Digital front end upgrade options

James-

Not sure what you’re ultimately working up to but please keep in mind that the Node 2i has a built in dac and the U2 Mini is a transport (no dac). So considering these two devices alone the purchase of the Lumin would likely leave you shopping for an additional dac (you didn’t mention anything about the other components in your system).

As for the U2 Mini- I purchased one a year ago and have not had any complaints. I stream Qobuz and Spotify and while I still prefer ripped CD’s from my Naim source the Mini definitely outperforms my MacBook Pro.
 

Mr. .45 ACP….Lumin U1 Mini is a pure streamer. You would need a DAC and going from U1 Mini into your AQ cobalt would be a potential waste of resources.
If you like a one box solution, some of the options include, Lumin D2, HiFi Rose, Ever Solo (see Steve Huff’s review on YouTube), iFi Neo and your aforementioned cheaper option of Bluesound Node among others.
Alternative would be to get a decent DAC, i.e a Chord Qutest and continue using your your macbook but the mac isn’t that good as a streamer. If you’re looking for convenience and don’t want to spend a lot, the Bluesound Node is your ticket

Oh ,my mistake I guess I meant to say the lumin D2. I would definitely prefer a one box solution. As for the bluesound node 2i I know I would be paying for the convenience aspect of things, but going from my current set up to a bluesound node would that be all I was paying for? Or should I expect a sonic improvement as well? If I was looking convenience as well as a sonic performance gain should I just spend the extra cash and look at getting the lumin d2?

thank you for the feedback

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/

Why the Node 2i and not the current (2021) version of the Node (N130), or the tenth anniversary Node X with an improved DAC and headphone amp? If you have a deal on a NOS Node to try out or to use just as a streamer, go for it. However, I’d be a little leery of buying a used Node. (I have several and I like them a lot, but they are built to a price point and have, I suspect, a limited life like many of today’s lower priced electronics).