I too have a Bluesound Node 2i connected to a PS Audio Directstream DAC Mk1, and was looking for a better streamer. The problem is the lack of support that the high end streamers have for streaming services. The Bluesound app supports a much larger number of services. I listen a lot to Idagio (classical music streaming), and Bluesound is the only app I have found that supports it. Innuos says they are working on it, but aren't there yet. So as an alternative, I upgraded the power supply in the Node 2i with a TeddyPardo LPS. Seemed a little crazy to basically spend as much on the upgrade as the cost of the streamer, but tried it anyway. The result was significantly improved SQ!! Better bass, wider and deeper soundstage, better separation of instruments. I was really surprised. There are some other LPS upgrade kits out there (LHY) that are less expensive, but I can't say they are as good as or better than the TeddyPardo. Hopefully someday in the near future a high end streamer will have an app that supports all of the major streaming services, and I can upgrade. I'd love it PS Audio would do it with their Air Lens, since I have mostly PS Audio components.
Looking for intermediate-step Streamer: better than BS Node and not @ Bartok level pricing
Hi
I have a BS Node. Yggy DAC. BAT electronics, Shunayata PCs, AQ SC, and Vienna Acoustic Beethoven Grand Reference Speakers in a wonderful room. I also have a Linn, Shelter 901 MKII and top of the line BAT phono preamp. It all sounds lovely. I borrowed a Bartok. AMAZING!!! And then I returned it, as I cannot afford that level of playback. I am interested in upgrading my STREAMER -- I think. (Yes, I know I could upgrade my fuses, room treatment, and everything else I own....)
I am curious to learn if there is a MID-POINT step that others suggest before I spend $25K on the ultimate STREAMER/DAC setup when I retire in a zillion years. It seems absurd that my system is dependent upon a $550. piece of equipment.
I am looking for natural sound. 3-D. I listen to jazz, classical, and rock from the 60s-90s. No club music/ insane bass. When the Bartok was in my system, I felt like I was listening to vinyl. What might be a good landing place for the next DECADE or so??
Thanks in advance.
Joe