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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

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Showing 4 responses by soix

soix
8,751 posts
 

@mitch2   Unfortunately I don’t have experience with the Pulse and not many do as it’s a relatively new model, and there are frustratingly few reviews of any of the Pulse-series streamers so they’re still a bit of an unknown but likely to share many sonic characteristics of the Zen and Zenith.  I recommended the Pulse due to Innuos’ reputation for good sound along with a really excellent app that some have even abandoned Roon for.  Frankly, in your price range I’d look at Innuos and Aurender and choose the one that offers the features/sound you’re looking for.  Sorry I can’t be more help. 

soix
8,751 posts
 

Lots of good info and nice system, but what’s your budget and are you looking for new or used?

soix
8,751 posts
 

I don’t have a fixed budget. Something in the 3-6K region sounds reasonable to me to be a MID-STEP. But again, that is part of the question I am asking. If there is nothing shy of a $10k investment to make the move up...well...that is what I would like to know.

Well, you kinda have a low bar with the Node so yeah, you’ve got a lotta upside potential in your price range. An easy recommendation is the Innuos Pulse that in addition to being an excellent streamer comes with their Sense app that gets very high marks for both usability and sonics, and they also offer top notch customer support should you ever need it. That said, Aurender is likewise excellent although not sure they work with Roon yet if that’s a consideration. I’d start by reading reviews of those two makes, but I think it’s a 100% sure bet you’ll experience a significantly higher level of performance with either. Best of luck.

 

soix
8,751 posts
 

 

Seems like Bricasti, Lumin, Simaudio, Cambridge, Aurender, PS Audio and Auralic are what is being suggested (did I forget any?). The BS app is excellent. And that has spoiled me. The DCS app is terrible. I have used Aurender app. Not bad. Any thoughts on the apps for these streamers?

Seems like my prior recommendation, which was tailored specifically for what you’re looking for, went unnoticed so I’ll reiterate FWIW…

An easy recommendation is the Innuos Pulse that in addition to being an excellent streamer comes with their Sense app that gets very high marks for both usability and sonics, and they also offer top notch customer support should you ever need it.

 

 

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