I agree with everyone here about the Bluesound products. I’ve got two Node 2i’s- one upstairs and one downstairs. Setup is easy, usability is solid, and the flexibility they offer is astounding. I wanted to chime in as I’ve actually tried the Audioengine adapter for a simple airpla antwnna. I didn’t care for the internal DAC, and when I fed it through the DAC in my Yamaha as801, it just sounded lifeless. I know this is a different caliber of equipment than yours, but with the bluesound, my setup sings. I’m not sophisticated enough to really describe it better than that. We returned the Audioengine (still love them) and shelled out for the bluesound node and never looked back. The two units I have sound phenomenal streaming Tidal masters. The music sounds alive but not overly warm or cool- it’s my favorite digital source because of how it sounds. NAD has also started manufacturing integrateds and network streamers with the bluesound compatibility, operating system, and features. I’d look into those as well. Good luck!
Digital Front end for Dummies
Have been an analog guy and will likely continue to be but am getting fiber optic Internet (I live in the middle of nowhere so this is a big deal) and am interested in developing a digital front end. My goal is really just to have a streaming set up, either Tidal or Qobuz, with a solid DAC. My dilemma is that I don't want an all in one as I feel like I'd rather have the opportunity to change DAC's later if I want. I also don't want to lay out a pile of money all at once. Wondering if I should get something like a Bluesound Node 2 to start and then add a DAC later or go with a less expensive front end like an Audioengine B-Fi and spend more on a DAC like a used Ayre Codex, Schiit Gungnir, or Denafrips Area II. Rest of my system is:
Rogue Audio RP-7Rogue Audio M180 monoblocksVandersteen Quatro Woods
Rogue Audio RP-7Rogue Audio M180 monoblocksVandersteen Quatro Woods