I replaced the new Node with a U2 mini and heard quite a difference. The highs are clear and pure, there’s less grain and focus is much better. Put another way, The Node sounds grainy, unfocused and a bit shrill compared to the mini. I recently put them side by side, each with an Sbooster, and reverified. Don’t get me wrong, I keep the Node for another system because it’s a fun listen.
Tidal/FLAC radio> U2 mini/ Node > Audio Mirror IV DAC > Luxman L-505uxii > AZ Crescendo 2.
Lumin U2 mini vs Mac laptop sound test
I compared and performed a blind test for a listening friend of the following streamer set ups.
1. Router hard wire into Lumin U2 then AES into DAC
2. Wifi into Mac air, out of Mac air via cheap USB cables from my printer and an adapter to go from USB C to whatever USB termination goes into the DAC.
Conclusion. My friend could not hear a diff. I "think" I hear a difference but not confident I could pass a blind test.
Rest of system:
SPL Director DAC/Preamp
SPL S1200 power amp
Kirmuss speaker cables
Audio Solutions Figure M
I did this for knowledge and fun. Please let me know any thoughts but I can not see how spending a lot of money for a streamer makes any sound difference.
John
Love this stuff