All in one streamer for parents in their 70s

Hello MajorC,

I, too, am old enough to be your parent.  May I ask a simple question of you, Sir? 

 I do not have a solution for your question, but a question myself. May I ask for your expertise and guidance? ow can I connect my music collection on a FLAC USB to my pre-amp listed here? My sound system is an early 80s ‘stack’ system.

None of the components are digital: Bryston 2B solid state amp, Conrad-Johnson PV-11 pre-amp, MIT 330 interconnects, MusicWave phase-equalized speaker cables, California Audio Labs CD Alpha and Delta drive, Dual 1129 turntable. B&W 803 speakers.

I would appreciate your suggestions and guidance on the matter.Thank you.

Mark Saracino

Node2 is still very well supported. 

Many thanks - going to purchase a used node. What generation/model would you recommend purchasing? Don't want to sacrifice sound quality or have any technical issues because of outdated software,etc.  Again, thank you  

@majorc This isn’t a comprehensive list and is in no particular order.

Primarily giving you some options to give you a feel for the variety available. A deep dive into this segment will expand the list. [Note: I am not making any recommendations]

Some are much lower than your stated budget. Others are right at it. A couple may be above.

Google them to learn more and see which ones fit your needs best.

- Revo SuperSystem
- Denon D-M41SBK (with speakers) $499
- Bose Wave SoundTouch Music System IV
- Sony CMTSBT100 Micro Music System (with speakers)
- Onkyo CS-265 or CS-375 Home Audio System (with speakers)
- Phillips BTM2180/37 (with speakers)
- Yamaha MCR-B043 (with speakers)
- Yamaha TSX-B235
- Pioneer Electronics X-HM76 (with speakers) $499
- Sharp XL-HF203B (with speakers)
- Audioengine HD3 (wireless+powered speakers)
- Tivoli Music System BT

There are higher priced options that can be found used/demo/etc. at lower prices. Here are two examples:

- Panasonic Technics OTTAVA
- Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd gen

If you go the Bluetooth speaker route, there are tons of inexpensive options. Some quite good in terms of sound quality.

Another option is to go the Soundbar route, which may have value if you also want to integrate audio from video sources.

Thank you, David, yes they are relatively proficient.  We would appreciate if you would provide options. majorc

@majorc   If your parents are comfortable with Apple OS and are using some Apps on their iPhone / iPad comfortably, then that opens up the possibilities.

Sonos would be an obvious choice, given that they are in the Apple garden.

However, there are many, many options...it comes down to their ability and proficiency with App based interfaces.

Thank you - yes, my parents both use iphones and ipads, albeit with occasional frustration. And this will not to be used with another system.  Presently they are listening to spotify, etc through their tv's soundbar. Thanks again  

@majorc 
The original Node was a square box design. 
I have no information comparing the Bluesound to the Echo.
Regarding Bluesound customer service- I agree, it isn't the fastest, but they do work on issues to completion. Given that streaming is relatively new, there are bound to be issues that crop up.
FWIW, I think Bluesound offers the most-streaming providers, stations, etc, with pretty good sound quality, for the least money.
Bob

Agree with @djones51 and @prpixel  's recommendation for the Amazon Echo (or equivalent). Your parents are probably using Amazon already, which will make the choice doubly safe and more useful.

If they do well with it, and want to move up the sonic ladder (so to speak) then you can look at other options.

If and when sound quality becomes paramount AND they are also comfortable with usage complexity, there are so many options. Many major brands offer their version of a simple all in one.

Are your parents starting from scratch, or do they have some existing gear? If they’re starting from scratch I’d look into SONOS. Easy to use, and once set up is virtually problem free.

so it's between the node or the echo - sound quality is the primary concern, ease of use second - there is a node N100 on ebay for $100 is that the original node?  With the node all they would require is that and a set of powered speakers but the echo is completely self contained? many thanks

Get them a couple of Amazon echo smart speakers. Friend of mine got his parents one and they love it. If they like classical music they can simply say Alexa play classical or Mozart, if the like country just say country or name the band or artist or song they want to listen to. Set it up for them all they need to do is talk to it.

A Bluesound Node would be my choice.
Easy to set up, with very good sound quality for the price.
They also have wireless speakers.
If you want to save some money, buy the Node used. Even the first iteration is still supported and upgradable.
I own two of the original Nodes, and haven't upgraded because Bluesound said it wouldn't make a difference.
(Though the newest model offers 5ghz wireless band, which the older models don't).
Bob