying all 3, I opted for Qobuz. I also have a SS hard drive connected to it.It is feeding a Antelope Audio Zodiac DAC and it sounds great
And it was relatively cheap...
That said...all my research points me to Aurender.

Does Spotify do AirPlay or Chromecast?  If so I recommend the Cambridge Audio CXN 60?

If all you need is a streamer for Spotify, get the iFi Zen Stream. It has Spotify Connect, is inexpensive, and sounds great. Simple. It does what you need and is a better sounding streamer than the Node. As you, I only desire the basics with good sound, so picked one up and am very pleased. Along with my Denifrips DAC, I would say my streaming listening (I use Tidal/Tidal Connect) is now on par with playing my CD’s. 

Why spend more if you don’t need more? It looks like you have a very nice DAC, so….

 

Do you have experience with node or just the ifi?  I’ve seen the one YouTube review saying the ifi was better and that’s about all I’ve seen far as reviews. 

Experienced with the Blue sound. BluOS is clutzy. I believe iFI when they state they a working on improving their player. Lenmark not so much