An older Node with a LPS combined with the Qutest is an excellent way to get quality sound on a budget imo. That is of course assuming you like the sound of a Qutest. It was one combo of many that I have tried. I also tried both the LHY and Pardo upgrade kits (not much difference between the two as I recall) as well as using a Schiit Gumby and Denafrips Ares and Pontus with the upgraded Node. Not until I got an Aurender N150 and combined it with the Pontus did I notice and really appreciate the additional investment made. I have since moved up the food chain of DAC’s and streamers several notches. Neither I nor members of my audio club have ever needed blind tests to hear differences in streamers or DAC’s. Further, I don’t necessarily think that DAC’s are the most important part of streaming. Sure it’s easier to hear differences in DAC’s sometimes, but those differences (nuances) many times cannot really be appreciated to their fullest without quality streaming components, which btw also include quality cables and other ancillary components.
Bluesound Node versions SQ
For those of you with both the 130 and the 132 versions, have you tested the sound quality of just the streamer/transport section and how they sound compared to each other? I'm still streamer researching and wondering if there is a difference when these two units are connected to an outboard DAC. I was thinking if not, then I might consider the older 130 version as it's discounted and then the savings could be applied to an LPS upgrade kit.
I've also been reading that some owners have had issues using the Node's USB output with the Qutest..Thoughts on either subject is appreciated.