2. digital
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Walk me thru upgrading from my BS Node

First off I like the Node, the box was easy to install, form factor is excellent for my space (in a credenza) and the UI is excellent... and it has been bulletproof in terms of connectivity in the wireless mode. I have been pleased with the audio quality, but I haven't really compared seriously an upgraded solution

However after reading quite a bit of opinions across the digital thread I am really curious as to the order of magnitude audio improvement.

Budget is around $5-7k

I need the singular physical box to be reasonably small, it is in a credenza so I don't need to see a screen, I would prefer a set and forget interface like the BS... once it is up and dialed in, I don't need to mess with it...wireless only as the cable reach is prohibitive, connected to a Manley Stingray II...streaming Qubuz only...

The message I get is that the BSN is a good starter solution, but upgrading the DAC/Streamer is worth the ride..

Where to look, the YT reviewers (with the exception of Amir) just fawn over every product they test...

poke33
jackd
1,070 posts
 

For wireless only unless you are willing to use a WiFi extender the best option is Auralic. Aries G1.1 is $3250 and G2.1 is $5700. UI has worked great for me for six years through four models and now even includes Amazon Music if interested.  They recommend wireless as the preferred connection mode.  

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,809 posts
 

432evos ervers sound amazing are upgradeable and start at 3500

 

no wifi but work eithan wifi to ethernet adapter

not tiny full size chasis you can stack your dac on top

 

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect nj

432EVOs Us importer

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,213 posts
 

AURALiC is the only option if you insist on a purely wireless one box solution. 
If you’re open to adding a WiFi extender or mesh network with an access point close enough to your system to be able to use Ethernet cable to wire the streamer you’re expanding your options to Lumin, Aurender, HiFi Rose, Bryston BDA 3.14, etc. Bryston will have the clumsiest UI. Lumin’s UI is best experienced with a tablet and AURALiC is iOS only.

The above are all streamers with a built in DAC.
 

There are also DACs with a built in Network player/renderer. Units like Bricasti, Weiss, Mola Mola. These components have no wireless capability and have no UI. You would need Roon or something like Mconnect (by far not the best UI) if you go this route. 
 

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