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Looking for intermediate-step Streamer: better than BS Node and not @ Bartok level pricing

Hi

I have a BS Node.  Yggy DAC.  BAT electronics, Shunayata PCs, AQ SC, and Vienna Acoustic Beethoven Grand Reference Speakers in a wonderful room. I also have a Linn, Shelter 901 MKII and top of the line BAT phono preamp. It all sounds lovely.  I borrowed a Bartok.  AMAZING!!!  And then I returned it, as I cannot afford that level of playback.  I am interested in upgrading my STREAMER -- I think.  (Yes, I know I could upgrade my fuses, room treatment, and everything else I own....)

I am curious to learn if there is a MID-POINT step that others suggest before I spend $25K on the ultimate STREAMER/DAC setup when I retire in a zillion years.  It seems absurd that my system is dependent upon a $550. piece of equipment.  

 

I am looking for natural sound.  3-D.  I listen to jazz, classical, and rock from the 60s-90s.  No club music/ insane bass.  When the Bartok was in my system, I felt like I was listening to vinyl.  What might be a good landing place for the next DECADE or so??

Thanks in advance.

Joe

128x128jmfawdofile
deep_333
1,572 posts
 

@jmfawdofile , Get a Esoteric N-03T (It has all the trickle down from their stuff that used to cost more)....

Later on (as you get richer), try the Grimm Audio MU1....

Or (since you seem like nice guy! 😁).............. just ditch all this crap altogether and get into Sony’s 360 reality audio eco system...i.e. Get the Sony STR-AZ7000ES Receiver (about 3300 bucks), run preouts into some meatheaded class A amps for fronts. Add 2 more Vienna Acoustic speakers for surrounds (i.e. a total of 4 speakers). Now, you will start to hear/experience all kinds of things inside a 3D dome of object based audio that all the 2 channel dudes will never hear in life after spending a few hundred thousand dollars. All the 60s to 90s rock musicians will be sitting on your lap inside the 3D dome.

12many
281 posts
 

I am looking at the N150 (or N100).  It is used alot at audio shows and is well made.  The N150 will have great resell value if you want to swap it out in a year.  Like others have said, I would spend in the 3's for a streamer and save the rest for a DAC.  Personally, I think the DAC will have more impact then the streamer - but I agree, one small step at a time.  

mitch2
4,095 posts
 

@soix  - Do you have specific experience with the Innuos Pulse?  I ask because I am going down this road and I am interested in the Innuos Pulsar.  My only possible drawback is only USB output and that I haven't heard it to assess SQ.  Another I am looking at is the ARIES G2.2.

ketchup
700 posts
 

OP - I replaced a BS Node with an Aurender N100SC and the Aurender completely destroys the Node in every respect. The same DAC (Border Patrol DAC SE) and cable (Oyaide DR510) were used with each streamer, so it was an apples to apples comparison.

N100s are going for around $1500 +/- a few hundred right now. You have a pretty healthy budget, so you can go for something even better (N150 or N200). Any of these will be a drastic improvement. Will it be a Bartok-level improvement? I have never heard one, so I can't say.

soix
9,796 posts
 

@mitch2   Unfortunately I don’t have experience with the Pulse and not many do as it’s a relatively new model, and there are frustratingly few reviews of any of the Pulse-series streamers so they’re still a bit of an unknown but likely to share many sonic characteristics of the Zen and Zenith.  I recommended the Pulse due to Innuos’ reputation for good sound along with a really excellent app that some have even abandoned Roon for.  Frankly, in your price range I’d look at Innuos and Aurender and choose the one that offers the features/sound you’re looking for.  Sorry I can’t be more help. 

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