Node 2i VS Lumin D2

There was a huge improvement in sound going from a Node 2i to a Lumin U1 Mini. Much more detail, smoother sound, more analogue. And that was running both from the digital outs thru a Schiit Gumby and then I ttied a Denafrips Aries II. It was a worthwhile upgrade to the Lumin. I still like the Bluesound app better though.

P.S. I give the Denafrips a slight edge over the Schiit too. More high end sparkle and tighter bass.

We sell both the lunin is substancially better in every way

Dave and troy
Audiontellect nj

@calieng Did you try the Node via a good ladder DAC like the Denafrips? Not sure if you said that in your post.

I have a Node and have compared it via (a) it's own dac, (b) an older Peachtree dac, (c) an MHDT Orchid Dac and (d) an Orchid dac with an improved Tesla tube. In every change, the streamer got better and better.
I'm at the beginning of my audio journey, so the the prospect of spending $2k+ on a streamer was not a wise budget priority, not least because of the difference a Dac can make and other ways to spend the money. Streaming technology is changing rapidly (e.g. MQA) and I did not want to find myself with a $2k streamer which would become outdated too quickly.

I gave my bluesound to my brother. I am thinking of either getting a node2i for myself again but this time hooking it up to Chord Qutest OR I could just get a Lumin D2. Not sure yet but I may just end up getting the lumin -- that way I won't have to deal with two separate devices. 

@hilde45
Which Tesla tube did you try on the Orchid?

Was able to listen to both. Purchased the Lumin. Very happy. 

Has anyone compared the Node 2i with the Audiolab 6000N?

I have the Node 2i on a Denafrips Ares II. To be honest, I have not heard the Node 2i's onboard DAC.

I can only compare it to a Chromecast Audio and a Sony UBP-X800 disc player/streamer that was sent through and SMSL SU-98 and the Denafrips.

The Node 2i gave more space and depth in sound stage. 

Hope that helps somehow.

I purchased a Node 2i and was talked into adding a ProJect DAC.  When I connect the DAC, I noticed the sound was too thin and I thought the Bluesound Node 2i sounded better by itself.  It seemed to play bass better and I don't care what anyone thinks, I can hear the difference when I play MQA using TIDAL.  I still wonder why MQA sounds better to me.  Maybe I am just imaging this.  I would have loved to hear more expensive streamers before deciding on the BlueSound.

Innous with Roon is the way to go.

I have the node 2i, the internal DAC is pretty rank, so I ran it through my OPPO 105, huge improvement - I was pretty happy with that.  I just got the Black Ice (Jolida) it is on sale right now for $679, it has only been running two hours - so I am going to withhold any judgement on it.

I think as a streamer - the node 2i is pretty good.  The software is not too bad also - not too good - but not too bad.  Someone else had mentioned Chromecast - I tried both the audio and HDMI versions - it's ok, but not like the bluesound.  Plus I was plagued with connection issues on it.  

I stream Qobuz in high res primarily.

I have a Node 2i that I ran through a Gumby, The Node sounds quite a bit better through the outboard DAC but I felt and urge to try the Lumin U1 Mini.

Having purchased the U1Mini I have no regrets. The Lumin streamer has a far better sound stage, and sounds more relaxing or lush than did the Node 2i. The Lumin's software has some quirks that  take getting used to, (playing in a gapless format for instance). But once you get used to the software, its definitely worth the upgrade.

Thank you for such helpful replies.

@ericsch 
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TESLA 6CC42 (396A 5670 2C51 6385) O-Getter NEW Strong Yellow Print
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