DAC upgrade

many are quick to dismiss the BlueSound Node and call it the “weak link or bottleneck”. I would offer a contrary argument and say that it’s a great all in one box solution particularly at its price point if folks can get over their obtuse notions that stand-alone streamer and dac’s are a must have.  My newest and latest Node X is a stellar performer and I gloat over its performance and ease of use having heard other mega buck digital separates setups that left me underwhelmed.

in the interim I see a slew of EverSolo products (including Master Edition) that are quickly showing up for sale on the used audio sites….and I mean quite a few!

I wonder why that is??

clhs04 +1

Bluesound originated in 2013, so they have been in the streaming business for over a decade now. They spent a lot of time improving the OS and have a stellar customer service network. They are in it for the long haul and I have had many questions answered by their IT guys and many user errors resolved. The newest Node X is a stellar product at the $800 mark. Some have knocked MQA but some of the best recordings I have have heard on my stereo have been FLAC or MQA. I think we all know the companies that are producing better sounding products. Most are selling at double, triple and up to $12k. But will they keep doing so in a decade and servicing those products? To what extent have they built up customer service? How good is the OS or GUI?

For what Bluesound has achieved, they are a stellar choice IMHO.

The Border Patrol dac might worth consideration. Music is something special through this little gem. Form factor is high.  

Bryston BDA-3.  
 

Aqua Acoustics LaScala

You should consider the PS Audio Directstream DAC Mk1. It definitely doesn't have the form factor you want, which may well disqualify it, but it's an amazing DAC an now with the Mk2 out they are selling for around $2k, I've seen one for $1900.