Streamer upgrade? follow up.

@ianrmack 

I certainly WOULD give it a try but I need WiFi connection and have a perfect 800mb connection. Lumin, aurender, auralic all require direct Ethernet and that would be a pain as I have a 120 yo home with thick brick walls. 
 

can aurender do wifi?

You sound scared to try something that might trounce your Node.  You have two options. 

1) Mesh Router

2) Break out the hammer drill.  It is not hard to run cables.  I just ran one from my router to my new streamer because it was worth it.

Also, your argument about justifying expensive purchases is silly.  I bought an Aurender used for a very good price.  I can easily sell it for a profit, but I will never go back to the Node.  It's just that much better.  I do not mean to talk bad about the Node.  It's a great way to get into streaming and the software, I thought, was great.  There is just so much more out there in the streaming world to be had, though.

And you don't have to spend 6K to beat the Node.  A second hand Aurender under 2K will do the job just fine.  I'm sure there are other options, too, but since I don't have experience with them, I can only speak of Aurender.

“I am happy to try an Aurender and am not afraid of spending $ for value”
@ianrmack

If that’s the case, why not borrow N200 or N150 from your local dealer and listen, compare in your own system. Wouldn’t an audition in your system be easier way to settle this matter rather than few of us trying to convince you. You’ve already read few posters reporting their direct experience with N200 over Node. How many more posters will it take to convince you, do you have a number in mind?

@lalitk

Good points. There are numerous testimonials from posters on this and other audio forums citing improvement when moving from entry level to higher quality servers/streamers. It isn’t a new revelation. Confirmation bias works in two directions. People can convince themselves that something can’t possibly work or make a positive difference, mind completely made up in that regard.

When listeners report hearing improved sound quality why the skepticism and suspicion? Why do their claims require “objective “ tests for verification and legitimacy? Where is the logic?

Charles

@ianrmack +1w Ketchup. Im a building contractor.we’ve got a whole area in our shop w equipment to chip/drill masonry,bits up to 48 inches long.The 21st century is a great time to be alive we’ve got all sorts of technology available to us to make our lives better and easier.but you know, you gotta be open to it.

@charles1dad 

I couldn’t agree with you more! I believe it’s the mindset that if I use Node as a transport to transmit bits then a more expensive streamer won’t matter 😊