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Streamer apps critical

I don't understand why high end manufacturers release streamers with terrible apps. One of the strongest advantages of the Nodes is the BluOS app. It's simple and effective,  though not full-featured. I understand the Innuos app is great. Not all of us like much less want to pay the cost of ROON and the online apps, like USB audio Player are clunky. I would love to see a paid-for version of BluOS or other manufacturers license a common but customized app, much as early versions of Windows were available from Dell, Gateway, Compaq and so many others. 

pprocter
bassbuyer
138 posts
 

Agree that’s been my experience.  I was staying with my Node because of the BluOs operating system which worked for me streaming Qobuz with my iPad.  I didn’t like Roon or some other ops I tried even though the streamer was better.  I found the Innuos Sense app worked for me and the Zen Mk3 with my DAC sounded better.  Ease of use is key for me.  I suggest to my friends to find a streaming service and ops that works for them when they start streaming.  

signaforce's avatar
signaforce
203 posts
 

+1 Aurender conductor app. Excellent!
Because of the amount of information provided, works best with a pad vs a phone. Repurposed an old iPad mini for exclusive use with my Aurender running Qobuz. 
Moved from blueOS to conductor with skipping a beat. Both great apps.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
treepmeyer
123 posts
 

+1 on the importance of ui/software in a streamer.  I went from a Node to a miniDSP SHD with Volumio.  Hardware was fine but Volumio was a horrible experience.  I even stopped listening to music.  My wife actually encouraged me to buy a new streamer!  Now when was the last time your significant other encouraged you to buy a new audio toy?  Volumio was that bad.  Anyway, I reluctantly dumped the miniDSP and went back to a Node, but this time with an LPS, an external DAC, and fronted with an English 8 switch.  To my ears, the SQ is fine with this (low cost) setup.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,915 posts
 

I have a Bluesound Vault 2i in my second system and an Aurender N200 in my main system.  

Both have been great, the Aurender is 4x more money but the build quality and support are top notch.   The Vault has been pretty much flawless in the 6 years I've owned it.  

Bluesound is the best platform for those new to streaming in my opinion.   Hard to beat for the money.  

 

 

mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,993 posts
 

I just moved from a BlueSound Node2 with LHY Audio power board and a LPS to a WiiM Ultra.

I’ve always stated the BlueOS is one of the best out there. The WiiM is as good, maybe even a little better, plus the Ultra is a fantastic unit. I really do think it sounds better than the Node2 combo.

I used both units as head unit, (streamer) only, via COAX output to my tube DAC.

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