One more observation. Was listening to Nora Jones “come away with me” last night The NODE presentation was very light and airy. The Aurender presentation was airy, but was fuller, more robust. I actually preferred the NODE presentation… although I suspect the Aurender was more accurate.
Whereas, the more robust Aurender presentation of any Diana Kroll is much preferred, as the NODE presentation was a little weak, less engaging. Interesting.
For those NODE users, it is indeed an excellent price/performer.
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!
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@gumbedamit love the tag I see Eddie with a cigar every time :) I've been living with an A8 for about 10 days now and I am blown away it really is fantastic and is getting noticably better with run in. I'm a little disappointed for the OP, I was hoping the first impressions of the Aurender N150 would be more of a dramatic improvement over his Node. At the same time I am not completely surprised, my understaning is the upper end offerings from Aurender,Lumin,Innuos etc is were the real "magic" occurs the less expensive options are very good but not really massive leaps above the newer Bluesound units. That being said the A8 most certainly is a massive jump over the Node X in every respect, the A8 is an incredible bargain based on its performance level. Ignore the noise take the plunge you will not be disappointed. |
It takes a little bit of time for the changes to soak in. You’re used to the Bluesound presentation. Listen to the N150 for at least a week or so, then switch back. Also, your USB cable needs some time as well…it’s still new. |
+1 It takes a little bit of time for the changes to soak in. Going from a Node to the N150, the changes don’t necessarily smack you in the face like other component changes might. But very soon you’ll be listening and thinking to yourself how good things sound realizing how much of an improvement the new streamer has actually made.
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- 151 posts total