Has anyone heard the Bluesound Node Icon streamer DAC?


I’m reading high praise and I’m looking to upgrade from my Mytek

fosolitude

Yes, take a look at a review by The Absolute Sound. The host rates it very highly as “the difference between it and $35,000 DAC and streamer is subtle. This is an unbelievable praise for its not only digital but also analog output stage.  You may give it a try if you believe the diminish return value proposition is so low. 

I saw the video review and it was so highly praised I wanted to see if anyone has verified it.

The best judge is you. Amazon offers free trial. 
Also Hans rated Icon the last quarter of 1b. I recalled he assessed Mytek before against his sys before that you could reference. 

I have heard it and it was quite pleasing for the money.  I would add that it's a smart buy because if the future your can add a dedicated DAC and improve the sound even further and still have the Icon in your signal chain.  Good luck and have fun. 

My rule of thumb is that in order to upgrade (since I always research and find the best sounding component of my taste for the money) you must invest at least 2x the cost... and in the budget realm 3x. So I recommend looking at components in the $3K or higher... used is a good way to bring down the cost.

@ghdprentice 

you must invest at least 2x the cost...

In some cases, maybe. In my case turntables, cartridges, 3x or more was my last upgrade to get a transformative improvement. Significantly better engineering and materials cost a lot more and in some cases, is worth it.

Electronics not so much. 

I just bought a new phono stage that cost 5X LESS than what it replaced. 

The NODE N130 (2021) is a ridiculous bargain at $400 and easily upgraded with an LPS, external DAC for very reasonable cost.   

While I have no doubt a $20K digital source will best my set modest digital set up and the $35K source bested the ICON in subtle ways, there is a LOT one could do with the $34K left over!

@fosolitude If you decide to give it a go, report back please. Amazon allows 30 day returns. I did this with the Eversolo A8 at double the cost - no issues get a speedy refund. Just keep all packaging (obviously) and don’t remove any protective film. Take a pic of  how it’s packaged.