For a starter streamer, I give another vote for the new Bluesound Node. The software is very easy to use. I’ve had one for about 5 months now and am pretty happy with it.

All The Best.

JD

IMO, the Orchard Pecan Pi offers much better SQ than the Bluesound, plus it can be a Roon endpoint.  Less $ last time I looked.

As others have said, the Bluesound Node makes a lot of sense because it sounds good and has a good user interface. Using a streamer/DAC into the analog inputs on your Yamaha AVR and running it in 2 channel mode should work just fine.  I run that type of setup in my secondary system and music sounds significantly better than any other sources that use the DAC in my Yamaha AVR.

Thanks, that’s a great suggestion on the ht dilemma. The wife likes movies, so have to keep her happy. I have plenty of speakers to satisfy the need for ht. No need to upgrade them at this time. My end goal is to have separate ht and a separate hi fi system for my music. I have tried receivers for ht and none are up to the task for me. Used a top of the line Sony es for years until hdmi forced me to replace. The yammie is just a stop gap for now. I really can’t see putting $4000 into a dennon, marantz, arcam, or likewise at this time. 
  I’ll just take my time and wait for the good stuff to come up. I would love to get mark levenson or threshold separates it some point. I used a lot of Macintosh in my college days and it’s not for me. No offense to the Mac lovers. One step at a time, and see if it works for me. Thanks to you all.

twodogs112

Cleeds, I understand your reluctance of owning  a “pricey watch”. However you missed the point ...

Ok, moving on. Thanks for all the kind advice. To those who look down on , you are entitled to your own opinion.  I  think I’ll just move on from this forum. I don’t take lightly to those who think they are better than me!!!!

I have to say that @ghdprentice ’s advice was misunderstood. I have never seen him look down on anyone’s equipment. If you can get past the perceived insult (which I’m sure was not his intention), his main point is valid. I have seen many seasoned audiophiles with decent to very good analog rigs dip their toes in the streaming world, but they mostly start with entry-level gear such as Bluesound Node. Please note that there’s nothing wrong with the Node (I happen to own one in my office system), but it’s simply not fair to reach a conclusion (vinyl vs. streaming) based on comparing a decent vinyl setup to an entry-level streaming setup. You might as well be comparing apples to oranges at this point.

I also own an Innuos Zenith MK3 (+ ENO filter) in my main system, and I can tell you it’s orders of magnitude better than the Node. I have friends who own excellent vinyl-based systems, and they have commented that my main system comes very close to their vinyl systems. Just my 2 cents

@cleeds I would agree.

Welcome to the hobby!

I like analog - I still have the first album I ever bought.  And I avoided streaming for several years.  And streaming is awesome for many reasons and access and ease of use is certainly high up there on the list of reasons.

I concur with folks recommendations on the Bluesound - beside having solid functionality as a streamer/DAC it has a very user friendly interface access to internet radio, streaming subscriptions and the like.

The challenge I experienced after I appreciated the streaming benefits was the quality of reproduction between analog and digital.  So if you like digital you may be tempted like me to upgrade :)  (And boy upgrades can be fantastic and fantastically expensive :0)

The upgrades have been appreciated and I've noticed a shift in sources as my listening from predominately analog to predominately digital.

Enjoy the journey :)

 Have a Bluesound Node as a streamer and a Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M as a DAC.  They are complimentary.  I tend to use the CA unit for high res files via a USB A connection from my Mac mini and the Node for streaming. The volume is higher and sound is brighter from the Node than if I connect the Node to the CA unit.   Eventually I will get a unit that does both, but for now I am quite pleased.  Both work well with Roon or Audirvāna. Best of luck to you. 

@cleeda , @arafiq

Thank you very much for your kind words. Absolutely I was not trying to put anyone or anything down. I am still a bit confused on @twodogs112 comments.

I am assuming it came from my comments about changing components. No value judgement involved. It is the combination of components that determine to outcome… it can be in the same price range or yes, higher can also help.

Anyway, you guys are right. I am always trying to be helpful. Thanks for noticing.

I came here for the advice but stayed for the entertainment. 

if you do not yet have a separate DAC, you will most likely be satisfied for a long time streamer / DAC Auralic Altair G1 / G2, even second-hand - eg https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649862548-auralic-altair-g1- dacstreamer /

Another KISS thought. It’s the all in one box rather than a separates approach. These are shockingly good too!

Naim Uniti Nova

$6,899.00

Uniti Nova proof that an all-in-one player can deliver audiophile quality. Whichever source you choose, your music will be utterly transformed. Its 80-watt per channel integrated amplifier and high-resolution music streaming capabilities will fill your home with stunning high-fidelity sound. Uniti Nova is perfect as a high-end main system or even for use in the kitchen or study, where space is at a premium. Just add speakers. The Naim App for iOS and Android combines all of your music sources in one place, making Uniti Nova even more appealing.

Wow, didn’t intend to create a firestorm here. I’m not interested in changing my whole system. I have looked at the blue sound node and even though somewhat expensive for a “try it out” . I’m looking for one used for a reasonable price. Again I’m not looking to replace my system, just looking to add to it. Thanks to all. 
 I’m happy to provide some entertainment to some of you!!! Joke!!!

Welcome to the audio jungle.

@twodogs112

Wow, didn’t intend to create a firestorm here

You will find out this happens a fair amount here.  There are even threads talking about why threads deteriorate into testy exchanges.

Like I said before look for a Sonos gen1.  You can find these for super cheap.  They dont sound as good as the BS node but it will allow you to experience streaming with a really good interface.   This will give you time to survey the landscape and do trials with streaming services, understand network,  with a minimum cash outlay.    Then if you find its for you then dump real cash on a nice streamer & DAC.

@twodogs112 

I also worked the board for many well known artists visiting concert venues in my area. Just a few to mention a few, chuck mangione, Maynard furgison, and many others.

That is really cool.  I was and still am a huge Maynard Ferguson fan.  I was the weird kid in grade school/high school who preferred rocking out to Maynard's "MF Horn" albums instead of the popular rock and top 40 artists.  His "High Voltage" period is a little cringy, though...

Back to streamers, I'll also recommend the Bluesound Node as a starter.  I know you mentioned looking for used.  Just an FYI, there is a difference in processors (1 GHz in 2i vs 1.8 GHz with 64-bit support in Node) and a better DAC (192KHz max on 2i vs 384KHz on Node).  I can't personally speak to the sonic improvements due to those differences.  I own the newer Node model and have only casually listened to the older 2i at my dealer.  I'm pleased with the sound.  The reviews I've read comparing Node to Node 2i give the nod to the Node because of the better DAC.  I will hopefully be getting my new preamp soon with what I believe should be a higher end on-board DAC and am curious to see if using that DAC with the Node makes any discernible difference.

Thanks for the reply, mr Maynard was a bit demanding. Mangione was far more laid back. Thanks for the input on the node. A Dac  is not a concern for me, have a pop/pulse currently and just ordered a bifrost after much research. As time and funds permit I’ll upgrade to better electronics. I have many other project that take my funds and time. I’m currently restoring a 69 mg for the second time and a few other cats as well . Thanks.

@twodogs112

mr Maynard was a bit demanding. Mangione was far more laid back

Fun fact: My old high school used to host Maynard and his band for a weekend of shows every 4 or 5 years. My best friend’s dad was the HS band director and was the one who coordinated the concerts. After the show, the band used to stick around and shoot hoops in the gymnasium. Maynard didn’t stick around, but the rest of the band and crew would. They always said Dennis DiBlasio was a real hoot.

Ah -- so since you already have a DAC with USB input, have you considered using your laptop/PC and the Tidal and/or Qobuz desktop app as the streamer into your PopPulse just for a quick test? That wouldn’t cost you anything other than the Tidal/Qobuz subscription fees after your free trials run out. Maybe not quite the same level of fidelity as a standalone streamer, but might be enough to give you a taste of streaming without needing to invest much of anything right away.

Got a new Mac book pro. Still discovering what it can do. I managed to load all my music from my asus laptop to an old iPod. Then loaded it all on a thumb drive. Next step will be pictures from the asus. Can’t get my system due to renovations to my house. Delays with materials is a pain. Everything is delayed!!! Currently living in living room( sounds weird). You make an excellent point however. I’ll try as soon as I’m able.

  Funny note, I just discovered Apple has music on my wife’s Apple TV!!! Who knew? Thanks.

You are right about Maynard, I worked for a smaller nightclub ( maybe 150 people) doing the board work. Back in those days artists would come and play to get their name and sound out there. We didn’t have big rock concerts then. Oh, to be young again!!!

Surprised no one has suggested the AudioLab 6000N. I have one and feel the sound quality is brilliant, and its not expensive. Wonderful DAC in it.

If you just want to get a quick "feel" for streaming, get a bluetooth receiver like the "1Mii Bluetooth 5.0" on Amazon for dirt cheap (under $100) and you can have it tomorrow. Then just bluetooth cast your music from your phone to it hooked up to any analog in on your receiver. I started with one and was great intro to streaming. I've upgraded to the Audiolab 6000N now, but the bluetooth receiver is now hooked up in the garage system to "rock-out" on. 

Blue sound node now has usb Output  which is the preferred input method for my dac.   Have run ultra rendu for a year now for qobuz/roon and have no appreciable difference with 2000 units.  Small unit with power supply seems expensive compared to larger competition.   Assume the money goes into the circuit design and parts and not on the case

Why not try something like this? Affordable, and the performance may surprise you. All you need is a Raspberry Pi, the DAC board and a case of some sort is helpful.  You can get into it for about $200 and rival units at multiples of that cost.

barts +1.  

Hi

Another vote for Blue Sound node. But definitely upgrade the power cord. Made a stunning improvement. I have two of them. Started with just BS Node. Later added Yggy DAC to one. 
I have Tidal and Qobuz. I listen to Qobuz more. Excellent HR selection of music. 
enjoy.

joe

Depending on your budget, I am pretty happy with my Lumin U1 mini with an external linear power supply.  

Perhaps it is just me I too have been in this hobby (?) for a long time 1968 to be exact. Unfortunately lost my vinyl in a flood.   That said  I have tested a bunch of low end streamers many mentioned above in this thread and i find thatto my ears  in my multiple higher end systems, they sound worse than going from my apple powerbooks through my separate quality DACs.  If budget is the constraint I would look to enter via the higher end used market or go the compturer to quality DAC route.     There are some used Cary DMS or DMC series streamer out there at a good price since they have recently introduced new models.   Some the older models allow you an output choice through a tube or SS end, depending on the sound you want for certain types of music 

The most expeditious and lowest cost way to get into streaming is to use a laptop PC and a USB DAC or USB audio interface.   The very most low cost unit is only $25 from Sweetwater.   The sound quality is equal to your typical consumer grade CD player.  This $25 device, along with one of your laptop PCs and you're good to go.

There are better quality DAC devices out there, but they cost more of course.  If you've got the budget, get one of those.  None of the music streamers will have a user interface as good as that which you'll have on a laptop PC.   The built-in Windows Media Center does a decent job.  Many people will drop about $50 or so for the JRiver media manager.     I'm a retired Linux engineer and only run Linux at home, so I run JRiver on a laptop running Linux.  I paid all of $200 for the laptop off of Craigslist.   Sound quality is every bit as good as any streamer and is solely determined by the DAC I run.  There are many good ones out there for $500 or less.  The Behringer I pointed you at is adequate and cheap.  If you like the sound quality you get from your CD player, then the Behringer will match that.

I'm another one for the Bluesound Node.  Simply the best price:performance ratio along with the best UX for any streamer.  I've owned both the Node 2i and the current Node and I've been extremely happy with them.  Buy a good power cable and RCA cables and it's a great sounding streamer.   

You can go up from there but it's hard to find things that are really worth the price increase.  I've owned the CXN at 2x the cost and it's a great streamer, but the lack of native Roon support caused me to return it to buy the newest Node.  At 4x the cost, the NAD option is pretty good.  Same UX as it uses the BluOS, but it's not any better sounding then the CXN at less the cost.  The Arcam also falls into the category of costing more then the CXN with not as good SQ.  The Lumin D2 is excellent at 5x the cost of the Node, and is where I'd upgrade to as you're not sacrificing anything but it's a huge price jump.  The HiFi Rose streamers are also good sounding, but very glitchy at a high price.  The Simaudio Moon 280d is amazing, but very expensive and the UX isn't as good unless you're running Roon.  

Personally, my reference system runs the Moon 280d and my secondary system is running the current Bluesound Node.  I'm very happy with both units, but if I do upgrade the next thing will be going from the Node to a Lumin D2.  

I concur with Bluesound. Nothing in the industry comes close to the value and the interface is the best in the business.

Cambridge CXNV2 is excellent 

have one 3 yrs easy to use and great sound

v easy to hit firmware updates 

Bluesound is supposed to be very well regarded at a fair price.  I am waiting for their update to the Vault 2i and I like to rip all my CDs too.  I use Amazon Music as my streaming service which means having streamers that work with Amazon Music natively (to get highest resolution playback possible) is challenging. Qobuz, Tidal etc are everywhere.  

I've seen streamers north of $18K price points and just scratch my head...  

My recommendation is as follows:

1) old Mac mini or MacBook Pro with optical out

2) project dac box s2+
3) ifi elite power supply

4) wire world (or other equal) optical cable

I much prefer optical because of low noise (vs usb) but it does limit you on high resolution files. 
 

this setup is cheaper than the qutest and has some better qualities. 
overall the qutest is better dac but this setup covers the streamer as well and will cost 2/3 of the price of the qutest. 
 

the ifi elite power supply is really nice takes the dac box s2+ to another level. 

Elite power supply gives some improvement to the qutest as well.

Do you by chance use a Roku device for your television?  If so, you can stream music through the Roku using Spotify.  My Roku is 2016 variety with optical audio output to preamp.  Fairly simple setup, you control Spotify on the Roku using your Spotify ap on the iphone, long as it's connected to the same network.  Easy Google search to set this up.

After that "free" intro to streaming I moved up to a previously-loved ebay Bluesound Node.  Prefer my turntable with a good LP, but honestly I like the Bluesound about as good as my CD player (and the music choices are endless).  

I have old amps and speakers, be interesting to see if I can hear the difference from a Bluesound to the next step up.  

2psyop +1 - except don't use a Cat 5 cable; use a Cat 7 or 8 cable.  They are very cheap.

Firstly, I am a relative newcomer to this forum, just trying to get a bit of diversity in my audio discussion. Not surprised and perhaps a little disappointed to see there’s the same argy-bargy here as many other places.

Back on topic, I dipped into streaming a couple of years ago, after many years of mucking around with hi-rez digital files on computers and pro-sumer ADC/DACs. I am adding to a pretty good analog system, but I thought I might start modestly and also considered the Bluesound, but quickly went to considering others such as the Cambridge, then other products such as entry level Auralic and Lumin, pondered the Auralic Altair G1, to cut a long story short, ended up with three boxes at the Auralic G2.1 level, which has been very satisfying, but that’s just me wanting to get a really good outcome, which for me is equal to and often superior to analog. 
if you want to dip your toes into streaming, by all means, go the Bluesound and see what it gives to you, I just wanted a “no regrets” outcome.

I like you am an old stereo guy updating my 2 channel system. You mentioned that you are also looking for a new pre-amp so I thought I'd mention that I added a Emotiva BasX PT1 Stereo PreAmp to my system a couple months ago and couldn't be happier.

I'm quite impressed with so many recommendations. I just use my CD player with a USB to the laptop or the Schiit Modi3 to the Laptop.  Its so much easier for me to choose music from Amazon Music/Tidal/MP3 files.  I think I would be lost to try and hook up a streamer, nome the less know how to use one. 

@bobd207s , I have the PT100, older model and love the option of using bluetooth or USB. An excellent buy for the price.

@twodogs112 'My question is what is the most reasonable streamer to try in my system to see if it works for me?' 

'What is the best unit to try this out. Can’t break the bank, used is ok, actually preferred. Any outlet advice would be appreciated. '

'I’m working to eventually get to the level of most of you.'

Your Story of your History and return to using a HiFi System is a welcome one.

The requests you have made and as shown above is where I am at, I have kept an open mind on all options and have read through threads covering the Subject of Streaming and all the different directions a thread can head off in on this subject.    There is a wide variety of views on the subject, I have been working out where it would be best for myself to commence with a Streaming Source to be used with the DAC I have for a CDT Source.

The Link is a thread from this forum, that might be worthwhile to read, it may fit in with the second and third of your above requests.

@mwinkc ' I'm an audiophile from the early 70's with several hundred LP's and only 100 CD's. Before I started streaming my listening was 85% vinyl 10% CD and 5% Bluetooth.  Now, it's 75% streaming 5% CD and 20% vinyl. When I want the best music quality, it's vinyl. But the insane quantity of available music, great sound quality and ease of managing the several thousand tracks on albums and playlists make streaming an unbeatable choice, much of the time. 

Enjoy your journey and discoveries.'

Your above description is very appealing, and especially hits a note, as I really enjoy music and have had a secondary interest in the equipment to be used to get the best out of replaying vinyl. The recent introduction of a CD Source has had quite an impact, I am now listening to music not owned as a Vinyl LP Album and have also listened to both Sources using the same Albums, and know for sure that either can be very satisfying in use.

I am looking to further reduce the focus on the Vinyl Source and the required ancillaries to keep it at its best, the idea of extending a Cart's usage life through less plays is quite attractive. To have the option on the convenience of Streaming, albeit, from stored FLAC Files or from a Network Streamed Information, along with the vast selection of music is very appealing.

I could easily see myself putting in place a rebalance across the system in relation to the use of the Sources, and your description of this would be a very interesting outcome for myself. My Wife who is an audiophile in the sense that really enjoys listening to music, was active in participation when the building of the system was being undertaken, she owns approx' 50% of the Vinyl Collection and 20% of the CD Collection, now she maybe only listens to the system for a few hours a year now as she has the use of Alexia to present all her listening experiences she wishes to share in.

I am reassuring my wife that a Streaming System set up correctly should supersede the use of Alexia, but we'll see, it is her most go to gadget beyond the phone.       

Why hasn’t anybody figured out that @twodogs112 is already streaming. He even gave us a clue, TWICE.

“ Funny note, I just discovered Apple has music on my wife’s Apple TV!!! Who knew? Thanks.”

If he hasn’t figured it out already, he can stream Tidal, or whatever, and he’s got instant access to HD streaming and it won’t cost him anything!

Actually, Tidal is available on Apple TV, but Qobuz isn’t.

Not sure my the OP went off on @ghdprentice , who I add my thumb up to as a Good Guy, but I am puzzled at some of of his other statements, such as he can’t afford a Bluesound Node as an entry level component while he brags to @cleeds about his Rolex collection.  He doesn’t seem cash strapped.  Clearly he could sell off one Rolex and probably have something finer than the Node2.  I think it would be worth doing without one watch to have the ability to listen to virtually all of recorded music in existence in really good sound, and the OP background with music suggests that he would value good sound.  
  I have auditioned a few streamers in the $100-$200 range and compared to the Node they sound clearly, audibly inferior.  I am not saying that the Node is the Holy Grail of Hi Fi, but I do believe that represents the floor for High End streaming. It does high resolution, MQA, every streaming service under the sun. For the ceiling, read all the other threads here. 
  We can afford what we value.  Unless you are a Plutocrat this involves trade offs.  It might involve owning one less Rolex to gain the joy of well reproduced music.

what the OP shouldn’t expect the joy of ownership from a Timex sold at Walmart to be equivalent to one of his pieces of fine craftsmanship.  Nor should he expect high end audio performance at transitor radio prices

I can absolutely confirm above mentioned strategy using 2systems equally to be covered playing HT and music in their best quality.

I am using this strategy and can add bass to music only as I wish.

Fantastic combo.

To comment for the topic of this tread here:

Buy an Antipodes‘ K50 Server-streamer. 

You will not find better (SA)CD-Player quality.

It comes with the most advanced streamer technology (2PC gear and much munch more).

I ripped my entire collection (approx 5000albums) and am the happiest man on earth.

Best

I can absolutely confirm above mentioned strategy using 2systems equally to be covered playing HT and music in their best quality.

I am using this strategy and can add bass to the 2CH-music only as I wish.

Fantastic combo.

To comment for the topic of this tread here:

Buy an Antipodes‘ K50 Server-streamer. 

You will not find better (SA)CD-Player quality.

It comes with the most advanced streamer technology (2PC gear and much munch more). And Antipodes has an remarkable after sales service. As well as it is updating their models a couple of years only. So, you will be up to date for quite while.

I ripped my entire collection (approx 5000albums) and am the happiest man on earth.

Best

Finally, I’ll play with Apple TV today. Also the suggestion about the laptop and Dac combination might work for a trial. My asus rig laptop has a great audio card. My schist bifrost should be here today, replacing my pop pulse Dac. Great suggestions, thanks all. 

To all who choose to be hostile towards me for asking a simple question. Read the question!!!! Don’t try to sell me your idea of what you have. I did not say I couldn’t AFFORD a blue note, nor was I soliciting upgrades to my electronics. I don’t think I want to start with a $4000 streamer. I came here looking for advice , not disrespect. 
 Thanks to those who provided helpful advice.