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Bluesound Node 2i vs Upscale streamers

For those of you that have compared the Node 2/2i to some of the more expensive streamers like Lumin, Aurender, etc., what do the big boys bring to the table. Forget the internal DACs, I'm sure theirs beats the Node. I'm talking about using these devices as stand alone streamers into an outboard DAC. What are the differences you've heard?


Oz



ozzy62

Showing 3 responses by gdnrbob

gdnrbob
4,478 posts
 
I have heard the Node compared with the Aurender N100 through an Ayre Codex DAC.
The Aurender combo was much, much better.
I currently use the Node with a Codex, so things are going to change soon. I am just waiting for Aurender to get the ACS100 software running so I can network my 2 systems, like I do with the Bluesound.
Bob
gdnrbob
4,478 posts
 
@ianrmack ,
I believe mgrif stated it quite well.
The Aurender/Codex combo bested the Node/Codex, as well as the Node/Node-no surprise.
Just a deeper soundstage, more information, yada yada.

Would the OP be happy with the Node onboard DAC- probably, yes.

But, If he/she wanted to extract as much as possible, I would recommend going the Aurender/Codex route. If finances say otherwise, I would go with the Node/Codex. 
The Node/Codex is not a bad combo. I use it to this day.
The one thing Bluesound will allow is for a greater diversity of Streaming services, which Aurender is unfortunately limited to Quobuz and Tidal.
YMMV
bob
gdnrbob
4,478 posts
 
@jorgjean,
Don't ask me how or why, but switching out the Bluesound Node for an Aurender N100-while still using any Ayre Codex- made a significant improvement.
Bob
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