I think you would be surprised by how nice the Bluesound Node 2i sounds. I stream Tidal and I find MQA to have a noticeable difference in sound stage and presence. The dealer talked me into adding a ProJect S2 DAC to the Bluesound connected with an Audioquest Carbon COAX cable. However, I preferred the Bluesound by itself. When you add a DAC, you can only get one unfold of MQA. Again, I liked MQA better than adding a DAC. I had to sell the DAC and Coax for half of what I paid. I wonder if you can hear a significant difference in sound quality after purchasing a $3,000 streamer? The dealer I purchased my REL subwoofers recommended I go with a BelCanto Streamer for three times the cost. Problem is finding a dealer who will allow you to take both home to try on your home system for 24 hours. I think most would be reluctant because they don't want you to know how good the Bluesound sounds like for the money. Everyone in this group does not like MQA and I wonder why I do? I guess if you spend more, it just must sound better.
Fairly new to streaming. Where to start?
$2k & under budget
Aralic Vega has streamer and DAC. May be the easiest start?
Then there is Schiit...Yiggy or Gumby...which streamer?
Ladder NOS dac? Or Chip? I'm old. maybe I'll like the old school DAC?
Then there is Benchmark DAC 3...I think it has streamer?
Then
Exasound E32
Audio Mirror?
Metrum
MHDT Orchid
Border Patrol?
Musical Paradise?
Whats a newbie to do? I am a classic rock fan with lots of FLAC & M4a files. I like detail & PRaT. Love a good bass line. I also play some 70's jazz. I have a Theta Miles CD player from the 1900's & play a lot of vinyl too. But I need to come into the 21st century. Besides, I will probably become tired of the vinyl ritual and work at some point as I get older. I think I have done enough homework to be somewhat confused. Maybe the biggest question in light of how fast digital changes is the question of streamer with DAC or separate Streamer and DAC. One other question is the streamer & bridge the same thing? OK Thanks!!
Aralic Vega has streamer and DAC. May be the easiest start?
Then there is Schiit...Yiggy or Gumby...which streamer?
Ladder NOS dac? Or Chip? I'm old. maybe I'll like the old school DAC?
Then there is Benchmark DAC 3...I think it has streamer?
Then
Exasound E32
Audio Mirror?
Metrum
MHDT Orchid
Border Patrol?
Musical Paradise?
Whats a newbie to do? I am a classic rock fan with lots of FLAC & M4a files. I like detail & PRaT. Love a good bass line. I also play some 70's jazz. I have a Theta Miles CD player from the 1900's & play a lot of vinyl too. But I need to come into the 21st century. Besides, I will probably become tired of the vinyl ritual and work at some point as I get older. I think I have done enough homework to be somewhat confused. Maybe the biggest question in light of how fast digital changes is the question of streamer with DAC or separate Streamer and DAC. One other question is the streamer & bridge the same thing? OK Thanks!!