I would hope that you compare the Node with the much more expensive streamers, especially if you're sending the signal out to a good DAC. You could save thousands if you don't hear a difference.
Need recommendations for a streamer
I would like to upgrade from a Bluesound Node to a higher quality streamer.
The Node sounds fine with my current system, but I am making a second system for my wife, and the Node is going to that new system. I thought I would take the opportunity to upgrade my streamer at this time.
My criteria are that it be a streamer only (no DAC/storage/CD player, etc), be able to hook into wi-fi/cloud without a physical wire/connection, have balanced outputs to go to my DAC, and cost less than 2,500 USD. Can anybody think of a streamer that fits this bill?
The rest of my system:
DAC: Terminator II
Preamp: Schiit Freya+
Amps: PS Audio M1200 x 2
Speakers: Thiel CS 2.3
Thanks.
Showing 2 responses by hilde45
@daledeee1 I did the same thing, and the Teddy Pardo seemed unnecessarily expensive.
As usual, this is right on the money. Too often, people either fire off a quick answer like -- "It's just 1's and 0's" or "It will be better because it's more expensive, good reviews, etc." The questions folks on forums have to ask themselves when considering new equipment is: (a) Is my system good enough and not-bottlenecked-elsewhere such that this upgrade will be noticeable (e.g., Can I avoid confirmation bias?)? and (b) Will I be able to do a trial basis with the new unit and do an A/B comparison to test things out? If one is unwilling to answer those questions, then one would be more honest with oneself if they just admitted they just want to buy the new unit for the fun or looks or bragging rights, etc. Because without the above control factors, sound improvement is not being earnestly interrogated. |