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New streamer

I recently opened a discussion on upgrading my DAC. I started at the beginning of that discussion, that I was a vinyl guy, but with my purchase of the Chord Qutest, I realized that digital music can be outstanding and want to now upgrade my Node.

That will provide 2 benefits: Maximizing my current systems digital, and allow me to move the Node & Schiit Modi Multibit 2 to the family room, a small HT setup with a Yamaha AVR driving a Goldenear soundbar. Streaming there is currently MusicCast using the AVR DAC.  The improvement there should be very nice. 

My 2 channel equipment is as follows: 

Rogue RP-1 w/ NOS Brimar’s, LSA Warp 1, KEF R11’s, Rhythmic F12SE, Pro-ject 1Xpression w/Hana ML, Rega Aria, Bluesound Node w/Qubuz, Marantz CD6007, Chord Qutest. Good to very good power, speaker, interconnect cables.  
My weakest link (I believe) is now my Node. 
I don’t want or need amplification or volume control, ripping storage, nor an internal DAC. Sound signature should be neutral. 
My budget is $2,500, but willing to spend less. My current favorites are:

Lumin U2 mini. Very well reviewed, beautiful, perfect form factor, good app & controllable via my Harmony One remote. It is currently my #1 choice.

Auralic Aris. If new, the G1.1, if used G2.0 or 2.1. Very well reviewed, good app, OK form factor, but not controllable via harmony.  
Naim ND5 XS2. Considered the best high end streamer by What Hi Fi  Would need to buy used to stay close to budget.

EverSolo DMP-A6. Included based upon reviews, but may not be a serious contender. 
HiFi Rose RS250A. The streamer EverSolo seemed to copy  

Aurender. Don’t think they have anything within my budget, but included for discussion.

 LPS upgrade for Node. Included because I know it will come up. Plan to reuse my node downstairs, so out. Would prefer LPS upgrade for one of the above.  

Please let me know your thoughts and/or recommendations. Thanks!

 

 

128x128signaforce
marco1's avatar
marco1
496 posts
 

Aurender has a very good reputation and while you always have to consider service with used gear, I’d consider the source of a comment like that too. Dealers make money selling new equipment, lol. The N150 is a very nice unit (I have one) and will be a very nice step up from the Node (I have one of those too). No issues btw.

signaforce's avatar
signaforce OP
139 posts
 

This was easy… going with a used or potentially new N150. Was reading other streaming discussions in addition to this one. This particular OP also owned a Qutest and was questioning whether it could keep up. The discussion was N150 vs U2. He went with the N150. 
 

“The N150 is in-house and on its second day with 10 hours of total listening time.  I’ve got one main thing to say— the problem wasn’t my DAC. The Chord Qutest is a fully competent DAC when input by a really good streamer.  Wow!  I don’t have the N150 fully optimized and the improvement is easily heard, ESPECIALLY the much improved center stage. Imaging! Much more ‘fleshed out’.  Center stage depth is also much better.  Stage width is excellent.  And only 10 hours burn-in at this time.”

The N150 is a great form factor, recommended by most of you, already has LPS, the Qutest is a good match, I like the USB only solution, the appearance and what appears to be great sound! Done!

jsalerno277
112 posts
 

I agree with all above recommending the Aurender N-150.  I have the older N-100H , choosing it over the Innuos Zen Mini and Lumin U1 for its more organic sound (IMHO).  I recommend you audition and choose what sounds best to you. The N-150 is supposed to have greater clarity than my older model but I do not have personal experience. If you spend a little extra and buy pre-owned from an Aurender dealer Aurender has a certification program and offers a 2 year pre-owned warranty.  So that should ease your concern somewhat.  Personally I use tmraudio.com  when purchasing preowned and they are an Aurender dealer but use the dealer of your choice. I have had no issues and find Aurender customer support very responsive.  Good luck.  

markmuse
250 posts
 

If you decide to go with the Lumin let me know. I just upgraded to a U2 from the Mini. Haven’t listed it yet.

rayproctor9975
6 posts
 

Also consider the Eversolo dmp a8 been getting good reviews 

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