Suggestions for a DAC/Streamer to replace BlueOS Node Streamer
First of all I’m not a “hifi nut” and not looking to replace any other gear, cables, power supplies, conditioners etc. Music is just one hobby. I stream Apple music via Apple play; that’s it (replaced Quboz with Apple for several reasons). My 2 channel gear is the said Node, an MC2700, an MC462 and a pair of BW 801D4. I have a CD collection that was ripped and resides on an SSD drive connected to the Node. A rarely used source. I have a Magnum Dynlab FM tuner for the occasional radio listening so don’t need a digital radio signal. I don’t use headphones. There seem to be “good/great/fantastic” DACs out anywhere from ~ $500 to 5K+. Seems like I’d benefit from replacing the NODE with something complementary to my existing gear to improve the sound presented to my ears. I’d appreciate some suggestions.
Surjio
I bought a better DAC to go with my BS N130 and have been a happy camper. Check out the Denafrips Aries. There are reviews everywhere on YouTube and the web. They have a new and less expensive model, the Enyo. I’ve only read about it and have never heard it, but the Enyo might fit your system well. All the best. |
Thank you Mahler123 and other replies. I meant Airplay. Exhausted from hours of my own “research” - reading here from previous related posts and numerous online reviews. I’m going to pre-order a Cambridge Audio EXN100. I hope I can tell the difference in sound once I have it. I like the interface, numerous I/O options and being able to use XLR out to my pre-amp. It looks well made by a reputable company. My budget was ~ 5K for a streamer and a DAC. No real reason for 5K; seemed a reasonable figure based on my upstream analog gear spend. With this single unit there will be fewer wires too and I can connect my existing SSD library. I’ve read about streamers and DACs costing 2-5x more but frankly I suspect I wouldn’t hear enough difference to spend 5K or even more. If it turns out there is no noticeable sound improvement using my typical listening library (vs the Node), then my experiment done for now. |
@sengha How are you using AirPlay now with your Node? If you are streaming from an iPhone or iPad, the Apple Music app will down-sample the stream to a lossy 256kbps. If you are using a MacBook Pro (according to Bluesound) the AM app will stream at 16/44. The Cambridge unit you mention uses AirPlay2, so you will get the same lossy stream if you are using an iPhone or iPad. So if you stick to Apple Music, you might not see any improvement. I believe only Eversolo and Fiio have the ability to get the AM app and a lossless stream since they use an Android OS. |
