Larry5729,
I have a Bluesound Node 2i in one system. I also have an Aurender N100H and an Auralic Aries G2 in other systems. For fun, I compared them directly in the same system using the same cables. While tonally they sound similar, there is a very large difference in spatial perspective and information offered with the better units. The Aurender is significantly better than the Bluesound. And, the Aries G2 is again better than the Aurender N100H. As well they should be for the price differential. For those who believe bits are bits (suggesting little difference in servers/streamers) and that there are DACs that are generally immune to jitter (as mine is supposed to be), I would say you’re really missing out. I am now of the opinion that the server/streamer is at least as important and probably more important to sound quality than is the DAC.
I have a Bluesound Node 2i in one system. I also have an Aurender N100H and an Auralic Aries G2 in other systems. For fun, I compared them directly in the same system using the same cables. While tonally they sound similar, there is a very large difference in spatial perspective and information offered with the better units. The Aurender is significantly better than the Bluesound. And, the Aries G2 is again better than the Aurender N100H. As well they should be for the price differential. For those who believe bits are bits (suggesting little difference in servers/streamers) and that there are DACs that are generally immune to jitter (as mine is supposed to be), I would say you’re really missing out. I am now of the opinion that the server/streamer is at least as important and probably more important to sound quality than is the DAC.