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Node 3 or Better Streamer

Currently have a node 2i and has been paired in the past with a Mcintosh MA252, Cambridge 80 and a Primaluna Dialogue Premium. The speakers I use are JBL 4312SE 70Th anniversary edditions and pretty happy with them. So far I have liked the way the node sounded with the tube amp but I am looking at the Technics SU G700 and was going to upgrade to Node 3 as I need the hdmi arc for my tv. I am wondering if there is a huge difference like in a WOW effect by spending another $500-$1000 in a better streamer over the node 3? Again it has to be a huge noticeable improvementI, only do Tidal as my source.

TIA.

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jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

noticeable but not WOW

christianb5s4
237 posts
 

For that budget, I'd stick with the Node 3 and upgrade the power supply from PDcreative. I've found you have to spend at least double or triple that to potentially get a noticeable improvement.

 

Or you can combine the classifieds and find a deal on a much better streamer at a discount versus retail.

mtbiker29's avatar
mtbiker29
174 posts
 

FWIW I did in home A/B test of Lumin D2 vs. my Node.  I wanted it to be better and maybe it marginally was....but the UI killed any sense of wanting to live with that.  

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