2. digital
  3. 141711-122200

Music streamer with no DAC and no storage?

I have an all digital Kii Three audio system (active speakers with DACS and amps) controlled by the Kii Controller fed by a KS Realization USB cable from my Mac PowerBook, with Shunyata Denali and Alpha power cords feeding the speakers.  I am looking for a top-notch streamer without a DAC (already built in to my speakers) and with no storage needed (I only stream from h-res streaming services in 24/44 - 24/192).  I would like to play the streaming services without my Mac computer, but don't need all the functions currently offered in the current all-purpose streamers.  Any ideas?   
chetstern

Showing 2 responses by jeenam

jeenam
131 posts
 
Just drop $350 on a used Bluesound Node 2. It's worth it just for the streaming capabilities. I never use the internal DAC and still think it's worth the price I paid used.
jeenam
131 posts
 
Bluesound Node 1 (original) only has toslink optical out. Node 2 has toslink optical + coax digital output. Node 2i has 5Ghz wifi, a reportedly better sounding setup for the internal DAC, and supports Apple Airplay 2. If you don't need the faster wifi (I run mine over wired ethernet), Airplay 2 wireless capabilities, and won't be using the internal DAC, spring for the Node 2 since coax digital output has lower jitter than toslink optical.

FWIW, I run coax digital output to my main system, and toslink optical to my bedroom off the same Node 2. It is connected via wired ethernet. Considering that my wifi router literally sits a few feet away from where the Node 2 is, wifi speed would not be a problem.
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