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Bluesound Node 2

I'm a complete newbie in the digital space, not counting CD players of course. I'm also on a path to upgrade my system from other various angles, mostly preamp and speakers. All that said, I'm currently using a Bluesound Node 2 with a hifi Tidal subscription. No computer files or hardwired USB connections. My first question is where does Bluesound fit in the digital wireless streaming quality hierarchy. And a related question is what would be a good upgrade path, again assuming only wireless streaming as the source. I see a lot of high end DACs out there, some several thousand dollars and wonder if those are only used for connection to a laptop and running computer hirez files, etc. Not a whole lot about wireless streaming. All in all, some guidance in the digital wireless streaming space would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Showing 1 response by marco1

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marco1
496 posts
 
I also use a Node 2 as an only source in a bedroom system to stream Tidal (MQA whenever available) directly to my amp from my router.  Same or similar setup as the OP appears to use.  I too am extremely impressed.  SQ is better than streaming through an Oppo 105 or other digital sources that I have also tried.

I also am very interested to see (hear) if anyone has used an outboard DAC to improve the sound quality from the DAC built into the Node.  None of the previous responses seem to address the OP's original question.  If anyone has had any luck with an outboard DAC, please let us know which one(s) you have tried and what the improvements have been.  Also, does anyone know if you can connect the Node to transmit the necessary 192 signal for MQA?  My understanding is that the Node would unfold the MQA and then an outboard DAC could be used to improve SQ. Is that accurate?
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