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Hardware Streamers

I am loving the feeling of the hi-res world at your fingertips with Tidal. Well, not really the world.  I'm currently using my laptop to deliver Tidal MQA streams and I would like to free up the laptop.  I've read some discussions here on the Bluesound Node 2 (now 2i) versus other devices.  My Hegel amp has a very nice DAC with a USB input, so I would use the digital out from whatever device I choose.  Some of you have indicated that you don't like the sound of the Node, but if I use the Hegel DAC, how much difference might I notice between it and something like the Aurender N100H.  The sound from my laptop is pretty good, but the laptop cost 1/3 of the Aurender.  Could I expect the Node to sound better/worse than the laptop?  What about the Aurender?

 Would love to hear from any of you who have used the Bluesound products and anything else in a reasonable price range (that is, if the N100h at $2700 is my upper end).
cstaples57
12 responses Add your response
rhljazz
1,253 posts
 
I have used the Vault 2 all summer.  The stored CD’s sound like I remember them.  I have a Tidal subscription which has worked flawlessly.  I have zero complaints about the sound of the internal dac.  The Bluesound easily beats the Oppo 105D for sound quality.  You can always add the dac of your choice.
I find the Bluesound user interface exemplary.  
I just received my new Node 2i.  I haven’t hooked it up yet.  It will be going into the system at my winter home which is a big step up from the summer home.  It will be a few weeks before I can hear it.

2psyop's avatar
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2psyop
1,558 posts
 
Many options out there. Sony, NAD, Aurender, Arcam, Sonos, Linn, Cambridge Audio, Bluesound, Esoteric, McIntosh, Pioneer, Yamaha, and many, many more. I opted for the Bluesound Node 2. It streams many services, including Tidal and MQA, it plays all my AIFF files from my old ITunes library and it is very versatile. I play music wired or wireless off my own network NAS and can attach USB or Hardrive music directly to it. I use my IPAD or IPHONE as a controller/remote. Sounds fantastic. For $500 it is a true Hi-Fi bargain.
mahler123
3,312 posts
 
I use Bluesound, with the Vault2 in my two channel system and a pair of Node2s in HT systems around the house.  I haven’t used the usb connection to a DAC, but via the toslink they sound wonderful.
  I also have an Oppo 105 in my two channel system and I’ve experimented with using it to control my NAS and I would disagree with the previous poster who said it was inferior to Bluesound.  As a digital transport into the same DAC (Mytek Manhatten), they sound very similar.  Prior to my purchasing the Mytek I was using the 105 as my DAC, and the Vault2 was clearly sounding better as a transport into the Oppo than with it’s native built in DAC.  
  At any rate the OP will be using the Hegel as a DAC.  The Node2 is a really good value.  The control app could use some work but it’s improved compared to 2 years ago and is continuously updated.
when it comes to streamers the App is a huge part of the experience.
yashu
196 posts
 
I have the node2 as well as Oppo 105d.

Listening to Tidal through the Oppo is far superior to the node2.  Much more detail and a more well rounded musical presentation.  The node while very good just doesn’t compare to the oppo for sound quality.  The node is however more versatile with many more options (internet radio) available.
cstaples57 OP
5 posts
 
Yashu,

Are you using native DACs with the Node and Oppo when you do the comparison? 
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
Node2 or 2i do not support a USB output if that's all your DAC handles. The analog output is quite good unless you have a high quality outboard DAC.
cstaples57 OP
5 posts
 
Also has opt and coax inputs, so I should have it covered.
yashu
196 posts
 
 Cstaples,

Node runs directly (rca) to my integrated amp.  It is using its own dac.

With my Oppo 105 I run directly to my amp using balanced cables.  So it is using the oppo dac.  Sound is far superior thru the oppo.
cstaples57 OP
5 posts
 
Yashu,

just St. wondering if one would still hear a big difference if using the node and/or Oppo just as a transport. I plan to use the DAC in my Hegel amp.
yashu
196 posts
 
Guess you’ll just have to try it.  I really have no idea.  Can only tell you about my set up......
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
My experience with Bluesound vault2 for near 2 years.
I consider it to be a stunning bargain at $1000 and the Node2 at $500 should give the same streaming experience. If you do not need the CD ripper go with the Node2.

Imho the sq via its own dac through analog outs is considerably worse than as via spdif to my Brooklyn DAC. It’s not even close in my system.

Others report different experiences but just my notes here.

The Bluesound app on android is a joy to use and handles tidal, Quboz,Deezer, Spotify and many more direct in its own interface. I have found it to be much better than say Tidal own android app.

And Bluesound are constantly updating both the app and the players, all done seamlessly over the net.

I do not think you could go far wrong with a node2 at $500.
cstaples57 OP
5 posts
 
Thanks for all your help.  Sounds like, for my purposes that Bluesound is the way to go!
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