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  3. 174929-171212

Bluesound Node or Audiolab 6000N

I am interested in adding a streaming source to my system.  I will use it to stream high rez music, particularly master quality from Tidal.  It will be connected to my home network via ethernet cable and to my preamp via analog output.  I have no desire for multiroom or whole house integration.

At first I had my eye on the Bluesound Node because the price point was very attractive to me.  However, the Audiolab 6000N is no discounted to $499 which puts it around $100 cheaper the the Bluesound.  Any advice on which one I sound consider?  One thing I've noticed is that the Bluesound has a higher resolution at 384khz vs 192khz for the Audiolab.  Also, an outboard DAC isn't in the plans for the near future, so which streamer has the superior built-in DAC factors into the equation.

Also, if anyone has any other recommendation on streamers in the same price range as the two mentioned above, feel free to chime in.

TIA

 

ftran999
carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

Any streamer can do digital just fine.  

You need to look at the DAC and the interface.

I used node for a while, it was ok with an external DAC. The onboard DAC is poor.

Most interfaces are not well set up in my opinion.  Tidal was barely ok which is better than most. 

I ended up with Roon which is good. 

Most important part of a streaming system is a DAC.  I spent about 10x on my DAC what I spent on my streaming system.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,585 posts
 

I’m not a fan of BluOS but it’s much more stable. AND gapless.

 

jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

i would assume the audiolab 6000n shares the same inner workings as the streamer function of the 6000a integrated unit... maybe i am wrong - but this may be worth watching

 

geof3
1,129 posts
 

The newest Node’s DAC is significantly better than the 2.1. With a good PC and good interconnects it does a great job overall. The Blue OS is also really easy to use/setup. A decent system IMO.

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