2. digital
  3. 181468-164802

Streamer upgrade? follow up.

I posted the first part of this earlier in the week. There are a few other threads running concurrently here about this same subject.This is my personal experience with this situation.Ive been using a Aurender A100 streamer/dac which is they’re entry level unit, the SQ wasn’t horrible but I was pretty sure I could get it better.In a attempt to do that I purchased a Denafrips Pontus two and a DhLabs Mirage Usb cable to use with the A100 utilizing its Usb out.The two local hi fi dealers here in SO Cal both told me this would not produce much of an result and in my opinion after trying it they were both correct. So… as I stated in the first post I was coming from a “bit is bits” perspective which was I was convinced adding a better Dac would accomplish my goals, I just couldn’t believe that the zeros and ones  could possibly effect the quality of sound. But not being one to give up I decided in for penny in for a pound Id see for myself if there was anything to the other side of this conversation, I wanted a new toy for Xmas anyway.So I traded my A100 plus some cash to TMR ( nice people btw) for a shiny new Aurender N200 which arrived yesterday. Last night the moment of truth, I hooked up the new unit with the exact same everything as before in my system nothing different but the streamer.I let the tubes and everything else warm up for a few hours,picked a song I knew inside and out sat down and pressed play. Immediately within the first few notes of the Stones “ Wild Horses “ I knew I had made the right choice and that I was wrong believing  bits are bits “. I really don’t have adequate language to describe the difference in sound quality other than to say I feel like Im in someone else’s home listening to they’re far superior system, its that drastic.I can with complete confidence say this has got to be one of if not the most significant upgrades Ive made in my system, scouts honor!              PS. Grinin ear to ear here.                                                            

bikeboy52
niodari's avatar
niodari
305 posts
 

@sns Thanks for your post. I am not sure at all, but i suggest that you may have to do something  with Aurender company... and it was interesting to learn something about how these products are cooked. I didn't think  N200 may have parts of that cost inside... I wish to try some alternative to the Bluesound Node 2i.  I like an idea to combine a streamer with a music server and also to have both, Ethernet and WiFi options, because of two reasons. One, to be able to compare directly their SQ, and two, in my case i will need about 15 meters long Ethernet cable, at least, this will not look nice. 

I wish you and OP all the best in your art/business, and happy New Year to everyone! 

malibu457
66 posts
 

the Node is good enough to discover new artist via streaming.  do i want to pay thousands for something like an Aruender?  nope. i can get just as good sound quality by purchasing and downloading the same  lossless file from Presto if i really really like something and save thousands. 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,602 posts
 

“the Node is good enough to discover new artist via streaming”

@malibu457 

I agree, if one’s purpose from streaming is to discover music then a Node, Raspberry Pi or Allo Digi One type of devices are more than adequate. Tidal offers FREE access to their 90+million song catalog to all those who wants to use streaming for discovering music. 

malibu457
66 posts
 

for serious listening you can purchase and download CD quality and beyond now.  plus you can play back the files on your personal music player anywhere and not have to rely on a WiFi connection.  great when traveling. 

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@malibu457
do i want to pay thousands for something like an Aruender? nope. i can get just as good sound quality by purchasing and downloading the same lossless file from Presto if i really really like something and save thousands.

I believe many will agree with this comment if you honestly can’t hear a difference. It would make no sense to buy the more expensive component if no sonic improvement is heard. There are many listeners however who do clearly hear unequivocally better sound quality.

Lots of people got into streaming initially with the lower cost, entry level type of audio streamer. They subsequently have found much better sound quality with higher level dedicated audio servers/streamers. The audible difference is as clear as can be based on their listening experience.

@malibu457 , what are some of the higher price music servers/network players you’ve compared with Node and found no improvement in sound quality? Again, if you have done this and there’s no improvement to be had, you are wise to stick with your current Node streamer.

Charles

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