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Need help selecting a streamer for a beginner.

So I have been collecting music since 1959.  I love my vinyl and cd’s.  But technology moves forward and I don’t want to be left behind.  So I’m in the market for a music streamer.  I just want something that can access music through my wi-fi network, and plug into my existing preamp.  I would like to take advantage of the increased sampling rates like with Tidal.  There seems to be a wide spread in price points but since I’m just beginning I don’t want to spend a lot (under $1000).  Let me know your suggestions and thanks.

My system:
Thorens turntable
Ayer CD player
Krell KCT preamp
Krell FPB400cx
Revel Performa F32 speakers.
pipebro

Showing 3 responses by lalitk

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,635 posts
 
+1, david_ten.

I would approach Node 2i with low-fi expectations. Once you get your feet wet with Node 2i, I would look into offerings from Ayon, Lumin, Aurender and Auralic. Good luck!
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,635 posts
 
@pipebro,

If you have not already, read up on this thread so you know what to expect next :-) 

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/new-bluesound-node-first-impressions
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,635 posts
 
@pipebro,

As you can see favorable responses for Bluesound Node 2 or 2i. If I were you, I would order the newest Node and not consider the Node 2 and 2i (now discontinued). The newly released Node ($549) offers two very important upgrades over previous generations, 

1) At the heart of the new units is a next-generation, quad-core ARM Cortex A53 processor operating at 1.8GHz. Compared with the previous-generation Node and PowerNode, the new processor has eight times more processing power and four times faster memory speed, leading to faster response times and more efficiency.

2) Another key upgrade for the Node is a new DAC that operates at 32-bit/384 kHz with a differential output and supports audio resolutions up to 24-bit/192 kHz. It also boasts a lower signal-to-noise ratio of -113 dB (down from -110 dB) and THD+N of 0.002% (down from 0.005%). And the Node’s back panel now sports an HDMI eARC input for connecting a TV. (The PowerNode 2i V2 already had this feature.) If you already have a DAC you like, a future BluOS upgrade will activate a USB audio output, bypassing the internal DAC while maintaining all the streaming and BluOS functionality.
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