new to streaming- help!

It has been a long time since I graduated from the bluesound node to a standalone streamer and DAC.  

I remember there were a few things that tripped me up.  

First don't try to do it wireless.  Plug it into the internet.  then you know you have internet.  If you want to go wireless, you can do that aferyou get it working (but wired is better sound).

Second, use the RCA outputs to your pre-in on your amp or to an input on your preamp.  

If you have a seperate DAC, you will want to use the optical output.  Unfortunately, the USB port on the back is not an output but an input for firmware changes, IIRC.

Good luck. Streaming is the way to go.  I just upgraded to my 3rd post Bluesound streamer with a pricetag an order of magnitude higher.  and your DAC will become the heart of your system and you'll want the best one you can afford.

Jerry

Bluetooth is a direct connection to the player, so we know at least the player functions correctly.

Are you trying to connect the Node to the campus wi-fi / local network? If so, the university IT staff may be blocking certain networking ports for security reasons. This may be what’s keeping your iPhone / MacBook from communicating with the Node.

Definitely don’t go back to a PC.

There is a place to show your system. Would help us better assess where you are at and taylor recommendations.

I have brought my digital end from terrible, step by step to having sound quality equal to my excellent vinyl system over the last 20 years.. So by the streamer quality and DAC quality you chose the sound quality that the rest of the system can provide. If you want it can sound as good or better than your vinyl rig.

Punt Tidal and go with Qobuz.

Try unplugging your Node,let it reboot,then try to link to Wi-Fi.   Sometimes these get a little wonky. I hope this helps.