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New streamer

I recently opened a discussion on upgrading my DAC. I started at the beginning of that discussion, that I was a vinyl guy, but with my purchase of the Chord Qutest, I realized that digital music can be outstanding and want to now upgrade my Node.

That will provide 2 benefits: Maximizing my current systems digital, and allow me to move the Node & Schiit Modi Multibit 2 to the family room, a small HT setup with a Yamaha AVR driving a Goldenear soundbar. Streaming there is currently MusicCast using the AVR DAC.  The improvement there should be very nice. 

My 2 channel equipment is as follows: 

Rogue RP-1 w/ NOS Brimar’s, LSA Warp 1, KEF R11’s, Rhythmic F12SE, Pro-ject 1Xpression w/Hana ML, Rega Aria, Bluesound Node w/Qubuz, Marantz CD6007, Chord Qutest. Good to very good power, speaker, interconnect cables.  
My weakest link (I believe) is now my Node. 
I don’t want or need amplification or volume control, ripping storage, nor an internal DAC. Sound signature should be neutral. 
My budget is $2,500, but willing to spend less. My current favorites are:

Lumin U2 mini. Very well reviewed, beautiful, perfect form factor, good app & controllable via my Harmony One remote. It is currently my #1 choice.

Auralic Aris. If new, the G1.1, if used G2.0 or 2.1. Very well reviewed, good app, OK form factor, but not controllable via harmony.  
Naim ND5 XS2. Considered the best high end streamer by What Hi Fi  Would need to buy used to stay close to budget.

EverSolo DMP-A6. Included based upon reviews, but may not be a serious contender. 
HiFi Rose RS250A. The streamer EverSolo seemed to copy  

Aurender. Don’t think they have anything within my budget, but included for discussion.

 LPS upgrade for Node. Included because I know it will come up. Plan to reuse my node downstairs, so out. Would prefer LPS upgrade for one of the above.  

Please let me know your thoughts and/or recommendations. Thanks!

 

 

128x128signaforce
dwest1023
176 posts
 

My 2cents. I have owned the Eversolo A6, A6master with LPS. Eversolo A8, Rose 130, and now the Aurrender N200. Im my system which consist of Pass intergated 250 and deaneries Plus 12th anniversary dac. The N200 was on another level from the others. Eversolo is way too forward in my system. Hi rose 130 just too laid back and no jump factor. The worst software I have ever used. I wanted to keep it because is was so nice looking with that big beautiful screen. 5K and not being happy was not going to work for me. Quick sale and on to the eversolo A8. the A8 sounded  much more enjoyable then the hi rose. With the A8 Eversolo fixed just about everything I found wrong with the A6. For the money it is a very good streamer. However it’s still was not quite right in my system. I just got no emotion from it, especially with female singers. It also is much laid back but has that get up and go jump factor. The N200 is perfect in my system, so much so I am already thinking  of moving up the Aurender ladder. Unfortunately, no one can really tell you how a pice of equipment will sound in your system. It’s just trial and era. I will say the Eversolo software is one of the best I’ve used it that makes any difference.

signaforce's avatar
signaforce OP
139 posts
 

Just talked to Chris at Upscale Audio. First, my 3 choices are his most popular and most recommended  streamers in that price range. Sound wise, he said they were all very close but ranked them as follows;

N150 (only in critical listening mode), then the U2 mini, then the Aries. 
App wise, he said the Lumin was definitely last. 
Any thoughts from Lumin owners on the Lumin app?

Thanks

mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,602 posts
 

Consider a Teddy Pardo linear power supply to hotrod your BlueSound Node.

 

 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,328 posts
 

Lumin app is hideous. Absolutely the worst in my opinion.
Use Roon if you get Lumin. that’s what I did. 
Auralic Lightning DS is very nice and so is the Aurender Conductor app. 

If I were you, I would go with a Lumin U2 and get Roon. Skip the Mini. Skip the power supply upgrades.
Second best would be the N150. No roon. 

jfz06
3 posts
 

I also started with a node and fortunately have a local Aurender dealer that loaned me a N100H, I bought it the next day. There aren't a lot of reviews out there but I searched quite a few forums out there and the Aurender reputation is pretty much the same across the board, highly praised. I understand that some people don't like the app, but I really enjoy it and find it easy to navigate. I have recently borrowed a N150, N200 and a N20 from my dealer, I personally found the N200 a phenomenal performer and honestly didn't hear enough improvement from the N20 to spend double the cost of the N200. IMO the N150 blew the N100 out of the water, I could make this a much longer post by explaining every detail of it, but I'm not going to. The N150 was definitely a very nice upgrade from the N100. I know the N200 is beyond your budget, but I have no doubt you would love the N150, and have no regrets. As for the conductor app, I don't know. Again, some people don't like it but I do and have no issues with it. Good luck with your decision and happy listening!

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