Digital with same soundstage as analog

Goodonya and Gongrats! If you’re using the analog outs from the Node a separate DAC should definitely be your next move. And just to maybe spark the chain reaction a little further for down the road, adding a separate linear power supply to the Node from the likes of Teddy Pardo, etc. for $200-$400 should give you another significant and relatively cost-effective performance boost to where you may be able to live happily with the Node for a long time. Many people here have done this and have been very happy with the results. FWIW.

I was first introduced to Steaming through dedicated set ups for Streaming as the Source in a few very expensive systems, both Valve and Solid State. At the time of these demo's there was no option to carry out A/B comparisons to other Sources.

My assessment was that I could not but feel the system was being sold short with a Source that is streamed material only.

Later down the line, I was in a position where I could experience Streamed Data and FLAC - WAV File Data, as Source Medium replayed on Audio Systems I was very familiar with. These experiences have even allowed for comparisons of other Sources inclusive of CDP > CDT + DAC and Vinyl LP using the same Album Tracks.

The outcome of such experiences for myself and as a result of only experiencing a very limited range of dedicated streaming devices, is that Streaming is not a contender for a CD or Vinyl Source.

That does not mean it is without attraction, as the music produced in these later demo's is very listenable for long periods, definitely not fatiguing. Combine this with the convenience of accessing preferred music as fast as a click of a thumb, along with immediate access to a vast range of music genre's and different cultural music is an attraction that is difficult to be overlooked.

@pindac

Steaming...

Definitely a flat response after that! The moving iron moves on.😉

But once again we have streaming in the analog section. Why does that keep happening?

At least I'm not with a first encounter being 'Steaming Sauces', that would be a interesting wording to cause total confusion.

I have a notoriety for being a Thread Killer.  

The most recent 2024 Streamer Demo' has been a Linn Selekt with Upgrades, in comparison to a few CD Sources, being a EAR Acute and a Wadia. The Vinyl Source has been the SP10 R > Glanz > Miyajima Lab MC > Bespoke Built Valve Input / Output Phonostage. 

Is the Linn Selekt a Streamer that competes comfortably in the end sound production area, with the other Brands of similar purchase value, or is it a poorer performer.

I would own a Selekt, if there was a better sonic quality to be achieved for less monies, from a new or used alternative device, I would be keen to learn of such models.   

Tone and timbre would be the largest differences I notice between vinyl and digital.  I wouldn’t think that sound stage would be much affected by source, generally speaking.