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

@signaforce There appears to be conflicting info coming from Aurender. I was considering a used N150 from a fellow audiogoner. I wrote Aurender and they wrote back and told me it is not transferable. If your version is the correct version, thanks for clarifying.

The following is the info from Aurender from 6 days ago:

You are correct that we offer a full 2-year manufacturer’s warranty for all Aurender products. The warranty is non-transferrable. However, all Aurender owners get free remote support assistance, regardless if they purchased the product new or used, from an authorized dealer or from a friend. This is found inside our Conductor app under: settings/help/send remote support email.

@12many 

Very weird. I was unable to get the original receipt so asked Aurender to provide manufacture date. Just received this from them. 

“According to our database, your unit was shipped to the US on September 9th, 2022. Based on this shipping date, your warranty is valid for two years from that date, ensuring coverage until September 9th, 2024.”

I have no idea why… the only thing I can think of is I bought it from an authorized dealer.