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Digital front end upgrade options

Hey everyone,

want to get some opinions and advice as to what may be the best upgrade path for my system.

my digital front end is currently lacking quite a bit. It’s my primary playback out of pure convenience. I currently stream tidal and qobuz through a MacBook Pro into a dragonfly cobalt. I would like to invest into a dedicated streamer. I have been looking at two units that are in different leagues. The first option would be the bluesound node 2i (more budget option) and the second would be a lumin u2 mini. So with that being said if I went with the cheaper option of the bluesound node 2i would I see any real sonic improvements over my current setup? Or would I be better suited to just pony up for the more expensive lumin u2 mini? And if I went with the u2 mini would the sonic improvements be significant over my dragonfly cobalt? I would like to think either option would be a significant upgrade but unfortunately I don’t have the option to test gear to find out for myself. Hoping to get a little insight here. Thank you all!

james1911

Showing 1 response by pindac

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pindac
2,864 posts
 

The Link is a model I recently discovered through being demo'd it in use, as part of a system I had heard for the first time.

The DAC in the link was also used in comparisons with another DAC during the above demo' period.

This is the first SS DAC I have encountered that I would happily own and feel very confident in the choice made.

I also believe it is a multi-function device, so can be exploited for the further usage options that are offered.

At the price in the Link, I do not know any SS DAC that will surpass it.

I would even suggest 2-3 Times the price seen in the link, is where monies will need to be parted with, if the perception is to be discovered something better is being used.

https://tmraudio.com/components/d-a-converters/hegel-hd30-dac-streamer/

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