2. digital
  3. 179566-173215

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
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,396 posts
 

@fuzztone 

@poke33 

I need the singular physical box to be reasonably small

poke33 OP
70 posts
 

Other questions....

1.) Audphil1- I have a Wireless Extender...am I correct in assuming that if I position the extender close to my set up and use an ethernet cable to connect to the BSN my sound quality would improve? 

2.) Blisshifi- Just curious, does NAD use the BS UI for Qobuz

Thanks to all for your help!

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,396 posts
 

@poke33 I wouldn’t assume wiring the BSN would improve sound quality. Only way to find out is to try. In example of AURALiC they typically sound best wireless.
Remember the Node is very good for what it is and what it costs.
But you’re looking for an upgrade. If you have a wifi extender in the proximity of the streamer don’t limit yourself to wireless only.

I would seriously consider a DAC with a built in renderer and Roon as your music server/database/UI as opposed to a streamer with a built in DAC.
Or consider separates - streamer, something like the Lumin U2 Mini and a good separate DAC. My reasoning for it? Streamers are essentially computers and as such their designs are emphasized around software/OS. A dedicated DAC or even a DAC with a built in renderer like Bricasti, Weiss or Mola Mola are designed with emphasis on DAC quality without any need to worry about the streaming UI.

Now, there are ultra high end all in one units where I’m sure all the due diligence was done in R&D and they may be a completely different ball game. But we’re not talking about those with a $5k-$7k budget. These tend to be well into five figures and more. 
That’s just my $0.02.

baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,434 posts
 

To the OP: Lots of info in yesterday's discussion  "NODE as a streamer". It will save me endless repetition. Life is too short.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,907 posts
 

@poke33 

Do you have an external DAC?  Is MQA important to you?

And I tried Wi-Fi with an extender and I still had dropouts. I ended up getting a Netgear Powerline 2000+ and it’s been great! Check it out.

NETGEAR Powerline adapter Kit, 2000 Mbps Wall-plug, 2 Gigabit Ethernet Ports with Passthrough + Extra Outlet (PLP2000-100PAS) https://a.co/d/hoRnpk6

All the best.

JD

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