2. digital
  3. 164147-525

New to streaming, looking for a budget streamer

I live in the country and up till a couple day ago my internet service was not suitable for hi-rez streaming, I use spotify to stream for new music, not for serious listening.

We now have a Frontier9472 Network modum/router installed. It affords WiFI and has 4 ethernet and 1 USB output. I am looking for a streamer that can receive signal via any of these outputs and serve Qobuz. The Bluesound Node 2i seems a likely candidate as I will use streaming for music exploration and background listening. I will play the Node into my Audio Mirror DAC. 

I have 2 questions)

1) are there other streamers available that would serve my purposes that are around the Node price point? 
2)  Would a ethernet or USB connect best the Wifi for SQ?  I know there are other threads on this, some quite lengthy describing ways to improve over ethernet. I just want to use either WiFI or a cable.

As I explore the merits of streaming I will likely upgrade my approach. 
mesch

Showing 1 response by gdnrbob

gdnrbob
4,411 posts
 
Bluesound Node is the best bang for the money. The newest model has the 5ghz wireless availability.
At the Node price point there isn't anything close, though you could build a Raspberry Pi unit-there are lots of forums on that.
Direct wired connection would be my choice for best sound quality, though I have used wireless without issue and have found little to complain about.
Bob
More to discover