Streamer question

Hi @jzzmusician 

I have a Bluesound Node and added an external DAC, Denafrips Terminator II connected via USB. This DAC is more expensive than what your price point but they do have some that are lower price points.  This way you can improve the sound but keep the user interface.

+1 upshift

I have added a better DAC to my Bluesound Node a few times. In every case I got better sound, much better with the Denafrips Pontus 12 anniversary DAC (much like upshift had done with his Terminator II). You can also upgrade to an external linear power supply, which can also lower noise. Of course, in all things audio, upgrading to a much more expensive and better streamer will result in better sound. The Bluesound devices can get to a certain quality of sound for what they cost (just like any audio component). A new Corvette can be modified and souped up to outperform that basic model but it will not outperform a Formula 1 race car.

Upgrade your DAC first then consider a streamer if you need it. I really have not found a huge difference with streamers sound quality, unlike the DAC it feeds. 

I've gone through 4 streamers in the last couple years and sold them all, last one was an Aurender A10 (software was just mediocre at best).

Software is hit or miss on all of them, reason I recently went to a Chord streamer 2GO/2YU as it uses the native streaming services app, or any playback method used on your phone/tablet. Just select the Chord as the output device and use what ever app is running like the tidal app or YouTube app etc.  

Thank you all for your replies.  I need to clarify;

I use the Node for streaming only.  The output goes to a highly modified MHDT Orchid.

All I really want is a better streamer and I'd like the option of using the Spotify app or the Qobuz app and not proprietary software, i.e., "Conductor."

Right now I turn on my Ipad select the Qobuz or Spotify app and within the app select the Node as the output device.  I'm happy with both apps.

Thanks glennewdick, you're doing what I'm wanting to do, just with a better streamer.

Yes buy innous ,,or other brands where you can use Roon as the music organizer, 

then QObuz, or Tidal as your library plus whatever on yourHard drive.