Got started in streaming with a Node2 serving files off my PC. Initially used the Node2’s onboard DAC, but found it lacking when compared to the one in my Resolution Audio Opus 21 CD player. The Opus has a digital-in connection, so I ran the Node2 through it; problem solved. The Node2 made for an inexpensive introduction to streaming and I used it for a couple of years.
Unlike other commentors, IME, Bluesound’s technical support was poor. To be fair, my network setup, in particular the security which is required by my work, is fairly complex and their techs didn’t have the expertise to deal with it. Certainly not the level of support one would expect from a network device company. Their fixes were almost always "you need to reconfigure your network" which simply wasn’t going to happen. The most chilling was "you need dedicated storage and should look at ours." There were instances of unprofessional behavior. Someone less technical, with a more standard network and insensitive to technicians pushing the upsell and being rude might be happy with Bluesound’s support. I was certainly not.
Started a significant system upgrade early last year and have replaced almost everything. First up was the addition of a QNAP NAS to serve up files (contrary to what the tech who tried to upsell me said, it did not resolve the issues with the Node2). Next, the Node2 was replaced by a SimAudio Moon MiND 2.
Did a head-to-head comparison between the two streamers, running both through the Opus’ DAC. The Mind 2 bested the Node2 by a significant margin. The MiND 2 delivered a decidedly cleaner and fuller sound. Just more of everything. Also did blind tests with friends and the result was the same. Their impressions of the MiND 2 echoed mine.
So far I am extremely happy with the Mind 2 and now have it paired with a Benchmark DAC3. My one disappointment with the MiND 2 is that its Android interface software was lacking (word is the Apple version is better). That was fixed through an upgrade to Roon, which is a fantastic product. So good that I bought a perpetual license.
Can’t comment on SimAudio or Roon’s technical support. Their products are so well thought out and designed that I haven’t had a single issue. Not one! The price for just the MiND is a little over your budget, but not by a lot. Happy to answer any questions you might have, too.
Good luck with the upgrade.
Unlike other commentors, IME, Bluesound’s technical support was poor. To be fair, my network setup, in particular the security which is required by my work, is fairly complex and their techs didn’t have the expertise to deal with it. Certainly not the level of support one would expect from a network device company. Their fixes were almost always "you need to reconfigure your network" which simply wasn’t going to happen. The most chilling was "you need dedicated storage and should look at ours." There were instances of unprofessional behavior. Someone less technical, with a more standard network and insensitive to technicians pushing the upsell and being rude might be happy with Bluesound’s support. I was certainly not.
Started a significant system upgrade early last year and have replaced almost everything. First up was the addition of a QNAP NAS to serve up files (contrary to what the tech who tried to upsell me said, it did not resolve the issues with the Node2). Next, the Node2 was replaced by a SimAudio Moon MiND 2.
Did a head-to-head comparison between the two streamers, running both through the Opus’ DAC. The Mind 2 bested the Node2 by a significant margin. The MiND 2 delivered a decidedly cleaner and fuller sound. Just more of everything. Also did blind tests with friends and the result was the same. Their impressions of the MiND 2 echoed mine.
So far I am extremely happy with the Mind 2 and now have it paired with a Benchmark DAC3. My one disappointment with the MiND 2 is that its Android interface software was lacking (word is the Apple version is better). That was fixed through an upgrade to Roon, which is a fantastic product. So good that I bought a perpetual license.
Can’t comment on SimAudio or Roon’s technical support. Their products are so well thought out and designed that I haven’t had a single issue. Not one! The price for just the MiND is a little over your budget, but not by a lot. Happy to answer any questions you might have, too.
Good luck with the upgrade.